1. (1) Approved laboratory methods are specified in the Department’s rules, contracts, orders or permits. When methods are specified by a Department rule, contract, order or permit, only those methods shall be used. For informational purposes, the Department maintains lists of methods, method compendiums and publication sources that have been recognized by the Department. When laboratory methods are not specified in Department rules, contracts, orders or permits, applicable methods from the list of recognized methods are approved, where the methods are determined by the Department to satisfy data quality objectives established for the Department project. However, these lists shall not supersede or limit the use of other methods that are required by contract, order, permit or Title 62 rules. Links for the lists of methods are posted on the Department’s webpage at https://floridadep.gov/dear/quality-assurance/content/analytical-method-source.

2. (2) Except as specified in subsections (3) and (4) below, laboratories performing taxonomic identification for periphyton or benthic macroinvertebrates shall use the procedures in the following DEP SOPs:

   1. (a) For taxonomic identification of periphyton, part LQ 7000 and subparts LQ 7100 through LQ 7140 in Laboratory Quality Control, DEP SOP LQ 1000, incorporated by reference in subparagraph 62-160.800(1)(b)2., shall be used;
   2. (b) For taxonomic identification of benthic macroinvertebrates, part LQ 7000 and subparts LQ 7400 through LQ 7420 in Laboratory Quality Control, DEP SOP LQ 1000, incorporated by reference in subparagraph 62-160.800(1)(b)2., F.A.C., shall be used.

3. (3) Laboratories performing taxonomic identifications or calculations for the Stream Condition Index (SCI), the Lake Vegetation Index, or making a Biorecon determination shall use the procedures in the following DEP SOPs:

   1. (a) For the Stream Condition Index, Stream Condition Index Methods, DEP SOP SCI 1000, incorporated by reference in subparagraph 62-160.800(1)(c)3., F.A.C., shall be used;
   2. (b) For the Lake Vegetation Index, Lake Vegetation Index Methods, DEP SOP LVI 1000, incorporated by reference in subparagraph 62-160.800(1)(c)2., F.A.C., shall be used;
   3. (c) For the BioRecon determination, Biological Reconnaissance Field Method, DEP SOP BRN 1000, incorporated by reference in subparagraph 62-160.800(1)(c)1., F.A.C., shall be used.
4. (4) Additionally, laboratories or persons performing taxonomic identifications, calculations or data usability assessments for the Stream Condition Index (SCI), the Lake Vegetation Index or a BioRecon determination shall follow the procedures and satisfy the data quality objectives discussed in Sampling and Use of the Stream Condition Index (SCI) for Assessing Flowing Waters: A Primer, DEP-SAS-001/11, and Sampling and Use of the Lake Vegetation Index (LVI) for Assessing Lake Plant Communities in Florida: A Primer, DEP-SAS-002/11, incorporated by reference in paragraphs 62-160.800(2)(e) and 62-160.800(2)(f), F.A.C., respectively.
5. (5) Laboratories calculating the Lake Condition Index (LCI) shall use the procedures in Determination of Biological Indices, DEP SOP LT 7000, parts LT 7010, LT 7020, LT 7030, LT 7040, LT 7300 and LT 7900, incorporated by reference in subparagraph 62-160.800(1)(b)3., F.A.C.

6. (6) Laboratories calculating the Wetland Condition Indices (WCI) shall use the procedures in the following subparts of Determination of Biological Indices, DEP SOP LT 7000, part LT 7600, incorporated by reference in subparagraph 62-160.800(1)(b)3., F.A.C.:

   1. (a) For the determination of Wetland Condition Index for freshwater isolated herbaceous wetlands, DEP SOP subpart LT 7610 shall be used (including subparts LT 7611 and LT 7612).
   2. (b) For the determination of Wetland Condition Index for freshwater isolated forested wetlands, DEP SOP subpart LT 7620 shall be used (including subparts LT 7621 and LT 7622).
7. (7) Laboratories analyzing for chlorophyll a shall use methods included in Applicability of Chlorophyll a Methods, DEP-SAS-002/10, incorporated by reference in subsection 62-160.800(14), F.A.C., unless otherwise specified in a Department rule, contract, order, or permit.

Rulemaking Authority 403.061, 403.0623 FS. Law Implemented 373.026, 373.309, 373.409, 373.413, 373.414, 373.416, 373.4592, 376.303, 376.305, 376.3071, 403.0623, 403.0625, 403.087, 403.088, 403.0881, 403.504, 403.704, 403.707, 403.722, 403.853 FS. History–New 4-9-02, Amended 12-3-08, 7-30-14, 5-20-26.