The East Port Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) supports a comprehensive environmental testing laboratory on site with NELAP (National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program) as the accrediting body. The State of Florida Department of Health certifies the laboratory in several categories. These categories include Nutrients, Demands, Physical Constituents, Organics, and Microbiology.
As part of the certification process, the laboratory must demonstrate capability in all of the above categories by participating in proficiency testing of quality control samples at least twice per year and by obtaining successful results. Additionally, the laboratory must maintain an approved Comprehensive Quality Assurance Plan and must successfully complete an on-site inspection by the State of Florida Department of Health or approved contractors.
The laboratory uses State-approved analytical methods including EPA and/or APHA Standard Methods to analyze more than 8,000 samples annually, requiring more than 28,000 analyses. Sample sources include the East Port WRF, the West Port WRF, the Rotonda WRF, the Burnt Store WRF, the Leachate Treatment Facility, the Burnt Store Water Treatment Plant, and other Charlotte County Utilities departments as well as drinking water distribution compliance.
The East Port Laboratory is a well-equipped testing facility providing close monitoring of the County’s water and wastewater systems. Through strict quality assurance practices, the lab achieves its primary mission of providing the most accurate and precise results possible.
Continuous Monitoring by the East Port Laboratory
The East Port WRF has the benefit of a state-certified environmental laboratory onsite to assist staff in monitoring the condition of the facility. The East Port Laboratory monitors pH, dissolved oxygen, BOD, solids, nutrients, and fecal coliform at various stages of the treatment process. Bio-solids are monitored for specific oxygen uptake and pathogen reduction to verify the stability of the bio-solids product prior to land application. Laboratory results provide the basis for process control. This data enables operators to make operational adjustments as needed to meet stringent standards. Accurate analysis assures the regulatory agencies that essential parameters such as BOD and solids removal are successfully accomplished, while daily testing confirms that each stage of the treatment process is operating properly and efficiently. Charlotte County's East Port WRF meets and exceeds treatment standards established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.