Environmental Laboratory (NELAP) Accreditation

• Compliance Monitoring Data Portal (CMDP) questions:
  For questions regarding the Public Water System Supervision Program (PWSSP) transition to reporting through the Compliance Monitoring Data Portal (CMDP), see guidance found on the PWSSP webpage. For additional assistance, please contact PWSQA@tceq.texas.gov.
• Updates to TCEQ Fields of Accreditation (FoA)

Method	Analyte(s): TNI code/CAS Number	Matrix	MRL (ng/L)*
Tecta EC/TC TNI codes: 60033354 (Rev. 1.0) 60033365 (Rev. 2.0)	Total Coliforms and Escherichia coli (P/A) TNI code: 2502	Drinking Water	N/A
EPA Method 533 TNI code: 10091619	Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) (GenX) TNI code: 9460 CAS number: 13252-13-6	Drinking Water	5.0
EPA Method 533 TNI code: 10091619	Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) TNI code: 6911 CAS number: 45187-15-3	Drinking Water	3.0
EPA Method 533 TNI code: 10091619	Perfluorohexane Sulfonate (PFHxS) TNI code: 6910 CAS number: 108427-53-8	Drinking Water	3.0
EPA Method 533 TNI code: 10091619	Perfluorononanoate (PFNA) TNI code: 6930 CAS number: 474511-07-4	Drinking Water	4.0
EPA Method 533 TNI code: 10091619	Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS) TNI code: 6931 CAS number: 1763-23-1	Drinking Water	2.0
EPA Method 533 TNI code: 10091619	Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) TNI code: 6912 CAS number: 335-67-1	Drinking Water	2.0
EPA Method 537.1 TNI codes: 10091642 (Rev. 1.0) 10091595 (Rev. 2.0)	Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) (GenX) TNI code: 9460 CAS number: 13252-13-6	Drinking Water	5.0
EPA Method 537.1 TNI codes: 10091642 (Rev. 1.0) 10091595 (Rev. 2.0)	Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) TNI code: 6911 CAS number: 45187-15-3	Drinking Water	3.0
EPA Method 537.1 TNI codes: 10091642 (Rev. 1.0) 10091595 (Rev. 2.0)	Perfluorohexane Sulfonate (PFHxS) TNI code: 6910 CAS number: 108427-53-8	Drinking Water	3.0
EPA Method 537.1 TNI codes: 10091642 (Rev. 1.0) 10091595 (Rev. 2.0)	Perfluorononanoate (PFNA) TNI code: 6930 CAS number: 474511-07-4	Drinking Water	4.0
EPA Method 537.1 TNI codes: 10091642 (Rev. 1.0) 10091595 (Rev. 2.0)	Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS) TNI code: 6931 CAS number: 1763-23-1	Drinking Water	2.0
EPA Method 537.1 TNI codes: 10091642 (Rev. 1.0) 10091595 (Rev. 2.0)	Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) TNI code: 6912 CAS number: 335-67-1	Drinking Water	2.0
* MDLs must be less than the minimum reporting limit (MRL) for every analyte * Per TCEQ Public Water System Supervision Program (PWSSP), the Program will require analyte reporting limits for EPA methods 533 or 537.1. * The annual fee per the Drinking water matrix for PFAS will be $510. When completing the Application for Environmental Laboratory Accreditation, select (k.) Organic Compounds by HPLC in section 8.b.2 of the application. * The laboratory’s participation in proficiency test studies for PFAS accreditation may begin starting January 1, 2025. This is to abide by TNI PT for Accreditation Fields of Proficiency Testing with PTRLs for Drinking Water that will be effective on January 1, 2025.

Laboratories that are interested in either applying for primary or secondary accreditation with TCEQ or amending their current scope, please review the Application for Accreditation and Renewals, Suspending, or Amendment section this page

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) protects and improves the quality of the State's surface water and groundwater and ensures safe drinking water for its residents. This authority is granted in accordance with laws, policies, and rules established by the Texas Administrative Code, The NELAC Institute (TNI), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. TCEQ laboratory accreditation program's rights and duties are defined by Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code chapter 25.

Accreditation is voluntary; however, the commission may accept environmental testing laboratory data and analyses for use in commission decisions regarding any matter under the commission's jurisdiction relating to permits or other authorizations, compliance matters, enforcement actions, or corrective actions only if the data and analyses are prepared by an environmental testing laboratory accredited by TCEQ.

An environmental laboratory must be accredited if producing data for commission decisions for one of the following (after July 1, 2008):

• An environmental testing laboratory that provides analytical data relating to the Safe Drinking Water Act;
• The laboratory provides analytical data that is used for a commission decision or
• An in-house environmental testing laboratory is to be accredited if it allows for analytical data from a third party.

Exceptions are listed in Title 30 of Texas Administrative Code chapter 25.6 (30 TAC 25.6 )

To safeguard the objectivity and impartiality of its activities, environmental laboratories within TCEQ are assessed by another accrediting body.

