Analytical Testing

The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory coordinates closely with its departmental programs to enforce California’s hazardous substances and hazardous waste laws and regulations. It receives and analyzes samples collected by field staff from the different programs, such as Hazardous Waste Management Program, Cleanup and Safer Consumer Products. The environmental samples come from different sites and industries and from various special projects and initiatives of the Department. The Laboratory also receives and analyzes biological samples from other entities such as Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

The Berkeley and Pasadena laboratories are equipped with cutting edge analytical instruments that can measure hundreds of chemicals in a wide range of matrices. The laboratories follow standard methods issued by authoritative bodies such as the US EPA, but the laboratories also adapt and develop new methods to measure new, emerging contaminants or known contaminants in new matrices (e.g. children’s toys, e-waste, carpets, fabrics).

In its analytical testing approach, the Laboratory examines each matrix with its unique attributes and determines the appropriate sample pre-preparation technique(s), sample preparation technique(s) such as digestion or extraction and cleanup procedures and analytical method. ECL scientists have the experience and expertise to analyze difficult matrices that commercial laboratories cannot handle. The goal of the Laboratory is to produce analytical results that are scientifically valid, meaningful and defensible in legal proceedings in support of the Department and State.

Our staff are devoted to providing thorough quality control to produce high-quality data. Occasionally time constraints arise when requests fall outside our scope or exceed our workflow capacity. In these cases, we use commercial labs to address overflow and out of scope requests such as Asbestos or Fish Bioassays. Commercially produced data adheres to the same data quality standards as if it were produced by ECL. In-house analysis is prioritized for samples likely to be used in legal proceedings or legislative decision-making.