Section 4104 - Powers and dutiesThe department shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) Establish, administer and enforce an environmental laboratory accreditation program which shall include accreditation standards necessary for a State certification program. The program shall also include a NELAP accreditation program for those laboratories seeking this certification. The program may also include any other specific broad-based Federal or State accreditation program for certification.(2) Issue, renew, deny, revoke, suspend or modify certificates of accreditation to environmental laboratories in accordance with regulations adopted by the Environmental Quality Board.(3) Impose terms or conditions on accreditation as necessary to implement and enforce this chapter.(4) Conduct inspections and tests or samplings, including the examination and copying of records and data pertinent to a matter under investigation. Duly authorized agents and employees of the department may at reasonable times enter and examine property, facilities, operations and activities subject to regulation under this chapter.(5) Issue orders and initiate proceedings as necessary to implement and enforce this chapter.(6) Require a fee for the processing of an application for a certificate of accreditation, including the issuance, renewal, modification or other action relating to the certificate, in an amount sufficient to pay the department's cost of implementing and administering the accreditation program.(7) Provide technical assistance and advice to persons and environmental laboratories subject to this chapter.(8) Contract with third parties to inspect and monitor environmental laboratories.(9) Cooperate with appropriate Federal, State, interstate and local government units and private organizations to implement this chapter.(10) Allow the use of experimental procedures on a case-by-case basis to satisfy the testing or analysis requirements established under an environmental statute.(11) Seek approval as an accrediting authority from NELAP. 2002, June 29, P.L. 596, No. 90, § 1, effective in 60 days.