B.C. Environmental Lab

On this page

• Lab services
• Sample analysis
  • Instrumental techniques
• Collecting and sending samples
  • Submission instructions

Lab services

The B.C. Environmental Laboratory (BCEL) provides analytical chemistry support to:

• Natural Resources sector ministries
• Academia
• Businesses in the private sector

This support is provided on a cost recovery basis.

Sample analysis

The lab has been in operation for over 30 years, and provides more than 40 different analyses.

The lab conducts:

• Routine chemical, physical and biological analyses on soil, water, vegetation, and other matrices
• Specialized analyses and analytical method development in support of research projects
• Water retention and texture analyses on soils
• Dendrochronology measurements on tree core samples

Instrumental techniques

The lab uses instrumental techniques such as:

• ICP-MS and ICP-OES spectrometers for trace metal analyses
• Combustion analyzers for total carbon, nitrogen and sulphur
• Liquid chromatographs with multiple detectors for anion and organic compound analyses
• Gas chromatographs with multiple detectors for organic analyses
• Colorimetric, UV or IR auto-analyzers for inorganic analyses

Collecting and sending samples

The terms and conditions have been updated as of August 1, 2024. Please read carefully before signing off in the submission form.

The lab is only open to receive samples on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The lab requires advance notice of incoming shipments. Ideally, it is preferred to receive shipping plans before arrangements are finalized for the shipment's arrival.

There are packing slip templates available to print from the BCEL Analytical Request Form (XLSX, 396KB) when shipping.

Please read the submission instructions carefully before submitting samples.

Submission instructions

Step 1: Discuss your project with BCEL prior to sampling

Step 2: Complete the cover page of Analytical Request Form (the cover page is the tab labelled 'sign off' and 'contact info'). Fill in all the fields regarding contact information and project information.

Step 3: Identify the samples in your submission and request analyses for the samples on the appropriate request tab based on your sample type (plant tissue, soils, water).

Step 4: Estimate your project cost using the cost calculator

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Note: The request forms act as the official submission documents, not the cost calculator. BCEL will use the information on the request forms if there is a difference between the two sheets.

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Step 5: The signing authority for the project must review the BCEL terms and conditions and acknowledge by signing the indicated location on the cover page.

Step 6: Make arrangements with the BCEL staff to relinquish, drop-off, or ship your samples to, 2071A Malaview Avenue.

Step 7: Email the completed Analytical Request Form to BCEL@gov.bc.ca when ready to submit samples.

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Note: Samples cannot be processed until this signed form is received and confirmed by the lab.

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Step 8: BCEL will confirm receipt of the form with the submitter. BCEL will review the form and, if needed, ask questions or clarify uncertainties regarding the form at this point.

Step 9: Any amendments to this form or changes in the analyses requested will be carried out and documented via email correspondence.

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Review and complete the BCEL Analytical Request Form (XLSX, 396KB)