Rule Summary

• revised Agency analytical methods 
• revised methods published by voluntary consensus standard bodies, such as ASTM International and the Standard Methods Committee 
• methods positively reviewed under the Alternate Test Procedures (ATP) program 
• changes to clarify the procedures for EPA approval of nationwide and limited use ATPs 
• amendments to the procedure for determination of the method detection limit (MDL).

• provide increased flexibility to the regulated community, improve data quality, and update the methods, to keep current with technology advances 
• clarify the process for requesting limited use or nationwide review of ATPs  
• address laboratory contamination issues related to the MDL and better account for intra-laboratory variability.

Proposed Rule

• Federal Register Notice (PDF) (February 19, 2015)
• Fact sheet

Background Information

• Previous Methods Update Rules
• How to Get Methods Approved

Additional Information

For further information on the proposed rule, please contact Adrian Hanley (hanley.adrian@epa.gov) or 202-564-1564.