Source Emissions Test Report 

Round Mountain Gold Corporation: 

Smoky Valley Common Operation 

Mercury Testing – EPA Method 29 

MOPTC No. AP1041-2250 

for 

System 24 - Refinery 

and 

System 25 – Carbon Stripping and Regeneration 

Report prepared for: 

Round Mountain Gold Corporation 

Smoky Valley Common Operation 

1 Smoky Valley Mine Road 

Round Mountain, Nevada 89045 

Report prepared by: 

Air Pollution Testing, Inc. 

5530 Marshall Street 

Arvada, Colorado 80002 

APT Project: RMG9183
Certification

Team Leader Certification:

I certify that all of the sampling and analytical procedures and data presented in 

this report are authentic and accurate. 

Justin Nylen 

Field Team Leader / Project Manager 

Reviewer Certification:

I certify that all of the testing details and conclusions are accurate and valid. 

Matt McGregor 

 Reviewer / Technical Writer
Deviation Report 

There were no significant deviations to the EPA Test Methods or abnormalities in 

the unit operating procedures. 
Table of Contents 

 

1. Introduction............................................................................................... 1

2. Summary of Results.................................................................................. 2

3. Test Data and Sampling Methods............................................................ 5 

4. Summary of Operating / Process Data..................................................... 9 

Tables & Figures 

Table 1.1 : Emission Unit Identification................................................... 1 

 

Table 1.2 : Contact Personnel................................................................ 2

Table 2.1 : Test Results Summary, System 24.................................... 3 

Table 2.2 : Test Results Summary, System 25................................. 4 

 

Figure 3.1 : Systems 24 and 25 Process Flow Diagram....................... 6 

Table 3.1 : Sampling Techniques..................................................... 7 

 

Table 3.2 : Sampling and Analytical Methods Summary....................... 8 

Appendices 

Facility Process Information.......................................................... Appendix 1 

Description of EPA Reference Methods.......................................... Appendix 2 

Method 29 Results and Sample Calculations................................... Appendix 3 

Field Data................................................................................. Appendix 4 

Electronic Data CD..................................................................... Appendix 5 

Sampling and Analysis Procedures/Schematics............................... Appendix 6 

Laboratory Data......................................................................... Appendix 7 

Calibration Information and Project Participants............................... Appendix 8 

Test Protocol and NMCP Comments.............................................. Appendix 9 

Cyclonic Flow Checks................................................................. Appendix 10 

 

NMCP Source Test Summary Sheets............................................ Appendix 11 
APT Project RMG9183 

 RMG-SVCO – Hg Emissions Test Report 

page 1 

1. Introduction 

Air Pollution Testing, Inc. (APT) was contracted by Round Mountain Gold Corporation 

(RMG) to conduct a series of source emission testing services at the Smoky Valley 

Common Operation site near Round Mountain, Nye County, Nevada. 

The purpose of the emissions testing program was to quantify the emission levels of 

total suspended particulate matter (PM) and mercury (Hg), from deep bed carbon 

scrubber exhausts from the sources identified in Table 1.1. 

RMG-SVCO – PM and Hg Emissions Testing: 

Emission Unit Identification 

Permit No. System Thermal 

Unit ID Source Description 

TU 4.001* Carbon Reactivation Kiln 

TU 4.002* Pregnant Solution Tank 

TU 4.003* Barren Solution Tank 1 

25 

TU 4.004* Barren Solution Tank 2 

AP1041-2250 

24 TU 4.005 Electric Induction Furnace 

* TU4.001 - TU4.004 controlled through a common deep carbon bed scrubber 

Table 1.1: Emission Unit Identification

Concurrently collected stack gas velocity and volumetric flow, oxygen (O2), carbon 

dioxide (CO2) and moisture (H2O) measurements were used to determine mass 

emission rates. All sampling was conducted with the involved processes operating at 

normal capacity. Testing began on Monday, August 31, 2009 and concluded on 

Wednesday, September 2, 2009. 

The stack testing was conducted pursuant to the Nevada Mercury Control Program 

(NMCP) requirement for annual (2009) testing pursuant to NAC 445B.3675.2(c). 

