From:  Charles N. Dyer

 Date:  October 7, 1999 

   Re:   Performance Evaluation Study Results 
           New Rules

As stated in my notice of June 8, 1999, all laboratories must submit at least one set of graded PE results for 1999 between October 1st and October 31, 1999.  The results must be resubmitted if they were sent to this office before October 1, 1999.  You do not need to have your provider submit them to me.  If you missed any analyses for which you are currently certified, you must submit (or resubmit) graded results of a make up study.  The results of the makeup study must be submitted before December 31st.  I will grade the results submitted to me on or before October 31st sometime in early November.  You will be informed of your change in status shortly after.  Any results submitted after October 31, 1999 will be graded in early January. 

As stated previously, New Hampshire has been in the process of adopting new rules.  The rules will be adopted on October 18, 1999 and become effective on October 19, 1999.  A copy of those rules are included.

There are some significant changes as stated below:

1. The NH program will change from a certification program based on the "Manual for the Certification of laboratories Analyzing Drinking Water" to an accreditation program based on the NELAC standards.
2. PT Studies:
1. All laboratories must participate in two PT studies a year instead of once each year.  All laboratories accredited for Microbiology must participate in Microbiology studies.  Only PT studies after July 1, 1999 will be considered as NELAC studies.
2. Accreditation will be granted only if a laboratory is successful on two out of the previous three studies.
3. After October 19, 1999, drinking water studies must be analyzed in February and August.  Wastewater studies must be analyzed in May and November.  (An exception will be given to out-of-state laboratories which can produce a letter from another state certifying/accrediting authority that certifies or accredits the lab that requires a different frequency until July 1, 2000.  If the letter is not from the host state, it must be dated on or after October 19, 1999).
3. There is a new fee schedule that will go in effect for any laboratory whose expiration date is after October 19, 1999:

1. A $100 base fee;
2. In addition to the base fee, the nonrefundable fee shall also include the amount(s) in table below:
 Additional Fees Included in Nonrefundable Fee

Ex: A lab certified/accredited for Total Coliform by Colilert, E. coli by Colilert, pH, BOD, lead and copper would owe a fee of $350 -  $100 base fee  plus $250 for microbiology, limited chemistry, and 2 metals.  Limited chemistry in the new rules is defined as 6 or less inorganic analytes.