Purpose, Scope and Applicability, Definitions and Standards, Approved Field Procedures, Approval of New and Alternative Field Procedures, Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements for Field Procedures, Laboratory Certification, Approved Laboratory ...  

  • Notice of Change/Withdrawal

     

    DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

    RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

    62-160.110Purpose Scope and Applicability

    62-160.120Definitions and Standards

    62-160.210Approved Field Procedures

    62-160.220Approval of New and Alternative Field Procedures

    62-160.240Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements for Field Procedures

    62-160.300Laboratory Certification

    62-160.320Approved Laboratory Methods

    62-160.330Approval of New and Alternative Laboratory Methods

    62-160.340Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements for Laboratory Procedures

    62-160.600Research Field and Laboratory Procedures

    62-160.650Field and Laboratory Audits

    62-160.700Tables

    62-160.800Documents Incorporated by Reference

    NOTICE OF CHANGE

    Notice is hereby given that the following changes have been made to the proposed rule in accordance with subparagraph 120.54(3)(d)1., F.S., published in the October 31, 2012 issue of the Florida Administrative Register, Volume 38, Number 62, pages 4763-4777. Most of the changes are made in response to written and oral comments from the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee (JAPC), including incorporation of the various documents listed in Rule 62-160.800, F.A.C. The Department amended its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to comply with JAPC comments that required the agency to edit citations to reference documents contained within the SOPs to align with incorporated document listings in Rule 62-160.800, F.A.C. The Department amended the following SOPs to reflect these changes: FA 1000, FC 1000, FD 1000, FM 1000, FS 1000, FS 2000, FS 2100, FS 2200, FS 2300, FS 2400, FS 3000, FS 4000, FS 5000, FS 6000, FS 7000, FS 8100, FS 8200, FT 1000, FT 1100, FT 1200, FT 1300, FT 1400, FT 1500, FT 1600, FT 1700, FT 1800, FT 1900, FT 2000, FT 3000, LD 1000, LQ 1000, LT 7000, BRN 1000, LVI 1000, and SCI 1000.  Where necessary, revision dates for reference documents were updated.  The Department also amended the SOPs to identify which reference documents must be used to comply with the SOPs. Optional and required forms for use of the SOPs were edited to ensure that form numbers, revision dates, and incorporating rules were included on all forms. The following forms were updated in this manner: Forms FD 9000-1, 9000-3, 9000-4, 9000-5, 9000-6, 9000-24, 9000-25, 9000-27, 9000-31, 9000-32, 9000-33, 9000-34, and 9000-35. Additional editorial clarifications to select SOPs were made where the SOP requirements were unclear.  In response to third party requests discussed at a public hearing, Rules 62-160.220 and 62-160.330, F.A.C., were also amended to authorize consideration of proposed alternatives to sample preservation procedures in SOPs FS 7000 and SCI 1000The proposed rule has changed so that when it is adopted it will read:

    PART I

    GENERAL

    62-160.110 Purpose Scope and Applicability.

    (1) through (5)  No change.

    (6) If specifically required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for activities conducted for or funded by the EPA, Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) shall be prepared in accordance with “EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans, EPA QA/R-5” (EPA/240/B-01/003, March 2001), which is incorporated by reference in subsection Rule 62-160.800(4), F.A.C. These QAPPs will be reviewed and approved by the appropriate EPA office or delegated authority.

    (7) This chapter supports the  DEP Quality Assurance Management Plan required by the EPA for any environmental programs funded in part or in whole by the EPA, as specified in EPA Quality Policy, EPA CIO 2106.0, 10/20/08, which is incorporated by reference in Rule 62-160.800, F.A.C.

    (8) No change.

     

    Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.0623 FS. Law Implemented 373.026, 373.309, 373.409, 373.413, 373.414, 373.416, 373.4592, 376.303, 376.305, 376.3071, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.504, 403.704, 403.707, 403.722, 403.853 FS. History–New 1-1-91, Amended 2-4-93, 2-27-94, Formerly 17-160.110, Amended 3-24-96, 4-9-02, 6-8-04, 12-3-08,_________.

     

    62-160.120 Definitions and Standards.

    For purposes of this chapter:

    (1) through (15) No change.

    (16) “Method detection limit (MDL)” is an estimate of the minimum amount of a substance that an analytical process can reliably detect. An MDL is analyte- and matrix-specific and is laboratory-dependent. The MDL for an analyte is determined from the preparation and analysis of a sample in a given matrix containing the analyte. MDLs shall be determined for each matrix/analytical technology/analyte combination reported by the laboratory, except for those tests where determination of the MDL is not appropriate for the analytical technique.  MDLs shall be calculated following the procedures specified in “New and Alternative Analytical Laboratory Methods”, DEP-QA-001/01 (February 1, 2004), which is incorporated by reference in subsection Rule 62-160.800(5), F.A.C., or by any other technically justifiable and scientifically sound method. A specific method must be used when mandated by the a Department program. For the purposes of data usability evaluation, the DEP-defined MDL is equivalent to the Limit of Detection (LOD) as defined in the TNI Standards, EL-V1-2009-ISO, which are incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(3)(b), F.A.C.

    (17) No change.

    (18) “NELAC Field of Accreditation Matrix” is defined in the Glossary of the 2003 NELAC Standards, which is incorporated by reference in paragraph Rule 62-160.800(3)(a), F.A.C., and shall be used to determine matrices under which a laboratory must be certified by the DOH ELCP for reporting data to be used by the Department:

    (a) through (d)  No change.

    (19) through (23)  No change.

    (24) “Practical quantitation limit (PQL)” is the lowest level of measurement that can be reliably achieved during routine laboratory operating conditions within specified limits of precision and accuracy.  The value of the PQL shall be greater that the MDL value except when analytical quality control problems necessitate raising the MDL value equal to or above the PQL value for a specific sample, or when determination of the MDL is not appropriate for an analytical technique.  For Departmental use, if a laboratory fails to report a PQL, the PQL shall be calculated as four times the MDL, except for those tests where determination of the MDL is not appropriate for the analytical technique. In such cases, the Department shall use all available information about the technique to determine the PQL. For the purposes of data usability evaluation, the DEP-defined PQL is equivalent to the Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) as defined in the TNI Standards, EL-V1-2009-ISO, which are incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(3)(b), F.A.C.

    (25) through (30) No change.

    (31) “Site-specific sampling method” is a field method that is validated for the collection of environmental samples from a particular site, waste stream (e.g., facility location), or sample matrix (e.g., effluent, groundwater or drinking water). A site-specific sampling method is approved for use on a specific site by any field organization that is conducting field activities for that site. The approval of a site-specific sampling method does not apply to a sampling organization that wishes to use the method on other sites or intended for other projects. The alternative procedure approval process is outlined in subparts FA 2100 and FA 2200 of FA 1000 of DEP-SOP-001/01, (09-19-2012), which is incorporated by reference in subparagraph Rule 62-160.800(1)(a)1., F.A.C.

    (32) No change.

