Environmental Laboratory Approval Program
The Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) of the Wadsworth Center was established in 1984, under Section 502 of the Public Health Law and is responsible for the certification of laboratories performing environmental analyses on samples originating from New York State, thus ensuring the accuracy and reliability of these analyses. Accurate and reliable environmental analyses are a matter of vital concern, affecting the public health, safety and welfare of all NYS residents. All environmental laboratories analyzing samples from the State of New York must be certified.
Application Forms and Related Information
ELAP currently grants certification to commercial, facility self-monitoring and government operated environmental laboratories, in categories covering Public potable (drinking) water, Non-potable water, Solid/hazardous Waste and ambient Air and Emissions. To become certified a laboratory must be directed by an individual who is qualified through education and experience, perform satisfactorily in at least semi-annual proficiency testing and an biennial on-site inspection. Certified laboratories are required to use state-approved analytical methods and adhere to a program of mandated quality assurance/quality control procedures.
The following lists of ELAP certified laboratories by field of analysis are posted:
- Radiochemistry
- Radon
- Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP)
- Asbestos and Fibers (by optical microscopy)
- Lead analysis
Also posted are lists of ELAP certified commercial and noncommercial laboratories that include an indication of each laboratory's level of accreditation as well as lists of those matrices and analyses subject to ELAP accreditation. The data used to generate these lists is available in XML format here.
Consumers are advised to review a selected laboratory's Certificates of Approval which are posted at the facility and bear red serial numbers to determine if the laboratory is appropriately approved.
You may contact ELAP by E-mail at ELAP@health.state.ny.us.