Louisiana Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (LELAP)

The Louisiana Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (LELAP) is the program responsible for assessing and accrediting environmental laboratories that generate and submit data to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). LELAP is designed to ensure the accuracy, precision and reliability of the data generated, as well as the use of LDEQ-approved methodologies in the generation of that data. This ensures that laboratories meet strict quality standards and produce reliable, defensible data for regulatory and public needs.

Laboratories that analyze environmental samples in Louisiana must be accredited through LELAP. In accordance with LAC 33:I.4501.A.2, laboratory data generated by commercial environmental laboratories that are not accredited under these regulations will not be accepted by LDEQ.

Applicants can find the required forms, guidance documents, and instructions on this page to help them complete the accreditation process.

Announcements

The EPA has updated its "Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants Under the Clean Water Act; Analysis and Sampling Procedures," also known as the "Method Update Rule." The new rule was published on April 16, 2024, and took effect on June 17, 2024. For a copy of the rule, please access this link: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/16/2024-07412/clean-water-act-methods-update-rule-for-the-analysis-of-effluent. For more information, click the Method Update Rule Memo button below.

Method Update Rule Memo

Applying for Accreditation

If you are seeking accreditation, the first step is to read the regulations that are applicable to LELAP.

LELAP Regulations

To apply for accreditation, complete the Accreditation Application as well as the Lab Accreditation Scope of Accreditation Request (SOAR) Spreadsheet. Refer to the SOAR Guidance when completing the SOAR spreadsheet.

Accreditation Application

SOAR Spreadsheet

SOAR Guidance

Once all of the required paperwork is completed, send an electronic copy to LDEQ.LabAccreditationProgram@LA.GOV or mail the hard copy to one of the addresses, below:

U.S.Mailing Address:

Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Environmental Services
Public Participation and Permit Support Division
Permit Support and LELAP Section
P. O. Box 4313, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4313
Attn: Tramecha Rankins

Hand-Delivery or Service Carrier Address:

Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Environmental Services
Public Participation and Permit Support Division
Permit Support and LELAP Section
602 North 5th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Attn: Tramecha Rankins

Accreditation Checklists

Louisiana's state accreditation checklist is a tool used to confirm that an environmental laboratory meets all required environmental regulations in accordance with LAC 33:I.Subpart 3. It outlines the key steps and documents you must have in place before environmental laboratory accreditation is granted. By reviewing each item, you can make sure you are following state regulations and avoiding violations. This checklist also helps the LDEQ verify that your operations are being managed responsibly.

The 2016 National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAP) Checklist is a quality‑system checklist created by The NELAC Institute (TNI) to help laboratories and assessors evaluate compliance with the 2016 TNI Standard. It outlines the management and technical requirements a lab must meet to achieve or maintain accreditation. The checklist supports consistent evaluations and helps ensure that accredited labs produce reliable, defensible environmental data.

NELAP is a national set of standards accredited at the state level that ensure environmental laboratories across the United States are held to the same standards of performance.

State Accreditation Checklist

2016 NELAP Checklist

Accreditation Fees

Fees for LELAP are assessed in accordance with LAC 33:I.Subpart 3. At the beginning of every fiscal year (July 1st), all laboratories are responsible for paying the test category fee(s) for the test categories granted accreditation. Test category fees are assessed based on the methods and parameters listed on the scope of accreditation. Each method and/or parameter is assigned a test category. If only one test category is accredited, an "annual survellience and evaluation fee" is included with the invoice.

LELAP Fee Information

Every 3 years from the fiscal year of the initial application was submitted, accreditation must be renewed. The fee on this third year will include an application fee, as well as the annual fee(s) for test categories.

Invoices and Account Receivables

If new combinations are requested to be added to the Scope of Accreditation during the Fiscal Year, an Ammenment Request must be submitted as well as the application and additional test category fees.

Test Categories

Online Payment Instructions

Online payment instructions explain how to submit fees through the agency’s secure electronic payment system. These instructions outline the steps for creating an account, selecting the correct fee type, entering payment details, and confirming your transaction. Clear instructions help applicants complete their payments quickly and ensure that their applications or renewals are processed without delay.

Online Payment Instructions

Proficiency Testing

Proficiency test requirements make sure a laboratory can correctly perform the methods it is accredited for. Labs must analyze proficiency testing (PT) samples from an approved provider and achieve acceptable results to demonstrate they can reliably measure specific analytes. The state of Louisiana requires labs to pass PT studies on a regular schedule—often annually or within a set number of consecutive tests—to maintain accreditation. PT samples are designed to verify both technical skill and data quality, helping ensure that environmental results reported to LDEQ and the public are accurate.

Proficiency Testing Requirements

LELAP-Accredited Laboratories

A list of accredited labs shows all laboratories that have met the state’s required standards for testing environmental samples. These labs have been reviewed, approved, and monitored to ensure they produce accurate, reliable results. The list helps agencies, businesses, and the public choose labs that meet Louisiana’s quality and regulatory requirements.

