These downloadable documents are provided for your convenience.
Environmental Lab Certification Program:
The electronic application process is now available on the DCLS Environmental Lab Certification Website. The hard copy application is no longer available. The following is information from DCLS on the new application process: "Instructions are on the website regarding the need to download three files: one gives a quick summary of what's required during this download/getting started process, another is a "manual" for using the electronic application with detailed instructions, screen shots, etc. Most users will not need this since the E-Application also has on-screen instructions, but it is available. The third download is a zip file containing the application, which runs in Micro:oft Access. Instructions for extracting or unzipping this file are in the first document mentioned above. The paper application is no longer on the website. If users have problems using the electronic application we anticipate they will call or e-mail so that our staff can hopefully assist them in using the E-app." The webpage provides an e-mail address to use if an applicant needs assistance in using the application process.
Below are documents for the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) Environmental Lab Certification Program. For more information on this program go to the DCLS Environmental Lab Certification website.
DCLS has issued interpretative guidance on the Environmental Laboratory Certification Program as it pertains to the industrial users of POTWs. DEQ and DCLS have worked together to write this guidance. Download this potws_industrial_users_app (April 20, 2009).
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (1 VAC 30-45, 1 VAC 30-46) January 23, 2009 Supplementary Information on Application Due Dates
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (1 VAC 30-45 and 1 VAC 30-46) CBOD Designated as Simple Test Procedure July 10, 2009
Program Manager for the Virginia Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (VELAP) Announced
James L. Pearson, the DGS Deputy Director for Laboratories, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Catherine (Cathy) Westerman as the Program Manager for the Virginia Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (VELAP). Cathy will be in charge of carrying out the regulatory requirements of 1 VAC 30-45 and 1 VAC 30-46, and the statutory requirements of §2.2-1105 of the Code of Virginia. Cathy will also continue to work with the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) to obtain approval for Virginia as a NELAP-approved accrediting body as required by 1 VAC 30-46.
Cathy’s extensive work experience in clinical, forensic, and environmental laboratory analysis as well as in quality assurance management provides a strong foundation for leadership of the VELAP program. She has been coordinating the DCLS team that applied for accrediting body approval from the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program. Four assessors have been hired to work with Cathy on the VELAP and up to 5 additional certification officers will be hired in the next few months. DCLS anticipates a successful completion of this process by year end.
Cathy may be reached by phone at 804-648-4480 x 391 or by e-mail at
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. I also encourage you to visit the DCLS website at www.dgs.virginia.gov/dcls for VELAP general information and any recent updates.
DCLS Issues QA Manual Template
DCLS has issued a QA Manual Template for use by noncommercial laboratories applying under 1 VAC 30-45. The template and instructions for its use are on the DCLS webpage. Please click on the environmental lab certification webpage. On the website, there are Word and PDF versions of the documents. The Word version of the QA Manual Template and the QA Manual Template Instructions are included here.
DCLS Issues Application Instructions for Labs Being Upgraded to Meet Requirements
DCLS is providing application instructions for environmental laboratories that are being upgraded to meet the nutrient requirements under 9 VAC 25-820-70. Download the Application Instructions for Rebuilt Laboratories.
Chapter 45 SOP Format Fecal Coliform Example Document
The Regulatory/Audit sub-committee of the VA AWWA/VWEA Lab Practice Committee has produced a Chapter 45 compliant example of a working SOP. It is intended to serve as a guide for systems who are now working on their SOPs. This SOP was used in the microbiology workshop for the recent GLP conference. Download the example SOP.
2009 DCLS/DEQ MOU that Covers the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program
The 2009 DCLS/DEQ Memorandum of Understanding that covers the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program is available here. This MOU will be posted on the DCLS VELAP webpage as well.
New PT Guidance - WP Studies 2010
DCLS and DEQ are providing guidance
on the use of WP study results in lieu of DMR-QA study results for
2010. Participation in a WP study in lieu of DMR-QA study will satisfy
DEQ VPDES requirements for PTs as long as the WP study opens after
January 1, 2010 and closes before July 2, 2010. Download the Guidance Document.
Questions & Answers:
DCLS recently received the following questions.
Question: We're planning on submitting our initial application in July and will use one set of WP results and the DMR-QA study results from last summer (study 28). The next DMR-QA study (29) has an opening date of May 15, 2009 with a closing date of August 31, 2009. Will we be able to use those results to fulfill one of the two PT results for the next 12 months?
Answer: The answer is yes to the question above. DCLS will continue to allow laboratories to submit one DMR-QA study in lieu of one of the two PT studies required for each field of certification.
Question: Some laboratories interpret the regulations to mean that there will be fees assessed for on-site assessment in addition to the application fees. Is this correct?
Answer: This is not so and I want to dispel any concerns about this matter. The application fees in 1 VAC 30-45-130 A through E and 1 VAC 30-46-150 A through E cover all the normal costs to DCLS of certifying or accrediting laboratories, including the on-site assessment.
1 VAC 30-45-130 F and 1 VAC 30-46-150 F are the provisions covering fees for situations other than initial certification and renewal of certification. These situations are specified. Both subsections refer to their respective subsections G as to the method used to determine these other fees.
While there are no travel charges for on-site assessment for laboratories located in Virginia, there are travel charges for the on-site assessment of out-of-state laboratories. See 1 VAC 30-45-130 H and 1 VAC 30-46-150 H.
Please contact me if you need further clarification.
Nancy S. Saylor
Environmental Policy Consulting LLC
8701 Cherokee Road
Richmond, VA 23235-1517
804/231-7980
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Other Downloadable Documents:
VWEA's 
The Virginia Municipal League's Understanding Wastewater Regulation in Virginia Guide for Local Government Leaders 759.82 Kb
