HomeMy WebLinkAbout#690_2022_0922_MC_FINAL
NC Department of Environmental Quality | Division of Water Resources | Laboratory Certification Branch
4405 Reedy Creek Road | 1623 Mail Service Center | Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1623
919-733-3908
November 9, 2022
690
Mr. Steve Walser
Lexington WTP
28 West Center St
Lexington, NC 27292
Subject: North Carolina Wastewater/Groundwater Laboratory Certification Branch (NC
WW/GW LCB) Maintenance Inspection
Dear Mr. Walser:
Enclosed is a report for the inspection performed on September 22, 2022 by Michael Cumbus. I
apologize for the delay in getting this report to you. Where Finding(s) are cited in this report, a
response is required. Within thirty days, please supply this office with a written item for item
description of how these Finding(s) were corrected. Please describe the steps taken to prevent
recurrence and include an implementation date for each corrective action. If the Finding(s) cited
in the enclosed report are not corrected, enforcement actions may be recommended. For
Certification maintenance, your laboratory must continue to carry out the requirements set forth
in 15A NCAC 02H .0800.
A copy of the laboratory’s Certified Parameter List at the time of the audit is attached. This list will
not reflect any changes made during the audit. Copies of the checklists completed during the
inspection may be requested from this office. Thank you for your cooperation during the
inspection. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact me at (919) 733-
3908 Ext. 259.
Sincerely,
Beth Swanson
Technical Assistance & Compliance Specialist
Division of Water Resources
Attachment
cc: Todd Crawford, Michael Cumbus, #690
INSPECTION REPORT ROUTING SHEET
To be attached to all inspection reports in-house only.
Laboratory Cert. #: 690
Laboratory Name: Lexington WTP
Date Mailed:
Special Mailing Instructions: Michael to email copy to WSRO
On-Site Inspection Report
LABORATORY NAME: Lexington WTP
NPDES PERMIT #: NC0028037
ADDRESS: 2979 Greensboro St Ext
Lexington, NC 27295
CERTIFICATE #: 690
DATE OF INSPECTION: September 22, 2022
TYPE OF INSPECTION: Municipal Initial
AUDITOR(S): Michael Cumbus
LOCAL PERSON(S) CONTACTED:
Steve Walser and Tamika Wardlow
I. INTRODUCTION:
This laboratory was inspected by a representative of the North Carolina Wastewater/Groundwater Laboratory
Certification Branch (NC WW/GW LCB) to verify its compliance with the requirements of 15A NCAC 02H
.0800 for the analysis of compliance monitoring samples.
II. GENERAL COMMENTS:
The facility is neat and well organized and has all the equipment necessary to perform the analyses. Staff
were forthcoming and responded well to suggestions from the auditor.
The laboratory added Total Suspended Residue on September 26, 2017 and was reclassified as a non-
Field Municipal laboratory. Prior to this date, the laboratory was classified as a Field Municipal laboratory
(Certificate # 5435). The laboratory was last inspected on April 27, 2011.
All required Proficiency Testing (PT) Samples have been analyzed for the 2022 PT Calendar Year and the
graded results were 100% acceptable.
Any time changes are made to laboratory procedures, QA/SOP document(s) must be updated and
relevant staff retrained. Staff must acknowledge that they have read and understand the changes as part
of the documented training program. The same requirements apply when changes are made in response
to Findings, Recommendations or Comments listed in this report, to ensure the methods are being
performed as stated, references to methods are accurate, and the QA and/or SOP document(s) is in
agreement with each approved practice, test, analysis, measurement, monitoring procedure or regulatory
requirement being used in the laboratory. In some instances, the laboratory may need to create an SOP
to document how new functions or policies will be implemented. Revisions to the SOPs, based on the
Findings, Comments and Recommendations within this report must be submitted to this office by
April 15, 2023.
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The laboratory is reminded that SOPs are required to be reviewed at least every two years and are intended
to describe procedures exactly as they are to be performed. Use of the word “should” is not appropriate when
describing requirements (e.g., Quality Control (QC) frequency, acceptance criteria, etc.). Evaluate all SOPs
for the proper use of the word “should”.
