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Frequently Asked Questions

The Index to EPA Test Methods

Q: What are test methods?
A:
Test methods are approved procedures for measuring the presence and concentration of physical and chemical pollutants; evaluating properties, such as toxic properties, of chemical substances; or measuring the effects of substances under various conditions.

Q: Why an index?
A:
This Index was developed to improve access to US EPA test methods. It is not an official EPA publication nor does inclusion or exclusion of methods indicate EPA approval or disapproval of any method. The most recent version can be downloaded from the EPA New England Region 1 Library Web site: http://www.epa.gov/ne/oarm/index.html .

Q: What information is included?
A:
This Adobe Acrobat version contains the following pieces of information:

  • Method Number - the official method number or a compiler assigned number if un-numbered.
    Examples: 0330.1 or 3810 or TO-15 or 8080A* ( * indicates not available) or SAMPLIN.
  • Chemical or Method Description - chemical, analyte, group of chemicals or name of protocol. If you don't find the one you want, try a broader term such as metals for mercury or pesticides for DDT.
    Examples: asbestos or absorption or Maneb or larval survival or mercury.
  • Reference Source of where to get the method by one of four categories:
    • EPA Report # - EPA report number.
      Examples: 600/4-82-029 or SW-846 Ch 3.3.
    • 40 CFR Part - Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations part numbers.
      Examples: 136 App A = 40 CFR 136 Appendix A.
    • Region 1 # - EPA Region 1 Library local call number.
      Examples: 01A0006125a or 01A0006706.
    • Electronic Version - abbreviated reference to an electronic version if available.
      The full web address is provided in the Sources of EPA Test Methods list.
      Examples: www or ttn/emc or NEMI; the full web address provided in the Source List; CD indicates included in the Water Methods CD ROM (EPA 821/C-99-004).
  • Date Issued - date method was published.
    Examples: 09/25/1996 or /// (date unknown).

Q: Where are the methods?
A: This compilation is only an index, not a collection of actual methods. The Sources of EPA Test Methods, following the two indexes, indicates how to obtain print or electronic copies of the methods listed. If you are using the Adobe Acrobat version while connected to the Internet, you'll find over 75% of the sources listed have live web links to the actual method.

Q: Why are there multiple entries for some method numbers?
A:
This was done intentionally to accommodate multiple substances determined by a single method. Some numbers appear to have been used for more than one media and method, and no attempt was made to reconcile these apparent discrepancies. A look at the source list should let you know for what general purpose the method was intended (wastewater, soil, air, or multi-media).

Q: What if I can't find a method I need?
A:
In some cases individual substances are listed; in others a family of substances is listed under one name. For example, look for related or broader terms such as metals rather than mercury or pesticides as well as a specific one such as dursban. EPA does not have a test method for all chemicals, only those which it in some way regulates.You are welcome to contact the Region 1 Library to inquire about methods not found in the index and for suggestions on where else to look. In many cases, we will be able to email the method to you or direct you to a Web site or someone who can assist you.

Please contact Peg Nelson at the following address with your comments, questions, and contributions:

Peg Nelson (contractor)
EPA New England Region 1 Library
1 Congress Street, Suite 1100 LIB
Boston, MA 02114-2023
phone: 617-918-1991
fax: 617-918-1992
email: nelson.peg@epa.gov

 

 
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