January 7, 2005

The Department of Environmental Quality announced today that results from the latest National Environmental Water Pollution Proficiency Test evaluations give the DEQ laboratory a 99.35% score. There were 294 labs graded as part of the test, with an average score of 95.9%.

The DEQ Laboratory Services Section operates a number of programs for the state that include an Environmental Laboratory, a Drinking Water Laboratory, a Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program and an Environmental Laboratory Data Recognition Program.

The laboratory operates on a $2.4 million appropriation from the state’s general fund. In comparison, to conduct the same volume of testing at private labs would cost the state $3.9 million on average.

“This is a testament to the exceptional work that the DEQ laboratory staff does on a daily basis,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “Through research and cost cutting initiatives, we are able to outperform private labs in terms of the quality of our work, while maintaining a cost savings to the taxpayers of Michigan.”

Aside from conducting its own testing, the DEQ laboratory works with a number of private laboratories around the state that perform testing on compliance and monitoring samples for submission to the department regulatory programs.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised January 7, 2005 by Pat Watson