    (33) “Statewide method” is a field procedure or analytical laboratory method that is validated for the collection or testing of environmental samples from similar sites or waste streams within the state of Florida by multiple field sampling organizations or laboratories, as applicable. The process for the validation of a statewide method is outlined in subparts Sections FA 2100 and FA 2200 of FA 1000 (Regulatory Scope Administrative Procedures for Use of FDEP SOPs) in DEP-SOP-001/01 (March 31, 2008), which is incorporated by reference in subparagraph 62-160.800(1)(a)1., F.A.C., and in “New and Alternative Analytical Laboratory Methods”, DEP-QA-001/01 (February 1, 2004), which is are incorporated by reference in subsection Rule 62-160.800(5), F.A.C.

    (34) No change.

    Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.0623 FS. Law Implemented 373.026, 373.309, 373.409, 373.413, 373.414, 373.416, 373.4592, 376.303, 376.305, 376.3071, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.504, 403.704, 403.707, 403.722, 403.853 FS. History–New 1-1-91, Amended 2-4-93, 2-27-94, Formerly 17-160.120, Amended 3-24-96, 4-9-02, 6-8-04, 12-3-08,_________.

     

    PART II

    FIELD PROCEDURES

     

    62-160.210 Approved Field Procedures.

    (1) All persons that conduct or support field activites and field measurements shall follow the applicable procedures and requirements described in the DEP SOP collections titled Standard Operating Procedures for Field Activities, DEP-SOP-001/01 (09-19-2012) and Standard Operating Procedures for Selected Bioassessment Activities, DEP-SOP-003/11(09-19-2012), which are incorporated by reference in paragraphs 62-160.800(1)(a) and 62-160.800(1)(c), Rule 62-160.800, F.A.C., respectively unless specifically exempted by the rules of a particular Department program.

    (2) Additionally, all persons performing sampling for the Stream Condition Index (SCI), the Lake Vegetation Index or a Rapid Bioassessment (BioRecon) determination shall follow the procedures and satisfy the data quality objectives discussed in the following documents, which are incorporated by reference in paragraphs 62-160.800(2)(e) and 62-160.800(2)(f), Rule 62-160.800, F.A.C.:

    (a) through (b)  No change.

    (3) Any person that wishes to apply for new or alternative field procedures other than those specified in DEP-SOP-001/01 (09-19-2012) shall follow the requirements provided in Rule 62-160.220, F.A.C.

    Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.0623 FS. Law Implemented 373.026, 373.309, 373.409, 373.413, 373.414, 373.416, 373.4592, 376.303, 376.305, 376.3071, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.504, 403.704, 403.707, 403.722, 403.853 FS. History–New 1-1-91, Amended 2-4-93, 2-27-94, Formerly 17-160.210, Amended 3-24-96, 10-15-96, 4-9-02, 6-8-04, 12-3-08,_________.

     

    62-160.220 Approval of New and Alternative Field Procedures.

    (1) Any party may apply for use of a field procedure other than those specified in DEP-SOP-001/01 (March 31, 2008) and DEP-SOP-003/11, which are incorporated by reference in paragraphs 62-160.800(1)(a) and 62-160.800(1)(c), F.A.C., respectively. Any field procedure not included in DEP-SOP-001/01 (March 31, 2008) and DEP-SOP-003/11 must be approved by the Department prior to use according to the requirements of subparts Sections FA 2100 and FA 2200 of FA 1000, which are incorporated by reference in subparagraph 62-160.800(1)(a)1., F.A.C. of DEP-SOP-001/01 (March 31, 2008). Field procedures previously approved for use by a contract, order or permit before the effective date of this chapter shall remain approved for the duration of the project. The documentation that approved the use of the procedure must be retained for at least five years after the last use of the procedure.

    (2) Field procedures not included in DEP-SOP-001/01 and DEP-SOP-003/11 (March 31, 2008) or not specified by Department contracts, orders or permits, fall into one of the following two categories:

    (a) No change.

    (b) Alternative – a field procedure that involves the collection of an analyte (such as a chemical compound, component, or microorganism) in a specified matrix where a Department-approved procedure already exists. An alternative procedure is one intended to be used in place of an existing Department-approved field procedure. Alternative procedures cannot be approved for the following methods.

    1. The procedures in the following DEP SOPs, which are contained in DEP-SOP-001/01, which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(1)(a), F.A.C., including all parts and subparts of the DEP SOPs methods cited:

    a. FS 7000, except that the Department shall consider proposed alternatives to sample preservation procedures in FS 7000, in accordance with subsection 62-160.220(1), F.A.C.; and, General Biological Community Sampling;

    b. FS 7100, Phytoplankton Sampling;

    c. FS 7220, Qualitative Periphyton Sampling;

    d. FS 7230;, Rapid Periphyton Survey, and

    e. FS 7250, Florida Wetland Condition Index Sampling (Diatoms);

    f. FS 7320, Stream and River Linear Vegetation Survey;

    g. FS 7330, Florida Wetland Condition Index Sampling (Vegetation);

    h. FS 7430, Hester Dendy Sampling;

    i. FS 7440, Core Sampling;

    j. FS 7450, Dredge Sampling;

    k. FS 7460, Lake Condition Index Sampling;

    l. FS 7470, Florida Wetland Condition Index Sampling (Macroinvertebrates); and,

    b.m. FT 3000, Aquatic Habitat Characterization.

    2. The procedures in the following DEP SOPs, which are contained in DEP-SOP-003/11, which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(1)(c), F.A.C., including all parts and subparts of the methods DEP SOPs cited:

    a. BRN 1000, BioRecon Determination

    b. LVI 1000, Lake Vegetation Index; and,

    c. SCI 1000, except that the Department shall consider proposed alternatives to sample preservation procedures in SCI 1000, in accordance with subsection 62-160.220(1), F.A.C., Stream Condition Index.

    3. The discussion of procedures for sampling, description of data quality objectives and criteria for data usability assessments for the Stream Condition Index (SCI), the Lake Vegetation Index (LVI), or a Biorecon determination in DEP-SAS-001/11, which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(2)(e), F.A.C., and DEP-SAS-002/11, which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(2)(f), F.A.C.:

    a. Department of Environmental Protection, Sampling and Use of the Stream Condition Index (SCI) for Assessing Flowing Waters: A Primer (DEP-SAS-001/11); and,

    b. Department of Environmental Protection, Sampling and Use of the Lake Vegetation Index (LVI) for Assessing Lake Plant Communities in Florida: A Primer (DEP-SAS-002/11).

    (3) through (9) No change.

    Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.0623 FS. Law Implemented 373.026, 373.309, 373.409, 373.413, 373.414, 373.416, 373.4592, 376.303, 376.305, 376.3071, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.504, 403.704, 403.707, 403.722, 403.853 FS. History–New 1-1-91, Amended 2-4-93, Formerly 17-160.220, Amended 3-24-96, 10-15-96, 4-9-02, 6-8-04, 12-3-08,_________.

     

    62-160.240 Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements for Field Procedures.

