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About MARLAP
MARLAP
On this page:
- Why is MARLAP necessary?
- What does it do?
- What is the history behind MARLAP?
- Current MARLAP participants
- Other multi-agency initiatives
Why is MARLAP necessary?
The Multi-Agency Radiological Laboratory Analytical Protocols Manual addresses the need for a nationally consistent approach to producing radioanalytical laboratory data that meet a project's or program's data requirements.
MARLAP was developed by a workgroup that included representatives from the federal government, and the states:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Department of Energy
- Department of Defense
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- National Institute of Standards and Technology
- U.S. Geological Survey
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
State representatives were from the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the State of California. Contractors to EPA, DOE, and NRC, and members of the public, have been present during the open meetings of the MARLAP workgroup.
What does it do?
MARLAP provides guidance for the planning, implementation, and assessment phases of those projects that require the laboratory analysis of radionuclides. The guidance provided by MARLAP is both scientifically rigorous and flexible enough to be applied to a diversity of projects and programs. This guidance is intended for project planners, managers, and laboratory personnel.
What is the history behind MARLAP?
Each year, hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on projects and programs that rely, to varying degrees, on radioanalytical data for decision-making. These decisions often have a significant impact on human health and the environment. Of critical importance to informed decision-making are data of known quality appropriate for its intended use. Making incorrect decisions due to data inadequacies, such as failing to remediate a radioactively contaminated site, necessitates the expenditure of additional resources, causes delays in project completions and, depending on the nature of the project, can result in the loss of public trust and confidence.
The Multi-Agency Radiological Laboratory Analytical Protocols (MARLAP) Manual addresses the need for a nationally consistent approach to producing radioanalytical laboratory data that meet a project's or program's data requirements.
Current MARLAP Participants
- U.S. Department of Energy
- U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. National Institutes of Standards and Technology
- U.S. Geologic Survey
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Commonwealth of Kentucky
- State of California
Other Multi_Agency Initiatives
MARLAP is the radioanalytical laboratory counterpart to the Multi-Agency Radiological Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM).
