#597 2006-f

On-Site Inspection Report

LABORATORY NAME: Microbac Laboratories, Inc.- SIMALABS Division

ADDRESS: 250 West 84th Drive
Merrillville, IN 46410

CERTIFICATE NO: #597

DATE OF INSPECTION: March 13-14, 2006

TYPE OF INSPECTION: Maintenance

EVALUATOR: Ms. Tonja Springer

LOCAL PERSON CONTACTED: Mr. Jeff Loewe and Mr. Robert Crookston

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 is congratulated for doing a good job of implementing the Certification program. All
equipment is well maintained. Records are well kept and the data appeared accurate. A few
more quality control measures are needed.

III. DEFICIENCIES, REQUIREMENTS, COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

General:

A. Comment: At the time of the inspection a query was done to show which samples from NC
were being analyzed. The following uncertified parameters appeared on this list: Ignitability, pH
and 8015 Nonhalogenated Organics. The lab was to investigate to determine if these samples
had been analyzed without certification. Please submit with your reply the conclusion of
your investigation.

Requirement: The lab will need to submit an amendment form for certification, and an
acceptable PT result if certification is needed.

Oil & Grease 1664:

B. Comment: The laboratory has indicated that the 85% purity hexane is no longer available
from the vendors. The only options available are the 99% purity that is extremely costly or the
66% purity. The method specifies that the required purity is 85% at a minimum.

Requirement: In order to use the lower purity our certification program has adopted the
following policy: a comparison study must be submitted showing that all the method QC
acceptance criteria have been met.
Please submit a copy of this comparison study along with the letter that was sent from
EPA concerning the hexane purity.

C. Comment: It is recommended that the acceptance criteria for the LCS and MS be
documented on the benchsheet.
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Microbac Laboratories, Inc.-SIMALABS Division

D. Comment: It is recommended that on the benchsheet it be clearly identified as to either
HEM and/or SGT-HEM determination is being analyzed for each batch.

Ammonia:

E. Comment: Dechlorination should be done in the field and documented on the Chain of
Custody by the sampler.

IV. PAPER TRAIL INVESTIGATION:

A paper trail was conducted at this facility. This consisted of comparing laboratory bench data
with DMR reports. There were no transcription errors detected.

V. CONCLUSIONS:

Correcting the above cited comments and implementing the recommendations will help this lab
to produce quality data and meet certification requirements. Please respond to all lettered
comments.

Report prepared by: Tonja Springer Date: April 27, 2006