Contracted analyses are performed by Cameron Testing Services, Inc (Certification #654).
Approved Procedure documents for the analysis of the facility’s currently certified Field Parameters were
provided at the time of the inspection.
III. FINDINGS, REQUIREMENTS, COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Documentation
A. Finding: Error corrections are not always properly performed.
Requirement: All documentation errors shall be corrected by drawing a single line through
the error so that the original entry remains legible. Entries shall not be obliterated by erasures
or markings. Wite-Out®, correction tape, or similar products designed to obliterate
documentation shall not to be used; instead, the correction shall be written adjacent to the
error. The correction shall be initialed by the responsible individual and the date of change
documented. Ref: 15A NCAC 02H .0805 (a) (7) (E).
Comment: Multiple instances of write-overs or obliterations were noted, many of which also
lacked the date of change and analyst’s initials.
B. Finding: The laboratory benchsheet for Total Residual Chlorine (TRC) is lacking required
documentation: instrument identification and the time of analysis for the daily check standard.
Requirement: All laboratories shall use printable laboratory benchsheets. Certified Data shall
be traceable to the associated sample analyses and shall consist of: the instrument
identification. Each item shall be recorded each time that samples are analyzed. Ref: 15A
NCAC 02H .0805 (a) (7) (F) (iii).
Requirement: The State Laboratory may develop Approved Procedures for Field Parameters
based upon the methods in any of the sources referenced in Parts(a)(1)(A) through (F) of this
Rule. Ref: 15A NCAC 02H .0805 (a) (1) (F).
Requirement: The following must be documented in indelible ink whenever sample analysis
is performed: Daily Check Standard analysis date and time. Ref: NC WW/GW LCB Approved
Procedure for the Analysis of Total Residual Chlorine (DPD Colorimetric by SM 4500 Cl G-
2011).
C. Finding: The laboratory benchsheet for Total Suspended Residue (TSR) is lacking required
documentation: the proper units of measure.
Requirement: All laboratories shall use printable laboratory benchsheets. Certified Data shall
be traceable to the associated sample analyses and shall consist of: the proper units of
measure. Each item shall be recorded each time that samples are analyzed. Ref: 15A NCAC
02H .0805 (a) (7) (F) (xii).
Comment: The laboratory benchsheet is lacking units for the weights of the crucible and filter
combinations pre- and post-analysis.
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D. Finding: The laboratory benchsheet for Turbidity is lacking required documentation: the true
value of the calibration verification standard.
Requirement: The State Laboratory may develop Approved Procedures for Field Parameters
based upon the methods in any of the sources referenced in Parts(a)(1)(A) through (F) of this
Rule. Ref: 15A NCAC 02H .0805 (a) (1) (F).
Requirement: The following must be documented in indelible ink whenever sample
analysis is performed: True values of the standards (determined by the manufacturer’s
calibration procedure). Ref: NC WW/GW LC Approved Procedure for the Analysis of
Turbidity.
E. Finding: Some benchsheets reference unapproved methods.
Requirement: Analytical methods, sample preservation, sample containers, and sample
holding times shall conform to the requirements found in: 40 CFR Part 136 and 40 CFR Part
503. Ref: 15A NCAC 02H .0805 (a) (1) (A).
Comment: The laboratory benchsheet for TSR lists the method revision year as 2011 instead
of 2015, which went into effect September 30, 2021 with the 40 CFR Part 136 Method Update
Rule.
F. Finding: The laboratory is not documenting all traceability information for purchased
materials, reagents and standards.