    (1) The record keeping requirements for entities that conduct or support field activities and field measurements are specified in the DEP SOPs contained in the following collections: DEP-SOP-001/01, which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(1)(a), F.A.C., (09-19-2012), including all parts and subparts of DEP SOP FD 1000, which is incorporated by reference in subparagraph 62-160.800(1)(a)3., and DEP-SOP-003/11, which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(1)(c), F.A.C., (09-19-2012), including all DEP SOPs, parts and subparts therein applicable to bioassessment field activities. The specified records shall contain sufficient information to allow independent reconstruction of all activites related to generating data that are submitted to the Department. These records shall be kept by the generator of the records for a minimum of five years after the date of generation or completion of the records unless otherwise specified in a Department contract, order, permit or Title 62 rules.

    (2)(a) No change.

    1. through 2. renumbered (a) through (b) No change.

    (b) In addition to the requirements in this rule, governmental agencies shall comply with all applicable requirements in the Florida Statutes and the Florida Administrative Code concerning the management, storage and destruction of public records described in this Chapter.

    (3)(2) When requested by the Department, the following field sampling information shall be provided to the Department for each site/facility and sampling location, as applicable:

    (a) No change.

    (b) Site and/or facility locational information to include (or as specified by the a Department program for indicated projects):

    1. through 5. No change.

    (c) Information about the collected samples:

    1. through 7. No change.

    8. Any additional information from the field documentation records specified in the DEP SOPs contained in the collections DEP-SOP-001/01 (09-19-2012) and DEP-SOP-003/11, which are incorporated by reference in paragraphs 62-160.800(1)(a) and 62-160.800(1)(c), F.A.C., respectively (09-19-2012).

    (d) Information about field measurement activities:

    1. through 3. No change.

    4. Any additional information from the field documentation records specified in the DEP SOPs contained in the collection DEP-SOP-001/01, which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(1)(a), F.A.C. (09-19-2012).

    (e) Information about site conditions:

    1. through 2.  No change.

    3. Any additional information from the field documentation records specified in the DEP SOPs contained in the collection DEP-SOP-001/01, which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(1)(a), F.A.C. (09-19-2012).

    (f) through (g)  No change.

    (3) through (5)  No change.

    Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.0623 FS. Law Implemented 373.026, 373.309, 373.409, 373.413, 373.414, 373.416, 373.4592, 376.303, 376.305, 376.3071, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.504, 403.704, 403.707, 403.722, 403.853 FS. History–New 4-9-02, Amended 6-8-04, 12-3-08,_________.

     

    PART III

    LABORATORY CERTIFICATION AND PROCEDURES

     

    62-160.300 Laboratory Certification.

    (1) Except as provided in subsections 62-160.300(2), (3), (4) and (5), F.A.C., or other Title 62 rules, all laboratories generating environmental data for submission to the Department or for use in Department-regulated or Department-sponsored activities shall hold certification from the Florida Department of Health, Environmental Laboratory Certification Program (DOH ELCP).  Such certification shall be for all matrix/test method/analyte(s) combinations being measured. The matrix of a sample is defined to be the condition under which the laboratory originally receives the sample, and shall be classified according to the NELAC Field of Accreditation Matrix groups defined by subsection 62-160.120(18)(16), F.A.C.

    (a) Certification shall be based on the matrix of the sample. The matrix of a sample is defined to be the condition under which the laboratory originally receives the sample, and shall be classified according to the NELAC Field of Accreditation Matrix groups defined by subsection 62-160.120(18), F.A.C.

    (b) No change.

    (c) For the non-potable water matrix, laboratories shall apply for and receive DOH ELCP certification in at least one method for each matrix/analytical technology/analyte combination being measured. The Department will accept any of the combinations certified by the DOH ELCP. For informational purposes, the Department shall maintain a list of the acceptable equivalent matrix/analytical technology/analyte combinations and the methods associated with them.

    1. through 2. No change.

    3. If a laboratory is required to provide data for an analyte for which, according to subsection 62-160.320(1), F.A.C., no method is published for  the non-potable water matrix, or the published method for the non-potable water matrix does not meet required data quality objectives established by the Department for a program or project, but a method is published for the drinking water matrix, and the Department has recognized that the published drinking water method meets the data quality objectives for the Department program or project for which the method will be used according to subsection 62-160.320(1), F.A.C., the laboratory is not required to obtain certification for the analytical technology/analyte combination in the non-potable water matrix. However, the laboratory must be certified in the drinking water matrix for the reported test method/analyte combination.

    (d) No change.

    (2) To the extent possible, a laboratory must be certified as specified in subsection 62-160.300(1), F.A.C., before reporting results for a given matrix/analytical technology or test method/analyte combination. However, if a laboratory makes a written request to the Department to use a method that is not certified, the a Department program will allow a laboratory to begin using a method before the certification process is complete if the laboratory wishes to add an analyte to a matrix/analytical technology or test method combination that is already certified; or if the laboratory is certified for a specific matrix/analytical technology or test method/analyte combination and wishes to add the capability of analyzing samples using the same analytical technology or test method/analyte combination in a different matrix.

    (a) through (b)  No change.

    (c) The laboratory shall notify the Department program of the status of its certification application within 5 business days of  receiving notification by DOH ELCP of the certification status.

    (3) Laboratory certification by the DOH ELCP is not required for the following test procedures when conducted for the purposes of drinking water compliance:

    (a) through (o)  No change.

    (p) In cases where the Department has a specific field testing method standard operating procedure (e.g., FT 1100 for pH, in DEP-SOP-001/01, which is incorporated by reference in subparagraph 62-160.800(1)(a)19., F.A.C.), the laboratory or authorized person, as described in Rrule 62-550.550, F.A.C., shall follow the Department’s procedures. For all other analytes, a laboratory or authorized person, as described in Rrule 62-550.550, F.A.C., shall only use test methods that are acceptable for drinking water compliance, as specified in Rrule 62-550.550, F.A.C. and shall follow all requirements for calibration verification according to DEP SOP FT 1000 in DEP-SOP-001/01, which is incorporated by reference in subparagraph 62-160.800(1)(a)18., F.A.C.

    (4) through (5) No change.

    (6) If the requirement for certification is only temporarily waived by the Department according to paragraph 62-160.300(5)(e), F.A.C., for expediency in order to meet specific Department program or project objectives, the laboratory shall apply for certification for the relevant tests and matrices specified in the waiver, if the Department has determined that use of the tests for long-term compliance with Department rules is necessary. In this case, the Department shall establish a deadline for applying for the certification.

    (7) Even if certification is not required (see subsections 62-160.300(3), (4) and (5), F.A.C.), laboratory organizations shall follow the relevant Department-approved methods as provided in Rule 62-160.320, F.A.C., as applicable. In addition, the laboratory shall operate a quality assurance program consistent with the quality systems requirements of the TNI Standards in EL-V1-2009-ISO, which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(3)(b), F.A.C. the TNI Standard EL-V1M2-2011, and as specified in Chapter 64E-1, F.A.C.

    Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.863 FS. Law Implemented 373.026, 373.309, 373.409, 373.413, 373.414, 373.416, 373.4592, 376.303, 376.305, 376.3071, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.504, 403.704, 403.707, 403.722, 403.803, 403.853 FS. History–New 1-1-91, Amended 2-4-93, 2-27-94, Formerly 17-160.300, Amended 3-24-96, 4-9-02, 6-8-04, 12-3-08,_________.

     

    62-160.320 Approved Laboratory Methods.

    (1) Approved laboratory methods are specified in the Department’s program rules, contracts, orders or permits. When methods are specified by a Department program rule, contract, order or permit, only those methods shall be used. For informational purposes, the Department maintains lists of methods, method compendiums and publication sources that have been recognized by the Department various Departmental programs. When laboratory methods are not specified in Department rules, contracts, orders or permits, applicable methods from the list of recognized methods are approved, where the methods are determined by the a Department program to satisfy data quality objectives established for the Department program or project. However, these lists shall not supersede or limit the use of other methods that are required by contract, order, permit or Title 62 rule. Upon request, the lists will be provided by the Department, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400. Links A link for the lists of methods are is posted on the Department’s webpage at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/sas/qa/am-sources.htm. Additionally, tThe Environmental Protection Agency published updated lists of analytical methods in Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants Under the Clean Water Act; Analysis and Sampling Procedures, Final Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 97, Friday, May 18, 2012, Rules and Regulations, pp. 29758-29846, which is incorporated by reference in subsection 62-160.800(6), rule 62-160.800, F.A.C. 

    (2) Except as specified in subsections (3) and (4) below, laboratories performing taxonomic identification for periphyton or benthic macroinvertebrates shall use the procedures in the following DEP SOPs, which are contained in DEP-SOP-002/01, which is and incorporated by reference in paragraph in Rule 62-160.800(1)(b), F.A.C.:

    (a) through (b)  No change.

    (3) Laboratories performing taxonomic identifications or calculations for the Stream Condition Index (SCI), the Lake Vegetation Index or making a Biorecon determination shall use the procedures in the following DEP SOPs, which are contained in DEP-SOP-003/11, which is and incorporated by reference in paragraph Rule 62-160.800(1)(c), F.A.C.:

    (a) through (c)  No change.

    (4) Additionally, laboratories or persons performing taxonomic identifications, calculations or data usability assessments for the Stream Condition Index (SCI), the Lake Vegetation Index or a BioRecon determination shall follow the procedures and satisfy the data quality objectives discussed in DEP-SAS-001/11 and DEP-SAS-002/11, which are incorporated by reference in paragraphs 62-160.800(2)(e) and 62-160.800(2)(f), F.A.C., respectively. in the following documents, which are incorporated by reference in Rule 62-160.800, F.A.C.:

    (a) Department of Environmental Protection, Sampling and Use of the Stream Condition Index (SCI) for Assessing Flowing Waters: A Primer (DEP-SAS-001/11);

    (b) Department of Environmental Protection, Sampling and Use of the Lake Vegetation Index (LVI) for Assessing Lake Plant Communities in Florida: A Primer (DEP-SAS-002/11).

    (5) Laboratories calculating the Lake Condition Index (LCI) shall use the procedures in DEP SOP LT 7000 (including subparts LT 7010, LT 7020, LT 7030, LT 7040, LT 7300 and LT 7900), which are contained in DEP-SOP-002/01, and incorporated by reference in subparagraph Rule 62-160.800(1)(b)3., F.A.C.

    (6) Laboratories calculating the Wetland Condition Indices (WCI) shall use the procedures in DEP SOP LT 7000, subpart LT 7600, including all subparts as listed below, which are contained in DEP-SOP-002/01, and incorporated by reference in subparagraph Rule 62-160.800(1)(b)3., F.A.C.:

    (a) through (b)  No change.

    Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.0623 FS. Law Implemented 373.026, 373.309, 373.409, 373.413, 373.414, 373.416, 373.4592, 376.303, 376.305, 376.3071, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.504, 403.704, 403.707, 403.722, 403.853 FS. History–New 4-9-02, Amended 12-3-08,_________.

     

    62-160.330 Approval of New and Alternative Laboratory Methods.

    (1) Any person may apply for use of a laboratory method other than those described in subsection 62-160.320(1), F.A.C.  Laboratory methods that have been previously approved for use in a contract, order, or permit or Title 62 rule, or approved by the a Department program to meet established data quality objectives according to subsection 62-160.320(1), F.A.C., before the effective date of this chapter shall remain approved. The documentation that approved the use of the method must be retained for at least five years after the last use of the method.

    (2) All new and alternative laboratory methods that support a Department contract, order, permit or Title 62 rule must be approved by the Department prior to use. These methods fall into one of two categories:

    (a)  No change.

    (b) Alternative – an analytical laboratory method that tests for an analyte (such as a chemical compound, component, or microorganism) in a specified matrix, and is intended to be used in place of a method that has been specified, recognized or approved by the Department according to subsection 62-160.320(1), F.A.C. Alternative methods cannot be approved for the following:

    1. No change.

    2. The following methods from DEP-SOP-002/01, which is incorporated by reference in subparagraph 62-160.800(1)(b)3., F.A.C., including all subparts of the methods cited:

    a. No change.

    b. Part LT 7600 of LT 7000, Wetland Condition Indices Determinations.

    3. The following methods from DEP-SOP-003/11, which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(1)(c), F.A.C., including all parts and subparts of the methods cited:

    a. BRN 1000, Biorecon Determination;

    b. SCI 1000, except that the Department shall consider proposed alternatives to sample preservation procedures in SCI 1000, in accordance with subsection 62-160.330(1), F.A.C., Stream Condition Index (SCI) Determination;

    c. LVI 1000, Lake Vegetation Index (LVI) Determination.

    (3) A method modification is any modification to a published analytical laboratory method that changes the scope and applicability, specifications, procedures, performance criteria or requirements contained in the method, as applicable to the analytes and matrices for which the method was originally published. A published method is any method specified, recognized or approved by the Department according to subsection 62-160.320(1), F.A.C., or otherwise available to the public in the scientific literature. A modified method must satisfy the data quality objectives established by the Department project program for which the modifed method will be used. Additionally, validation of the modified method shall demonstrate that the modified method produces equivalent or superior analytical performance, as compared to the unmodified method, where applicable to the analyte and matrix for which the modifed method will be used. 

    (a)  No change.

    (b) Except as indicated in paragraph (c) below, method modifications specifically allowed by the published method do not require submittal of method validation documentation to the Department prior to use. However, the laboratory shall retain all data that demonstrate that the modification meets the Department’s data quality objectives established for the Department program or project for which the method will used, and Department approval is limited to the specific method scope and modifications validated by the laboratory. In addition, the laboratory shall document initial and ongoing performance of the method modification, where such demonstration is required by the original, unmodified published method, and, as otherwise required in the testing module sections 1.5 and 1.6 of the TNI Standard EL-V1-2009-ISO, which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(3)(b), F.A.C., that is applicable to the method EL-V1M4-2011, when laboratory certification is required according to Rrule 62-160.300, F.A.C. All method validation records shall be retained for at least five years after the last use of the modification. 