Application for Accreditation, Renewals, or Amendments Application for accreditation is for laboratories requiring accreditation by the State of Texas with TCEQ. Effective January 31, 2020, laboratories are assessed against the provisions of the 2016 TNI NELAP standard. For a summary of changes in the standards, see: Changes to the various standards used in the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP)

Laboratories will receive electronic copies of their certificates and scopes.  Hard copies will not be mailed.

An application is used to renew a laboratory's accreditation or amend the laboratory's scope of accreditation. Please review the instructions on page 14 of the Application for Environmental Laboratory Accreditation before application completion.

Important Submit all laboratory accreditation-related documents electronically. There is no need to follow up with hard copies.

The initial turnaround time for an application review is 45 days. Approval may take longer due to requests for additional information from the laboratory. Submission of requested documents promptly will ensure efficient application processing. Application progress can be checked here: Accreditation applications in progress 

Submit all laboratory accreditation payments to TCEQ revenue section at the following address.  Do not submit them directly to the TCEQ Laboratory Accreditation Program.

The payment mailing address for USPS delivery is:
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Cashier's Cage
P.O. Box 13088, MC-214
Austin, TX 78711-3088

The payment physical address for overnight/non-USPS (ex: FedEx) mail deliveries is:
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Cashier's Cage
12100 Park 35 Circle
MC-214
Austin, TX Austin, TX 78753

IMPORTANT NOTE: TCEQ will not process your application until all fees have been received. All fees associated with accreditation are nonrefundable if the laboratory chooses to withdraw or a denied application. Contact us to verify fee calculations before sending any monies. Our phone number is (512) 239–3754. You may also email us at labprgms@tceq.texas.gov

Suspending and Revoking Accreditation

The Program Manager or designee may initiate action to suspend a laboratory’s accreditation according to 30 TAC Chapter 80 , Contested Case Hearings. Reasons to deny accreditation application and revocation of accreditation, in whole or in part, are specified in 30 TAC 25.32 . Reasons to suspend a laboratory’s accreditation, in whole or in part, are specified in 30 TAC 25.34 , Suspension of Accreditation.

Laboratory Accreditation Procedure 6.0 Suspension and Revocation describes the requirements of concerning the suspension and revocation of laboratory accreditation, reinstatement of suspended accreditations, and appeals of suspensions and revocations.

Title 30, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 25, Subchapters A and B (for a schedule of fees, refer to §25.30)

General information about the fees relating to accreditation can be accessed in the Texas Administrative Code for environmental testing laboratory accreditation and certification.

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Operating Budget

TCEQ laboratory accreditation program is a part of the environmental agency for the state. View the operating budget (TCEQ About Us)

Fields of accreditation (FoAs) are the matrix, technology/method, and analyte combinations for which an environmental testing laboratory may be accredited. TCEQ's Laboratory Accreditation Program's FoAs (Effective on January 01, 2025. Includes new PFAS compounds and Tecta EC/TC.)

TNI LAMS is a central repository for information regarding the accreditation status of environmental laboratories.

History of Changes to the FoAs.

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Dropping Matrix, Method, and/or Analyte from Laboratory Field of Accreditation

If the laboratory opts to drop a matrix, method, and/or analyte from the field of accreditation, the laboratory must submit a signed Parameter Withdrawal Request Form

If the laboratory has removed a matrix, method, and/or analyte that was previously accredited, it will have to go through the amendment process to add it back to the laboratory's field of accreditation. See the Application for Accreditation, Renewals, Suspending, or Amendment process above.

This public database provides a list of laboratories and fields of accreditation currently approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). To find and export approved parameters:

1. Enter preliminary search criteria (lab name, matrix, analyte, etc.) and select the ‘search’ button. The resulting data will be populated in the ‘Search Results’ table. Partial matches are acceptable (e.g., 'coli' for 'Escherichia coli').
2. In the Search Results table, filter data further using the top row of any field. Sort the data (ascending or descending) by selecting one or more column headers (shift + click).
3. Filtered search results or contact information can be downloaded using the links at the top right of the Search Results table. For any laboratory, the most recent certificate and scope of accreditation may be viewed by selecting the laboratory name.

Disclaimer: To our knowledge, the information contained in this database is accurate as of the date and time of the search. Regardless of the approval status herein, the laboratory is solely responsible for ongoing compliance with applicable state and federal requirements including method performance, quality control, documentation, proficiency testing, etc.

The laboratory, without delay, shall notify the accreditation body of significant changes relevant to its accreditation, in any aspect of its status or operation relating to:

• its legal, commercial, ownership, or organizational status
• the organization, top management, and key personnel
• main policies
• resources and premises
• scope of accreditation
• other such matters that may affect the ability of the CAB to fulfill requirements for accreditation

Please notify the Program Manager at labprgms@tceq.texas.gov

TCEQ Laboratory Accreditation Traceability of Measurements

The following are elements to ensure traceability of results produced by the laboratory:

• Ensure the calibration laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025.
• Calibration certificates must contain measurement results, measurement uncewrtainty, and/or a statement of compliance with identifiable metrological specifications.
• Retain records for all standards, reagents, reference materials, and media, including the manufacturer/vendor of the manufacturer’s Certificate of Analysis or purity.
• Maintain complete records on standard, reference material, and reagent preparation.
• Maintain complete records on support equipment used for during storage and preparation of samples, standards, and reagents.