Requirement: 15A NCAC 02H .0805 (a) (7) (K) and (g) (7) requires laboratories to have a
documented system of traceability for the purchase, preparation, and use of all chemicals,
reagents, standards, and consumables. That system must include documentation of the
following information: Date received, Date Opened (in use), Vendor, Lot Number, and
Expiration Date (where specified). A system (e.g., traceable identifiers) must be in place that
links standard/reagent preparation information to analytical batches in which the solutions are
used. Documentation of solution preparation must include the analyst’s initials, date of
preparation, the volume or weight of standard(s) used, the solvent and final volume of the
solution. This information as well as the vendor and/or manufacturer, lot number, and
expiration date must be retained for primary standards, chemicals, reagents, and materials
used for a period of five years. Consumable materials such as pH buffers, lots of pre-made
standards and/or media, solids and bacteria filters, etc. are included in this requirement. Ref:
NC WW/GW LCB Traceability Documentation Requirements for Chemicals, Reagents,
Standards and Consumables Policy.
Comment: The traceability log for the filters used in TSR analysis is lacking the Date Opened
(in use) and the use of TSR filters is not traceable to the analytical batch in which they are
used.
Comment: The stock solution used for TRC calibration verification was recorded in the
Reagent Quality Control log simply as “Cl std” without noting the chemical compound
(potassium permanganate), the concentration (0.891 mg/L) or the vendor name (Ricca). No
space was allotted for the date in use.
G. Finding: The preparation of standards and reagents are not documented in such a way as to
provide traceability from preparation to analysis.
Requirement: 15A NCAC 02H .0805 (a) (7) (K) and (g) (7) requires laboratories to have a
documented system of traceability for the purchase, preparation, and use of all chemicals,
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reagents, standards, and consumables. That system must include documentation of the
following information: Date received, Date Opened (in use), Vendor, Lot Number, and
Expiration Date (where specified). A system (e.g., traceable identifiers) must be in place that
links standard/reagent preparation information to analytical batches in which the solutions are
used. Documentation of solution preparation must include the analyst’s initials, date of
preparation, the volume or weight of standard(s) used, the solvent and final volume of the
solution. This information as well as the vendor and/or manufacturer, lot number, and
expiration date must be retained for primary standards, chemicals, reagents, and materials
used for a period of five years. Consumable materials such as pH buffers, lots of pre-made
standards and/or media, solids and bacteria filters, etc. are included in this requirement. Ref:
NC WW/GW LCB Traceability Documentation Requirements for Chemicals, Reagents,
Standards and Consumables Policy.
Comment: The Reagent Quality Control Log for the preparation of TRC standards lacks
space for the volume of stock standard used, the final volume and solvent used to be
recorded.
H. Finding: The laboratory is not using control charts to determine the acceptance criterion of
the Laboratory Fortified Blank (LFB) for TSR.
Requirement: Include one Laboratory-Fortified Blank (LFB) per batch of 20 samples for all
tests except settleable solids (2540F) and total, fixed and volatile solids in solid and semisolid
samples (2540G). Plot the percent recoveries on a control chart for laboratory evaluation. Ref:
Standard Methods 2540 A-2015 (5).
Comment: The laboratory is using a commercially prepared standard and is evaluating the
results against the true value and the acceptance criterion provided by the manufacturer.
I. Finding: The evaluation of the LFB recovery for TSR is not being documented.
Requirement: All laboratories shall use printable laboratory benchsheets. Certified Data shall
be traceable to the associated sample analyses and shall consist of: the quality control
assessments. Ref: 15A NCAC 02H .0805 (g) (2) (O).
Comment: Documentation on the laboratory benchsheet does not include the true value and
acceptance range for the LFB. In order to establish that the recovery of the LFB meets the
criterion, the laboratory must include this information on the benchsheet.
J. Finding: The laboratory is not documenting the temperature each time samples are being
placed into and removed from the drying oven.
Requirement: The date, time and temperature must be documented each time samples are
placed into, and removed from, a drying oven. Ref: NC WW/GW LCB Residue Oven
Temperature Documentation Policy.
Proficiency Testing
K. Finding: The laboratory is not documenting PT Sample analyses in the same manner as
routine Compliance Samples.
Requirement: All PT Sample analyses must be recorded in the daily analysis records as for
any Compliance Sample. This serves as the permanent laboratory record. Ref: Proficiency
Testing Requirements, February 19, 2020, Revision 5, Section 3.6.
