2024 Preliminary Technical Program

The theme of the 2024 conference will be "Reliable Data for Sound Decision Making". It will feature over 140 presentations and posters organized into technical sessions from August 5-9, 2024.

 

8:15
The 2024 Charlie Carter Award
Location: Grand EFG

8:15 Welcome and Introduction, Lara Phelps, Deputy Director (Acting) USEPA ORM

8:30 Presentation, Judy Morgan, Pace Analytical Services

  

9:00
Air Monitoring, Methods, and Technology
Session Chair(s): Jason Herrington (Restek), Jason Hoisington (Restek), and Hannah Calder (Markes)
Location: Garden 1&2

  9:00Assessing Diurnal and Spatial Variations of PM2.5 in Urban Environments: A Case Study with Low-Cost Sensors in an Environmental Justice Community
Inkyu Han, Temple University College of Public Health
  9:30Automated Monitoring of Organic Ozone Depleting Substances and Greenhouse Gases.
Ericka Hachmeister, Markes International, Inc
  10:30Field and Mobile Measurements of Air Toxics Using Thermal Desorption, Broadband Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy
Aurelie Marcotte, Entanglement Technologies, Inc.
  11:00Making “Sentient” Air Monitors: Automating QA/QC on Open Path Fence Line Monitoring Systems
Jonathan Flint, Argos Scientific, Inc.
  11:30Mobile VOC Monitoring on Vehicle and Aircraft Platforms
Maya Abou-Ghanem, TOFWERK

9:00
Ensuring Reliable Data
Session Chair(s): Jerry Parr (The NELAC Institute) and Kyle Power (TriHydro)
Location: Garden 3

  9:00Good Practices When Handling Fish Tissue to Avoid Data Reliability Issues: Results from Sample Wrapping and Holding Time Studies
Harry McCarty, General Dynamics Information Technology
  9:30Towards Routine Non-Targeted Analysis – Metrics of Data Quality and Acceptance
David Schiessel, Babcock Laboratories, Inc.
  10:30Improving the Reliability of Laboratory Testing
Paul Junio, The NELAC Institute
  11:00Changes to V1M5: The New TNI Microbiology Standard
Cody Danielson, Oklahoma DEQ
  11:30Improving the Reliability of Field Operations
Katie Strothman, Sanders Laboratories

9:00
TNI: Assessment Forum
Session Moderator: Judy Morgan, Pace Analytical Services and Mitzi Miller, Miller Quality Consulting, LLC
Location: Grand EFG

“Beyond the Checklist Series - Focus on Preventing Deficiencies”

This session will focus on looking beyond the checklist for internal audits and review the deeper questions that should be asked to ensure that each item has been evaluated beyond a simple “yes” or “no”, where necessary.

9:00 Introduction
9:15 Beyond “Yes” or “No” - Peeling Back the Pain, Mitzi Miller, Miller Quality Consulting, LLC
Focusing on the proper use of checklists to prevent deficiencies rather than relying on completeness of the yes/no boxes as an indicator of a successful audit. How to use the checklist to ensure that you are seeing more than just the obvious on the surface and when to go at least one step further.

10:00 BREAK

10:30 Effectively Assessing Digital Records, Jeanne Mensingh, Labtopia, Inc.
Focusing on understanding digital/electronic records and how to audit the data capture/reporting process and related records to ensure that the data represents the security, detail and traceability necessary to maintain data integrity and completely reconstruct the analysis. In addition, files that require manual entry, related worksheets, and other types of records will be addressed.

11:15 Interactive review of checklist items with audience participation


9:00
TNI: Proficiency Testing Program Executive Committee
Session Chair(s): Susan Jackson, South Carolina DHEC
Location: Garden 4

The purpose of the Proficiency Testing (PT) Program Executive Committee is to establish and maintain a national PT program to support a national environmental accreditation program including establishing Fields of Proficiency Testing (FoPT).