LELAP-Accredited Labs

Scopes of Accreditation

A laboratory’s scope of accreditation is the official list of tests, methods, and sample types the lab is approved to perform under state standards. It shows exactly what the lab is qualified to analyze—such as water, soil, air, or waste—and which specific analytical methods they are certified to use. This helps agencies, businesses, and the public choose a lab that is properly accredited for the type of testing they need.

** The laboratory accreditation data is being pulled in real time from a separate server, so delays in processing requests should be expected

Scopes of Accreditation

Additional Information

LELAP Regulations (LAC 33:I Subpart 3) 2016 TNI Standards LELAP Interpretations DMR Partial Waiver Fugitive Emission Testers Method Update Rule

Helpful Links

EPA
TNI

Frequently Asked Questions

No. In-house laboratories and government laboratories are exempt from accreditation requirements. Also exempt are personnel monitoring services in accordance with LAC 33:XV.430.C and LAC 33.XV.Chapter 3.Subchapter B, equivalent agreement state regulations and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations.

In accordance with R.S. 30.2004, accreditation is required for commercial laboratories that perform environmental analyses or tests for third parties for a fee or other compensation on behalf of any facility.

Laboratories must be accredited for all test methods and analytes for which the test data will be reported directly or indirectly to LDEQ. In addition, if LELAP program identifies performance test samples in different matrices, the laboratory must also make sure that it obtains, analyzes and successfully passes performance tests of samples for all matrices that it will be testing.

Before searching for an analytical method, ensure that method and revisions have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The most comprehensive resource is the National Environmental Methods Index (NEMI) (http://www.nemi.gov/). This index is free and searchable by source (for example, HACH or Standard Methods), instrumentation, keywords such as analyte name, and CAS number or method number. It includes regulatory and nonregulatory analyses and provides lists and method summaries with links to sources. EPA water methods and regulations required by CWA and SDWA: http://epa.gov/waterscience/methods/ SW846 methods: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/sw846.htm For a full set of Standard Methods purchase the latest edition: http://standardmethods.org/ HACH methods in their entirety: NEMI:http://www.hach.com/hc/browse.product.category Pesticide information and methods: http://www.epa.gov/oppbead1/methods/ Government sources are typically free whereas commercial sites may charge fees.

Renewal fees are applications fees due every three years starting from the fiscal year (July 1st) the initial application was submitted to LELAP. A facility may use the application to request the addition of methods to the scope of accreditation during a renewal. Annual fees are the test category fess which are invoiced each year so that the facility will have accreditation the subsequent fiscal year.

Per the LELAP regulations and/or the 2016 TNI standard, facilities must report to LELAP changes of ownership, name, location, personnel, facilities, methods, or any factors significantly affecting the performance of analyses for which the facility as originally accredited within 30 days.

To obtain a new parameter for a scope, the applicant must supply a copy of the SOP if a new method is requested, analytical data package for new analyte(s) (one for accreditation by the state regulations and two for accreditation by the 2016 TNI standard), a copy of the quality assurance plan if it was updated, and a signed copy of the certificate of compliance. If PT test studies are available, the results must be submitted by the provider (on for accreditation by the state regulations and two for accreditation by the 2016 TNI standard) and mentioned in the cover letter. For secondary accreditation, a copy of the current certificate and scope of accreditation must be submitted by the primary accreditation body (a link to the certificate and scope must be provided int he cover letter if it is available).

A signed hard copy on letterhead requesting the withdrawal is required at a minimum. LELAP will also accept a copy of the scope of accreditation with lines drawn through the withdrawn parameters. The scope must be initialed and dated with the cover letter.

To add a new test category to the scope of accreditation, the applicant must supply a copy of the SOP for the method assigned to the new test category, analytical data package for new analyte(s) (one for accreditation by the state regulations and two for accreditation by the 2016 TNI standard), a copy of the quality assurance plan if it was updated, and a signed copy of the certificate of compliance. If PT test studies are available, the results must be submitted by the provider (on for accreditation by the state regulations and two for accreditation by the 2016 TNI standard) and mentioned in the cover letter. For secondary accreditation, a copy of the current certificate and scope of accreditation must be submitted by the primary accreditation body (a link to the certificate and scope must be provided int he cover letter if it is available).

An assessment involves a determination onsite or offsite by LELAP personnel of the competence of a laboratory based on the LELAP regulations and/or the national standard for the methods and parameters requested by the laboratory's application for accreditation. Assessments are performed every two years at a minimum but may be more frequent based on changes reported by the laboratory ownership, key personnel, location or scope) or complaints received by LELAP. Assessment fees are charges as allowed by the Division of Administration and average $200-$300; assessment fees are charged by contractors and average $4000-$5000.

The complete CAP must be submitted on the Word document form provided by LELAP with a signed cover letter and supporting information if required. Completed corrective action documentation is not required. When the CAP involved drafting new procedures or revising existing procedures, the CAP must include provisions for training and follow up to ensure the effectiveness of the corrective action.

The NELAC Institute (TNI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to foster the generation of environmental data of known and documented quality through an open, inclusive and transparent process that is responsive to the needs of the community. More information on TNI can be found at: http://www.nelac-institute.org/

The National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) was established as a cooperative association of states and Federal Agencies to develop and promote mutually acceptable performance standards for the operation of environmental laboratories. NELAC was merged into THE NELAC Institute (TNI) on November 6, 2006 and formally dissolved on January 16, 2008.

