Virginia Wastewater Laboratory Certification

The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Virgina requires certification of public and private wastewater laboratories. The certification is to ensure laboratory compliance with the federal regulations as well as the Virginia Safe Drinking Water Program regulations.

Purpose

• The purpose of certification is to ensure environmental laboratories conduct research and test accurately. In addition, for any environmental laboratory to submit data to the Virgina Department of Environmental Quality, they must be certified.

Requirements

• Laboratories are inspected by officers of the state. They must pass this inspection to become certified. In addition, the inspection and certification must be repeated and renewed every two years. The inspection consists of passing two proficiency tests for each testing method and department. The test ensures the procedure is detecting the proper compounds or components in the wastewater.

Fees

• Laboratories are required to pay certification fees for up-to-date certification. Fees range depending on the type of laboratory, whether commercial or non-commercial. Fees can range from $475 to more than $5,000 (as of 2010). In addition to the certification fee, laboratories must pay a fee for each proficiency test. Fees vary depending on the type of laboratory test method, ranging from $50 to $200.