– Committee Overview and Introductions
– Recent Accomplishments
– Subcommittee Updates
– SOP
– WET FoPT- status of data evaluation
– Chemistry FoPT- Drinking Water Fields of Proficiency Testing updates, Radiochemistry

10:00 BREAK

– Proficiency Testing Provider Accreditor Annual Reports
– A2LA - Nick Slawson
– ANAB - Patrick Selig
– 2024 Goals and Long-Term Planning
– Open Discussion and other items


1:00
Analyzing Microplastics in the Environment
Session Chair(s): Tarun Anumol (Agilent) and Shelly M. Walther (Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts)
Location: Garden 3

  1:00A Comprehensive Approach for Successful Microplastics Analysis
William Lipps, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
  1:30Developments in QCL-Based Spectroscopy for Rapid Identification of Microplastics
Louis Tisinger, Agilent Technologies
  2:00PY-GCMS Analysis of Microplastics Using Nitrogen as an Alternative GCMS Carrier Gas
Alan Owens, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
  2:30Challenges and Opportunities to Forensic Approaches in Microplastics
Kelsey Rousteau, NewFields
  3:30High Molecular Weight Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Microplastic Samples Collected Following the Sinking of the Container Ship X-Press Pearl
Douglas Stevens, Waters Corporation
  4:00Determination of Micro Plastics in the Environment Using Total Flow Nebulization and Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS
Yan Cheung, Agilent Technologies, Inc.
  4:30Optimizing Membrane Filter Selection for Analytical Methods Used to Characterize Microplastics in the Environment
Lindsay Lozeau, MilliporeSigma

1:00
Automation & Innovation for Sample Preparation
Session Chair(s): Zoe Grosser (retired) and Polly Newbold (ddms)
Location: Garden 1&2

  1:00Sample Preparation, Why do I Care?
Polly Newbold, ddms, Inc
  1:30Inline Filtration and Treatment for Ion Chromatographic (IC) Methods
Kyle Nash, Orange County Water District
  2:00Advancements in EPH Fractionation: Overcoming Challenges and Enhancing Efficiency
Christopher Mitchell, Biotage
  2:30The Automated Extraction of 40 PFAS Compounds from Tissue Samples
Alicia Stell, CEM Corporation
  3:30Fully Automated Determination of PFAS in Liquid and Solid Matrices Via Online SPE Coupled to LC-MS/MS: Application to EPA Method 1633 Compound List
Lilit Ispiryan, Trajan Scientific and Medical
  4:00Analysis of Semi Volatiles Method by GC/MS/MS with Liquid-liquid Extractions Using ePrep Full Automation for EPA 3511
Alexis Willey, Agilent Technologies
  4:30Semi-Automated Solid Phase Extraction and Analysis of Wastewater with EPA Method 625
Tom Hall, Fluid Management Systems

1:00
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment
Session Chair(s): Mike Chang (Restek Corp) and Jonathan Thorn (Eurofins-Lancaster Laboratories Environmental)
Location: Grand EFG

  1:00PFAS in Wild Fish Tissue: Development of a Simple and Robust Extraction Procedure Using Pass-Through Matrix Removal
Matthew Giardina, Agilent Technologies
  1:30An Assessment of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Great Lakes Fish
John Healey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  2:00PFAS are Everywhere and Now We Have a Validated Multi-matrix Method 1633 to Find Them
Adrian Hanley, USEPA OST
  2:30Validation of Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Wastewater Samples Using EPA Method 1633 with Semi-Automated Solid Phase Extraction
Tom Hall, Fluid Management Systems
  3:30EPA 1633 - What Happens When Automated Solvent Extraction and Robust LC-MS/MS are Coupled for Soil Analysis
Ruth Marfil-Vega, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
  4:00Automated Workflow for High-throughput PFAS Sample Preparation for Solid Matrices Following EPA Method 1633.
Evan Walters, Biotage
  4:30Harnessing the Power of Mass Spectrometry and Automation to Reduce Sample Size, Sample Preparation Time and Increase Laboratory Efficiency
Kari Organtini, Waters Corporation

1:30
TNI: Chemistry Expert Committee
Session Chair(s): Michelle Wade, Pace Analytical Services
Location: Garden 4

The Chemistry Expert Committee is responsible for Module 4 of the TNI laboratory accreditation standard. This includes requirements for the calculation of limits of detection (LOD), limits of quantitation (LOQ), calibration curves, and other related values.

1:30 Welcome and Introductions
1:45 Summary of 2024 Committee Activities to Date
3:00 BREAK
3:30 Open Discussion on Proposed Volume 1 Module 4 Changes

8:15
Keynote Speaker
Location: Grand EFG

8:00 Welcome, Jerry Parr, The NELAC Institute
8:10 Keynote Speaker Introduction, Guillaume ten Dam, DSP Systems

  8:15The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Environmental Testing
Agustin Pierri, Weck Laboratories, Inc.

