Environmental Quality Laboratory (EQL) Rates & Policies

USU Investigator Use of Environmental Quality Laboratory (EQL)

Option 1: Faculty members, researchers, or students interested in using lab space (bench space, constant temperature room, etc.), general lab instrumentation, or analytical instruments may do so at hourly or daily rates (Tables 1 and 2).

Daily rates for lab space rental and general lab instrumentation allow researchers to use space within the EQL, set up experiments, and access general lab instrumentation and supplies (Table 1). All USU employees using the EQL must complete Initial Lab Safety Training provided by EH&S and remain current with annual safety training. A safety walk-through of the EQL is required.

Table 1. General Laboratory Use Fee

Advanced EQL instruments are available for hands-on use by USU investigators and their students (Table 2). Following training and a period of supervised use (see training rates in Table 1), researchers may be approved for independent, unattended use of instruments. Instruction is instrument-specific and provided at the discretion of EQL management based on project needs and compatibility with EQL practices. It is assumed that investigators bring processed samples and their own supplies, including standards, analytical columns, and vials. This fee structure accommodates broad research applications and is not limited to typical EQL analyses or matrices. Please contact the lab to discuss specific needs.

Table 2. Instrument Hourly Use Rates

*The daily lab fee is charged for the time faculty members or students are in the lab preparing to use instruments.

USU Per Sample Rates

There are two additional options for analytical support from the EQL for USU researchers.

Option 2: A USU researcher or their graduate student may pay a per-sample rate and use the EQL for sample preparation and/or instrumental analysis (Table 3) following protocols developed by the EQL (appendix). After completing training (at an additional charge), USU researchers may access EQL facilities and are responsible for data acquisition and processing.

Option 3: EQL staff process and analyze samples at a per-sample rate (Table 3). These charges include review of sample results and QC data, and generation of a final report. QC samples include procedure blanks, laboratory control samples, instrument blanks, CCVs, and duplicate matrix spikes. The EQL is not an accredited laboratory, but standard methods and QC protocols specified by the EPA are followed.

Non-USU Per Sample Rates

Option 4: For non-USU clients, EQL staff process and analyze samples at a per-sample rate (Table 3), including sample preparation and analysis (Table 4). These charges include review of sample results and QC data, and generation of a final report. QC samples include procedure blanks, laboratory control samples, instrument blanks, CCVs, and duplicate matrix spikes. The EQL is not an accredited laboratory, but standard methods and QC protocols specified by the EPA are followed. These fees include University overhead at 23% and an additional service fee.

Sampling equipment such as sample bottles, syringe filters, acid preservative, and coolers can be provided at cost. Return shipping and handling are not included.

Table 3. Per-Sample Cost for USU Users and Non-USU Clients

*TBA = To be arranged. Call for a quote.

Appendix

Standard Analyses Performed by the EQL

The EQL performs routine analyses for a variety of parameters in water (surface water, groundwater, wastewater, stormwater) and solids (soil, sediment, plants, biosolids) (Table 4). We follow EPA and APHA protocols, including a thorough QC program.

Table 4. Standard Procedures and Instrumentation Performed by the EQL