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Requirement: The laboratory shall retain all records necessary to facilitate historical
reconstruction of the analysis and reporting of analytical results for PT Samples. This means
the laboratory must have available and retain for five years [pursuant to 15A NCAC 02H .0805
(a) (7) (E) and (g) (1)] all of the raw data, including benchsheets, instrument printouts and
calibration data, for all PT Sample analyses and the associated QC analyses conducted by
all parameter methods. Ref: Proficiency Testing Requirements, February 19, 2020, Revision
5, Section 4.0.
Requirement: The analysis of Proficiency Testing (PT) Samples is designed to evaluate the
entire process used to routinely analyze and report Compliance Sample results. PT Samples
must be analyzed the same as Compliance Samples. Also, documentation must be made on
the same benchsheets used for Compliance Samples. Ref: NC WW/GW LCB Proficiency
Testing Samples Analyzed and Documented Same as Compliance Samples Policy.
Comment: The laboratory is using the data forms and instruction sheets that accompany the
PT samples as the benchsheets for PT sample analysis. PT samples are analyzed on the day
that compliance samples are analyzed. If an analysis requires a calibration, that calibration is
documented on the laboratory benchsheet for compliance samples.
L. Finding: The laboratory is not documenting the preparation of PT Samples.
Requirement: PT Samples received as ampules are diluted according to the Accredited PT
Sample Provider’s instructions. It is important to remember to document the preparation of PT
Samples in a traceable log or other traceable format. The diluted PT Sample then becomes a
routine Compliance Sample and is added to a routine sample batch for analysis. No
documentation is needed for whole volume PT Samples which require no preparation,
however the instructions must be maintained. Ref: Proficiency Testing Requirements,
February 19, 2020, Revision 5, Section 3.6.
Comment: Dating and initialing the instruction sheet for each prepared PT Sample would
satisfy the documentation requirement.
QA/QC
M. Finding: Rounding off by dropping insignificant digits is not being properly done.
Requirement: Round off by dropping digits that are not significant. If the digit 6, 7, 8, or 9 is
dropped, increase preceding digit by one unit; if the digit 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 is dropped, do not alter
preceding digit. If the digit 5 is dropped, round off preceding digit to the nearest even number:
thus 2.25 becomes 2.2 and 2.35 becomes 2.4. Ref: Standard Methods, 1050 B-2006. (2).
Comment: The laboratory benchsheet for May 3, 2022 has Turbidity values of 3.7 NTU
and 3.78 NTU with an average of 3.8 NTU recorded.
Comment: The laboratory must record when the final digit of the instrument reading is
zero, rather than dropping the digit, to ensure that values are properly rounded for rounding
and/or averaging.
N. Finding: Laboratory temperature-measuring devices (TMD) are not labeled with their
respective correction factors.
Requirement: Document any correction that applies (e.g., add 0.2 °C, subtract 0.3 °C, or if
no correction needed; 0.0 °C) on both the temperature-measuring device and in a format that
can be retained for a minimum of five years. Routine temperature measurements must be
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documented with any applicable correction factor applied. Ref: NC WW/GW LCB
Temperature Measuring-Devices used for Laboratory Operations Policy.
Comment: The drying oven for TSR was lacking the correction factor of 0.0 °C.
O. Finding: The calibration period for the Reference Temperature-Measuring Device used to
check other thermometers and/or temperature sensors had expired.
Requirement: Reference Temperature-Measuring Devices shall meet National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) specifications for accuracy and shall be recalibrated in
accordance with the manufacturer's recalibration date. If no recalibration date is given, the
Reference Temperature-Measuring Device shall be recalibrated every five years. Ref: 15A
NCAC 02H .0805 (a) (7) (N) (i).
Comment: The certificate for the laboratory’s Reference TMD listed a calibration date of
December 9, 2019 and an expiration date of December 9, 2020. The auditor recommended
during the inspection that the analyst inquire about a 5-year calibration. Please submit a copy
of a valid calibration certificate with your response.