9:00
Emerging Environmental Applications for High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Session Chair(s): Paul Winkler (retired)
Location: Garden 1&2

  9:00Overcoming Simple and Complex Matrix Interferences in Environmental Samples by QQQ-ICP-MS
Yan Cheung, Agilent Technologies, Inc.
  9:30Breaking Barriers that Limit Non-Targeted Analysis Through Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach
Ruth Marfil-Vega, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
  10:30Using High-Res MS to Explore the Chemical Space of PFAS Captured by Solid-Phase Extraction
David Schiessel, Babcock Laboratories, Inc.
  11:00Targeted and Non-Targeted Analysis LC-Orbitrap MS Workflow for Analysis of More than 40,000 PFAS Compounds
Cynthia Grim, Thermo Fisher Scientific
  11:30From Trend to Discovery: Temporal Analysis of Contaminants in Watersheds Using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Kendra Adams, SCIEX

9:00
Laboratory Informatics
Session Chair(s): Robert Benz (Clinisys)
Location: Garden 3

  9:00Strategic Insights Using Cloud LIMS
Bill Pingpank, Ethosoft, Inc.
  9:30ALPACA SDMS and Micro ELN©, An Automated Data Management System for Environmental Analysis
Devon Morgan, Clark County Water Reclamation District
  10:30Assessing Your Needs and Justifying a LIMS
Richard Danielson, Confience
  11:00Leveraging Technology to Improve Laboratory Quality
Matthew Sica, Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation
  11:30LIMS Challenges for a Multi-Site Organization
Kevin Carter, Clinisys

9:00
TNI: Laboratory Accreditation Body Committee
Session Chair(s): Aaren Alger, Alger Consulting and Training
Location: Pacific

The Laboratory Accreditation Body Committee develops the standard for operation of laboratory accreditation bodies.

9:00 Introductions
9:15 Progress on Reviewing Comments
10:00 BREAK
10:30 Discussion of Comments Still Needing Resolution
11:30 Feedback from Participants


9:00
TNI: Quality Management Systems Expert Committee
Session Chair(s): Debbie Bond, Alabama Power
Location: Garden 4

The Quality Management Systems Committee develops a standard for the quality management systems in environmental laboratories. The elements of a quality management system include organizational structure, responsibilities, procedures, processes, and resources (e.g., facilities, staff, equipment) for implementing quality management in testing operations. This meeting will focus on:

9:00 Introductions
9:15 Highlights of changes to Volume 1 Module 2
10:00 BREAK
10:30 Updates to Technical Specialist Responsibilities and Qualifications


1:00
Environmental Forensics
Session Chair(s): Kitty Kong (Chevron) and Kesavalu Bagawandoss (SGS)
Location: Garden 3

  1:00Utility of Tier 1 Analysis in Hydrocarbon Forensics
Kesavalu Bagawandoss, SGS North America, Inc.
  1:30Use of PIANO Data to Identify Source and Potential Age of Subsurface LNAPL at a Pipeline Terminal.
Heather Lord, Environmental Standards Inc.
  2:00The Measurement of C19-C36 Aliphatic Hydrocarbons at a Sediment Superfund Site Using the MADEP Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbon Method: Considerations for Data quality and Usability
Eric Litman, NewFields Environmental Forensics
  2:30Forensics Analysis of PFAS Using Advanced Analytical Techniques
Sarah Choyke, Eurofins Environment Testing

1:00
Environmental Monitoring Coalition (EMC)
Session Chair(s): Jerry Parr
Location: Pacific

The EMC develops consensus recommendations and provides advice to federal and state agencies and stakeholder groups that will reflect the opinions and positions of its constituents on issues that include but are not limited to:
– Validating and implementing methods for environmental sample collection and analysis;
– Encouraging the method performance approach in environmental monitoring and regulatory programs;
– Employing a quality systems approach that ensures that environmental monitoring data are reliable;
– Facilitating the operation and expansion of a national environmental accreditation program; and
– Providing input on specific method implementation and monitoring issues.

1:00 Update on 2023/2024 Activities
1:30 Open Forum
The Open Forum will allow attendees to bring issues to the Coalition that need to be addressed.

