NC0024571_Lab Inspection_20050420

April 20, 2005
131
Ms. Hope Walters
Environmental Services Laboratory
P.O. Box 1388
Lumberton, NC 28359
SUBJECT: Laboratory Certification Maintenance Inspection
Dear Ms. Walters:
Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
Division of Water Quality
RECEWED
APR 2 2 2005
DENR-FAYETTEALE REGIONAL OFFICE
Enclosed is a report for the inspection performed on March 2, 2005 by Mr. Norm Good. Where
deficiencies are cited in this report, a response is required as well as for all lettered comments and/or
recommendations. Within thirty days of receipt, please supply this office with a written item for item
description of how these deficiencies, comments and/or recommendations were corrected. If the
deficiencies cited in the enclosed report are not corrected, enforcement actions will be recommended.
For certification maintenance, your laboratory must continue to carry out the requirements set forth in
15A NCAC 2H .0800.
Copies of the checklists completed during the inspection may be requested from this office.
Thank you for your cooperation during the inspection. If you wish to obtain an electronic copy of this
report by email, or if you have questions or need additional information please contact us at 919-733-
3908.
Sincerely,
4
James W. Meyer
Laboratory Section
Enclosure
cc: Norm Good
Fayetteville Regional Office
Laboratory Section
1623 Mail Service Center; Raleigh, NC 27699-1623
4405 Reedy Creek Road; Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone [phone] / FAX [phone] / Internet: www.dwglab.org
•
NorthCarolina
naturally •
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer— 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper

On -Site Inspection Report
LABORATORY NAME: Environmental Services Laboratory
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1388
Lumberton, NC 28359
CERTIFICATE NO: 131
DATE OF INSPECTION: 03/02/2005
TYPE OF INSPECTION: . 'Maintenance
EVALUATOR: Norman L. Good
LOCAL PERSON(S) CONTACTED: Karen Garris, Kerdette Lowry, Hope Walters
I. INTRODUCTION:
This laboratory was inspected to verify its compliance with the requirements of 15A NCAC 2H
.0800 for the analysis of environmental samples.
II. "GENERAL COMMENTS:
The laboratory is spacious andwell equipped. All facilities and equipment are well maintained.
It is suggested that the laboratory institute the use of vacuum grease on theground glass
joints of desiccators. A thin film is all that is necessary. Laboratory has reported that Hope
Walters is now the supervisor and contact. Jim Walters has replaced Raymond Deese as the
laboratory manager. Our records have been updated to reflectthese changes.
Documentation is well kept and most data looked good. Some further quality control.
procedures need to be implemented.
III DEFICIENCIES, REQUIREMENTS, COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS :
Coliform (Fecal - MF):
1. Deficiency: The laboratory is not performing consumables testing on media, pads or filters.
REQUIREMENT: Whenever a new source or lot of water, media or pads is'. put into service
comparison tests should be made. These tests should be performed on thecurrent lot in use
(reference lot) and the new lot (test lot). For guidance on procedure and interpretation of test
results see Standard Methods 9020B (4) (e).'
AMMONIA:
2. Deficiency: The laboratory is not verifying the pH of preserved samples to be less than 2.
Requirement: The pH of samples treated with Sulfuric Acid for the purposes of preservation
must be measured and documented to. be 2 or lower. Ref: Standard Methods 18th ed. 4500
NH3 (1) (d).

Page 2
NOTE: Benchsheets are preprinted with the phrase; "Analyst has checked the pH is < 2 with
litmus paper". Documentation must require some indication to be recorded at the time the pH
is checked. This could be in the form of a check mark, the actual pH measured or the initials
of analyst making the determination.
3. Deficiency: Influent samples are sometimes above the high standard of 10 mg/L.
Requirement: Dilute samples if necessary to bring into range of calibration curve. Ref:
Standard Methods 18th ed. 4500 NH3 (4) (e).
VECTOR ATTRACTION REDUCTION:
A. COMMENT: Your lab currently maintains certification formultiple vector attraction reduction
options. At the time of the inspection it appeared that none of these procedures was being
performed by your laboratory. Instead Synagro Southeast has been contracted and has
arranged for many different analyses to be conducted by several commercial certified
laboratories.
RECOMMENDATION: If these tests are not required. It is recommended that the four vector
attraction options be dropped from your present certification. An amendment form is included
for this purpose. The appropriate section is located at the bottom of page one: •
IV PAPER TRAIL INVESTIGATION::.
Paper trail investigation consisted of comparison of laboratory bench sheets and chain of
custody documentation to discharge monitoring reports for November 20004, December 2004
and January 2005. No errors in transcription or inconsistencies were observed.
V. CONCLUSIONS:
Correcting . the above cited deficiencies , and comments" . and implementing the
recommendations will help this lab to produce quality data and meet certification requirements.
Please respond to all numbered deficiencies and lettered comments.
Report prepared by: Norman, L. Good .. Date: ' 04/19/2005..

