What is the purpose of this accreditation?
Labs that analyze environmental and drinking water samples must be capable of providing accurate and defensible analytical data. In Washington, labs must receive accreditation through the Department of Ecology to ensure they are conducting analyses according to prescribed methods.
What activities require this accreditation?
Labs must receive accreditation through Ecology before they submit environmental, wastewater, drinking water, air, or biosolids analytical data to Ecology, the Department of Health, or other entities requiring the use of an accredited lab. Environmental data includes data submitted for the purposes of compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) or state waste discharge permits.
How much will this accreditation cost?
The minimum fee for accreditation is $300 annually. The total cost will depend on the number and complexity of tests for which the laboratory is requesting accreditation. See the fee structure in
WAC 173-50-90. Once the laboratory is accredited, Ecology will send the lab an invoice to collect the fees.
Where can I get the application for this accreditation?
The application is called '
Application for Environmental Laboratory Accreditation' is online and can be accessed at
https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/ECY07004.html.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
Yes. The lab must submit a copy of its current Quality Assurance Manual and proficiency testing sample reports; refer to the application for more detail. Applicants should contact Ecology to find out if they need to submit anything else with the initial application form.
Is the decision on my accreditation dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
Yes. When making the decision on accreditation, Ecology will review and evaluate the lab's Quality Assurance Manual, proficiency testing sample reports, and conduct an audit. Ecology may request additional documents as part of the review.
How long will it take to review my application?
The length of time for the review depends on the completeness of the lab's submission, the complexity of the procedures for which the lab is requesting accreditation, and the availability of Ecology staff.
Where do I submit my application?
The lab must submit the application and required documents to Ecology’s Laboratory Accreditation Unit. You can find more information about the lab accreditation process at
https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Laboratory-Accreditation.
How long is my accreditation valid?
The accreditation is valid for one year. A lab must apply to renew its accreditation annually before the expiration date of its current accreditation, successfully complete semiannual proficiency testing studies, and undergo periodic on-site assessments.
What is the appeal process for the accreditation?
You have a right to appeal the final accreditation decision to the Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB) within 30 days of the date of receipt of the final accreditation decision. The appeal process is governed by Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 371-08 WAC. “Date of receipt” is defined in RCW 43.21B.001(2).
You must also comply with other applicable requirements in Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 371-08 WAC.
Read the
Pollution Control Board’s Appeal Process web page for more details.
Notes / Comments:
Customer service is important to us. Please contact the Ecology Laboratory Accreditation Unit if you have any questions.
Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL:
https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Laboratory-AccreditationSubject matter expert phone: (360) 227-9420
Subject matter expert email:
louise.white@ecy.wa.gov