California Environmental Lab Accreditation Program (ELAP) Training and Assessment Support

NV5 provided an environmental laboratory assessor training program to the California (CA) State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board). This included development, administration, and instruction of the training to the Water Board’s Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) assessment staff.  NV5 implemented a “train the trainer” approach, working with  designated trainees as trainers for ELAP to develop and implement a future ELAP Assessor training program. NV5 provided courses with curriculum and materials in the following areas: Organic Chemistry, Microbiology, Metals, Inorganic Chemistry and Radiochemistry.  NV5’s team also provided two assessor training classes on how to perform State of CA audits based on The NELAC Institute (TNI) 2016 standard. NV5 provided training for all laboratories in the state using multiple one-day Public Workshops to explain the TNI 2016 Standard across the state. NV5 reviewed CA ELAP operational procedures, proficiency testing review procedures, quality system procedures that govern how the state accrediting body operates and maintains systems and developed on site assessment observation form based on current CA regulations. NV5’s staff also performed laboratory assessments of over 100 CA drinking water laboratories on behalf of CA ELAP.