Residue, Total Suspended – Standard Methods, 2540 D-2015 (Aqueous)
Comment: The laboratory is analyzing a dry filter blank in addition to the Method Blank as an
evaluation of the preparation of the filters used in analyses. A dry filter blank is not required.
P. Finding: The samples are not weighed to constant weight.
Requirement: Repeat the cycle (drying, cooling, desiccating, and weighing) until the weight
change is <0.5 mg. Ref: Standard Methods, 2540 D-2015. (3) (c).
Comment: The laboratory is performing a single cycle of drying, cooling, desiccating and
weighing.
Comment: The laboratory is performing an annual drying study in lieu of multiple cycles of
drying, cooling desiccating and weighing. The analyst was informed during the inspection that
drying studies are no longer allowed as of January 1, 2021.
Q. Finding: The laboratory is not analyzing a volume of sample to yield a minimum of 2.5 mg
dried residue.
Requirement: Choose sample volume to yield between 2.5 and 200 mg dried residue. If
volume filtered fails to meet minimum yield, increase sample volume up to 1 L. If filtration takes
>10 min to complete, increase filter size or decrease sample volume. Ref: Standard Methods,
2540 D-2015 (3) (b).
Comment: Data reviewed prior to the inspection showed that the laboratory is using a
maximum volume of 250 mL when performing analyses. This volume did not yield any results
that met the minimum weight gain required by the analytical method for the months reviewed.
R. Finding: The laboratory is not basing the reporting limit on the minimum weight gain required
by the method.
Requirement: The minimum weight gain allowed by any approved method is 2.5 mg. Choose
sample volume to yield between 2.5 and 200 mg dried residue. This establishes a minimum
reporting value of 2.5 mg/L when 1000 mL of sample is analyzed. If complete filtration takes
more than 10 minutes increase filter diameter or decrease sample volume. In instances where
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the weight gain is less than the required 2.5 mg, the value must be reported as less than the
appropriate value based upon the volume used. Ref: NC WW/GW LCB Total Suspended
Solids Reporting Limit Policy.
Comment: The laboratory is reporting the results as the calculated value rather than “less
than” the adjusted reporting limit. As an example, the laboratory analyzed 250 mL of sample
on June 22, 2022 and reported a value of 3.8 mg/L, rather than <10 mg/L.
S. Finding: The acceptance criterion for duplicate analyses is frequently exceeded without
corrective action being taken.
Requirement: If quality control results fall outside established limits or show an analytical
problem, the laboratory shall identify the Root Cause of the failure. The problem shall be
resolved through corrective action, the corrective action process documented, and any
samples involved shall be reanalyzed, if possible. If the sample cannot be reanalyzed, or if
the quality control results continue to fall outside established limits or show an analytical
problem, the results shall be qualified as such. Ref: 15A NCAC 02H .0805 (a) (7) (B).
Comment: The laboratory currently has an acceptance criterion of < 10% RPD for the
duplicate analyses. Many samples have very low values, which makes meeting the 10%
requirement difficult.
Recommendation: It is recommended that the laboratory consider a two-tiered system for
evaluating duplicate results. As an example, for samples with values less than 5 times the
reporting limit (i.e. 12.5 mg/L) a criterion of ± 2.5 mg/L may be more practical, while an
acceptance criterion of < 10% RPD might be more practical for samples whose results exceed
12.5 mg/L. Another option would be to use control charts to establish an acceptance criterion.
T. Finding: Acceptance criteria have not been established for the daily balance weight checks.
Requirement: Unless specified by the method or this Rule, each laboratory shall establish
performance acceptance criteria for all quality control analyses. Each laboratory shall
calculate and document the precision and accuracy of all quality control analyses with each
sample set. When the method of choice specifies performance acceptance criteria for
precision and accuracy, and the laboratory chooses to develop laboratory-specific limits, the
laboratory-specific limits shall not be less stringent than the criteria stated in the approved
method. Ref: 15A NCAC 02H .0805 (a) (7) (A).
