Accurate laboratory results begin long before samples arrive at the laboratory. Proper field sampling techniques are essential for minimizing the potential for cross-contamination and ensuring data quality. Because PFAS compounds are found in many everyday consumer products, extra care should be taken during sample collection.
Advancing its commitment to supporting a comprehensive federal services program, Merit Laboratories has expanded its DoD ELAP accreditation to include Incremental Sampling Methodology (ISM) sample preparation.
Merit Laboratories is pleased to announce its participation in the 2026 International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds (Battelle Chlorinated Conference), taking place May 31 – June 4, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. Recognized globally as one of the leading conferences for environmental remediation professionals, the event brings together scientists, engineers, consultants, regulators, and industry leaders to advance solutions for complex environmental challenges.
Incremental Sampling Methodology (ISM) is an increasingly accepted approach for characterizing soil contamination and reducing the uncertainty commonly associated with traditional discrete sampling methods. By collecting and combining multiple increments from a defined area, ISM is designed to provide a more representative estimate of mean contaminant concentrations within a designated decision unit.
Incremental Sampling Methodology (ISM) is increasingly used across the environmental industry to evaluate soil contaminants. Unlike traditional discrete sampling, ISM collects numerous soil increments that are combined, processed, and subsampled to produce more representative measurements of contaminant concentrations within a defined area.
The U.S. States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is adding 172 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the toxic chemicals list that are subject to reporting in the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act. The U.S. EPA took final rule action on the PFAS additions on May 18, 2020.
Merit Laboratories has expanded the list of analytical methods, compounds, and sample matrices for which it is accredited through the DoD Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (DoD ELAP). Through this expansion, the DoD officially revised Merit Laboratories' DoD ELAP testing certification to also now include EPA Method TO-15 for the analysis of air samples. Merit is also analyzed for a comprehensive list of analytical methods for aqueous and solid sample matrices.
With the number of PFAS-contaminated sites growing to over 900 in the United States, the U.S. EPA is facing pressure to establish drinking water standards. These PFAS sites impact the drinking water of nearly 25 million people living in the country. Despite the urgency, the U.S. EPA has extended the due date to receive comments on the preliminary decision related to establishing drinking water standards for two PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS. The new due date for comments is now June 10, 2020.
The U.S. Department of Defense is actively performing assessments of PFAS usage and potential releases at more than 650 military installations throughout the country. The list of installations includes sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Marshall Islands, Midway Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The military installations being assessed cover a diverse range of DoD facilities
The number of U.S. military bases and facilities with known or suspected PFAS contamination has grown to nearly 700, according to a recent report published by the Environmental Working Group. This latest increase adds an additional 27 military installations to the number reported just one month earlier by the Department of Defense (DoD).
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.
The State of Ohio has started a statewide PFAS drinking water sampling and laboratory testing program. The testing is being conducted as part of Ohio’s PFAS Action Plan and will identify the concentrations of PFAS in Ohio’s 1,500 public water systems. As part of this sample collection and laboratory testing program, about 250 schools and daycares with their own public water systems are also being tested.
The U.S. EPA announced a proposal for regulating PFAS chemicals in the nation’s drinking water. Through the U.S. EPA’s proposal, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) will become regulated through the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). According to the U.S. EPA, this preliminary determination is a necessary step toward providing state and local communities with key information about PFOA and PFOS in drinking water.
The first-ever Great Lakes PFAS Summit will bring together scientists, government officials, regulators, academic researchers, industry, and community organizations on all topics PFAS. The summit is set for October 27-28, 2020 in Lansing, Michigan, will be hosted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The summit will provide participants with current and reliable PFAS science and policy, explore PFAS research topics, facilitate networking, and share information on the latest research and technology. EGLE is developing the agenda for this two-day conference. Topic areas for the Great Lakes PFAS Summit include
