(1) In order to be licensed to perform microbiological analyses, a laboratory must meet the standards contained in this rule.

(2) Individual analysts must be approved by the state as meeting the standards of this rule in order to perform microbiological analysis of drinking water samples.

(3) Analysts in training must be supervised by an experienced analyst who meets all of the requirements of this rule.

(4) Supervising analysts must verify all results of testing performed by analysts in training and co-sign those results.

(5) A laboratory must meet all of the qualifications and conditions set forth in chapter V of the EPA laboratory certification manual, except that:

(a) the first sentence of paragraph 6.4 is replaced by the following:

     "The Total Coliform Rule ( TCR ) , 40 CFR 141.21(f) (3) and EPA's Manual for the Certification of Laboratories Analyzing Drinking Water, Fourth Edition, March 1997, limit the time from sample collection to initiation of analysis to 30 hours. Public water systems ( PWSs ) must make every effort to meet the 30 hour holding time requirement. Laboratories may continue to analyze samples that are up to 48 hours old with the following two additional requirements:

     1. Laboratories must flag samples that are greater than 30 and less than or equal to 48 hours old.

     2. Laboratories must continue to invalidate a total coliform negative sample that shows signs of heterotrophic interference (40 CFR 141.21(c ) ( 2) ) regardless of the holding time. However, replacement samples may not exceed 30 hours. "; and

(b) analysts must have a minimum of four days of training at the environmental laboratory with a successful evaluation from the state training personnel, with the exception that up to two days training may be waived at the discretion of the microbiology certification officer based upon education and experience of the analyst.

(6) Each membrane filter lot must be checked by comparing recovery of coliform organisms against membrane filters from a previously acceptable lot.

(7) The department adopts and incorporates by reference chapter V of the EPA laboratory  certification manual (EPA 815 - B - 97 - 001, "Manual for the Certification of Laboratories Analyzing Drinking Water", March 1997) , which establishes qualifications for staff training and experience and conditions for approval of laboratories conducting microbiological analyses of public drinking water. A copy of chapter V may be obtained from the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Public Health and Safety Division, Environmental Laboratory, 1400 Broadway, Cogswell Building, P.O. Box 202951, Helena, MT 59620-2951.