Laboratory Accreditation

Help/Assistance

For assistance information and materials please visit https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Laboratory-Accreditation.

Other sources of help, information, and references:

Subject matter expert contact information:

(360) 227-9420

louise.white@ecy.wa.gov

Description/Purpose

Labs that analyze environmental and drinking water samples must be capable of providing accurate and defensible analytical data. In Washington, labs must receive accreditation through the Department of Ecology to ensure they are conducting analyses according to prescribed methods.

Triggers and activities which would require this entry

Labs must receive accreditation through Ecology before they submit environmental, wastewater, drinking water, air, or biosolids analytical data to Ecology, the Department of Health, or other entities requiring the use of an accredited lab. Environmental data includes data submitted for the purposes of compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) or state waste discharge permits.

Explanation/Description of costs/fees, including statutory, regulatory, or other legal authority for fees

The minimum fee for accreditation is $300 annually. The total cost will depend on the number and complexity of tests for which the laboratory is requesting accreditation. See the fee structure in WAC 173-50-90. Once the laboratory is accredited, Ecology will send the lab an invoice to collect the fees.

Application Information

Applying and getting application/form

The application is called 'Application for Environmental Laboratory Accreditation' is online and can be accessed at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/ECY07004.html.

Requirements for the application, additional actions, information, or documentation

Yes. The lab must submit a copy of its current Quality Assurance Manual and proficiency testing sample reports; refer to the application for more detail. Applicants should contact Ecology to find out if they need to submit anything else with the initial application form.

Conditional or associated dependencies or requirements upon approval

Yes. When making the decision on accreditation, Ecology will review and evaluate the lab's Quality Assurance Manual, proficiency testing sample reports, and conduct an audit. Ecology may request additional documents as part of the review.

Application submittal process

The lab must submit the application and required documents to Ecology’s Laboratory Accreditation Unit. You can find more information about the lab accreditation process at https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Laboratory-Accreditation.

Approval validation duration

The accreditation is valid for one year. A lab must apply to renew its accreditation annually before the expiration date of its current accreditation, successfully complete semiannual proficiency testing studies, and undergo periodic on-site assessments.

Appeal process

You have a right to appeal the final accreditation decision to the Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB) within 30 days of the date of receipt of the final accreditation decision. The appeal process is governed by Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 371-08 WAC. “Date of receipt” is defined in RCW 43.21B.001(2).

You must also comply with other applicable requirements in Chapter 43.21B RCW and Chapter 371-08 WAC.

Read the Pollution Control Board’s Appeal Process web page for more details.

Legal authority

Notes / Comments

Customer service is important to us. Please contact the Ecology Laboratory Accreditation Unit if you have any questions.

Contacts

Department of Ecology
Laboratory Accreditation Unit
PO Box 488
Manchester WA 98353-0488
Email: Louise.White@ecy.wa.gov
Website: https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Laboratory-Accreditation
Telephone: (360) 871-8840
Fax: (360) 871-8849

* Credential details last updated 6/5/2025

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