DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) TEST METHODS

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PACE® PROVIDES LAB SERVICES FOR DOD PROJECTS ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF CONTAMINANTS, INCLUDING PFAS. 

DOD QSM 5.3 and 5.4

Matrices: Drinking Water (not for compliance), Ground & Surface Waters, Wastewater, Leachate, Wastewater Sludge & Biosolids, Soil & Other Solids, Biota, AFFF

Compounds: 24 or 25 (5.3), 40 (5.4)

The DOD QSM (Quality Systems Manual) Is not a test method per se. Instead, it is a set of protocols to be used for DOD projects. QSM 5.3 and 5.4 are also applicable to civilian projects upon the client organization’s direction (e.g., In the absence of an applicable final US EPA test method), and Pace® adheres to them unless other SOPs are required for regulatory purposes.

QSM v5.3 Table B-15 lists the specific requirements for analyzing PFAS in matrices other than drinking water. QSM v5.4 was published in late 2021, adding Table B-24 to refine Draft Method 1633 for DOD projects. Both QSM v5.3 an v5.4 are currently valid, but it’s anticipated that these versions will be superseded by QSM v6.0 when it is finalized. (Expected in late 2022)

DOD AFFF01, Rev 1.0

Matrices: AFFF

Compounds: PFOA, PFOS

Military installations are heavy users of AFFF. Although newer foams are formulated without PFAS, they have yet to be cleared by the FAA or the DOD for use in an aviation emergency. AFFF also has a long shelf life and the chemical ingredients aren’t always clearly listed. To support compliance with MIL-SPEC, the DOD has developed this method for testing the PFAS content in these foams.

EPA Draft Method 1633 & SW-846 Draft Method 8328

Matrices: GROUND & SURFACE WATERS, WASTEWATER, LEACHATE, WASTEWATER SLUDGE & BIOSOLIDS, SOIL & OTHER SOLIDS

Compounds: 40

DOD has been collaborating with EPA on the development of Draft Method 1633 and SW-846 Draft Method 8328. These methods will be universally required for civil and DOD testing along with QSM 5.3 and 5.4 adding additional quality control requirements.

REASONS TO CHOOSE PACE®

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EXPERIENCED

Pace® has been an industry leader in persistent organic pollutant testing for over three decades.
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CERTIFIED

We’re certified/accredited by NELAC, ISO, DOD, DOE, and in every state with a PFAS lab certification program.

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RELIABLE

For emergencies, our Rapid Response Team can provide defensible results in as little as 24 hours.

Committed

COMMITTED

We are committed to helping our customers advance their important work through building strong relationships, delivering upon expectations, and providing exceptional customer service.

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ADVANCED

We can test for PFAS in both solid and aqueous matrices, including potable and non-potable waters, soils, and biota.

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INNOVATIVE

We’re on the leading edge of science, working with EPA, DOD, ASTM, and others to develop new methods for analyzing PFAS.

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