DENR Guidelines for Environmental Labs Recognition

Certification covers laboratories that perform environmental data generation.
Activities recognized include:
1. Analysis of water and wastewater including freshwater and groundwater (Annex A).
2. Analysis of ambient air and stack emissions (Annex B).
3. Analysis of sediments and biota (Annex C).
Certificate of Recognition is valid for three years.

Applicants must submit detailed documents, including:
- Business and laboratory information, accreditation records, technical and support personnel details.
- Laboratory test report forms, equipment and calibration programs, quality assurance plans.
- Pollution control and waste management practices.
- Laboratory floor plans.
Personnel qualifications:
- Operated under licensed chemist, chemical engineer, or allied professional with 5 years experience.
- Minimum staff: 1 licensed professional, 1 laboratory assistant, 1 laboratory aide.
Track record: Minimum of 300 relevant environmental samples analyzed.
Physical facilities must meet structural, electrical, safety, and ventilation standards.
Laboratory procedures must conform to DENR-approved analytical methods.
Use of highest grade reagents and approved instruments.
Mandatory quality control and instrument calibration programs.
Proper waste management practices for domestic and lab wastes.

Submission of the complete application document to DENR-EMB.
Preliminary review by Secretariat, then forwarded to Laboratory Inspection and Assessment Team (LIAT).
LIAT inspects laboratory within 30 working days; validation of data is conducted.
LIAT consists of external assessors, EMB assessors, and a DENR/EMPAS assessor.
Proficiency testing with interlaboratory exercises is required.
Technical Advisory Group for Laboratory Recognition (TAG-LR) reviews findings and recommends approval or denial.
DENR Secretary issues the Certificate of Recognition if requirements are met.
Certificate includes lab details, scope, responsible persons, validity period, and DENR seal.
Continuous monitoring and periodic reassessment during certificate validity.

Provide analysis services to private entities, government agencies, NGOs, and local government units.
Submit annual performance reports to EMB including sample analysis data and proficiency testing outcomes.
Maintain compliance with application commitments and use recognition strictly within authorized scope.
Pay requisite DENR fees and refrain from misleading statements concerning recognition.
Discontinue use of recognition references upon suspension or revocation.
Notify DENR promptly of significant operational changes.
Implement ongoing technical staff training programs.

Revocation grounds include:
- Failure or delay in submitting annual reports.
- Denial of DENR inspection or assessment access.
- Falsification of documents or test results.
- Refusal to participate in mandated quality control exercises.
- Violation of pollution control, waste management, and safety regulations.
- Concealment or misrepresentation in application documents.
Scope reduction triggered by failure in three consecutive proficiency tests for particular parameters.

Revoked certificates may be reinstated through application and corrective measures compliance.
Certificate validity is three years, subject to earlier revocation.
Renewal applications must be filed at least two months prior to expiration.
Certification requirements are subject to periodic updates.

Annex A: Water and Wastewater Analysis e.g., BOD5, heavy metals, pesticides, pH, mercury, etc.
Annex B: Ambient Air and Stack Emissions Analysis including gases, heavy metals, particulates.
Annex C: Sediments and Biota Analysis covering heavy metals, pesticides, coliform bacteria.

The guidelines take effect fifteen days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.