This report describes the management employed in the operations of an analytical laboratory. The organizational structure which is necessary for operating a laboratory involved in methods development as well as routine analyses is described. The tools used for operational control, such as status sheets, work order forms and flow diagrams are presented. The managerial precepts for methods development are specified and the implementation of these precepts is described. It is intended that this report will assist others in the structuring, implementing and controlling of laboratory operations.

Complex matrices may occur in product process waste streams that can interfere with gas Chromatographic analysis of priority pollutants. Most interferences can be eliminated by simple column clean‐up procedures, pH change, direct aqueous analysis, or the use of selective detectors. Other interferences may require clean—up by molecular weight distribution, separation by capillary columns, or the use of pre‐columns and back‐flushing techniques. This paper suggests logical steps to follow when encountering these interferences. Key words: waste streamstechnical approach,method developmentextractionsample cleanupspiking