The Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME) is an international society of professionals in the mining and minerals industry. Currently, the membership of SME is more than 12,000 strong, with members in nearly 100 countries.
On February 22-25, 2009, mining professionals are joining together in Denver, CO for the annual SME show. This is an opportunity to learn more about the mining and minerals industry and gain valuable knowledge and meet new people.
Come by and visit with Business Development Manager Ginger Peppard and Project Manager Tracy Zoulek at booth 1248.
For more information about SME, visit their website at www.smenet.org.
The Walker River Paiute Tribe – Walker River, Schurz, Nevada
February 19, 2009 | Posted by WETLAB
As part of a Comprehensive Water Quality Program, Huffman & Carpenter, Inc. (H&C) developed a surface water quality and groundwater quality development program of sampling for the Walker River Paiute Tribe (Tribe). The Tribe implemented a surface water quality monitoring program in 1997 to determine a baseline water quality for the Walker River as it flows through the Reservation. The Tribe is responsible for 323,406 acres in west central Nevada through which the Walker River flows to its terminus in Walker Lake. The long-term goals for the program are to assess water quality within the river and to establish water quality standards for surface water, groundwater, and other significant water bodies within the Reservation boundaries. The primary monitoring program which is currently being implemented is supported by a 106-Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region IX. The ultimate objective of the Tribe is adoption of Tribal Water Quality Standards, establishment of water codes, and overall management of water resources within Walker River Paiute Reservation.
H&C has utilized Western Environmental Testing Laboratory since 2003 on the Walker River Paiute Tribe project. Specifically, WETLAB has provided the Walker River Paiute Tribe with high quality analytical results for surface water, soil and groundwater testing.
Huffman & Carpenter is located in Reno, NV. They are a group of professional wetland scientists, environmental scientists, biologists, engineers and economists that are dedicated to affect, promote and accomplish watershed restoration for human and wildlife habitats. Their services include, but are not limited to: Erosion Control, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, Water Quality and Water Treatment, GIS and GPS Mapping and Watershed and Hydrologic Modeling. For more information about the Walker River Paiute Tribe project or about Huffman & Carpenter visit their website here.
The Method Detection Limit (MDL) is defined as "the minimum concentration of a substance that can be measured and reported with a 99% confidence that the analyte concentration is greater than zero" (40CFR sec. 136 Appendix B). The MDL is used for various reasons in an analytical laboratory, with the primary reason being it is used to determine the reporting limits for each analyte that a laboratory analyzes for. Reporting Limits (RL's) are generally 3-5 times the MDL. On occasion a laboratory can report lower than the calculated MDL, however these results are always flagged as estimates and cannot not always be considered legally defensible data. MDL studies are also required as part of the process of maintaining certifications.
A MDL is initially established when a method is set up, a new piece of equipment is brought online or if there is a significant change in equipment or location (i.e. moving to a new location, significant maintenance or replacement of major parts). MDL's are confirmed on a regular basis according to method specifications (generally on an annual basis but for some parameters, such as anions, it is done twice a year). MDL studies are performed on a regular basis to assure that there is no loss of sensitivity on the equipment due to wear and tear or the constantly changing environmental conditions.
Do you have more questions about MDL's or questions about other laboratory terminology? Is there something that always confused you about laboratory services? Leave a comment and let us know what you want to know about!
WETLAB’s objective is always to produce the highest quality data while providing our clients with superior customer service. Our client services staff is renowned for both meeting the testing needs of our clients’ and offering innovative and customized solutions. In response to the needs of many of our regional clients, we have developed niche products and services specific to Northern Nevada and Northern California.
WETLAB routinely provides comprehensive analytical support on a variety of matrices including:
Compounds for which WETLAB provides services include:
Metals
Anions
Low Level Nutrients
MWMP Extractions
Microbiology
General Chemistry
TCLP Compounds
Priority Pollutants
Mining Chemistry
If you would like a complete listing of parameters that we perform testing on, email us at ginger@wetlaboratory.com.
We perform testing to comply with the following programs in Nevada and California:
NPDES
RCRA
SDWA
CWA
We also appear of the Bureau of Reclamation's Approved Vendor List
Our quality assurance program ensures that data is produced in an accurate, precise, legally defensible, timely and cost effective manner. Our Quality Assurance Plan provides the structure, policies and responsibility for the execution of quality assurance, quality control and quality assessment programs. We have also developed Standard Operating Procedures for all of the methods and procedures that are performed in our laboratories. If you are interested in receiving a copy of our Statement of Qualifications or Quality Assurance Plan, please email Ginger Peppard at ginger@wetlaboratory.com.
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