Laboratory

The Office of Pollution Control (OPC) Laboratory is a full service environmental laboratory, providing the agency with accurate and timely analyses of pollutants. The staff solves analytical problems, provides expert witnesses in environmental litigation, and offers technical support and information to the programs, the regulated community, and the public.

With a staff of thirty (30) scientists, technicians, and support personnel, the OPC Laboratory was organized and equipped to serve the routine and special analytical needs of the agency.

Annually

• More than 3,000 samples from specific sources processed
• More than 50,000 analytical determinations are made
• As many as 250 different determinations made on one sample

The complexity and diversity of chemicals used in today’s industrial arena necessitates the use of extensive testing with sophisticated analytical equipment.

Tests and Equipment Used

• Mass spectrometry
• Gas chromatography
• Atomic absorption spectrophotometry
• Fish pathology
• Toxicity testing
• Routine quantitative and qualitative wet chemistry procedures

In-stream biological and ecological assessments are used in our stream evaluations and will be the basis to define ecoregions in Mississippi and eventually to develop biological criterion for state waters. A quality assurance program is used to continually evaluate and improve the efficiency and reliability of the laboratory. Continuing training programs are underway by the staff, and they review technical literature and new procedures on a regular basis. The lab staff provides training for inspectors and new personnel in pollution control methods and also assists in the operator training workshops.

Biological Monitoring and Assessment of Wadeable Streams

• Collection of water and macroinvertebrate samples from approximately 100 wadeable stream locations across the state.
• Sampling will be conducted during an index period from mid December to mid March.
• MDEQ chemists will analyze all water sample analyses.
• MDEQ taxonomists will process and identify all macroinvertebrates collected as part of the monitoring effort.

Address and Directions

MDEQ Laboratory
1542 Old Whitfield Road
Pearl, MS 39208

Take I-20 east from Jackson to exit 52 (Jackson International Airport exit) and continue south on Hwy 475 to the first right, which is Old Whitfield road. Go about 2 miles and we will be in the curve just before the MS State Fire Academy.

Contact
For more information call, (601) 961-5293.