Laboratory Certification Program Reciprocity Agreements

A laboratory can be recognized under reciprocity if:

1. the "host" certifying agency operates a program with standards and test parameters similar to those of the Department,
2. the host accrediting agency offers similar recognition to laboratories certified/registered under the Department's program, and
3. the laboratory has had a on-site evaluation by the host accrediting agency.

Reciprocity is handled differently in that the primary responsibility for enforcement and PT requirements falls upon the host accrediting agency. The reciprocity agreements which have been entered are for specific environmental programs and are subject to change with 30 days notice. The Department has currently entered reciprocity agreements with seven (7) states and the EPA for testing under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

Reciprocity will not be given for a parameter that the "host" host agency does not certify or a parameter for which certification is not equivalent. The Wisconsin DNR has not entered into reciprocity with anyone for category 15 (Petroleum Hydrocarbons, LUST, UST). If a laboratory wishes to do work in this category, it must become directly certified or registered by the WI LabCert Program.

Reciprocity & NELAC

The Department is not a National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) Accrediting Authority and does not recognize NELAP accreditation issued by other state or federal agencies in lieu of certification under Ch. NR 149, Wis. Adm. Code.

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States with Wisconsin Reciprocity

Georgia - Department of Natural Resources

Safe Drinking Water Act Testing Only

Michigan - Department of Environmental Quality

Safe Drinking Water Act Testing Only

North Dakota - Department of Health

Safe Drinking Water Act Testing Only

North Carolina - Department of Health, Environment and Natural Resources

Clean Water Act & RCRA Testing Only

South Carolina - Department of Health and Environmental Control

All Environmental Testing (except UST)

Tennessee - Department of Heath

Safe Drinking Water Act Testing Only

Washington State - Department of Ecology

Clean Water Act Testing Only

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