Key contact personnel involved in the test program are provided in Table 1.2 on the 

following page. 
APT Project RMG9183 

 RMG-SVCO – Hg Emissions Test Report 

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RMG-SVCO – PM and Hg Emissions Testing: 

Emissions Testing Program Contact Personnel

Name, Title Company, Address Phone, FAX 

Mr. Larry Kennedy, 

Acting, Compliance Supervisor 

NDEP - BAPC 

901 S. Stewart Street, Suite 4001 

Carson City, Nevada 89701 

775-687-9495, 

775-687-6396 

Mr. Greg Schoen, 

Environmental Superintendent 

Round Mountain Gold Corporation 

Smoky Valley Mine 

No. 1 Smoky Valley Mine Road 

Round Mountain, Nevada 89045 

775-377-3336, 

775-377-3224 

Mr. Chris Keefe, 

Director of Operations 

Air Pollution Testing, Inc. 

5530 Marshall Street 

Arvada, Colorado 80002 

303-420-5949 ext. 24, 

303-420-5920

Table 1.2 : Emissions Testing Program Contact Personnel

2. Summary of Results 

The results of the testing program are summarized in Tables 2.1 and 2.2 for Systems 24 

and 25, respectively. Any emission parameters not found in the tables can be found in 

Appendix 3 – Method 29 Results and Sample Calculations. The following abbreviations 

are used in the tables:

°F – temperature, measured in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) 

dscfm – dry standard (68°F, 1 atmosphere) cubic feet per minute 

O2 (%vd) – oxygen concentration (dry volume percent) 

CO2 (%vd) – carbon dioxide concentration (dry volume percent) 

H2O (%vw) – duct gas water vapor content (wet volume percent) 

F 1⁄2 PM – the front half of the particulate train, including the acetone rinse and 

filter 

Hg – mercury 

gr/dscf – grains per dry standard (68°F, 1 atmosphere) cubic feet 

lb/hr – pounds per hour 

gpm – gallons per minute 
APT Project RMG9183 

 RMG-SVCO – Hg Emissions Test Report 

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∆P (“H2O) – pressure drop, in inches of water 

RMG-SVCO – PM and Hg Emissions Testing: 

Test Results Summary, System 24 - Refinery 

Test Date(s): August 31 – September 1, 2009

Run #1 Run #2 Run #3 Average Limit (1)

Date 8/31 9/1 9/1 

Start Time 13:00 8:37 11:04 

Stop Time 15:04 10:17 12:48 

Sampling Time (minutes) 120.0 96.0 96.0 

Stack Temp. (°F) 92 92 94 93 

Stack Flow (dscfm) 1,748 1,797 1,708 1,751 

Hg Mass (g) 8.69E-04 1.91E-04 3.70E-04 4.77E-04 

O2 (%vd) 20.9 20.9 20.9 20.9 

CO2 (%vd) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 

H2O (%vw) 4.2 4.1 4.4 4.2 

% isokinetic 102.2 102.2 102.4 102.3 

Operational Data

Total Batch Weight (lbs) 430.9 382.5 327.4 380.3 720 (A), 136.3 (B) 

Batch Time (min) 60 120 114 98 

Process Material Hg Conc. (ppm) 140 200 160 167 

Dynamic Scrubber Flow (gpm) 17 16 16 16 ≥ 12.0 

Dynamic Scrubber ∆P (“H2O) 4.4 5.0 4.4 4.6 ≥ 1.0 

Carbon Bed Scrubber ∆P (“H2O) 9.0 9.6 9.2 9.3 < 10.0 

Emissions Data 

F 1⁄2 PM (lb/hr) 0.05 1.02 0.09 0.39 

F 1⁄2 PM (gr/dscf) 0.003 0.066 0.006 0.025 

Total Hg (gr/dscf) 1.75E-04 4.68E-05 9.51E-05 1.06E-04 

Total Hg (lb/hr) 2.62E-03 7.21E-04 1.39E-03 1.58E-03 

(1) A – Permit Limit B – Protocol-Approved Limit 

Table 2.1: Test Results Summary, System 24 – Refinery 
APT Project RMG9183 

 RMG-SVCO – Hg Emissions Test Report 

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RMG-SVCO – PM and Hg Emissions Testing: 

Test Results Summary, System 25 - Carbon Stripping and Regeneration 

Test Date(s): September 1 – 2, 2009

Run #1 Run #2 Run #3 Average Limit (1)