    1. Except as indicated in subparagraph 62-160.330(2)(b)1., F.A.C., allowable modifications described by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 40 CFR, Part 136.6, which is incorporated by reference in subsection 62-160.800(10), F.A.C., are applicable to the methods listed at 40 CFR, Part 136.3, which is incorporated by reference in subsection 62-160.800(7), F.A.C. The Department shall consider all interpretations of 40 CFR Part 136.6 as published by the EPA on its webpages or in applicable EPA memoranda when responding to requests from any person for assistance in clarifying whether a modification to a method listed at 40 CFR, Part 136.3 is allowed. Where such a determination is uncertain or controversial, the Department shall refer the request to the EPA Region 4 Regional Administrator for determination. However, this determination shall not supersede any requirements in Department rules, contracts, orders or permits to use specific methods.

    2. Except as indicated in subparagraph 62-160.330(2)(b)1., F.A.C, the Department has determined that methods published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the collection entitled in Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods (SW-846) may be modified, where appropriate to achieve Department data quality objectives for a Department program or project, when such modifications are made according to the information and requirements for implementing flexibility in the use of SW-846 methods, alternative methods or concerning method modifications, as discussed contained in Chapter Two, Section 2.1, in SW-846, which is incorporated by reference in subsection 62-160.800(13), F.A.C. the SW-846 collection of methods. However, this determination shall not supersede any requirements in Department rules, contracts, orders or permits to use specific methods.

    (c) If the modified method will be used as an alternative method as described in subsection 62-160.320(2), F.A.C., the method validation shall demonstrate that the modified method produces equivalent or superior analytical performance in meeting the data quality objectives established for the Department program or project, as compared to the method for which it is proposed as an alternative. Validation documentation shall be submitted to the Department according to subsection 62-160.330(4), F.A.C.

    (4) New and alternative methods shall be demonstrated as appropriate for use according to the requirements in New and Alternative Analytical Laboratory Methods, DEP-QA-001/01, which is incorporated by reference in subsection 62-160.800(5), F.A.C. (February 1, 2004), unless otherwise specified in a Department contract, order, permit or Title 62 rule. Where applicable, any additional demonstrations of initial and ongoing performance shall also be evaluated and documented for the new or alternative method, where such demonstration is required by an original, published method, including a published method that has been modified, and, as otherwise required in the testing module sections 1.5 and 1.6 of the TNI Standard EL-V1-2009-ISO, which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(3)(b), F.A.C., that is applicable to the method EL-V1M4-2011, when laboratory certification is required according to rule 62-160.300, F.A.C. Except as indicated in paragraph 62-160.330(2)(b), F.A.C., method validation documentation shall be submitted to the Department for review and approval. The submitted method validation documentation for a new or alternative laboratory method shall be evaluated by the Department based on its intended use:

    (a) No change.

    (b) Statewide-Use Method – the laboratory method is intended for testing environmental samples from similar matrices, sites or waste streams within the state of Florida by multiple laboratories. For a statewide method, the Department requires an interlaboratory collaborative study following the specifications in Appendix D, of the Official Methods of Analysis of the AOAC INTERNATIONAL Association of Official Analytical Chemists (1995), which is incorporated by reference in subsection Rule 62-160.800(14), F.A.C. Alternatively, an interlaboratory collaborative study that is designed based on procedures published by a nationally recognized consensus-based standards organization (e.g., ASTM International American Society for Testing and Materials) may be used. Specifications for these studies are provided in DEP-QA-001/01, which is incorporated by reference in subsection 62-160.800(5), F.A.C. (February 1, 2004).

    (5) through (6)  No change.

    (7) Applicants who are analyzing discharges regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit system shall comply with applicable provisions of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations in 40 CFR Part 136 sections paragraphs 136.4, 136.5, and 136.6, which are incorporated by reference in subsections 62-160.800(8)-(10), F.A.C., respectively. (2012). Applicants shall submit the application to the Department, which shall forward the application to the United States Environmental Protection Agency Administrator of Region 4 for review and approval. The determination for approval or rejection shall be made by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. If requested by the applicant, the Department shall assist the applicant in determining whether an application is required for modifications to methods listed at 40 CFR, Part 136.3, according to subparagraph 62-160.330(2)(b)1., F.A.C.

    (8) Applicants who are analyzing compliance samples under the Safe Drinking Water Act shall comply with the applicable provisions of the United States Environmental Protection Agency regulations (40 CFR Part 141, section 141.27 paragraph  27, which is incorporated by reference in subsection 62-160.800(11), F.A.C.) and Department Rule 62-550.550, F.A.C. Use of an alternative analytical technique requires written permission from the Department and United States Environmental Protection Agency.

    (9) No change.

    Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.0623 FS. Law Implemented 373.026, 373.309, 373.409, 373.413, 373.414, 373.416, 373.4592, 376.303, 376.305, 376.3071, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.504, 403.704, 403.707, 403.722, 403.853 FS. History–New 4-9-02, Amended 6-8-04, 12-3-08,_________.

     

    62-160.340 Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements for Laboratory Procedures.

    (1) Laboratory record keeping requirements shall follow those specified by the DOH ELCP in Rule Chapter 64E-1.005, F.A.C., dated 1-24-05, and this Cchapter. 

    (a) through (d) No change.

    (e) In addition to the requirements in this rule, governmental agencies shall comply with all applicable requirements in the Florida Statutes and the Florida Administrative Code concerning the management, storage and destruction of public records described in this Chapter.

    (2) When requested by the Department, the laboratory shall provide applicable records or copies of the records to the Department. These records shall include, but are not limited to:

    (a) through (j)  No change.

    (k) Field quality control results including trip blanks, field blanks, equipment blanks, and field replicates as required by individual DEP SOPs in DEP-SOP-001/01 (09-19-2012), which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(1)(a), F.A.C., DEP-SOP-003/11 (09-19-2012), which is incorporated by reference in subsection 62-160.800(1)(c), F.A.C., or the applicable contract, order, permit, or Title 62 rule;

    (l) through (m)  No change.

    (n) Any additional records required in individual DEP SOPs in DEP-SOP-002/01, which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(1)(b), F.A.C., (09-19-2012), including DEP SOP LD 1000 and all parts and subparts of LD 1000 therein; and, any additional records required in individual DEP SOPs in DEP-SOP-003/11, incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(1)(c), F.A.C., (09-19-2012), including all DEP SOPs, parts and subparts therein, as applicable to the documentation of bioassessment activities.

    (3) Except as noted in subsection (4) below, a laboratory shall generate an analytical report that meets is consistent with the requirements of the DOH ELCP, as specified in Rule Chapter 64E-1.005, F.A.C., dated 1-24-05, and the section 5.10 of TNI Standards (EL-V1-2009-ISO) EL-V1M2-2011, which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(3)(b), Rule 62-160.800, F.A.C. The report shall contain all applicable reporting elements specified in and shall otherwise comply with requirements specified in Sections 5.10 through 5.10.11 of TNI Standard EL-V1M2-2011, Module 2 of the TNI Standards (General Quality Systems Requirements) in EL-V1-2009-ISO, and shall use the applicable qualifiers as defined in Table 1: Data Qualifier Codes (Rule 62-160.700, F.A.C.). In addition to the stated requirements, laboratories shall ensure that the following requirements are met or reported:

    (a) through (e)  No change.

