1. A. The Department is authorized to acquire, operate and maintain laboratories to analyze samples:

   1. 1. From pollution studies; 2. To obtain factual data to support any order, permit, function or program of the Department; 3. To provide accurate information on wastewater flows and discharges or the chemical, physical or biological characteristics of wastewater; 4. To check the operations of treatment or disposal systems or works to determine whether they meet plans and specifications approved by the Department; 5. To provide laboratory service for individuals, cities, towns, counties, state institutions and other state and federal agencies; 6. From studies and investigations of any waste or pollutant entering treatment systems or waters of the state or any media in which the presence of a contaminant or pollutant is suspected; and 7. To provide such services and perform such other analyses as is necessary to implement and enforce the programs and functions under the jurisdiction of the Department pursuant to this Code.
2. B. The Board shall promulgate rules for laboratory services under this Code. The Board shall follow the procedures required by the Administrative Procedures Act for promulgation of such rules.

3. C.

   1. 1. The Board, pursuant to Section 24 of this act and the Administrative Procedures Act, shall promulgate as a rule a fee schedule based on actual cost of analyses and the costs of the provision of laboratory services. The schedule shall include fees for specific parameters and procedures.
   2. 2. Fees charged pursuant to this section shall be paid into the Department of Environmental Quality Revolving Fund and shall only be used by the Department in administering the Department's environmental laboratory pursuant to Section 24 of this act.
4. D. The Department may, if necessary to meet the demand for laboratory services, contract, pursuant to the provisions of the Central Purchasing Act, for the performance of analyses with laboratories certified by the Department.

Added by Laws 1963, c. 325, art. 9, § 905, operative July 1, 1963. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 32, eff. July 1, 1993. Renumbered from Title 63, § 1-905 by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 359, eff. July 1, 1993.