Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program

TPH Policy Update

  • The Kansas Methods for Determination of Low-Range Hydrocarbons (LRH) and Mid-/ High-Range Hydrocarbons (MRH/HRH) may be found in the Quick Links section.
  • Labs may request certification for the Kansas LRH and MRH/HRH methods starting November 9th.
  • Labs currently certified by the state of Kansas must submit an added parameter form, Standard Operating Procedure, and initial document by December 4th, 2015.
  • Labs not currently certified in Kansas must submit a complete application packet which may require additional processing time.
  • Applications received after the deadline may not be processed until after January 1st.
  • Labs submitting a complete request by December 4th will be certified for the KS LRH and MRH/HRH methods on January 1st, 2016 to avoid any competitive advantage.
  • Please email us with any questions.

About

The role of the Environmental Laboratory Improvement Office (ELIPO) is to accreditNELAP Badge environmental laboratories performing analysis to comply with permit requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The goal is to provide the environmental programs administered by the KDHE, Division of Environment with laboratory data of known quality and of legal defensibility. The Division of Environment relies on ELIPO to support a multitude of scientific, regulatory, and administrative decisions. Efforts to improve the quality of monitoring data ranks among the most important functions of the ELIPO staff.

History of the Program

The Kansas Environmental Laboratory Certification program was authorized by the Kansas legislature in 1978 with the enactment of K.S.A. 65-1,109a. The program was implemented by the enactment of K.A.R. 28-15-35 through 28-15-37. In 1999 the state of Kansas became a nationally recognized accrediting authority. This recognition was obtained as the KDHE, ELIPO implemented the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) standards for laboratory accreditation.

The TNI Standard

NELAC has since evolved into The NELAC Institute (TNI) and remains the national standard-setting body for environmental laboratory accreditation and for accrediting authorities. The standards developed by TNI have become a reality thanks to the joint effort and commitment of participants from all states, the federal government, the environmental laboratory community, and the regulated industries. The state of Kansas is a TNI participant and voting member with governor-appointed representatives participating in the national conference each year.

The consensus effort has resulted in the adoption of a new standard for lab accreditation: The TNI standard. The TNI standard is available on the TNI website and is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2011. Training sessions on the TNI standard are being arranged and the schedule will be posted here when finalized.

Laboratories Outside of Kansas Seeking Primary Accreditation From KDHE

The KDHE Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program has contracted with the two NELAP third-party assessment bodies listed below to assist with the primary accreditation of environmental testing laboratories outside of Kansas. For more information please contact our lab improvement specialists or the third-party assessors directly.

  • Jack Farrell
    Analytical Excellence, inc.
    812 Point Pleasant Place
    Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
    Phone: 407.331.5040
    Email Analytical Excellence inc

  • Tessa Landry
    Dade Moeller & Associates

    1835 Terminal Drive, Suite 200
    Richland, WA 99354
    Phone: 225-335-3199
    Email Tessa Landry

Complaint Reporting Procedures

All complaints will be reviewed and investigated as appropriate.

Complaints Against a Kansas Certified Laboratory

Please submit complaints against a Kansas-certified laboratory in writing to the Environmental Laboratory Improvement Program Office.

Direct Complaints Regarding the Environmental Laboratory Improvement Program Office

Please direct complaints regarding the Environmental Laboratory Improvement Program Office to the Director of the Division of Environment.

  • Phone: 785-296-1535

    Fax: 785-559-4264