Date 9/1 9/2 9/2 

Start Time 15:10 8:10 10:58 

Stop Time 17:13 10:13 13:02 

Sampling Time (minutes) 120.0 120.0 120.0 

Stack Temp. (°F) 113 103 107 108 

Stack Flow (dscfm) 125 124 126 125 

Hg Mass (g) 2.79E-04 1.95E-04 3.01E-04 2.58E-04 

O2 (%vd) 20.4 19.8 19.9 20.0 

CO2 (%vd) 0.6 0.8 0.8 0.7 

H2O (%vw) 9.4 8.6 9.4 9.1 

% isokinetic 108.7 102.3 101.9 104.3 

Operational Data 

Carbon Throughput (tons/hr) 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 (A), 0.38 (B)

Propane Throughput (gal/hr) 14.95 14.91 14.91 14.92 

Process Material Hg Conc. (ppm) 2.50 2.66 0.46 1.87 

Dynamic Scrubber Flow (gpm) 18 18 18 18 ≥ 12.0 

Dynamic Scrubber ∆P (“H2O) 4 4 4 4 ≥ 1.0 

Carbon Bed Scrubber ∆P (“H2O) 7 8 8 8 < 10.0 

Emissions Data 

F 1⁄2 PM (lb/hr) 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.002 

F 1⁄2 PM (gr/dscf) 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.002 

Total Hg (gr/dscf) 7.20E-05 4.89E-05 7.44E-05 6.51E-05 

Total Hg (lb/hr) 7.73E-05 5.18E-05 8.05E-05 6.99E-05 

(1) A – Permit Limit B – Protocol-Approved Limit

Table 2.2: Test Results Summary, System 25 – Carbon Stripping and 

Regeneration 
APT Project RMG9183 

 RMG-SVCO – Hg Emissions Test Report 

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3. Test Data and Sampling Methods 

3.1. Process Description

The pregnant solution from leach pads is pumped to the adsorption plant, where gold is 

adsorbed from the solution onto activated carbon. The activated carbon containing the 

adsorbed gold is sent to carbon strip vessels, where it is stripped of the gold with a 

heated stripping solution. The pregnant strip solution exits the strip vessels to pregnant 

solution tank (TU-4.002) via a heat exchanger, which cools the pregnant strip solution 

and preheats the barren strip solution from barren solution tanks (TU-4.003 and TU4.004) on its way to the strip vessels. The stripped carbon is sent to the carbon 

reactivation kiln (TU-4.001), where it is thermally reactivated and returned to the 

adsorption tanks. 

Exhausts from the kiln and the pregnant and barren solution tanks (System 25) are 

routed through a common stack and controlled by a dynamic wet scrubber followed by a 

deep bed carbon scrubber, added as part of Nevada’s mercury early reduction credit 

program. 

The pregnant strip solution is pumped to the electrowinning cells for gold recovery. 

When the pregnant strip solution flows through the cells, an electric current plates the 

gold onto the steel wool cathodes. Cathode baskets, removed from the cells, are 

dismantled and subjected to a high-pressure spray to remove the gold sludge from the 

steel wool. The gold sludge is dried and then smelted in an electric-powered bar (doré) 

induction furnace (System 24 – Refinery – TU-4.005) and poured into gold bars. The 

gold bars are then shipped to an off-site refinery for further processing. 

Particulate and mercury emissions from the furnace are controlled by a dynamic wet 

scrubber and a deep bed carbon scrubber as part of Nevada’s mercury early reduction 

credit program. 

Process flow diagram for Systems 24 and 25 is presented in Figure 3.1. Stack 

Diagrams with stack gas sampling points can be found in Appendix 6 – Sampling and 

Analysis Procedures / Schematics. 
APT Project RMG9183 

 RMG-SVCO – Hg Emissions Test Report 

page 6 

CARBON 

ADSORPTION

TU-4.002 

PREGNANT 

SOLUTION 

TANK

TU-4.003

TU-4.004 

BARREN 

SOLUTION 

TANKS EW CELLS

TU-4.005 

ELECTRIC 

INDUCTION 

FURNACE

FROM LEACH 

PADS

Pregnant

solution

Loaded

activated

carbon

Hot 

stripping 

solution

HEAT 

EXCHANGER

STRIP VESSELS

Pregnant strip 

solution

Barren solution

Pregnant strip 

solution

Gold 

sludge

Dore'

