B.C. updates rules for which labs qualify to analyze environmental samples

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British Columbia has overhauled the Environmental Data Quality Assurance Regulation, which governs which laboratories are recognized as qualified to analyze environmental samples. Key changes include updated definitions tied to current ISO/IEC standards for accreditation bodies, proficiency testing providers, and laboratories, replacing older references. Two earlier amending regulations have been repealed and consolidated into this update. The directory-of-qualified-laboratories process has been restructured: labs can now qualify through accreditation, proficiency testing programs, certain comparison or competency studies overseen by a qualified professional, or — for new or alternative methods — by satisfying the director through method validation and performance verification. Laboratories and organizations that submit environmental samples for regulatory purposes should confirm their testing lab remains listed in the director's directory under the updated qualification criteria.

Who this affects
environmental testing laboratories · industrial and commercial facilities that must submit environmental sample data · environmental consultants and qualified professionals · regulated facilities under the Environmental Management Act