Laboratory Services Division

Organization:Administrative SectionGeneral Chemistry Analytical ProgramOrganic Chemistry Analytical ProgramRadiological Analytical Program Louisiana Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program

Programs

General Chemistry Analytical ProgramOrganic Chemistry Analytical ProgramRadiological Analytical Program Louisiana Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program

The LDEQ Analytical Laboratory Program

Program Information: The LDEQ Environmental Laboratory conducts environmental analysis of soil, sediment, sludges, liquid and air compounds and materials using both organic and inorganic methods and procedures. The laboratory uses the most modern and state-of-the-art analytical equipment. In addition, the Laboratory provides technical expertise to regional, local and other state agencies regarding environmental analytical test methods, analyses and processes.

How the Program was created? The Water Laboratory was originally established as part of the Water Pollution Control Division of the LA Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries in the 1950s. The Division moved to DNR and was renamed the Office of Environmental Affairs which became LDEQ circa 1984.

LDEQ Analytical Laboratory Program (cont.)

Benefit of Program to Louisiana Citizens: The LDEQ Environmental Laboratory is under the direct control of the Secretary. It is supervised by the Assistant Secretary - Office Environmental Assessment, and managed/directed by the Environmental Administrator. This virtually eliminates all external cost, reduces out-of-agency issues, minimizes all ancillary resource requirements, ensures near real time testing, and facilitates closer customer-to-provider coordination.

Primary contact:Melvin C. MitchellDirect phone line: 225-219-9881

Other staff members involved with program:Leonard Killmer, Env. Manager – Organic Chemistry Program Donna Haydel, Env. Manager – Inorganic/Metals ProgramMatt Schlenker, Env. Scientist Staff – Radiation MonitoringKaren Varnado, Env. Scientist Supervisor – LELAP

DEQ Web address: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/laboratory

LDEQ Analytical Laboratory – Radiological Analytical Program

Program Information: The LDEQ Environmental Laboratory’s Radiological Analytical Section of the General Chemistry Unit is in charge of maintenance of radiological detection equipment for sample collection and laboratory instrumentation. The mission of the section is to provide radiological analysis for the Department of Environmental Quality. It also monitors three operating nuclear power plants. The plants include: Waterford-3 Steam Electric Station, River Bend Station, and Grand Gulf Nuclear Station.

How was the Program created? Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:2101 Citation; known as the" Louisiana Nuclear Energy and Radiation Control Law.” Acts 1979, No. 449, -1 effective Jan 1, 1980 and 2104 which provides the power and duties to conduct environmental radiation surveillance and monitoring throughout the state near nuclear production, utilization facilities, including

those employing enhanced radioactive materials. Acts 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1990 No. 245,.1, 1999 No. 303,.1.

LDEQ Analytical Laboratory – Radiological Analytical Program (cont.)

Benefit of program to Louisiana citizens: The Radiological staff routinely collect and deliver samples to the LDEQ lab for analysis. In addition, the laboratory staff, when necessary, performs special studies of potential radiologically contaminated property. One recent study, the Coastal Radiation Services site, was the largest civilian radiological cleanup in the history of Louisiana. This project took three years to complete.

Primary contact:Matt SchlenkerDirect phone line: 225-219-9883Other staff members involved with program:

Donna Haydel, Environmental Manager Ji Young Wiley, Environmental Scientist 3

DEQ Web address: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/laboratory or email

address: deqlaboratory@LA.GOV

Louisiana Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (LELAP)

Program Information: The LELAP Section is responsible for auditing more than 300 commercial analytical laboratories nationally. This Section evaluates currently approved or emerging and performance based analytical test methods. Program staff reviews laboratory practices and procedures from sample receipt through data reporting. The LELAP mission is to ensure the Department receives analytical data of known and documented quality.

How was the program created: House Bill 1726, approved June 1988, mandated establishment of a LA Lab Accreditation Program. House Bill 1517 approved June 1995 amended LA DEQ to authorize promulgation of rules and regulations in accordance with R.S. 30:2011, thereby establishing a requirement for certification of commercial laboratories.

Louisiana Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (LELAP)(cont.)

Benefit of Program to Louisiana citizens: LELAP’s accreditation efforts ensure the accuracy, precision, and reliability of data generated by commercial laboratories. Additionally, these efforts ensure maximum quality, validity and usability of resulting information. Thereby, protecting public safety, health and welfare and improving the environment. Assessed fees for individual accreditation of in-state Laboratories is one of the most inexpensive in the nation. This has proven to be an added incentive for many smaller labs to seek accreditation.

Primary contact: Karen VarnadoDirect phone line: 225-219-9879

Other staff members involved with program:Cindy Gagnon -- Environmental Scientist – AssessorTraci Green – Environmental Scientist – Assessor Zach Smith – Environmental Scientist – Assessor Liz Kashefi – Environmental Scientist – Assessor Dr. David Boucher – Environmental Scientist -AssessorMelvin Mitchell - Environmental Administrator

DEQ Web address: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/laboratoryor email address: deqlaboratory@LA.GOV