  

1:00
Innovative Solutions for Water Testing
Session Chair(s): Richard Jack (Phenomenex) and Troy Strock (EPA Office of Water)
Location: Garden 4

  1:00Amperometric CN - Principles, Practice & Operational Benefits
Ilkka Lahdesmaki, FIAlab Instruments, Inc.
  1:30Comprehensive In-situ Planktonic and Aggregate-bound E.coli Monitoring for Reliable Risk Assessment
Dan Angelescu, Fluidion US Inc.
  2:00Method 1621: Determination of Adsorbable Organic Fluorine in Aqueous Matrices by Combustion Ion Chromatography
Sarah Bekah Burket, USEPA OST
  2:30The Collaborative Efforts to Develop an EPA Method for 6PPD-Q in Aqueous Matrices
Harry McCarty, General Dynamics Information Technology

1:00
Metals Analysis
Session Chair(s): Joshua Sussman (USGS) and Cecelia O'Connor (USGS)
Location: Garden 1&2

  1:00Novel Developments in Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry: How can the Analysis of Complex Samples Be Made Simple?
Andy Fornadel, Thermo Fisher
  1:30Chromium VI Analysis Revisited to Respond to Evolving Environmental Regulations
Yujing Jiang, SHIMADZU CORPORATION
  2:00Revising Standard Method’s Section 3125 Metals by ICPMS
Matthew Sullivan, Minneapolis Water Works Department
  2:30Improving Sample Throughput for Metals Analysis with Intelligent Automated Standard & Sample Introduction
Yan Cheung, Agilent Technologies, Inc.

3:30
Innovative New Technology Showcase
Location: Harbor

The Innovative New Technology Showcase will feature a five-minute oral presentation describing each new technology followed by a networking session.

  
8:30
Plenary Session
Location: Grand EFG

8:00 Welcome, Earl Hansen, The NELAC Institute

8:15 Introduction to Session, Lara Phelps, Deputy Director (Acting) USEPA, ORM

  8:30Current Trends in Environmental Programs for Environmental Decision Making
Godfrey Uzochukwu, North Carolina A&T State Univ.
  9:15Leading in Sound Evidence-Driven Decision Making: Inspiring Stories from the Field!
Brighton Musevenzo, Evidence 4 Impact 360
  10:30Monitoring for Management: A Modular, Ecosystem Function-based Assessment Framework for Estuaries
Christine Whitcraft, California State University Long Beach
  11:15Ensuring Reliable Data Across All EPA Programs
Judith Morgan, Pace Analytical Services

12:00
Vendor Lunch Speaker

  12:001-Supercharging Productivity for Metals and sVOCs Analysis with the Latest Innovations for Your Lab 2-Demystifying the Future of PFAS Testing in a New Regulatory World
Agilent Technologies, Agilent Technologies, Inc.
  12:00Advancements in Potable Water Analysis with Universal Collision-Reaction Gas Technology
Aaron Hineman, Perkin Elmer
  12:00GC, LC, and Sample Preparation Advancements for the Analysis of Pesticides and SVOCS
Jason Herrington Jason Hoisington, Restek Corporation
  12:00Innovate, Automate, Integrate: Advance your Laboratory with Thermo Fisher Scientific Part 1: The new Inuvion IC allows Environmental labs fast turnaround time on their anion and cation analysis with lower operational costs Part 2: Automated targeted, and non-targeted Analysis, PFAS testing workflow to meet current and future regulations Part 3: Innovative workflows for environmental contaminant testing using ICP-OES and ICP-MS
Thermo Fisher, Thermo Fisher Scientific
  12:00Redefine Environmental Analysis with Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry
Alan Owens, Shimadzu

1:30
Collaborative Efforts to Improve Environmental Monitoring
Session Chair(s): Lem Walker (USEPA) and William Lipps (Shimadzu)
Location: Garden 1&2

  1:30A New Method for the Analysis of Pesticides in Water Samples
William Lipps, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
  2:00Under Development: Standard Methods 4500 N Part F – Persulfate Digestion and Colorimetry using 2,6-Dimethylphenol
Christian Prokisch, MACHEREY-NAGEL
  2:30EPA's Environmental Response Laboratory Network - Preparing for CBRN Incidents
Christina Langlois-Miller, US EPA, CBRN CMAT
  3:30Real-Time Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds in RO-Based Potable Reuse
Aurelie Marcotte, Entanglement Technologies
  4:00Strengthening Collaboration and Coordination for Effective Water Contamination Incident Support
Peter Roumeliotis, United States Environmental Protection Agency
  4:30Delay Columns: Additional Impacts to Delaying PFAS Present in the Background
Ruth Marfil-Vega, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments

1:30
The Role of AI in Environmental Analyses
Session Chair(s): Agustin Pierri (Weck Labs) and Bob Wyeth (The NELAC Institute)
Location: Garden 3