Note: Records shall be retained per requirements of TNI V1M2 4.13.3.

The laboratory shall use a calibration service supplier that is either a:

• National Metrology Institute (NMI) recognized by BIPM (for example, NIST) OR
• Service supplier accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 by an accrediting body

TNI Checklists

The accreditation team verifies laboratory compliance with The NELAP Institute's (TNI) 2016 Quality Systems standard using the checklist below. The Quality Systems checklist contains copyright-protected language from ISO/IEC 17025:2005.

A copy of the TNI checklist is available directly from TNI's web page:
2016 TNI Quality Systems checklist

Be advised that you must have a copy of the TNI Standard ELV1, Management and Technical Requirements for Laboratories Performing Environmental Analyses (2016) before you may download this checklist. If you have a copy, please ensure your copy is the 2016 version.

Laboratory Actions

Appeals for Nonconformities

If the laboratory does not agree with a nonconformity, then the laboratory may reach out to the lead assessor who will forward the appeal to the Program Manager. The Program Manager will decide outcome of the appeal and notify the laboratory.

Corrective Actions and TCEQ's Corrective Action Response (CAR) Form

A corrective action (CA) is an action taken to address the effect(s) of a nonconformity, defect, or other undesirable situation (e.g., repair, rework); eliminate the causes of the nonconformity, defect, or other undesirable situation; and prevent recurrence. Some corrective actions must address critical nonconformities that significantly affect data quality or defensibility, including any repeat deficiencies from a previous assessment.

The External Corrective Action Response Form must be used by a laboratory to respond to a nonconformity identified during their TCEQ assessment.

The External Monitoring Form must be used by a laboratory to respond to a critical or significant nonconformity identified during their TCEQ assessment.

Instructions and guidance for completing the CAR form and addressing C.A.s effectively:

• CAR form instructions
• Corrective Action Response Guidelines For TCEQ Accredited Laboratories (Presentation from 2017 Trade Fair)

Application for Technical Manager

Technical manager qualifications are based on one of the following general categories:

• education and experience;
• previous recognition or
• exceptions.

To be recognized as a Technical Manager, an individual must meet the requirements from TNI V1M2 5.2.6.1 and the specific paragraphs within the standard for the different areas of recognition (e.g., chemistry, microbiology, etc.). A Technical Manager can also be recognized based on exceptions/previous recognition per TNI V1M2 5.2.6.2.

Technical Manager Qualification Form

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Helpful Resources

Internal

• TCEQ Method Update Rule (MUR) for Laboratories
• TCEQ Air Quality
• TCEQ Public Drinking Water
• TCEQ Surface Water Quality Monitoring
• TCEQ Unregulated Contaminated Monitoring Rule

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External

Note: some of these sites may require a subscription.

The NELAC Institute links:

• The NELAC Institute (TNI) 
• National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) designated proficiency testing providers.  
• NELAP Fields of Proficiency Testing 

EPA links:

• EPA-Approved CWA Chemical Test Methods
• EPA-Approved CWA Microbiological Test Methods
• EPA Definition and Procedure of the Method Detection Limit (MDL)
• EPA Solid Waste Manual 846 (SW-846)
• EPA Methods Update Rules (MUR)

Other links:

• Federal Register
• Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR Home)
• 40 CFR 136 : Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants
• 40 CFR 141 : National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
• Standard Methods
• EPA PFAS website
• EPA PFAS webinars

TCEQ's Laboratory Accreditation Team utilizes the procedures to ensure compliance with TNI's 2016 version of Volume 2 (EL-V2-2016-Rev 2.0) for accrediting bodies. Laboratory Accreditation Procedures and Revision History (NELAP LAPS) is updated as revisions have been issued.

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Laboratory Accreditation Processes Feedback

This feedback is for continual improvement of TCEQ Laboratory Accreditation Program. Your input is valuable in acknowledging and promoting positive changes.
In instances of ethical concern, report allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to TCEQ at Fraud@tceq.texas.gov.
Feedback for TCEQ Laboratory Accreditation Program

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Complaints

To make a complaint, please get in touch with the Program Manager at labprgms@tceq.texas.gov

This email is being monitored in real-time during regular office hours. If you are sending administrative information, please include "Attention: Records Specialist" in the subject line of your email. If you require additional information, including suitable ways to obtain measurement traceability, please include "Attention: Program Manager" in your email's subject line.

Our mailing address for USPS delivery is:
Texas Laboratory Accreditation Program
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 13087, MC-165
Austin, TX 78711-3087

Our physical address for overnight mail delivery/non-USPS delivery (ex: FedEx) is:
Texas Laboratory Accreditation Program
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
12100 Park 35 Circle, Bldg. B, MC-165
Austin, TX 78753

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Subscribe to Laboratory Accreditation Program email updates

Get email or text updates on your choice of topics. After entering your email address or phone number, select "Environmental Laboratory Accreditation" from the list. You can unsubscribe at any time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

These questions are addressed in the FAQ Guide about questions regarding TCEQ's environmental laboratory accreditation program.