MEMORANDUM

DATE: May 31, 1994

Reply to Attn of: EM-563 (Newberry:3-7615)

Subject: Participation in the Mixed Analyte Performance Evaluation Program

To: Distribution

The Office of Environmental Management's (EM) Laboratory Management Division
in the Office Technology Development is responsible for assuring that all EM
programs have credible programs to assess the analytical measurements they
require.  An integral component of the program to support the production of 
defensible environmental data is participation in the Mixed Analyte
Performance Evaluation Program (MAPEP), which is operated by the
Radiological and Environmental Sciences Laboratory (RESL).

The EM MAPEP is a set of performance evaluation samples (e.g. water, soil,
air filters, etc.) designed to evaluate the ability of quality of
analytical facilities performing environmental measurements.  The EM MAPEP
provides evaluation samples which contain environmentally important and
compliance required constituent analytes of hazardous and radioactive
(mixed) character.  The samples are prepared and throughly characterized by
RESL and a panel of expert laboratories and are distributed semiannually to
the participating laboratories providing analytical support to EM.

All laboratories that perform environmental analytical measurements in
support of EM activities shall participate in MAPEP.  Participation is
defined as requesting samples materials, completing the appropriate analyses,
reporting the results to RESL, and completing any corrective actions 
identified by the responsible program or operations office.

Inquires regarding the EM MAPEP should be direct to:

     Dr. Stan Morton (208) 526-2186 or
     Guy Marlette (208) 526-2532
     U.S. Department of Energy
     Radiological and Environmental Sciences Laboratory
     785 DOE Place
     Idaho Falls, Idaho   83402

Our successful efforts to assure the quality and defensibility of our
analytical measurements will enhance all EM programs.

                             /s/ Thomas P. Grumbly
                                 Assistant Secretary for
                                    Environmental Management