Method submission and evaluation criteria

Methods submitted include single- and multi-analyte methods for parent compounds and for degradates of concern. Pesticide regulatory methods are needed for each type of environmental matrix fate methods may be designed for soil, water, plant tissue, animal tissue or air, but are predominantly for soil and water. Analytical methods need to include a complete description of the procedure, materials and equipment in order to be completely reproducible. The methods should be practical and rapid and, to the extent possible while maintaining other quality objectives, inexpensive (often State and local regulatory agencies with few available resources need to utilize them). 

The QPP has three laboratories the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (ECL) in Bay St. Louis, MS, and the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (ACL) and the Microbiology Laboratory at the Environmental Science Center, both at Fort Meade, MD. The ECL is heavily involved with method validation efforts. The ACL evaluates enforcement analytical methods for product chemistry to ensure that the ingredient statements on the label are accurate and evaluates residue analytical methods for 

The ECL evaluates analytical methods for detecting pesticide residues in the environment to ensure that the methods are suitable for monitoring pesticide residues in soil and water. State, tribal and federal laboratories may access an Index of Environmental Chemistry Methods for a list of available methods. The ECL also provides the State pesticide laboratories with technical and QA support and training in pesticide analytical chemistry. 

---