Laboratory Services

ERG’s NELAC-certified, state-of-the-art laboratory in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, is a nationally recognized leader in ambient air monitoring, analyses, and data characterization. For almost 40 years, we have served as the lead support contractor for EPA’s National Monitoring Programs. Our air quality and mechanical engineers have designed and operated a wide variety of customized air monitoring networks on national, state, local, and tribal scales. Our analytical chemists perform both routine and highly complex analyses of environmental samples, specializing in measurements related to air emissions. Together, our engineers and chemists have extensive expertise developing, assessing, and optimizing methods for ambient, fugitive, area, and stationary source emissions measurements. We have developed many of the methods that now serve as the nationally accepted approaches to air toxics and ozone precursor sampling and analysis. We are also on the forefront of advancing client understanding and use of next generation emission measurement technology. ERG’s Laboratory Services Group also provides a full suite of rapid response services—from program design to equipment deployment to training to risk assessment—to support air quality monitoring, measurement, and characterization during emergencies. 

Routine and Non-Routine Analyses
  • VOCs/air toxics—Compendium Method TO-15/TO-15A (NELAC-certified)
  • SNMOCs/PAMS—ozone precursor methods
  • SVOCs/PAHs—Compendium Method TO-13A (NELAC-certified)
  • Aldehydes and ketones (carbonyl compounds)—Compendium Method TO-11A (NELAC-certified)
  • Hexavalent chromium—ASTM D7614 (NELAC-certified)
  • Trace metals—Compendium Method IO 3.5/EQL-0512-201/EQL-0512-202 (NELAC-certified)
  • Methane
  • Gravimetric
Air Monitoring Network Design and Operation
  • Air monitoring program planning and operation
  • Development and operation of specialized monitoring and measurement programs
  • Custom target compound identification and quantification
  • Custom data reports
  • Comprehensive monitoring program reports
Methods Development, Evaluation, and Optimization
  • Development of new monitoring/measurement methods
  • Evaluation of next generation emission measurement technologies
  • Evaluation of emerging and existing monitoring/measurement methods
  • Optimization of existing monitoring/measurement methods
  • Design and fabrication of specialized scientific equipment
  • Method validation
Exposure Investigation
  • Study design, planning, and implementation
  • Real-time monitoring/measurements
  • Integrated sample collection and analysis
  • Health risk determinations and recommendations
Emergency Response
  • Specialized sample collection and analytical support
  • Rapid deployment and operation of specialized response equipment
  • Training in the use of specialized response equipment
  • Custom target compound identification and quantification
  • Expedited data reporting
Data Characterization and Statistical Assessment
  • Trends analysis
  • Risk assessment and evaluation
  • Back trajectory determination
  • Emissions-based risk assessment: source, area, and mobile
  • Central tendency and data distribution statistical analysis
  • Pollution rose analysis: air pollutant sources or mobile sources signatures
  • Wind rose development
  • Geographic information systems (GIS) application

Service Area Leads

Photo of Randy Bower

I always wanted to use my chemistry knowledge to help clean up our world and hope that, in some small way, I’ve been able to do that through my work at ERG.

Randolph Bower

Tracey Footer

Good science is the foundation for successful decision-making and policy development. As scientists, we stand on the shoulders of the giants who made discoveries before us. I may not be tall, but I do my best to stand up straight.

Tracey Footer

Photo of Scott Sholar

There are many things to consider when setting up a single sampling device or an entire monitoring network. Am I looking for the right compounds? Am I using the right equipment to provide the needed data? How can I ensure that the data collected are properly validated? Are there new technologies that could be employed? Essentially, I want to make sure our clients get the data that speak most effectively to their concerns.

Scott Sholar

Julie Swift

I am proud and honored to work in a laboratory that specializes in reporting the most accurate and precise concentrations of hazardous air pollutants across the United States. Beyond providing high-quality results, I particularly enjoy applying my creativity to continuously improving monitoring methods and the data they provide.

Julie Swift

Donna Tedder

Our clients use the data we produce to make important decisions affecting federal regulations, risk assessments, and implementation plans, so they need to be right. My job is to ensure that the data meet the quality objectives.

Donna Tedder