U. Finding: The laboratory is not consistently analyzing an LFB with each batch.
Requirement: Include one laboratory-fortified blank (LFB) per batch of 20 samples for all tests
except settleable solids (2540F) and total, fixed, and volatile solids in solid and semisolid
samples (2540 G). Plot the percent recoveries on a control chart for laboratory evaluation.
Laboratories may purchase known standards or prepare in-house working controls for use.
Ref: Standard Methods, 2540 A-2015. (5).
Comment: The laboratory did not analyze an LFB during the month of May 2022.
Turbidity – Standard Methods, 2130 B-2011 (Aqueous)
Comment: The laboratory is analyzing turbidity samples in duplicate. Sample duplicates are not a
required quality control element for Field Parameters.
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V. Finding: The laboratory is performing analyses with an instrument that is not compliant with
the certified method.
Requirement: Differences in instrument design will cause differences in measured values for
turbidity even though the same suspension is used for calibration. To minimize such
differences, observe the following design criteria: Light source – Tungsten-filament lamp
operated at a color temperature between 2200 and 3000K. Ref: Standard Methods, 2130 B-
2011. (2) (a) .
Comment: The laboratory is using a Hach TU5200 for compliance sample analysis. This
instrument uses a laser light source instead of a tungsten-filament lamp. The instrument is
compliant with Mitchell Method M5271, which is available for certification by the NC WW/GW
LCB.
Comment: The laboratory has been achieving grades of Acceptable on their PT studies using
this instrument, so the impact on data quality is not considered significant.
Reporting
Recommendation: Since the analyst is not the person entering data into the DMR, it is recommended
that the laboratory benchsheets be revised to include a “Reported Value” column.
W. Finding: Values less than the established reporting limit are being reported on the DMR for
TRC.
Requirement: The State Laboratory may develop Approved Procedures for Field Parameters
based upon the methods in any of the sources referenced in Parts(a)(1)(A) through (F) of this
Rule. Ref: 15A NCAC 02H .0805 (a) (1) (F).
Requirement: For all calibration options, the range of standard concentrations must bracket
the permitted discharge limit concentration, the range of sample concentrations to be analyzed
and anticipated PT Sample concentrations. One of the standards must have a concentration
less than the permitted Daily Maximum Limit. The lower reporting limit concentration is equal
to the lowest standard concentration. Sample concentrations that are less than the lower
reporting limit must be reported as a less-than value. Ref: NC WW/GW LCB Approved
Procedure for the Analysis of Total Residual Chlorine (DPD Colorimetric by SM 4500 Cl G-
2011).
Comment: The laboratory has verified the manufacturer’s calibration curve down to 10 µg/L.
Results less than this value must be reported as <10 µg/L. The laboratory’s current practice
is to enter the value from the instrument into the DMR without evaluating the result against
the reporting limit.
X. Finding: The laboratory does not report results of all tests on the characteristics of the effluent.
Requirement: The results of all tests on the characteristics of the effluent, including but not
limited to NPDES Permit Monitoring Requirements, shall be reported on monthly report forms.
Ref: 15A NCAC 02B .0506 (b) (3) (J).
Comment: The laboratory analyzed a Turbidity sample collected May 5, 2022 but no results
were entered into the DMR.
Y. Finding: Values for pH were reported that exceed the method specified accuracy of 0.1 units.
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Requirement: By careful use of a laboratory pH meter with good electrodes, a precision of
±0.02 unit and an accuracy of ±0.05 unit can be achieved. However, ± 0.1 pH unit represents
the limit of accuracy under normal conditions, especially for measurement of water and poorly
buffered solutions. For this reason, report pH values to the nearest 0.1 pH unit. Ref: Standard
Methods, 4500 H+ B-2011. (6).
Comment: Per PT Vendor instructions, the PT Sample results should be reported to two
decimal places, which is an exception to the requirement for Compliance Samples.
Recommendation: The laboratory currently reports pH sample results to two decimal places.