OFF-SITE 

REFINERY

TU-4.001

CARBON

REACTIVATION 

KILN

Stripped

carbon

Reactivated

carbon

DYNAMIC WET 

SCRUBBER & 

DEEP CARBON 

BED SCRUBBER

Air exhaust Air exhaust

Air exhaust

Air exhaust

DYNAMIC WET 

SCRUBBER & 

DEEP CARBON 

BED SCRUBBER

RMG-SVCO

SYSTEMS 24 & 25

PROCESS AND CONTROL DIAGRAM

Figure 3.1: RMG-SVCO Systems 24 and 25 Process Flow Diagram

3.2. Absence of Cyclonic Flow 

Cyclonic flow check datasheets can be found in Appendix 10 – Cyclonic Flow Checks. 

3.3. Operation Anomalies

There were no operation anomalies during this testing program. 

3.4. EPA Test Methods

All testing was conducted in accordance with the following U.S. EPA source emission 

test methods referenced in 40 CFR Part 60, Appendix A. 

Method 1 – Sample and Velocity Traverses for Stationary Sources 

Method 2 – Determination of Stack Gas Velocity and Volumetric Flow Rate 

Method 3 – Gas Analysis for the Determination of Dry Molecular Weight 
APT Project RMG9183 

 RMG-SVCO – Hg Emissions Test Report 

page 7 

Method 4 – Determination of Moisture Content in Stack Gases 

Method 5 – Determination of Particulate Matter Emissions from Stationary Sources 

Method 29 – Determination of Metals Emissions from Stationary Sources 

The complete Method 29 sample calculations are provided in Appendix 3 – Method 29 

Results and Sample Calculations. 

3.5. Process Material Sampling Procedures

In accordance with the NMCP, RMG collected material samples for Hg analysis. Table 

3.1 provides the material sampling methods used for this analysis. 

RMG-SVCO – PM and Hg Emissions Testing: 

Sampling Techniques 

Source Thermal Unit ID Sampling Technique 

Carbon 

Reactivation Kiln TU 4.001 

Sample of carbon was collected from each lot fed to kiln 

during each test run. At least one sample was taken per test 

run. 

Pregnant Solution 

Tank TU 4.002 One liquid sample was collected during each run for a total of three samples. 

Barren Solution 

Tank 1 TU 4.003 One liquid sample was collected during each run for a total of three samples. 

Barren Solution 

Tank 2 TU 4.004 One liquid sample was collected during each run for a total of three samples. 

Electric Induction 

Furnace TU 4.005 

Sample of furnace feed material was collected prior to each 

furnace test run. Furnace melt /pour cycle duration were 

timed with the two hour test runs. A total of three samples 

were collected. 

Table 3.1: Sampling Techniques

3.6. Test Program Summary

The testing program provided all necessary equipment and labor for the determination 

of all emission parameters detailed in Table 3.2 on the following page. Integrated 

samples were recovered on-site for shipment to the analytical facilities as indicated 

below. Stack gas volumetric flow data were collected concurrently to calculate mass 

emission rates in units of pounds per hour (lb/hr). Any applicable production data and 

control equipment operating parameters were monitored and provided to APT by Round 

Mountain Gold personnel. 

At each source, triplicate test runs were conducted in which every effort was made to 

collect a minimum sample volume of 60 dry-standard cubic feet (dscf), up to a maximum 
APT Project RMG9183 

 RMG-SVCO – Hg Emissions Test Report 

page 8 

sampling duration of 2 hours. Integrated samples were recovered by APT personnel 

and delivered via overnight shipment under chain-of-custody for subsequent analysis at 

the Test America laboratory in West Sacramento, California. All on-site recovery of 

samples were conducted in an analytical trailer devoted specifically to sample recovery 

to minimize sample contamination risk. Once per sampling run, an integrated sample of 

stack gas was collected in a clean, leak-free Tedlar bag for subsequent wet-chemical 

analysis, for the determination of stack gas O2 and CO2 content. 

In accordance with NDEP preference, a cyclonic flow check was performed at each 

stack prior to emissions testing. All QA/QC requirements detailed in the appropriate 

reference test methods were strictly followed. All field data were recorded on 

appropriate data sheets. All pre-test / post-test equipment calibration / preparation were 

conducted as required in the applicable reference test methods. 