  1:30Make Sense of AI and What it will Mean for Your Lab
Stacia Sump, Clinisys
  2:00Facilitating & Improving Environmental Data Analysis: A Machine Learning Approach
Ruoji Luo, Agilent Technologies, Inc.
  2:30Employing Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Techniques to Determine Emission Sources at Industrial Facilities Using Open-Source Data from Open-Path and Point Monitoring Systems
Nate Chambers, Argos Scientific
  3:30AI Based Workflows in Environmental Laboratories
Matthew Cauthen, Clinisys
  4:00Enhancing Environmental Monitoring Through Advanced Quality Assurance of Ambient Pollutants: Leveraging AI and External Data Sources for System Validation
Robert Berge, Argos Scientific
  4:30AI Data Analytics in Environmental Laboratories
Matthew Cauthen, Clinisys

1:30
TNI: Mentor Session
Session Moderator: Calista Daigle, Pace Analytical Services and Valerie Slaven, Pace Analytical Services
Location: Grand EFG

“Beyond the Checklist Series - Corrective Action”

A checklist is a good tool to use to assist with documenting and performing various tasks within the lab. In fact, many labs have developed checklists as part of their processes to ensure that they meet the requirements. While checklists can be good tools, they rarely include all the information and considerations required to develop effective corrective actions. This session will take an in-depth look at corrective actions, including discussions related to understanding how to effectively and correctly develop them. As part of this session, we will have two presentations, as well as interactive activities.

1:30 Understanding the Deficiency
To effectively and correctly determine the root cause and potential corrective action(s) for a deficiency, the lab management must have a clear and complete understanding of the deficiency. This segment of the Session will include a presentation and game/activity related to the topic. The speaker will share insights and techniques for how to fully understand deficiencies given by external auditors.

3:00 BREAK, Sponsored by SEAL Analytical

3:30 Root Cause Analysis: How deep is deep enough?
An essential part of developing a corrective action plan is to identify the root cause(s) of the deficiency. Once laboratory management has a clear and complete understanding of the deficiency, they must “sus out” its origin to develop an effective corrective action that, when implemented, will correct the issue. This segment of the Session will include a presentation and a game/activity related to the topic. The speaker will describe approaches and methods for performing effective Root Cause Analysis.


1:30
TNI: Microbiology Committee
Session Chair(s): Cody Danielson, Oklahoma DEQ
Location: Garden 4

The Microbiology Expert Committee is responsible for Module 5 of the TNI laboratory accreditation standard.

– Introductions
– Presentation of Revised Draft Standard Language
– Call for Microbiology Training Topics
– Open discussion

8:15
EPA Program Updates
Location: Grand Ballroom

  8:30EPA Clean Water Act (CWA) Methods Activities
Adrian Hanley, USEPA OST
  9:00Overview and Updates of the Federal Drinking Water Program
Dan Hautman, USEPA OW OGWDW Technical Support Branch
  9:30SW-846 Methods 2024 Updates
Troy Strock, EPA Office of Land and Emergency Management

10:30
Drinking Water
Session Chair(s): Ken Rosnack (Waters) and Yongtao (Bruce) Li (Eurofins)
Location: Garden 1&2

  10:30Adventures in Targeted Toxin Analysis of Various Water Sources..the More You Look the More You Find
Stuart Oehrle, Northern Kentucky University-Waters Lab
  11:00Lithium Occurrence: What We Have Learned from UCMR5
Yongtao Li, Eurofins Eaton Analytical, LLC
  11:30PFAS Occurrence: What We Have Learned from UCMR5
Yongtao Li, Eurofins Eaton Analytical, LLC

10:30
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment
Session Chair(s): Mike Chang (Restek Corp) and Jonathan Thorn (Eurofins-Lancaster Laboratories Environmental)
Location: Grand ABCD

  10:30Determination of Total PFAS in Food-Contact Materials Using Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC)
Chris Shevlin, Thermo Fisher Scientific
  11:00Analytical Fate of Ultra-Short Chain PFAS and Inorganic Fluorine in EOF and AOF
David Schiessel, Babcock Laboratories, Inc.
  11:30Tools for the Characterization of PFAS in Wastewater
Jonathan Thorn, Eurofins Lancaster laboratories Environmental Testing, LLC
  1:00A Journey from Water Samples to Human Plasma and Serum Finding Ultrashort-chain and Alternative PFAS (C1 – C10) Simultaneously
Mike Chang, Restek Corporation
  1:30Emerging Methods for the Analysis of Volatile PFAS in Water: HS-SPME-GC/MS
Ruth Marfil-Vega, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
  2:00Monitoring Produced Gases From PFAS Destruction Technologies Inline With OTM-50
Hannah Calder, Markes International
  2:30Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Real-time Monitoring of Semivolatile Emerging Atmospheric Contaminants: Application of the AIM Reactor in PFAS Detection
Veronika Pospisilova, Tofwerk
  3:30Leveraging MS1 Data in Non-Targeted Workflows to Improve PFAS Discovery
David Schiessel, Babcock Laboratories, Inc.
  4:00Orbitrap GC and LC Workflows for Non-targeted Analysis Using Dispersive Liquid-liquid Microextraction (DiLLME) Sample Preparation
Ed George, Thermo Fisher Scientific