&tg of _f umtEttorz
PUBLIC UTILITIES LABORATORY
POST OFFICE BOX 1388
J2umtEston, eNotd eato
28359-1388
May 5, 2005
Mr. James W. Meyer
NC DENR_Division of Water Quality
Laboratory Section
1623 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1623
700 LAFAYETTE STREET
910-671-385B
RECEWED
MAY 1 1 2005
DENR - FAYETTEVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE
SUBJECT: Laboratory Certification Maintenance Inspection Response
Dear Mr. Meyer:
Enclosed is a written response on corrective actions taken to the deficiencies, comments,
and/or recommendations cited by Norm Good during the Lab Certification Maintenance
Inspection performed on March 2, 2005.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
It was suggested that the laboratory institute the use of a thin film of vacuum grease on the
ground glass joints of desiccators.
Vacuum grease has been ordered and will be used from now on. A thin layer will be applied
to the ground glass joints of desiccators.
DEFICIENCIES, REQUIREMENTS, COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Coliform (Fecal-MF):
1. DEFICIENCY: The laboratory is not performing consumable testing on media,
pads or filters.
RESPONSE: Whenever a new source lot of water, media or pads are put into
service, comparison tests will be made. These tests will be performed on the current
lot in use (reference lot) and the new lot (test lot).
This procedure includes a single batch of membrane filters, media or reagent -grade
water to control all variables except the one factor under study. Membrane filter plate
tests will be performed on the new batch of consumables to a control set of
consumables using a minimum of five positive water samples for each confirmation.
After incubation, the following procedure will be followed to determine the comparison
against the calculated value.
4

1. Record the value of the control samples.
2. Record the value of the test lot of consumables.
3. Transfer both sets of values into logarithms.
4. Determine the absolute difference in the logarithms of the two sets of numbers.
5. Calculate the mean and standard deviation of these numbers.
6. Enter the data into the students "t" equation.
If the calculated t value does not exceed 2.78, the lots do not produce significantly
different results, then the test lot is acceptable. If the calculated t value exceeds the
2.78 and the lots produce significantly different results, then the test lot is
unacceptable.
A). Reagent -Grade Water: The Barnstead MP-11A Mega -Pure System for reagent -
grade water is currently being used. Since consumable testing is based on the
difference by. the comparison study, consumables will not be performed on the
Lab's reagent -grade water due to never changing the source of the reagent -grade
water. If the Lab ever does change the source water, the consumables test will
be performed comparing the new source to the control.
B). Media: Currently using a 500g container of Difco mFC Agar, Lot #
4173621. The Agar expires in September 2005 and the oneunopened container on
inventory is the same lot # 4173621. As of today's date, no Agar is on order.
These two containers with the same lot should last almost another year.
Consumable testing will be performed when more Agar is ordered and received
with a different lot number.
C). Membrane Filter GN-6: Currently using Pall 0.45 inn, 47 mm, S-Pack
Sterilized, Certified, 200 pack, filters. The current lot # is 44364. There are
currently two more boxes of this lot on inventory. Consumable testing will be
performed when a different lot number is used. Note: There are 200 filters per
box.
A record of the consumable testing will be placed in -the Standard Preparation Log
book whenever a new lot of reagent -grade water, media and filter pads is tested.
Ammonia:
2. DEFICIENCY: The laboratory is not verifying the pH of preserved samples to be
less than two.
RESPONSE: The pH of samples treated with Sulfuric Acid for the purpose of
preservation was being measured and documented to two or lower by preprinted
benchsheets with the phrase; "Analyst has checked the pH is <2 with litmus paper".
This statement has been removed. The documentation to record the pH at the time
of analysis is now in a column where each sample can be checked with a check mark.
The top of the column reads "Sample pH <2 (Y or N). See enclosed Ammonia
Benchsheet.

3. DEFICIENCY: Influent samples are sometimes above the high standard of 10 mg/L
RESPONSE: Influent ammonia samples over the 10 mg/l high calibration standard
will be diluted to bring into range of calibration curve.
VECTOR ATTRACTION REDUCTION:
A. COMMENT: The lab currently maintains certification for multiple vector
attraction reduction options. At the time of the inspection it appeared that none of
these procedures were being performed by our laboratory. Instead, Synagro
Southeast has been contracted and has arranged for many different analyses to be
conducted by several commercial certified laboratories.
RESPONSE: Since it is no longer required that this lab perform the four vector
attraction options, they will be dropped from the labs present certification. An
Amendment to Environmental Laboratory Certification Application form will be
completed and returned with the a request to delete the following Certified
Parameters under Vector Attraction Reduction:
• Option 3: Additional Digestion of Sludge
• Option 4: Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate
• Option 9: Injection
• Option 10: Addition of Alkali
In conclusion, the City of Lumberton Laboratory has implemented changes to correct the
above -cited deficiencies in order to remain compliant with the requirements of 15A NCAC
2H..0800 for analysis of environmental samples and produce quality data.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at 910 671-
3858.
Sincerely,
Hope A. Walters
Deputy Director
Cc: Norm Good
�Itayette iiti Reggio 1t ffi
Jim Walters