 

RMG-SVCO – PM and Hg Emissions Testing: 

Sampling and Analytical Methods

Parameter Sampling Method Analytical Method Laboratory 

gas flow Methods 1, 29 draft gauge, thermocouple, pitot tube 

O2 , CO2 Method 3 wet chemical (Orsat instrument) 

H2O Method 29 gravimetric 

APT, on-site

PM Method 29 gravimetric 

Hg Method 29 CVAAS (Hg) 

Test America, 

West Sacramento, CA 

Table 3.2: Sampling and Analytical Methods Summary

Mercury emissions were determined in accordance with EPA Method 29. 

Each mercury sampling period consisted of extracting a gas sample from the applicable 

sampling location at an isokinetic flow rate for a period sufficient to collect a minimum 

sample volume of 60 dscf or for a maximum duration of 120-minutes. The gas passed 

through a glass nozzle, a heated Teflon probe liner, across a heated, tared quartz fiber 

filter, through a series of 6 chilled glass impingers, and through a calibrated dry gas 

meter. 

At the start of mercury sampling, the first two impingers were filled with 100 ml of 10% 

hydrogen peroxide/5% nitric acid. The third and fourth impingers each contained 100 

ml of 4% potassium permanganate/10% sulfuric acid. The fifth impinger was empty. 

The sixth impinger contained 250 grams of dried silica gel. 

Following each sampling period, the filter, a series of acetone and dilute nitric acid 

rinses (separate amber bottles) of the probe and nozzle, and the contents of the 
APT Project RMG9183 

 RMG-SVCO – Hg Emissions Test Report 

page 9 

impingers were recovered for subsequent gravimetric, for front half particulate, and cold 

vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CVAAS) analysis. CVAAS was used for 

mercury (Hg) analysis. 

An integrated sample of stack gas was collected each run and analyzed using an Orsat 

instrument. The laboratory data were combined with concurrently collected gas flow 

data to calculate the mercury emissions in units of pounds per hour (lb/hr). 

As a QA/QC measure, a field blank of the impinger solutions was analyzed concurrent 

with the emissions samples. A field blank train was also collected once during the test 

program and held for possible analysis. 

4. Summary of Operating / Process Data 

RMG provided all pertinent operational data. All required operating and control 

equipment parameters during the testing program for each source are shown in 

Appendix 1 – Facility Process Information. 

Appendices 

This report contains the following appendices. 

Appendix 1: Facility Process Information 

This appendix contains process throughput data and operating parameters collected 

during the testing program for each source. Certification by a facility representative and 

sampling and laboratory results for any material process analysis are also included in 

this appendix. 

Appendix 2: Description of EPA Reference Methods 

This appendix provides description of reference test method procedures used in this 

testing program. 

Appendix 3: Method 29 Results and Sample Calculations 

This appendix presents complete Method 29 results with sample calculations. 

Appendix 4: Field Data 

This appendix provides all original raw field data sheets. 

Appendix 5: Electronic Data CD 

This appendix includes a data CD with electronic spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel format 

containing the data collected during each PM test source run. A .pdf copy of this report 

complete with appendices is also included on the CD. 
APT Project RMG9183 

 RMG-SVCO – Hg Emissions Test Report 

page 10 

Appendix 6: Sampling and Analysis Procedures/Schematics 

Stack Diagrams with stack PM/Hg sampling points and the sampling train description 

and diagrams are provided in the appendix. 

Appendix 7: Laboratory Data 

This appendix includes all laboratory certifications, analyses, results, QA/QC, and chain 

of custody(s).

Appendix 8: Calibration Information and Project Participants 

Meter box pre and post calibrations and project participants are included in this 

appendix. 

Appendix 9: Test Protocol and NMCP Comments 

A copy of the Test Protocol submitted to NMCP and their response letter and any 

correspondence are attached in this appendix. 

Appendix 10: Cyclonic Flow Checks 

This appendix presents raw data showing verification of the absence of cyclonic flow. 

Appendix 11: NMCP Source Test Summary Sheets 

This appendix contains the NMCP Source Test Summary sheet for each test source.












































































880 Riverside Parkway West Sacramento, CA 95605 tel 916.373.5600 fax 916.372.1059 www.testamericainc.com

October 12, 2009 

TestAmerica Project Number: G9I080219 

PO/Contract: RMG 9183 

Brad Ganong 

Air Pollution Testing 

5530 Marshall Street 

Arvada, CO 80002 

 

Dear Mr. Ganong, 

This report contains the analytical results for the samples received under chain of 

custody by TestAmerica on September 3, 2009. These samples are associated with 

your RMG 9183 project. 

