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Home My WebLink About#667_1120_FINAL_DS_2015_ INSPECTION REPORT ROUTING SHEET To be attached to all inspection reports in-house only. Laboratory Cert. #: 667 Laboratory Name: Pace Analytical Services, Inc. – Ormond Beach, FL Inspection Type: Maintenance/Abbreviated/Desk Audit Inspector Name(s): Dana Satterwhite, Gary Francies, Roy Byrd Inspection Date: 11/20/2015 – 12/18/2015 Date Report Completed: 01/08/2016 Date Forwarded to Reviewer: 01/08/2016 Reviewed by: Gary Francies Date Review Completed: 1/22/2016 Cover Letter to use: Insp. Initial Insp. Reg. Insp. No Finding Insp. CP Corrected Insp. Reg. Delay Unit Supervisor/Chemist III: Dana Satterwhite Date Received: 1/22/2016 Date Forwarded to Linda: 1/25/2016 Date Mailed: 1/26/2016 _____________________________________________________________________ CrVI On-Site Inspection Report LABORATORY NAME: Pace Analytical Services, Inc. ADDRESS: 8 E Tower Circle Ormond Beach, FL 32174 CERTIFICATE #: 667 DATE OF INSPECTION: November 20, 2015 – 12/18, 2015 TYPE OF INSPECTION: Maintenance/Abbreviated/Desk Audit AUDITOR(S): Dana Satterwhite, Gary Francies, Roy Byrd LOCAL PERSON(S) CONTACTED: Mr. Barry Johnson I. INTRODUCTION: This laboratory was inspected by a representative of the North Carolina Wastewater/Groundwater Laboratory Certification (NC WW/GW LC) program to verify its compliance with the requirements of 15A NCAC 2H .0800 for the analysis of environmental samples. II. GENERAL COMMENTS: This was an abbreviated audit performed at the request of the Division of Water Resources and was limited to data for the following Pace Project Numbers: 92261557, 92265303, 92260963 and 92265356. The laboratory sent complete data packages which included raw data [i.e., instrument printouts and/or benchsheets] including associated calibration curves, associated digestion logs, chain of custody records, method detection limit study summaries and standard operating procedures. Proficiency Testing (PT) samples have been analyzed for all certified parameters. The laboratory has fulfilled its PT requirements for the 2015 proficiency testing calendar year. Contracted analyses were performed by Pace Analytical Services, Inc. – Minneapolis, MN (Certification #530) and Pace Analytical Services, Inc. – Asheville, NC (Certification #40). The laboratory is reminded that any time changes are made to laboratory operations; the laboratory must update the Quality Assurance (QA)/Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) document(s). Any changes made in response to the Findings, Recommendations or Comments listed in this report must be incorporated to insure the method is being performed as stated, references to methods are accurate, and the QA and/or SOP document(s) is in agreement with approved practice and regulatory requirements. In some instances, the laboratory may need to create a SOP to document how new functions or policy will be implemented. III. FINDINGS, REQUIREMENTS, COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Recommendation: It is recommended that all SOPs be reviewed and evaluated for use of the word “should”. SOPs are intended to describe procedures exactly as they are to be performed. While some uses of the word “should” versus “must” are noted in Finding A, not all have been listed in this report. Page 2 #667 – Pace Analytical Services, Inc. A. Finding: An inconsistency and/or omission was noted between the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and laboratory practice as follows:  The SOP does not describe in detail how the method is performed. Determination of Hexavalent Chromium by EPA 218.7 SOP SOP# S-FL-I-050-rev.07 – Section 4 – The SOP does not describe mitigation and/or corrective actions for the interferences listed. SOP# S-FL-I-050-rev.07 – Section 9.4 – The SOP lists 1000 mM Ammonium Hydroxide. It appears that this should be 100 mM Ammonium Hydroxide. SOP# S-FL-I-050-rev.07 – Section 9.6 – The SOP lists the concentration of the Chromium Stock standard as 10000 mg/L. It appears it should be 1000 mg/L. SOP# S-FL-I-050-rev.07 – Section 9.6 – The SOP lists the amount of Potassium Dichromate (K2Cr2O7) as 0.238 g. It appears it should be 0.283 g. SOP# S-FL-I-050-rev.07 – Section 12.5 – Evaluate the use the of word “should” in this section. Requirement: Each laboratory shall develop and maintain a document outlining the analytical quality control practices used for the parameters included in their certification. Supporting records shall be maintained as evidence that these practices are being effectively carried out. Ref: 15A NCAC 2H .0805 (a) (7). Please submit updated SOPs with the items listed above addressed by April 30, 2016. B. Finding: Spike preparation is not recorded accurately. Requirement: Each laboratory shall develop and maintain a document outlining the analytical quality control practices used for the parameters included in their certification. Supporting records shall be maintained as evidence that these practices are being effectively carried out. Ref: 15A NCAC 2H .0805 (a) (7). Comment: The Florida Benchsheet Checklist (e.g., Pace Project Number 92265356) lists the amount of matrix spiking solution used as 0.25 ml for the 25 ng/L spike and 0.75 ml for the 75 ng/L spike. It appears the amounts used should be 0.025 ml and 0.075 ml, respectively. IV. PAPER TRAIL INVESTIGATION: The paper trail consisted of comparing original records (e.g., laboratory benchsheets, logbooks, chain- of-custody forms, etc.) and client reports. Data were reviewed for the following Pace Project Numbers: 92261557, 92265303, 92260963 and 92265356. No transcription errors were detected. The facility appears to be doing a good job of accurately transcribing data. V. CONCLUSIONS: Correcting the above-cited Findings and implementing the recommendation will help this lab to produce quality data and meet certification requirements. The inspector would like to thank the staff for its assistance during the inspection. Please respond to all Findings and include an implementation date for each corrective action. Report prepared by: Dana Satterwhite Date: 1/8/2016