King County Environmental Lab

The Environmental Laboratory (Lab) provides quality field, laboratory, information technology services, and advisory services in support of King County and other publicly-sponsored programs that protect and enhance water quality.

Field scientists collect samples from marine and fresh waters, industries, wastewater treatment plants, and land application sites. Environmental scientists analyze those samples in the trace metals, trace organics, conventionals, microbiology, and aquatic toxicology laboratories. Data from the analyses are validated and stored on a database containing nearly 40 years of environmental data.

In an average year, the Lab serves more than 150 King County projects, analyzes 15,000 samples, and produces close to 400,000 data points for use in environmental studies and decision-making. This information forms a database that is used to:

• Monitor trends in regional waters
• Design and operate wastewater treatment plants
• Enforce industrial waste regulations
• Formulate plans and action programs to protect and enhance local water bodies
• Monitor recycled products such as Biosolids and reclaimed water
• Protect public health
• Participate in cooperative studies with other governmental and research agencies

The Lab is accredited by the Washington State Department of Ecology (WDOE). During recent audits, WDOE has cited the Environmental Lab as an "exemplary laboratory", whose "dedication to quality assurance and the production of accurate and defensible data is evident throughout the Lab."

 

For questions about this Web page, please contact contact Pava Sivam, IT Supervisor, Information Systems & Data Analysis Unit.