Environmental Chemistry Lab

Our Mission

The Environmental Chemistry Lab (ECL) is comprised of dedicated members who strive to provide legally defensible in the interest of public and environmental health. Our analytical testing adheres to world class ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation to produce the highest quality data for our clients for the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) within the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA).

In support of the DTSC, we strive to fulfill our vision under ISO:

1. Production of high-quality data
2. Continuous improvement of the system
3. Meeting and exceeding customer expectations

What We Do

The work of the Environmental Chemistry Laboratories span many programs within CalEPA. We follow federal EPA methods as well as develop novel in-house methods to expand our scope as the relevance of target analytes evolves.

Examples of our programs are outlined below:

• We serve as California’s reference laboratory for analysis of toxic chemicals in soils, water, wastes, materials, and products that may have adverse effects on public health and the environment.
• We provide analytical and environmental chemistry support to DTSC Programs at all stages of their projects, in close coordination with the project manager and other project team members.
• We provide DTSC and stakeholders with high quality ISO-accredited information for the purpose of building a scientific foundation for decision-making processes regarding contaminants that may affect public and environmental health. The ECL proactively identifies, assesses, and generates data on existing and emerging chemicals of concern within California.
• We work with the state as a part of the California Biomonitoring Program. This collaboration between DTSC, the Office of Health Hazard Assessment, and the California Department of Public Health seeks to monitor levels of Persistent Organic Pollutants in the blood of animals and Californians. We target regulated and emerging chemicals that may expose and threaten sensitive populations.
• We assist in the management of responsible chemical use and clean-up through supplying the data needed to support the Department’s objectives. Our data has been used to link potential sources from point source sites, waste streams, products, and materials with exposure. Our analytical contributions may serve as reference material for regulatory, remediation, and exposure intervention policies.