10:30
TNI: Field Sampling and Measurement
Session Chair(s): Tracy Szerszen, Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation and Katie Strothman, Sanders Laboratories
Location: Garden 4

The National Environmental Field Activities Program (NEFAP) Executive Committee and the Field Activities Committee hold a joint session on future efforts related to the accreditation of Field Sampling and Measurement Organizations (FSMOs).
– Introductions
– Brief Review of Changes to FSMO NEFAP Volume 1 and 2 Standards
– FAC Review of Ideas for Guidance Tools
– 2024 and 2025 Sampling Conclaves
– Future Sampling Workshops
– Feedback on Additional Needed Guidance


1:00
Optimizing Laboratory Operations
Session Chair(s): Judy Morgan (Pace Laboratories) and Andrea Teal (Eurofins)
Location: Garden 1&2

  1:00Providing the Tools Needed for a Lab to Produce a Detailed Data Package for Reporting Results for EPA Approved Methods on Dioxins (Alternate Testing Procedure for the Determination of Dioxins & Furans by Method 1613b Replacing GC-HRMS with GC-MS/MS)
Dale Walker, Agilent
  1:30Redefined Analysis Workflow Following Environment Method.
Yoshiro Hiramatsu, Shimadzu Scientific Instrument
  2:00Simplification of Laboratory Workflows for the Analysis of Common Contaminants as Required per EPA Methods 8270E, 625, Appendix IX, 8081B, 8141B by the Use of Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Andy Fornadel, Thermo Fisher
  2:30Closed-Loop Systems for Quality Management in an Environmental Laboratory
Surjit Saini, Santa Clara Valley Water District
  3:30Reducing the Cost of Poor Quality and Improving Efficiency with Quality Management
Elizabeth Turner, Eurofins Environment Testing
  4:00Retooling to Calculate Initial and Annual MDLs Following Revision 2 of 40CFR136 AppB
Lisa Stafford, Eurofins Environment Testing

1:00
Participatory Science
Session Chair(s): Leon Vinci (Drexel University) and Mike Pascucilla (East Shore District Health Dept)
Location: Garden 3

  1:00Maintaining Accuracy with Community Science Across Time and Space: California MPA Watch Program
Wendy Berube, Orange County Coastkeeper
  1:30Microbial Source Tracking of Bacterial Contamination in Recreational and Aquaculture Waters – A Root Cause Public Health Tool Towards Improved Water Quality.
Sarah Esenther, Institute at Brown for Environment and Society
  2:00Overview of an Innovative Community Air Monitoring Program in the San Francisco Bay Area
Kathy Kerridge, Benicia Community Air Monitoring Program
  2:30Parkrose School District and Argos Scientific Partner to Monitor Air Pollution Near Schools and Provide New Avenues of Educational Integration
Jaxon Tillett, Argos Scientific, Inc.
  3:30A Public/Private Approach for Technical Evaluation of an Innovative Open-path Hydrogen Sulfide Air Monitoring System
Tim Kuiken, MC Tech Group

1:00
TNI General Session
Session Chair(s): Alfredo Sotomayor, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
Location: Garden 4

1:00 Revisiting the Original Vision of NELAP, Jerry Parr, TNI
1:30 Open discussion
2:00 Updates from the Advocacy Committee, Sharon Mertens, MMSD
2:20 Updates from the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) Accreditation Council, Kristin Brown, Utah DHHS
2:40 Updates from the Laboratory Accreditation System Executive Committee (LASEC), Maria Friedman, California ELAP

3:00 BREAK

3:15 Launch of the Credentials Initiative for Quality Systems Manager, Kenneth Brown, City of Escondido, CA
3:35 Revamp of the Educational Delivery System, Calista Daigle, Pace Analytical Services


1:30
Crafting Consensus Methods for Environmental Sampling and Measurement
Session Chair(s): William Lipps (Shimadzu) and Raul Dominguez (AQMD)
Location: Garden 3

  1:30A New Method for the Analysis of Polar Pesticides and Herbicides in Water Samples
William Lipps, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
  2:00Development of a New Standardized Method for the Analysis of PFAS in Consumer Products
Logan Miller, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc.
  2:30Comparison of Calibration Technique in Analysis of PFAS by Two ASTM Methods
William Lipps, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments

4:15
TNI Committee Reports
Session Chair(s): Alfredo Sotomayor, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
Location: Garden 4

Each committee chair will provide a recap of events that occurred during the week.