    (4) Laboratories that are operated by a facility and whose sole function is to provide data to the facility management for compliance purposes (i.e., in-house or captive laboratories as described in section 5.10.10 of TNI Standard EL-V1-2009-ISO EL-V1M2-2011, Module 2 (General Quality Systems Requirements), which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(3)(b), F.A.C., shall meet the requirements specified in that standard.

    (5)  No change.

    (6) Once issued, a laboratory report is considered final and shall not be amended. Amendments or corrections to a final laboratory report shall be made in accordance with the requirements of section 5.10.9 of TNI Standard EL-V1-2009-ISO EL-V1M2-2011, Module 2 (General Quality Systems Requirements), which is incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(3)(b), F.A.C.

    (7) No change.

    (8)  When data qualifiers are added through a validation or review process that is independent of the laboratory reporting process, the reason for the addition, the date of the addition, and the person adding the qualifier(s) shall be included. These qualifiers shall be included in any documents that are summaries or re-published formats, as described in subsection (7)(6) above.

    Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.0623 FS. Law Implemented 373.026, 373.309, 373.409, 373.413, 373.414, 373.416, 373.4592, 376.303, 376.305, 376.3071, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.504, 403.704, 403.707, 403.722, 403.853 FS. History–New 4-9-02, Amended 6-8-04, 12-3-08,_________.

     

    PART IV

    MISCELLANEOUS

     

    62-160.600 Research Field and Laboratory Procedures.

    (1) through (2)  No change.

    (3) All research field sampling and laboratory procedures shall be described in a Department-approved work or study plan or in direct contract language.  The following minimum elements shall be addressed, as applicable:

    (a) through (e)  No change.

    (f) Identification of any specialized training or certification needed by personnel in order to successfully complete the project or task.  This requirement includes specifying any laboratory certification requirements as provided in Rule 62-160.300, F.A.C.  The Department project manager may waive the requirement for laboratory certification as provided in paragraph Rule 62-160.300(5)(e), F.A.C.  Regardless of a waiver of the certification requirement, laboratories conducting work for a research project shall operate a quality assurance program consistent with the quality systems standards of The NELAC Institute (TNI Standard EL-V1-2009-ISO EL-V1M2-2011), which are incorporated by reference in paragraph 62-160.800(3)(b), F.A.C. into this Chapter. The Department shall assist the researcher in determining which specific TNI standards are relevant to the research project. 

    (g) through (h)  No change.

    (4) No change.

    Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.0623 FS. Law Implemented 373.026, 373.309, 373.409, 373.413, 373.414, 373.416, 373.4592, 376.303, 376.305, 376.3071, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.504, 403.704, 403.707, 403.722, 403.853 FS. History–New 1-1-91, Amended 2-4-93, 2-27-94, Formerly 17-160.600, Amended 3-24-96, 10-15-96, 4-9-02,_________.

     

    62-160.650 Field and Laboratory Audits.

    (1) through (4) No change.

    (5) Within ninety (90) days of the audit, the Department shall provide a preliminary audit report to the audited field sampling or laboratory organization, individual, consultant or responding party (“audited party”, hereinafter). The audited party shall have forty-five (45) days thereafter to respond with a detailed plan of corrective actions and an implementation schedule for the deficiencies that were noted in the preliminary audit report; justification for noted deficiencies that will not be addressed or corrected; and any corrections or rebuttals to the audit findings. If different than the above, the a Department program shall specify in rules, contracts, orders or permits any alternative schedules and procedures for the distribution of preliminary audit reports to designated recipients and for any required corrective action plans or other responses from designated respondents.

    (6) No change.

    (7) Once a response has been received, the Department shall evaluate the response for technical applicability and completeness. The Department will issue a final response to the audited party and any affected organization or individual that specifies acceptance or rejection of the audited party’s plan of corrective actions, provides recommendations concerning the usability of the audited data, and includes a statement of any substantially affected person’s rights under Chapter 120, F.S. If different than the above, the a Department program shall specify in rules, contracts, orders or permits any alternative schedules and procedures for the distribution of the Department’s final response to designated recipients, to include acceptance or rejection of the audited party’s plan of corrective actions, recommendations concerning the usability of the audited data and any other relevant information. Any substantially affected organization or person (e.g., field sampling or laboratory organization, individual, consultant, responding party, permittee, or facility owner/operator) may request an administrative hearing as provided in Chapter 120, F.S., within 21 days of receipt of the final response.

    (8) The requirements in subsections 62-160.650(4) through 62-160.650(7), F.A.C shall not apply to field proficiency audits of organizations or persons conducting field bioassessment procedures according to DEP SOPs BRN 1000, LVI 1000 or SCI 1000 (DEP-SOP-003/11), which are incorporated by reference in subparagraphs 62-160.800(1)(c)1.-3., F.A.C., respectively.

    Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.0623 FS. Law Implemented 373.026, 373.309, 373.409, 373.413, 373.414, 373.416, 373.4592, 376.303, 376.305, 376.3071, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.504, 403.704, 403.707, 403.722, 403.853 FS.  History–New 1-1-91, Formerly 17-160.650, Amended 3-24-96, 4-9-02, 12-3-08,_________.

     

    62-160.700 Tables.

    No change.

     

    62-160.800 Documents Incorporated by Reference.

    The following documents and collections are incorporated herein by reference for use in complying with the requirements of this Chapter. Except as otherwise indicated below, copies of incorporated documents are available for review during normal business hours at the Department of Environmental Protection, Water Quality Standards Program, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, or may be obtained from the Department’s internet site at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/sas/qa/, or by writing to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Water Quality Standards Program, 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 6511, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400.

    (1) Department of Environmental Protection Standard Operating Procedures (DEP SOPs) are organized into the three numbered collections designated below. The DEP SOPs contained in each collection are listed following the title and number of the indicated collection. References in this Chapter to the alphanumeric designation for each individual DEP SOP as listed below include reference to all parts, subparts and sections of the cited DEP SOP, unless otherwise cited in a specific rule.

