Environmental Response Laboratory Network Membership

Who are the ERLN members?

Environmental Response Laboratory Network and Water Laboratory Alliance members are primarily commercial laboratories, state government laboratories, EPA laboratories, local municipal laboratories, and government-owned/contractor-operated laboratories. 

Membership eligibility for the ERLN and WLA is based on a laboratory's ability to meet the ERLN core requirements, which apply to both public and private laboratories. Each laboratory must establish, maintain, and demonstrate: 

• A quality system consistent with ISO 17025, the NELAC Institute, or Drinking Water Certification (as applicable)
• Documented quality policies and procedures, consistent with EPA Quality Directives
• Sample management systems 
• Facilities for sample handling and secure storage
• Data management and exchange procedures  
• Analytical capabilities and capacities for chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants 

What are the ERLN Member Benefits?

ERLN members benefit from participation in training and exercise opportunities, which enable laboratories to network with professionals from other laboratories across the nation. Hands-on experience increases laboratory capabilities and ensures that laboratory personnel are familiar with ERLN procedures. ERLN member laboratories also have the option of entering into a Basic Ordering Agreement with EPA, which allows for priority consideration during an emergency response and rapid, direct funding without needing to subcontract through another company. 

More information on WLA membership 

How to apply to become an ERLN and/or WLA Member

Laboratories with capabilities to analyze toxic industrial chemicals, chemical warfare agents, biological agents, and/or radiological agents in environmental sample matrices (e.g., air, water, soil, drinking water) are encouraged to apply for ERLN membership. Laboratories can apply for ERLN membership by completing the following requirements: 

• Register and create a record for your laboratory in the EPA Compendium of Environmental Testing Laboratories. Ensure all information is complete and accurately reflects your laboratory's analytical capabilities and analytical instrumentation (number and type). Laboratories that are already registered are required to update their CETL information prior to submitting the ERLN application.
• Request an ERLN application packet by contacting [email protected].
• Review and complete the ERLN application packet. As part of completing the packet, your laboratory will need to: 
  • Provide contact information
  • Provide information about your laboratory's quality management system, documented plans and procedures, sample management system, sample handling and storage capabilities, data management and exchange systems, and current (if any) ICLN membership
  • Indicate if you would also like to participate in the Water Laboratory Alliance 
  • Review the ERLN Laboratory Requirements Document and Policy for Membership in the ERLN and sign the application
• Provide supporting documentation associated with your laboratory's accredited quality system. Supporting documentation may include: 
  • Laboratory accreditations
  • Quality management plan or quality system manual, consistent with EPA Quality Directives
  • Additional documentation, as requested
• Submit your completed ERLN application packet and supporting documentation by email to [email protected]. 

What are the ERLN member responsibilities?

ERLN member laboratories must: 

• Create and maintain a laboratory capabilities profile in the Compendium of Environmental Testing Laboratories. 
• Supply analytical services for biological, chemical, and/or radiological. contaminants in sample collected in support of environmental responses.
• Adhere to the methods and technical requirements specified in the incident-specific task order when testing ERLN samples and reporting results. 
• Report positive or suspect test results to authorized ERLN personnel only, within the timeframe specified for the project.