Laboratory analysis and data quality requirements

The person operating a laboratory at which an analysis is performed for the purposes of this Regulation shall ensure that the following requirements are complied with.

For each parameter in Column 1 of Table 2, the Matrix (Column 2), Reporting Detection Limit (RDL) (Column 3) and Acceptable Reference Methods (Column 4) opposite the parameter applies.

Despite the above paragraph, analytical methods that are the equivalent to the acceptable reference methods may also be used. An analytical method is equivalent if the laboratory possesses data that confirms the method produces equivalent test results, including method detection limits (MDLs) equal to or lower than the Reporting Detection Limit (RDL) in Table 2.

Guidance for calculating the laboratory MDL, quality control practices and method principles is available in the Sampling and Analysis Protocol for Ontario Regulation 267/03 Made under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002.

Table 2. Laboratory Analysis

APHA/AWWA/WEF: American Public Health Association/American Water Works Association / Water Environmental Federation "Standard Methods"

ICP-OES: inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

Note: Reference methods are available from the following sources:

• OMAFRA email request to nman.omafra@ontario.ca
• MOECC email request to LaboratoryServicesBranch@ontario.ca
• USEPA www.epa.gov