Environmental Testing Lab Key Terms

Learn more about the role of environmental testing labs

By Terri Deno

Environmental testing labs use scientific research and methods to determine whether there are hazardous waste materials present in environmental elements such as the soil, ground water and air. Environmental testing labs are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These labs test for contaminants in the environment that can negatively affect humans that are in close proximity of these areas. An accredited testing lab can also be contracted for testing of privately owned land and businesses.

National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC)

The National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference is the governing body for issuing accreditation to environmental testing labs.
Try: The NELAC Institute provides information on standards and proficiency testing for environmental testing labs to earn accreditation.

National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP)

The National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program is the program created by the NELAC that regulates and issues accreditation for environmental testing labs throughout the United States.
Try: The California Department of Public Health provides information on the NELAP program, including regulations for test procedures and corresponding state regulations for environmental testing labs.

Toxicity Characteristic Leachate Procedure (TCLP)

The Toxicity Characteristic Leachate Procedure is a lab test that determines the types of contaminants present in hazardous waste and the concentrations of the contaminates.
Try: Environment Health and Safety Online details what a TCLP test looks for and how it is executed, and also provides a table of toxicity characteristics.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program is a government program working to reduce the amount of water pollution created by man-made structures that release discharges into surface waters. Permits can be obtained to release materials into surface waters.
Try: The EPA provides information on the NPDES program and how to obtain a permit.

Heavy-metals testing

Heavy metals can be found in water and soil. Too many heavy metals in the environment can have a negative affect on humans, so many environmental testing labs conduct heavy-metals testing.
Try: Cornell University provides fact sheets on solid-waste composting and how heavy metals can have an affect on this process and the environment.

RCRA waste-characterization tests

RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) waste-characterization tests determine whether a solid waste is deemed hazardous through a test of one or more common characteristics of hazard waste.
Try: The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control outlines the process of testing and determining hazardous waste in different classifications of landfills.