It is recommended that the laboratory continue to measure and document sample results on
the benchsheet to two decimal places, and to round to the nearest 0.1 S.U. when reporting
results on the DMR.
Z. Finding: The laboratory is not reporting results of Turbidity analyses to the correct number of
decimal places.
Requirement: Report turbidity readings as follows:
Turbidity Range
NTU
Report to the Nearest
NTU
0-1.0 0.05
1-10 0.1
10-40 1
40-100 5
100-400 10
400-1000 50
>1000 100
Ref: Standard Methods, 2130 B-2011. (5).
Comment: Current laboratory practice is to analyze the sample in duplicate and then report
the average turbidity of the two readings as calculated.
AA. Finding: Data that does not meet all QC requirements is not qualified on the Discharge
Monitoring Report (DMR).
Requirement: Reported data associated with quality control failures, improper sample
collection, holding time exceedances, or improper preservation shall be qualified as such. Ref:
15A NCAC 02H .0805 (e) (5).
Comment: Data for TSR is not being qualified when the duplicate acceptance criterion is not
met.
IV. PAPER TRAIL INVESTIGATION:
The paper trail consisted of comparing original records (e.g., laboratory benchsheets, logbooks, etc.) and
contract laboratory reports to DMRs submitted to the North Carolina Division of Water Resources. Data
were reviewed for Lexington WTP (NPDES permit # NC0028037) for January, May and June 2022. The
following errors were noted:
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Date Parameter Location Value on Benchsheet
*Contract Laboratory Data
Value on DMR
1/11/2022 TSR Effluent 10.0 mg/L 12.6 mg/L
1/11/2022 Zinc Effluent 2 µg/L* 1 µg/L
1/11/2022 Copper Effluent <1 µg/L* 2 µg/L
5/3/2022 Turbidity Effluent 3.81 NTU 3.78 NTU
5/2/20222 Hardness Effluent 34.3 mg/L* 46.52 mg/L
5/2/20222 Hardness Upstream 27.3 mg/L* 36.57 mg/L
6/22/2022 pH Effluent 6.79 S.U. 6.7 S.U.
1. See Finding Z.
2. Date Collected on the Chain of Custody for the contract lab is 5/2/2022. Date on the DMR and on
the laboratory benchsheet for in-house analyses is 5/3/2022.
To avoid questions of legality, it is recommended that you contact the appropriate Regional Office for
guidance as to whether an amended DMR(s) will be required. A copy of this report will be made available
to the Regional Office.
V. CONCLUSIONS:
Correcting the above-cited Findings and implementing the Recommendation(s) will help this laboratory to
produce quality data and meet Certification requirements. The inspector would like to thank the staff for
their assistance during the inspection and data review process. Please respond to all Findings and
include supporting documentation, implementation dates and steps taken to prevent recurrence
for each corrective action.
Report prepared by: Michael Cumbus Date: October 14, 2022
Report reviewed by: Jill Puff Date: October 17, 2022
Certificate Number:690
Effective Date:1/1/2022
Expiration Date:12/31/2022
Lab Name:Lexington WTP
Address:2979 Greensboro Street Extension
Lexington, NC 27295
North Carolina Wastewater/Groundwater Laboratory Certification
Certified Parameters Listing
Date of Last Amendment:8/27/2021
The above named laboratory, having duly met the requirements of 15A NCAC 2H.0800, is hereby certified for the measurement of the parameters listed below.
CERTIFIED PARAMETERS
INORGANIC
CHLORINE, TOTAL RESIDUAL
SM 4500 Cl G-2011 (Aqueous)
pH
SM 4500 H+B-2011 (Aqueous)
RESIDUE, SUSPENDED
SM 2540 D-2015 (Aqueous)
TURBIDITY
SM 2130 B-2011 (Aqueous)
This certification requires maintance of an acceptable quality assurance program, use of approved methodology, and satisfactory performance on evaluation samples. Laboratories are subject to civil penalties and/or decertification for infractions
as set forth in 15A NCAC 2H.0807.