18990_Authority_Feb_2026

municipalauthorities.org │ 61 P a g e | 3 P.O. Box 115, Harrisburg, PA 17108 | www.paawwa.org | (717) 774-8870 | info@paawwa.org laboratories. Per the proposed rulemaking under advisory committee consultation, the laboratories have decreased 110 laboratories since 2017. Previously, there were 450 and currently 340, yet this proposed rulemaking requests an increase in fees. 7. According to the Pennsylvania Bulletin , November 8, 2025, ii laboratory accreditation is part of a DEP reorganization. The WUC would like to know how this change will affect the budget for laboratory accreditation. Is there still a need for the type of increase to be proposed? We urge DEP and the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) to reconsider the proposed fee schedule and to engage with water and wastewater system laboratories in identifying sustainable funding mechanisms. Options such as phased implementation, tiered fee structures based on laboratory size or scope, or partial state support could provide a more balanced and equitable solution. The WUC appreciates the opportunity to comment on this proposed rulemaking. Respectfully submitted, Ben Reichley Larry Finnicum PA-AWWA NAWC-PA Matthew Walborn Jennie Shade Matthew Walborn PMAA WWOAP Joseph Falcone Joseph Falcone Pat Caulfield PRWA WUC Chairman i Environmental Quality Board (EQB) Executive Summary, Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Fees, 25 Pa. Code Chapter 252 https://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Public%20Participation%20Center/PubPartCenterPortalFiles/Envir onmental%20Quality%20Board/2025/Sep_9_2025/01_7-578_LAP%20Fees_Proposed_Exec%20Summary.pdf ii Reorganization of the Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Bulletin, November 8, 2025, 55 Pa.B. 7747 https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol55/55-45/1515.html