EPA has published a pre-publication notice of a final rule that approves new methods, or changes to existing methods, that affect 31 EPA methods, 44 Standard Methods, 46 ASTM methods, and 8 alternate test procedures in 40 CFR Part 136. The rule also contains a number of clarifications relating to approved methods, sample preservation and holding times, and method modifications. Among the more significant changes is a new section 136.7 that would require “essential” quality control activities for all analyses. The rule will go into effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. A copy of the prepublication notice of the final rule can be found here: http://water.epa.gov/scitech/methods/cwa/update_index.cfm.
Catalyst has prepared a detailed comparison of the changes to Part 136 and is making this PDF document generally available. A Word version of this document is available to LABFACTS subscribers.
