HomeMy WebLinkAbout#5398 - 02 2012 - FINAL
INSPECTION REPORT ROUTING SHEET
To be attached to all inspection reports in-house only.
Laboratory Cert. #: #5398
Laboratory Name: Town of Mt. Gilead WWTP
Inspection Type: Field Maintenance
Inspector Name(s): Tonja Springer
Inspection Date: February 21, 2012
Date Report Completed: March 13, 2012
Date Forwarded to Reviewer: March 13, 2012
Reviewed by: Chet Whiting
Date Review Completed: March 19, 2012
Cover Letter to use: Insp. Initial Insp. Reg. Insp. No Finding Insp. CP X Corrected
Unit Supervisor: Dana Satterwhite
Date Received: March 20, 2012
Date Forwarded to Linda:
Date Mailed:
_____________________________________________________________________
On-Site Inspection Report
LABORATORY NAME: Town of Mt. Gilead WWTP
NPDES PERMIT #: NC0021105
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 325
110 West Allenton St.
Mt. Gilead, NC 27306
CERTIFICATE #: #5398
DATE OF INSPECTION: February 21, 2012
TYPE OF INSPECTION: Field Maintenance
AUDITOR(S): Tonja Springer and Chet Whiting
LOCAL PERSON(S) CONTACTED: Donna Mills
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 lab area was clean and well organized. All equipment necessary to perform the certified
parameters were present and appeared well maintained.
III. FINDINGS, REQUIREMENTS, COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Documentation
Comment: The laboratory needs to increase the traceability documentation of pH buffers. The Quality
Assurance Policies for Field Laboratories document states: All chemicals, reagents, standards and
consumables used by the laboratory must have the following information documented: Date Received,
Date Opened (in use), Vendor, Lot Number, and Expiration Date. 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 chemicals, reagents, standards and consumables used for a period of five years.
Consumable materials such as pH buffers and lots of pre-made standards are included in this
requirement. This requirement is a new policy that has been implemented by our program since the last
inspection. Demonstration of corrective action (i.e., an updated benchsheet which includes traceability
information for pH buffers) was received by fax on 3/13/2012. No further response is necessary for this
finding.
pH – Standard Methods, 18th Edition, 4500 H+ B
Comment: Proficiency Testing (PT) samples have not been documented in the same manner as
environmental samples. The preparation was not documented. Results were documented only on the PT
providers reporting forms. The Quality Assurance Policies for Field Laboratories document states: The
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#5398 Town of Mt. Gilead WWTP
analysis of PT samples is designed to evaluate the entire process used to routinely report environmental
analytical results. Therefore, PT samples must be analyzed and the process documented in the same
manner as environmental samples. This requirement is a new policy that has been implemented by our
program since the last inspection. The analyst stated during the inspection that she would begin
documenting the analysis and preparation of the PT sample on the benchsheet. No further response is
necessary for this finding.
DO – Standard Methods, 18th Edition, 4500 O G
Comment: The DO meter is calibrated using the wrong value for the % saturation. Based on the
elevation at Mt. Gilead, the % saturation used in the calibration should be 99% instead of 100%. The
Technical Assistance for Field Analysis of Dissolved Oxygen document states: The meter must be
calibrated either by the air calibration method or according to the manufacturer’s calibration procedure.
Notification of acceptable corrective action (i.e. an email was received stating the laboratory began using
the correct value for % saturation in the calibration on 2/21/2012) was received by e-email on 2/21/2012.
No further response is necessary for this finding.
IV. PAPER TRAIL INVESTIGATION:
The paper trail consisted of comparing field testing records and contract lab reports to Discharge
Monitoring Reports (DMRs) submitted to the North Carolina Division of Water Quality. Data were
reviewed for November and December, 2011. No transcription errors were detected. The facility
appears to be doing a good job of accurately transcribing data.
V. CONCLUSIONS:
All findings noted during the inspection were adequately addressed prior to the completion of this
report. The inspector would like to thank the staff for its assistance during the inspection and data review
process. No response is required.
Report prepared by: Tonja Springer Date: March 13, 2012
Report reviewed by: Chet Whiting Date: March 19, 2012