The National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) was established to implement the NELAC standards. NELAP has recognized 14 State programs as Accreditation Bodies. The functions of NELAP have also been incorporated into TNI.

The standards cover both analytical testing of environmental samples, administrative requirements and the laboratory process. The purpose of the TNI Standards is to foster the generation of environmental laboratory data of known and acceptable quality on which to base public health and environmental management decisions.

Yes, The 2003 NELAC Standards will continue to be used by certain states until the TNI Standards have been fully developed and adopted.

Yes. Even though the lab has been granted accreditation by another accrediting body, the lab must still apply for and receive accreditation from LELAP in order to do testing for Louisiana.

Secondary Accreditation, also known as accreditation by recognition, is accreditation approved and granted by LELAP based on the accreditation granted by another accreditation body.

There is no reduced fee for secondary NELAC accreditation.

All labs that have been accredited or seeking accreditation must perform a minimum of two PT studies per year for each Field of Accreditation, approximately six months apart.

Yes All labs that have been accredited or are seeking accreditation must complete PT test for all analytes and receive an "acceptable" score for each analyte for two of out three consecutive PT studies.

No. LAC 33:1:4503 defines a "laboratory" as "any facility, whether fixed-based, mobile or field, that analyzes environmental samples and that seeks accreditation by the department". In accordance with that definition, stack testers are included in the definition of the word "laboratory" for the purpose of accreditation.

No. In accordance with LAC 33:1:4711, all labs must satisfactorily complete two proficiency test studies per year for each field of testing. If PT samples are not available for a particular test, the lab must submit an "analytical data package".

Laboratories may select any PT provider from the list of NELAC Proficiency Test Providers at: PT Providers - the NELAC Institute (TNI) Stack/Emission Testers may use approved providers found from the list below: Air Gas Specialty Gas Durham North Carolina. Be advised that LDEQ has suspended until further notice the requirement for accredited stack testers to conduct PT studies using double-blind mixtures of gases for instrumental methods. In lieu of PT studies, currently accredited stack testers will be required to maintain calibration records. These records will be reviewed by LELAP assessors upon request or at the time of assessment. All stack testers shall maintain analytical data packages and retain maintenance records for the biennial assessments.

There are 13 other states with NELAP recognized Accreditation Bodies. If your lab is located in one of those states, please contact that accreditation body and verify that the scope wanted is offered. If it is not offered in your state, you may apply to any of them. Some of the Accreditation Body programs are limited so it may be necessary to apply to more than one to obtain accreditation for the methods and analytes that you will use to support LDEQ programs. If you apply to a program other that Louisiana, you will need to apply for secondary accreditation from LELAP.

In cases where there are different sets of applicable requirements, the laboratory must meet or exceed the most stringent/demanding requirements.

The MUR refers to recent changes in the list of EPA approved tests and sampling procedures under the Clean Air Act and National Drinking Water regulations. Three separate revisions to 40 CFR 136 have been published in the Federal Register and are referred to collectively as the MUR. The MUR grants approval for a number of new and revised methods and withdraws approval for a substantial number of methods that had previously been approved.

The MUR (2021) can be found here: http://www.epa.gov/cwa-methods/methods-update-rule-2021

Information on suitable ways to obtain traceability of measurement can be found at the following links: American National Standards Institute (ANSI): https://www.ansi.org/. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): https://www.nist.gov/. BIPM: https://www.bipm.org/en/.

LELAP provides information regarding accredited laboratories, including those located outside of the U.S at: https://internet.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/divisions/lelap/accredited-laboratories.

LELAP Records

LELAP publishes laboratory records in the LDEQ's Electronic Document Management System (EDMS). EDMS is the system for LDEQ’s electronic repository of official records that have been created or received by the LDEQ. Use the Agency Interest (AI) number of the lab to search EDMS to find and review a lab’s current Certificates and Scopes of Accreditation. Data generated by an accredited lab to be submitted to the LDEQ are limited to the method/parameters listed on the lab's current Scope of Accreditation.

LDEQ's EDMS

LELAP Staff

Tramecha Rankins, LELAP Supervisor

Alexandra Alvarado

Paul Bergeron

Dana Bowman

Aundraneay Quezaire

Teman Roberts

Phone

(225) 219-3247

(225) 219-7585

(225) 219-0789

(225) 219-3302

(225) 219-3268

(225) 219-3284

Email

Tramecha.Rankins@LA.GOV

Alexandra.Alvarado@LA.GOV

Paul.Bergeron@LA.GOV

Dana.Bowman@LA.GOV

Aundraneay.Quezaire2@LA.GOV

Teman.Roberts@LA.GOV

All laboratories or other individuals with questions or seeking accreditation may contact Tramecha Rankins, Environmental Scientist Supervisor, LDEQ Laboratory Accreditation Program, at (225) 219-3247 or Tramecha.Rankins@LA.GOV.

To lodge a laboratory accreditation-related complaint, contact the LDEQ Ombudsman