8:15
Keynote Speaker
Location: Grand ABCD

8:00 - 8:15 Welcome and Introduction, Jerry Parr, The NELAC Institute

  8:15We All Need You! The Importance of Laboratory Data to Protect Public Health and the Environment
Sean Maguire, California State Water Resources Control Board

9:00
The Evolving Compliance Landscape in the California Laboratory Community
Session Chair(s): Stacie Crandall, The NELAC Institute
Location: Grand ABCD

9:00 An Update on California ELAP, Christine Sotelo, California ELAP
9:30 How the Florida Society on Environmental Analysts Improved the Professionalism of the Florida Laboratory Community, Robin Cook, City of Daytona Beach
9:50 How the California Society on Environmental Analysts Plans to Improve the Professionalism of the California Laboratory Community, Jennifer McClaren, California ELAP

  

10:30
Harnessing the Power of the TNI Standard
Session Chair(s): Bob Wyeth, The NELAC Institute
Location: Grand ABCD

10:30 Using TNI Resources to Be Better, Kelvin Yuen, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts
11:00 Pioneering the Use of NGABs in California, Katelyn Hilty, California ELAP
11:30 TNI's Impact on the Evolution of ELAP’s Enforcement Program, Michael Head, California ELAP

  

1:00
Determining What is Really Important in Laboratory Assessments
Session Moderator: Paul Junio, The NELAC Institute
Location: Grand ABCD

1:00 - 2:00 Panel Presentations (15 minutes each)
- Accreditation Body Perspective, Maria Friedman, California ELAP
- Laboratory Perspective, Prem Parmar, Orange County Water District
- Third Party Assessor Perspective, Tony Francis, SAW Environmental
- Laboratory Consultant Perspective, Aaren Alger, Alger Consulting and Training

2:00 - 2:15 Questions for the Panelists

  

2:15-3:00
Open Forum: Comments and Suggestions from Laboratories, Accreditation Bodies, and Consultants
Location: Grand ABCD

  

Air Monitoring, Methods, and Technology

  Ethylene Oxide Measurement – Techniques for Sample Collection and Overcoming the Challenges of the Analysis.
Hannah Calder, Markes International
  Evaluating Membrane Filters for Accurate PFAS Air Emission Analysis with OTM-45: Laboratory and Field Investigations
Lindsay Lozeau, MilliporeSigma


Analyzing Microplastics in the Environment

  Microplastics Monitoring in Japanese River Samples Using an Automatic Sample Preparation Device
Ruth Marfil-Vega, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments


Automation & Innovation for Sample Preparation

  Analysis of PFAS in Soils via Automated Soil Sample Preparation and LC-MS/MS as a Screening Procedure for EPA Method 1633
Bradley VanMiddlesworth, ePrep Analytical
  Automation of US EPA Method 1633 for the Determination of PFAS Samples using the FREESTYLE XANA-PFAS System
Sean McHugh, GERSTEL, Inc.
  New Options for Solvent Extraction of Polychlorinated Biphenyls from Environmental Matrices
Alicia Stell, CEM Corporation
  Sample Concentration for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Using preparative USEPA Methods 5030 and 5035 in Conjunction with Determinative Method 8260 Using Hydrogen Carrier Gas with the Agilent HydroInert Source and Nitrogen Purge Gas with a Teledyne Tekmar Atomx XYZ Purge and Trap.
Thomas Hartlein, Teledyne Tekmar
  Simple, Quick & Low Cost 6-Position Parallel Channel, High Throughput Automated Sample Cleanup for POPs Analysis
Rudolf Addink, Fluid Management Systems


