Environmental Industry Updates
The Latest News on Scientific and Regulatory Updates from Merit Laboratories
The spread of the COVID-19 has created significant health, safety and business disruptions all around the world. In order to offer some reassurance to our clients, Merit Laboratories will remain operational and available to you. We will continue to accept samples and our project managers are able to ship sampling orders. Merit’s field team is available for sample pick-up and will continue to service your projects.
Merit Laboratories was just one of four national laboratories acknowledged in the newest approved method, EPA 533, for PFAS testing in drinking water that just released by the U.S. EPA. Merit was acknowledged in the approved method for completing a validation study using EPA 533 and was recognized for providing valuable feedback on the method procedures and reviewing the draft method manuscript.
We’re proud to be a part of the cover story in the latest issue of Lab Manager. The article, Human Resources, explores the important role a laboratory manager should play in hiring, leading, and developing employees.
Because of Michigan’s complex geology, the groundwater-surface water interface (GSI) plays an important role in the state’s environmental cleanup program. Last month, we shared with you information about recent updates made by the MDEQ to the Generic Cleanup Criteria Tables. But what exactly is a GSI Pathway and how is GSI Pathway relevancy determined?
Merit Laboratories is the first environmental laboratory in Michigan to achieve certification for the analysis of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Merit is ISO/IEC 17025-certified for the analysis of PFAS by two analytical mehods. EPA 537 for drinking water testing and ASTM D7979 with Isotopic Dilution for testing wastewater, groundwater, and surface water.
The MDEQ published updates on June 25th to the Generic Cleanup Criteria Tables to reflect recent changes to the GSI (Groundwater-Surface Water) Criteria. The GSI tables are based upon the water quality standards developed under Michigan Part 31, Rule 57 of (Water Resources of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act). Water quality standards were updated in March 2018, which served as a precursor to the GSI Criteria table updates.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) recently issued guidance on wastewater sample collection for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The wastewater sampling guidance can be used for compliance with the new PFAS Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) requirements. The wastewater PFAS sampling guidance covers sampling equipment, equipment decontamination, sample collection and handling, field clothing, personal protective equipment (PPE), and sample shipment.
The U.S. EPA is making plans for community engagement events in states that are being impacted by PFAS contamination. The first two states listed for the community engagement events are New Hampshire and Michigan.
