What is a requirement for laboratories performing analyses for a treatment plant's discharge permit?

A requirement for laboratories performing analyses for a treatment plant's discharge permit is that they must be certified for the applicable analyses. This certification ensures that the laboratory follows standards set by regulatory agencies, which guarantees the accuracy and reliability of the test results. Certified laboratories have demonstrated proficiency in the specific analyses they conduct, which is crucial for monitoring compliance with discharge permits. This helps maintain the integrity of water quality assessments and ensures that the treatment plant's operations meet environmental regulations.

While employing a certain number of certified analysts and maintaining laboratory records are important aspects of laboratory operation and regulatory compliance, they do not specifically address the core requirement for analyses tied directly to discharge permits. Similarly, submitting results to the local municipality, while a critical part of communication with regulatory bodies, does not pertain to the certification aspect that ensures analytical validity. Thus, the requirement for laboratories is primarily centered around their certification in relevant analyses.