Collaborative Efforts to Improve Environmental Monitoring

  Seawater Nutrient Analysis
Jakob Woodside, Xylem


Drinking Water

  Addressing PFAS Contamination: Troubleshooting Common Contamination and Instrumentation Problems
Alexander Adams, Orange County Water District
  Employing a Novel SPE Mini-Disk and Extraction System to Maximize the Efficiency of Extracting Organic Compounds
Jeffrey Nichol, PromoChrom Technologies
  Exploring Lower-Level Analysis with DWRL 123-TCP Method: Insights into 123-TCP, EDB and DBCP Evaluation
Tuan Nguyen, Orange County Water District
  NDMA – Optimizing Sample Recovery: The Impact of Pressure, Temperature, and Flow
Elder Turcios, Orange County Water District


Emerging Environmental Applications for High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

  Combination of Targeted and Non-Targeted Workflows for the Identification of Pollutants in River Water using a Passive Sampling Method
Gregory Nieckarz, Bruker Daltonics
  Considerations in Developing a GCMS Accurate Mass Screening Workflow for Environmental Pollutants
Tarun Anumol, Agilent Technologies
  Fast Analysis of 140 Pesticides, PAHs, and PCBs by GC/MS/MS
Alexis Willey, Agilent


Ensuring Reliable Data

  Novel Column Chemistry Raises the Bar on Sensitivity and Data Accuracy in the Analysis of Semivolatile Organic Compounds.
Jennifer Sanderson, Agilent Technologies, Inc


Innovative Solutions for Water Testing

  Determination of 6PPD-Quinone in Aqueous Matrices Using Solid Phase Extraction With Various Polymeric Sorbents and Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)
Arielle Cocozza, UCT


New Organic Monitoring Techniques

  Analysis of Anionic and Cationic Polar Pesticides Using a New Mixed Mode Column
Richard Jack, Phenomenex
  Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds by Purge and Trap (P&T) and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) Using Nitrogen as a Purge Gas
Jakob Woodside, OI Analytical - Xylem
  Simultaneous Analysis of Underivatized Formic Acid and Volatile Fatty Acids (C2-C5) using the Brevis GC-2050
Ruth Marfil-Vega, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
  Two Methods to Perform the New US EPA Method 1628 with GC/MSD: Traditional Helium Carrier Gas and Hydrogen Carrier Gas
Jennifer Sanderson, Agilent Technologies, Inc


Optimizing Laboratory Operations

  Creating An Automated Annual MDL Verification Process
Erin Marshall, Orange County Water District
  Helium to Hydrogen Conversion for GC/MS and GC/MS/MS Analysis of Semi-Volatile, Volatile, and PAH Compounds: A Practical Guide for Environmental Laboratories
Alexis Willey, Agilent Technologies


Participatory Science

  Land Policy Regulations and Human and Wildlife Behavior in Endangered and Threatened Bird Habitat
Christina Giudice, Orange County Coastkeeper
  Monitoring MPA Violations and Human-Wildlife Interactions to Prevent Sand Barrier Breaching
Christina Giudice, Orange County Coastkeeper


Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment

  Determination of PFAS in Environmental Wastewater Samples by Combustion Ion Chromatography: Collaboration Results from the EPA Draft Method 1621
Neil Rumachik, Thermo Fisher Scientific
  Enhanced Sensitivity for PFAS Using a Hybrid Autosampler Approach with LC-MSMS
Emily Parry, Agilent Technologies
  EPA Method 1633 Analysis of 40 PFAS & Separation of TDCA Using SelectraCore® C18 HPLC Column by LC-MS/MS
Arielle Cocozza, United Chemical Technologies, Inc
  Improved Total Organic Fluorine Method for More Comprehensive Measurement of PFAS in Industrial Wastewater and River Water
Richard Jack, Phenomenex
  Improvement of the Method Detection Limit Listed in EPA 1633 for PFAS
Ruth Marfil-Vega, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
  LC-MS/MS Robustness: a Real-world Case Study of PFAS Testing
Diana Tran, SCIEX
  Redefining the Efficiency of Automated PFAS Extraction following EPA Method 1633 for Large-Volume Samples
Jeffrey Nichol, PromoChrom Technologies
  Semi-automated Solid Phase Extraction Cleanup of Soil Samples with LC-MS/MS Analysis of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Accordance with EPA Draft Method 1633
Cynthia Grim, Thermo Fisher Scientific
  Single vs Triple for PFAS Analysis? Yes, a Single Quadrupole Mass Spec Fits in the Toolbox.
Ruth Marfil-Vega, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
  Wastewater, Fish Tissue and Biosolids: an Analytical Evaluation of EPA Method 1633
Kendra Adams, SCIEX