The Environmental Science and Services Division (ESSD), within the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), has the responsibility for the certification of drinking water testing laboratories under the authority of Public Act 399 of 1976, as amended. These laboratories must be certified for the protection of public health.

A. NAME OF PERMIT OR APPROVAL:

Certification for Drinking Water Testing Laboratories

B. STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

Safe Drinking Water Act, Public Act 399 of 1976, as amended November 6, 1991

Public Act 198 of 1990

C. APPLICABLE REGULATION:

Michigan Administrative Code, Rules Administered by MDEQ, ESSD

Part 27, Laboratory Certification (R 325.12701- R 325.12706)

D. MICHIGAN BUSINESS ONE STOP:

The Michigan Business One Stop (One Stop) www.michigan.gov/business is a tool designed to allow businesses to interact with the State of Michigan. The tool offers:

• a set of screening questions based upon your business sector to identify permits, licenses and registrations that may be required to do business in Michigan.
• an option to pay fees online. For many programs, you can pay your business license fee in One Stop through use of an online form and shopping cart.
• many online permit applications and renewals. When starting a new business and registering in One Stop, you will need to identify a business sector (also known as a NAICS Code). You can find your code at www.naics.com, select "Code Search."  After entering this code in One Stop and answering some screening questions, links to relevant permit applications will automatically be available in your newly created workspace. One benefit of accessing applications through One Stop is that you will receive status messages throughout the application process.

Using the One Stop provides many benefits to businesses in Michigan. By conducting your business through One Stop you can organize your State of Michigan transactions in one place. If you ever need assistance with One Stop, then you can contact the Customer Assistance Center at 877-766-1779; they are open from 7 am to 6 pm. One Stop is a valuable tool that offers many benefits to business. We hope you give it a try.

E. SUMMARY OF PERMIT/APPROVAL PROCESS:

 1.  Applicability (activities that require the permit)

All laboratories used for testing of potable water as required for compliance and monitoring purposes.

 2.  Pre-Application Requirements

• Laboratories must have sufficient space, required instruments/equipment, trained technicians, use of approved methodology, and maintain appropriate records.

• Laboratories must successfully analyze proficiency test samples (when available) on a running 12-month basis from an approved proficiency test provider.

3.  Application Submission Requirements

Laboratories must have a true and updated address, an identified contact person officially representing the laboratory, results of the analysis of performance evaluation samples, parameters where certification sought, copy of the Quality Assurance Plan, and a full payment for the appropriate certification fee.

 4.  Procedures and Time-Frame for Obtaining Permit or Approval

An application is submitted to the ESSD, Laboratory Certification Program. Laboratories must apply for recertification at the end of each three-year certification period. Recertification applications will be mailed by the program officer.

5.  Operational Requirements

• Laboratories must pass physical inspection and meet the requirements set forth in the Manual for the Certification of Laboratories Analyzing Drinking Water: Criteria and Procedures Quality Assurance Manual, 4th Edition, March 1997, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), and the requirements periodically published in the Federal Register.

• Laboratories are evaluated at least once every three years by an evaluating officer assigned by ESSD and approved by the U.S. EPA. Laboratories may be evaluated any time within the standard three-year certification period for continued compliance with the standards. These inspections may be announced or unannounced.

 6.  Fees

• Base Program Fee for the Three-Year Certification Period*.

• Microbiological (Total Coliform, Fecal Coliform, E. Coli, and Heterotrophic Bacteria); all laboratories - $2,089.

• Limited Wet Chemistry with Microbiological Certification (Fluoride, Nitrite Sulfate, and Cyanide) - $668.47.

• Inorganic Chemistry (Metals); all Laboratories - $3,130.30.

• Organic Chemistry (TTHMs, VOCs, Pesticides and Herbicides); all Laboratories - $3,130.30.

• Two Major Fields (Microbiological and Inorganic Chemistry) (Microbiological and Organic Chemistry); (Inorganic and Organic Chemistry); all laboratories - 3,914.46.

• Three Major Fields (Microbiological, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry); all laboratories - $5,508.54.

Fees adjusted annually based on Consumer Price Index.

 7.  Appeal Process

• The person in charge of a laboratory may informally appeal questionable areas with laboratory certification office.

• Formal appeal from a laboratory may be made in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.

 8.  Public Input Opportunities

This is a science-based certification program to assure that drinking water laboratories are performing at a level consistent with protecting public health. Complaints related to a facility may be filed with the MDEQ at any time. The complaints are investigated and considered in the decision-making process when the facility applies for renewal. The Laboratory Certification Officer will make a determination through consultation with the Chief of Laboratory Services. These facilities are inspected for deficiencies which must be addressed before their certification.

F. Contact Information:

Contact Us

 

Creation/Revision Date:

June 2005