New Environmental Lab Policy in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has a new environmental lab policy that will further protect public health. The policy, which came into effect on Aug. 1, guarantees better consistency and reliability of test results as environmental labs are required to maintain even higher standards of quality.

"The new policy will ensure data is consistent with national and international standards," said Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour. "In addition, all procedures are documented so that any deficiencies or sources of error can be identified and addressed as quickly as possible."

"This new policy assures Nova Scotians of reliable drinking water test results," said Dr. Ann Roberts, medical officer of health.

In addition to testing drinking water, labs test for a variety of things including contaminated site clean up, water resources and discharge monitoring. There are 15 accredited labs in Nova Scotia that provide environmental testing services to the Department of Environment and Labour.

For more information about the new environmental lab policy see the Environment and Labour website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/airlandwater/labcertification.asp .