    (a) Standard Operating Procedures for Field Activities, DEP-SOP-001/01, dated 3/1/14:

    1. FA 1000, Regulatory Scope and Administrative Procedures for Use of DEP SOPs, dated 3/1/14;

    2. FC 1000, Cleaning/Decontamination Procedures, dated 3/1/14;

    3. FD 1000, Documentation Procedures, dated 3/1/14;

    4. FM 1000, Field Planning and Mobilization, dated 3/1/14;

    5. FQ 1000, Field Quality Control Requirements, dated 3/1/14;

    6. FS 1000, General Sampling Procedures, dated 3/1/14;

    7. FS 2000, General Aqueous Sampling, dated 3/1/14;

    8. FS 2100, Surface Water Sampling, dated 3/1/14;

    9. FS 2200, Groundwater Sampling, dated 3/1/14;

    10. FS 2300, Drinking Water Sampling, dated 3/1/14;

    11. FS 2400, Wastewater Sampling, dated 3/1/14;

    12. FS 3000, Soil, dated 3/1/14;

    13. FS 4000, Sediment Sampling, dated 3/1/14;

    14. FS 5000, Waste Sampling, dated 3/1/14;

    15, FS 6000, General Biological Tissue Sampling, dated 3/1/14;

    16. FS 7000, General Biological Community Sampling, dated 3/1/14;

    17. FS 8100, Contaminated Surface Sampling, dated 3/1/14;

    18. FS 8200, Clean Sampling for Ultratrace Metals in Surface Waters, dated 3/1/14;

    19. FT 1000, General Field Testing and Measurement, dated 3/1/14;

    20. FT 1100, Field Measurement of Hydrogen Ion Activity (pH), dated 3/1/14;

    21. FT 1200, Field Measurement of Specific Conductance (Conductivity), dated 3/1/14;

    22. FT 1300, Field Measurement of Salinity, dated 3/1/14;

    23. FT 1400, Field Measurement of Temperature, dated 3/1/14;

    24. FT 1500, Field Measurement of Dissolved Oxygen, dated 3/1/14;

    25. FT 1600, Field Measurement of Turbidity, dated 3/1/14;

    26. FT 1700, Field Measurement of Light Penetration (Secchi Depth and Transparency), dated 3/1/14;

    27. FT 1800, Field Measurement of Water Flow and Velocity, dated 3/1/14;

    28. FT 1900, Continuous Monitoring With Installed Meters, dated 3/1/14;

    29. FT 2000, Field Measurement of Residual Chlorine, dated 3/1/14; and,

    30. FT 3000, Aquatic Habitat Characterization, dated 3/1/14.

    (b) Standard Operating Procedures for Laboratory Activities, DEP-SOP-002/01, dated 3/1/14:

    1. LD 1000, Laboratory Documentation, dated 3/1/14;

    2. LQ 1000, Laboratory Quality Control, dated 3/1/14; and,

    3. LT 7000, Determination of Biological Indices, dated 3/1/14.

    (c) Standard Operating Procedures for Selected Bioassessment Activities, DEP-SOP-003/11, dated 3/1/14:

    1. BRN 1000, Biological Reconnaissance Field Method, dated 3/1/14;

    2. LVI 1000, Lake Vegetation Index Methods, dated 3/1/14; and

    3. SCI 1000, Stream Condition Index Methods, dated 3/1/14.

    (2) The following documents and DEP forms are cited in certain DEP SOPs included in the numbered collections DEP-SOP-001/01, DEP-SOP-002/01 or DEP-SOP-003/11 (citation locations in parentheses).

    (a) Methods and other documents published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as listed below.

    1. EPA Method 5035, Revision 0, December 1996, in SW-846, Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods (DEP-SOP-001/01);

    2. EPA Method 1623, Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Water by Filtration/IMS/FA, EPA 815-R-05-002, December 2005 (DEP-SOP-001/01); and,

    3. U.S. EPA ICR Microbial Laboratory Manual, EPA/600/R-95/178, April 1996, Section VII, Part 9, Sampling (DEP-SOP-001/01).

    (b) Code of Federal Regulations:

    1. Table II, Required Containers, Preservation Techniques, and Holding Times, 40 CFR, Ch. I, Part 136.3, Identification of Test Procedures, 7-1-13 Edition, including all footnotes (DEP-SOP-001/01); and,

    2. 29 CFR, 1910.120, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, 7-1-13 Edition (DEP-SOP-001/01).

    (c) Methods and sections included in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, as listed below. Copies of these documents are available for review during normal business hours at the Department of Environmental Protection, Water Quality Standards Program, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400 or from the publisher at http://standardmethods.org/store/.

    1. Section 1060, Collection and Preservation of Samples, subsection 1060 A.2., Safety Considerations 2011 (DEP-SOP-001/01);

    2. Section 9060, Samples, subsection 9060 A.3.a., Potable Water, 2006 (DEP-SOP-001/01);

    3. Method 2130 B, Turbidity, section 3., Reagents, 2011 (DEP-SOP-001/01);

    4. Method 2510, Conductivity, 2011 (DEP-SOP-001/01);

    5. Method 2520, Salinity, 2011 (DEP-SOP-001/01);

    6. Methods 4500-Cl B, C, D, E and F, 2011 (DEP-SOP-001/01);

    7. Methods 4500-O C and G, Oxygen (Dissolved), 2011 (DEP-SOP-001/01); and,

    8. Table 4500-H+:I, Preparation of pH Standard Solutions, in method 4500-H+-B, 2011 (DEP-SOP-001/01).

    (d) Methods published by ASTM International, as listed below. Copies of these methods are available for review during normal business hours at the Department of Environmental Protection, Water Quality Standards Program, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, or from the publisher at ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, or from the publisher’s website at http://www.astm.org/Standard/index.html.

    1. ASTM E1391-03(2008), Standard Guide for Collection, Storage, Characterization, and Manipulation of Sediments for Toxicological Testing and for Selection of Samplers Used to Collect Benthic Invertebrates, 2003, ASTM International (DEP-SOP-001/01); and,

    2. ASTM D888-12e1, Standard Test Methods for Dissolved Oxygen in Water, 2012, ASTM International (DEP-SOP-001/01).

    (e) Department of Environmental Protection, Sampling and Use of the Stream Condition Index (SCI) for Assessing Flowing Waters: A Primer, DEP-SAS-001/11, dated 10/24/11 (DEP-SOP-003/11).

    (f) Department of Environmental Protection, Sampling and Use of the Lake Vegetation Index (LVI) for Assessing Lake Plant Communities in Florida: A Primer, DEP-SAS-002/11, dated 10/24/11 (DEP-SOP-003/11).

    (g) United States Geological Survey, National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data, Book 9, Chapter A6, Field Measurements, Section 6.1, Temperature, Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, Version 2, 3/2006 (DEP-SOP-001/01).

    (h) Merritt, R.W., Cummins, K.W. and Berg, M.B., An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America, Fourth Edition, 2008 (DEP-SOP-002/01 and DEP-SOP-003/11). A copy of this document is available for review during normal business hours at the Department of Environmental Protection, Water Quality Standards Program, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400 or from the publisher at Kendal Hunt Publishing Company, 4050 Westmark Drive, Dubuque, IA 52004-1840.

