and soil analysis, (5) environmental biological testing. Since the establishment of the EAL, under the able leadership of several directors general, all its members have dedicated themselves to improve environmental analysis, standardize the quality environmental analysis data, provide environmental laboratories from all sectors with technological guidance, perform environmental analysis tests at the national level, and establish environmental analysis standards. To enhance both our internationally quality assurance domestically and our environmental analysis credibility, the EAL has been actively seeking laboratory accreditation in the international community. These efforts were not in vain; the EAL received laboratory accreditation from NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia) on January 31, 1995. The formal opening of the National Environment Analysis Building in November 1998 was an noteworthy milestone that signaled a new era of environmental testing and research.

Environmental analysis work now has a sound foundation thanks to the capable leadership of former EAL heads and the hard work of all its staff. Our future policy implementation will be task-oriented. We shall carry out all the necessary tests and analysis work to support EPA's major policies and programs, and raise our environmental testing capability to handle pollution incidents with accurate and timely data as the basis for decision-making. In the area of methodology, we will promulgate the standards for environmental analysis methods in accordance with environmental regulations and develop test methods with a focus on automation, high efficiency, and low-polluting environmentally-friendly techniques. We will also raise the management quality of environmental analysis laboratories, emphasizing the representation of samples, specialization of sampling, and the complete chain-of-custody of the samples. In the area of contractual projects, we will strictly audit the data of contractual projects and develop quality assurance guidelines for the environmental data base and the data quality validation system to assure the quality of environmental analysis data.

In light of the limitation of manpower, the complexity of work, and the need for advanced analytical methods, we will strengthen cooperation with academic research institutes to upgrade work efficiency and techniques. Environmental analysis should be like a solid golden triangle made up of exceptional leadership, experts' assistance, and the hard work of all who serve in environmental analysis work nationwide. These elements complement EPA's programs, forming a perfect circle which continues to carry out our environmental missions.

 

Pih Wang
Director
March,2002