The proposed rules update quality assurance requirements for entities providing environmental data to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), including field and laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). The proposed rules, which generally provide clarification and increased flexibility, update various documents incorporated by reference into the rule chapter, clarify when laboratory certification is not required, clarify requirements for approval of new, modified and alternative field and lab procedures, clarify documentation requirements for research activities, and address miscellaneous, minor revisions to various rules within the chapter in response to stakeholder input.