Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Natural Resources
NR 100-199 - Environmental Protection General
Chapter NR 149 - Laboratory Accreditation
Subchapter VII - Quality Systems
Section NR 149.42 - Alternative methods

(1) The department may allow the use of alternative methods from those required by covered programs, including the safe drinking water program, if a laboratory requests approval and if the EPA has granted approval for the alternative methods.

(2) On a case-by-case basis, the department may allow the use of methods other than those required by covered programs for any of the following situations:

(3) Requests to use an alternative method shall include the reason for seeking the approval, a description of the principles of any new or emerging technology involved, and the potential scope of application of the method. The department may establish criteria for validating the method for the specific application and scope requested. If the laboratory's method validation results meet the established validation criteria, the department shall allow the use of the method for the specific application and scope requested.

(4) The department shall approve or deny the request for consideration of approval for use within 90 days from the receipt of the request. The department shall consider in its decision whether the covered programs that would be the recipients of the data generated have a demonstrated need for allowing the alternative method.

(5) The department may charge a fee under s. 299.11(5) (d), Stats., if it is necessary to verify the results of any validation data submitted by a laboratory requesting use of an alternative method.