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.

No Reciprocity with 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 [exit DNR]

The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) protects Georgia's air, land, and water through the authority of state statutes and major parts of five federal environmental statutes. These laws regulate public and private facilities having to do with water quality, air quality, hazardous waste, water supply, solid waste management, surface mining, and other areas.

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality [exit DNR]

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality mission is to drive improvements in environmental quality for the protection of public health and natural resources to benefit current and future generations. This will be accomplished through effective administration of agency programs, providing for the use of innovative strategies, while helping to foster a strong and sustainable economy.

North Carolina Division of Water Quality [exit DNR]

The North Carolina Wastewater/Groundwater Laboratory Certification (NC WW/GW LC) Branch provides a nationally respected wastewater laboratory certification program. All commercial, industrial, municipal and field laboratories submitting data to the State for NC clients must utilize laboratories accredited through this program.

North Dakota Department of Health [exit DNR]

The North Dakota Department of Health is committed to the promotion of healthy lifestyles, protection and enhancement of the environment and provision of quality health care services for the people of North Dakota. The Laboratory Certification Program is run out of the Chemistry Section.

South Carolina Dept. of Health and Environmental Control [exit DNR]

The Office of Environmental Quality Control (EQC) is the environmental regulatory arm of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. EQC is responsible for the enforcement of federal and state environmental laws and regulations, and for the issuing of permits, licenses and certifications for activities which may affect the environment.

Tennessee Department of Health [exit DNR]

In the State of Tennessee, the laboratory certification program is overseen by the Department of Health. The State Central Laboratory and its four branch laboratories across the state provide valuable support of public health issues such as newborn testing, disease prevention and a clean environment.

Washington State Department of Ecology-Clean Water Act [exit DNR]

In the State of Washington, Laboratory Certification for Clean Water Act testing (including sludges and sediments) is granted by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

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