City of Lumberton
Ammonia Nitrogen
Standard Methods 4500-NH3 F.
Date & Day
Analyst
Checked by:
Meter Calibration Time
Calibration: .1 mg/1 Standard mV=
1.0 mg/1 Standard mV= Eff.
10.0 mg/1 Standard mV=
5.0 mg/1 Ck. Standard= Ck. Standard % Error
Blank mg/1=
Time Analysis Started: Time Analysis Completed:
Slope=
Slope=
Sample
Sample
Date
Time Coll./
Time Acid.
Sample
pH <2
(YorN)
NH3 Conc.
Pre. Result
mg/1
Dup.
RPD
Dup.
NH3 Conc.
Reported
mg/1
1. The millivolt difference between the 1.0 mg/I and :1-mg/1 standards must be 54-60 mV. If the
standards do not meet this criteria, new standards must be prepared and the meter must be
recalibrated until millivolt criteria is met. If millivolt difference is still not obtained, replace
electrode membrane, fill solution, check meter and electrode operation (Note corrective actions
under 'Comments' section.
2. Percent (%) Error for the 5.0 mg/ Check Standard must be < 10%. If> 10%, prepare new
calibration standard and check standard, recalibrate meter and re -analyze check standard until
the < 10% error criteria is met. % Error=[(5.0 mg/ - check std result) / 5.0] a 100.
3. RPD(Relative Percent Difference)�sample result — duplicate) / [(sample result + duplicate result)
/2] a 100. RPD must be < 25%. If not, the sample and duplicate must be re -analyzed.
Comments:
Revised 4/22/05

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
LABORATORY CERTIFICATION
Amendment to Environmental
Laboratory Certification Application
Form #101-amendment October2001
INSTRUCTIONS: This amendment application is only one part of the certification process completing and submitting an
amendment form does not constitute certification. Upon review of the completed amendment request, additional clarifications and
information may be required. Clarifications received in a timely manner will expedite the amendment application process. Please
complete all applicable parts of this form using a typewriter, computer, or print legibly in ink.
To apply for an amendment to your current laboratory certification, return the original and one copy of this form to:
ENR/DWQ Laboratory Section
Certification Branch
1623 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1623
For additional information, contact the Laboratory Certification program office:
Telephone: [phone] ext 207
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: James.Meyer©ncmail.net
Program Homepage: htto://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/lab/certhtm or www:dwalab.orq
AMENDMENT FEES: No fees are charged to file an amendment request:
ADDfTIONAL PARAMETER FEES: Requests for additional parameters will be reviewed and invoices for all additions will
be calculated in accordance with 15A NCAC 2H .0800. For each additional inorganic parameter (excluding metals), a fee of
$50.00 will be assessed. For each additional organic parameter and metals analyte, a fee of $100.00 will be assessed.
Section A: Facility and Contact Information
Facility Name
Contact Person
E-Mail Address
Env i ran metha Sery _ tub
NC Certification Number 13 1
Telephone #, ext. q 1 o. 1 1• 2,5R
l-� dal+crs C? ca .1 umbcr-l-on. Inc . us
VJla1-1-ers
Section B: Requested Amendment • Complete only applicable areas.
If facility information has changed, (i.e. name of facility, supervisor/manager change, phone numbers or contact information) -
please indicate below:
N �A
If you are requesting to delete any parameter(s) from your certificate, please list the analytical parameter(s), including the specific
method number(s), below.
1\11) le 11e�or AA-r :ton Rec1uc--ion -or cnllowin
OpVino /\dcti #-;ono. d e.s on cscS� e
Op-V-; Sn 4. Spec:Xi c. oxygen 11 p�otl Rn-ire.
Op-1-into q - I n ejC:riorl
o -}-ion l �c�icon 1
P o• A � A ked►

Page 2 of 2
N.C. Laboratory Certification Amendment
If you are requesting additional certified parameters, please fist the information in the table below: All requested information must
be supplied. For all organic analytical categories, please attach a typed fist of analyte specific lower reporting limits. DO NOT
provide us with the laboratory method detection limit, unless the lower reporting limit and method detection limit are the same
number For 'method reference, fist all appropriate method number(s) and the approved reference(s), such as Standard Methods
for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,18t 19°' or 20'" Edition.
Analytical Parameter
Method Number(s) and Reference(s)
Lower Reporting Limit
Concentration
(mdude. units)
OFFICE
USE
ONLY
NlA
It is required that an acceptable performance evaluation study for each applicable parameter be supplied. Are Performance
Evaluation��//Studies for each of the requested additional analytical parameters being sent to the Laboratory Section? T
Yes No N/A
If not supplied, are they on order? Yes W f A No t /A Anticipated Completion Date N I A
Section D Authorized Signature
This statement certifies that the information in this amendment is truthful and accurate, and that the applicant is aware
of all regulations regarding the Quality Assurance requirements of Laboratory Certification.
Signature of Laboratory Manager or Supervisor.
Date:
Form101-amend 10/27/01
Revised 2/4/05