The test results in this report meet all NELAC requirements for parameters that 

accreditation is required or available. Any exceptions to NELAC requirements are 

noted in the case narrative. The case narrative is an integral part of this report. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (916) 374-4333. 

Sincerely, 

Robert Weidenfeld 

Project Manager 

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Table of Contents

TestAmerica West Sacramento Project Number G9I080219 

 Case Narrative 

 Quality Assurance Program 

 Sample Description Information 

 Chain of Custody Documentation 

 Metals – M29 Mercury by CVAA 

 Samples: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 

 Sample Data Sheet 

 Method Blank Report 

 Laboratory QC Reports 

 

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Case Narrative

TestAmerica West Sacramento Project Number G9I080219

AIR, Mercury by 7471A 

Sample: 1 

The matrix spike and matrix spike duplicate performed on the run 1 nitric/peroxide 

fraction have recoveries below stated limits. This is most likely due to the high 

concentration in the parent sample (greater than 4X the spike value). Acceptable 

laboratory control sample (LCS) data demonstrate that the analytical system is in 

control. 

There were no other anomalies associated with this project. 

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TestAmerica Laboratories West Sacramento Certifications/Accreditations 

Certifying State Certificate # Certifying State Certificate # 

Alaska UST-055 New York* 11666 

Arizona AZ0708 Oregon* CA 200005 

Arkansas 88-0691 Pennsylvania 68-1272 

California* 01119CA South Carolina 87014 

Colorado NA Texas T104704399-08-TX 

Connecticut PH-0691 Utah* QUAN1 

Florida* E87570 Virginia 00178 

Georgia 960 Washington C1281 

Hawaii NA West Virginia 9930C, 334 

Illinois 200060 Wisconsin 998204680 

Kansas* E-10375 NFESC NA 

Louisiana* 30612 USACE NA 

Michigan 9947 USDA Foreign Plant 37-82605 

Nevada CA44 USDA Foreign Soil P330-09-00055 

New Jersey* CA005 US Fish & Wildlife LE148388-0 

New Mexico NA Guam 09-014r 

*NELAP accredited. A more detailed parameter list is available upon request. Updated 3/25/2009 

QC Parameter Definitions 

QC Batch: The QC batch consists of a set of up to 20 field samples that behave similarly (i.e., same matrix) 

and are processed using the same procedures, reagents, and standards at the same time. 

Method Blank: An analytical control consisting of all reagents, which may include internal standards and 

surrogates, and is carried through the entire analytical procedure. The method blank is used to define the level 

of laboratory background contamination.

Laboratory Control Sample and Laboratory Control Sample Duplicate (LCS/LCSD): An aliquot 

of blank matrix spiked with known amounts of representative target analytes. The LCS (and LCSD as 

required) is carried through the entire analytical process and is used to monitor the accuracy of the analytical 

process independent of potential matrix effects. If an LCSD is performed, it may also be used to evaluate the 

precision of the process.

Duplicate Sample (DU): Different aliquots of the same sample are analyzed to evaluate the precision of an 

analysis.

Surrogates: Organic compounds not expected to be detected in field samples, which behave similarly to 

target analytes. These are added to every sample within a batch at a known concentration to determine the 

efficiency of the sample preparation and analytical process.

Matrix Spike and Matrix Spike Duplicate (MS/MSD): An MS is an aliquot of a matrix fortified with 

known quantities of specific compounds and subjected to an entire analytical procedure in order to indicate the 

appropriateness of the method for a particular matrix. The percent recovery for the respective compound(s) is 

then calculated. The MSD is a second aliquot of the same matrix as the matrix spike, also spiked, in order to 

determine the precision of the method.

Isotope Dilution: For isotope dilution methods, isotopically labeled analogs (internal standards) of the native 

target analytes are spiked into the sample at time of extraction. These internal standards are used for 

quantitation, and monitor and correct for matrix effects. Since matrix effects on method performance can be 

judged by the recovery of these analogs, there is little added benefit of performing MS/MSD for these methods. 

MS/MSD are only performed for client or QAPP requirements.

Control Limits: The reported control limits are either based on laboratory historical data, method 

requirements, or project data quality objectives. The control limits represent the estimated uncertainty of the 

test results.

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