Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. Gravimetric Analysis of Particulate Matter Filters • Filters shall be provided by KDAQ to the laboratory. • Gravimetric analysis pre- and post- exposure for PM2.5. Strict adherence to 40 CFR 50, Appendix L method must be implemented. As of January 1, 2021, KDAQ will have two PM2.5 samplers on 1/3 EPA schedule and two PM2.5 samplers on a 1/6 EPA schedule, plus 10% field blanks. • Gravimetric analysis pre- and post- exposure for PM10. Strict adherence to 40 CFR 50, Appendix J method must be implemented. As of January 1, 2021, KDAQ will have four PM10 samplers on 1/6 EPA schedule and two PM10 samplers on the 1/12 EPA schedule, plus 10% field blanks. • Validation of sample data shall be performed according to the most recent version of QA Handbook Volume II authored by the EPA. • The laboratory is responsible for the quality assurance and quality control of their operations. • The laboratory shall be positively pressurized with HEPA filtration. • Filter inspection shall be performed with a light and magnification. • All surfaces within the laboratory shall be connected to a dedicated ground bus. • The lab shall implement a data management system that requires all lab quality control (lab blanks, instrument zero, calibration checks with working standards, and replicate analyses) to be performed to allow analysis of the sample set. • The laboratory shall use the sample ID placed on the filter by the manufacturer. The sample ID entry shall be entered by bar code. • Direct data entry from analytical balance to data management system shall be used. • The laboratory environmental conditions shall be recorded in a data management system. • The data management system shall integrate sample collection and laboratory data. • Detailed chain of custody forms shall be utilized and will accompany the filters in transit. Data from the forms shall be entered into the data management system. • The laboratory shall ship filters a minimum frequency of every two weeks to KDAQ and will ship the first business day of the week. • Tared filters shall be shipped in rigid coolers with cooling agent and the cooler shall be shipped in a cardboard box. • Use of shipping containers, chilling agents, min/max thermometers and packing materials to the KDAQ regional offices shall be included in the price. • The price of all filters from the laboratory to the KDAQ regional offices shall be included in the price. • KDAQ shall ship sampled filters to the laboratory a minimum frequency of every two weeks. • The laboratory shall be flexible with the shipping schedule (e.g. holidays). • The laboratory shall determine holding times based on the Additional Guidance on PM2.5 Cassettes Handling and Transportation Memorandum issued by the EPA on January 19, 2000 and EPA Method 2.12, Section 10.7. • Filters shall be loaded into uniquely identified petri slides. Petri slides shall be loaded into petri slide trays and two trays shall be placed in the original petri slide box. Petri slide storage materials shall be included in the price. • All filters shall be archived in refrigeration until samples are scheduled to be returned to KDAQ for long term storage or metals analysis. • After a monthly batch of filters are analyzed and the analytical results are processed, exposed PM10 samples are returned to KDAQ cold. • Empty sample bags are returned monthly to KDAQ. • Archived PM2.5 filters are returned cold to KDAQ in batches of 400 samples. Samples will be returned in petri slide dishes and trays inside of boxes and will include chain of custody forms. • The laboratory must allow for any required technical systems audits. 2. Data Management • Analysis of the sample data using electronic files from the particulate matter sampling instruments shall be used to verify and qualify data. Electronic files will be provided by KDAQ. • The laboratory shall notify KDAQ of elevated concentrations. • The laboratory shall notify KDAQ of any laboratory issues that would impact sample data. • The laboratory shall provide KDAQ with electronic data for valid and voided filters created for import into KDAQ’s filter database. This enhanced data report will include filter IDs, all gravimetric data, lab conditions, and flags. • Monthly summary reports shall be sent to KDAQ documenting analytical results, QA/QC report, lab blanks, trip blanks, maximum cooler temperatures, lab conditions, refrigeration temperatures and precision data for collocated sites. • The laboratory shall provide an hourly labor cost for resolution of sample data collection discrepancies.