    (i) DEP Forms cited:

    1. Form FD 9000-1, BioRecon Field Sheet, dated 3/1/14 (DEP-SOP-001/01, DEP-SOP-003/11);

    2. Form FD 9000-3, Physical/Chemical Characterization Field Sheet, dated 3/1/14 (DEP-SOP-001/01, DEP-SOP-003/11);

    3. Form FD 9000-4, Stream/River Habitat Sketch Sheet, dated 3/1/14 (DEP-SOP-001/01, DEP-SOP-003/11);

    4. Form FD 9000-5, Stream/River Habitat Assessment Field Sheet, dated 3/1/14 (DEP-SOP-001/01, DEP-SOP-003/11);

    5. Form FD 9000-6, Lake Habitat Assessment Field Sheet, dated 3/1/14 (DEP-SOP-001/01);

    6. Form FD 9000-24, Groundwater Sampling Log, dated 3/1/14 (DEP-SOP-001/01);

    7. Form FD 9000-25, Rapid Periphyton Survey Field Sheet, dated 3/1/14 (DEP-SOP-001/01);

    8. Form FD 9000-27, Lake Vegetation Index Field Sheet, dated 3/1/14 (DEP-SOP-001/01, DEP-SOP-003/11);

    9. Form FD 9000-31, Lake Observation Field Sheet, dated 3/1/14 (DEP-SOP-001/01, DEP-SOP-003/11);

    10. Form FD 9000-32, Linear Stream Vegetation Survey Field Sheet, dated 3/1/14 (DEP-SOP-001/01);

    11. Form FD 9000-33, Vegetation Wetland Condition Index Field Sheet, dated 3/1/14 (DEP-SOP-001/01);

    12. Form FD 9000-34, Stream Habitat Assessment Training Checklist and Event Log, dated 3/1/14 (DEP-SOP-001/01); and,

    13. Form FD 9000-35, Stream Condition Index Training Checklist and Event Log, dated 3/1/14 (DEP-SOP-003/11).

    (3) NELAC and TNI Standards, as listed below. Copies of these documents are available for review during normal business hours at the Department of Environmental Protection, Water Quality Standards Program, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, or from the publisher at The NELAC Institute, P.O. Box 2439, Weatherford, TX, 76086 or the publisher’s website at http://www.nelac-institute.org/index.php.

    (a) Glossary, Appendix A to Chapter 1, Program Policy and Structure, 2003 NELAC Standards, Approved June 5th, 2003, EPA/600/R-04/003; and,

    (b) The NELAC Institute (TNI), EL-V1-2009-ISO, Environmental Laboratory Sector, Vol. 1, Management and Technical Requirements for Laboratories Performing Environmental Analyses (2009).

    (4) EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans, EPA QA/R-5 (EPA/240/B-01/003), March 2001.

    (5) New and Alternative Analytical Laboratory Methods, DEP-QA-001/01 (February 1, 2004) and the following documents cited therein:

    (a) Section 1080, Reagent-Grade Water (1993), Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, available from the publisher at http://standardmethods.org/store/ or available for review during normal business hours at the Department of Environmental Protection, Water Quality Standards Program, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400;

    (b) Definition and Procedure for the Determination of the Method Detection Limit Revision 1.11, 40 CFR Part 136, Appendix B, 7-1-13 Edition;

    (c) IUPAC Nomenclature in Evaluation of Analytical Methods including Detection and Quantification Capabilities, Pure & Appl. Chem., Vol. 67, No. 10, pp. 1699-1723, 1995; available for download at http://www.iupac.org/publications/pac/index/ or available for review during normal business hours at the Department of Environmental Protection, Water Quality Standards Program, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400; and,

    (d) Hubaux, A., G. Vos, Decision and Detection Limits for Linear Calibration Curves, Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 42. No. 8, pp. 849-855, July 1970; available for download at http://pubs.acs.org/journal/ancham or available for review during normal business hours at the Department of Environmental Protection, Water Quality Standards Program, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400.

    (6) Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 97, Friday, May 18, 2012, Rules and Regulations, pp. 29758-29846, Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants Under the Clean Water Act; Analysis and Sampling Procedures, Final Rule.

    (7) 40 CFR, Part 136.3, Identification of Test Procedures, 7-1-2013 edition.

    (8) 40 CFR, Part 136.4, Application for and approval of alternate test procedures for nationwide use, 7-1-2013 edition.

    (9) 40 CFR, Part 136.5, Approval of alternate test procedures for limited use, 7-1-2013 edition.

    (10) 40 CFR, Part 136.6, Method Modifications and Analytical Requirements, 7-1-2013 edition.

    (11) 40 CFR Part 141, National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, Subpart C, Monitoring and Analytical Requirements, section 141.27, Alternate analytical techniques, 7-1-2013 edition.

    (12) Chapter Two, Choosing the Correct Procedure, Section 2.1, Guidance Regarding Flexibility Inherent to SW-846 Methods and the Precedence of SW-846 Quality Control Criteria (February 2007), in Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods (SW-846). This publication may be viewed at http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/testmethods/sw846/online/index.htm, where it may also be downloaded. A printed copy may be obtained from the National Technical Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, 5301 Shawnee Road, Alexandria, VA. 22312.

    (13) Guidelines for Collaborative Study Procedures to Validate Characteristics of a Method of Analysis, Appendix D, Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, 19th edition (2012). A copy of this document is available for review during normal business hours at the Department of Environmental Protection, Water Quality Standards Program, 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400 or from the publisher at AOAC INTERNATIONAL, 481 N. Frederick Ave., Suite 500, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, or from the publisher’s website at http://www.aoac.org.

    (14) Process for Assessing Data Usability (DEP-EA-001/07), dated March 31, 2008.

    (1) Specific references to the documents listed below are made throughout this chapter and are incorporated by reference.

    (a) Department of Environmental Protection Standard Operating Procedures for Field Activities, DEP-SOP-001/01 (09-19-2012), Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Standards and Assessment Section.

    (b) Department of Environmental Protection Standard Operating Procedures for Laboratory Activities, DEP-SOP-002/01 (09-19-2012), Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Standards and Assessment Section.

    (c) Department of Environmental Protection, Standard Operating Procedures Selected Bioassessment Activities, DEP-SOP-003/11 (09-19-2012), Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Standards and Assessment Section.

    (d) through (g)  No change.

    (h) EPA Quality Policy, EPA CIO 2106.0, 10/20/08, United States Environmental Protection Agency.

    (i) The NELAC Institute (TNI), EL-V1M2-2011, Environmental Laboratory Sector, Vol. 1, Management and Technical Requirements for Laboratories Performing Environmental Analyses, Module 2: Quality Systems General Requirements.

    (j) Glossary, Appendix A to Chapter 1, Program Policy and Structure, 2003 NELAC Standards, Approved July 5th, 2003, EPA/600/R-04/003. 

    (k) Department of Environmental Protection, Sampling and Use of the Stream Condition Index (SCI) for Assessing Flowing Waters:  A Primer (DEP-SAS-001/11).

    (l) Department of Environmental Protection, Sampling and Use of the Lake Vegetation Index (LVI) for Assessing Lake Plant Communities in Florida: A Primer (DEP-SAS-002/11).

    (m) Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants Under the Clean Water Act; Analysis and Sampling Procedures, Final Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 97, Friday, May 18, 2012, Rules and Regulations, pp. 29758–29846.

    (2) No change.

    Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.0623 FS. Law Implemented 373.026, 373.309, 373.409, 373.413, 373.414, 373.416, 373.4592, 376.303, 376.305, 376.3071, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.504, 403.704, 403.707, 403.722, 403.853 FS. History–New 4-9-02, Amended 6-8-04, 12-3-08,_________.