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Nevada mining operations have strict soil-related requirements focused on reclamation and environmental protection. Mines must develop and implement reclamation plans that ensure disturbed lands are returned to a stable and productive post-mining land use. A key element in these requirements is assessing soil quality and characteristics in areas affected by mining activities. It is crucial for understanding the impact of mining on soil health, predicting potential environmental issues, and evaluating the effectiveness of reclamation and restoration efforts.
In 2015, WETLAB completed the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) Mining Certification program created in collaboration between the Laboratory Certification division and Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation (BMRR). We are certified to offer comprehensive analytical support for mining including analyses of soil.
Mining operations can significantly alter soil properties, leading to erosion, contamination with heavy metals, and loss of soil fertility. Soil analysis helps quantify these impacts and identify areas requiring remediation. Regular soil analysis allows for tracking the progress of reclamation efforts, ensuring that restored areas are effectively recovering and minimizing long-term environmental damage.
Key Areas of Soil Mining Analysis
Soil Quality: Assessing physical properties (texture, structure, porosity, and density), chemical properties (pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter content) and biological properties (microbial activity)
Heavy Metal Contamination: Identifying and quantifying the presence of specific heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and zinc in soils.
Soil Fertility: Mining can deplete essential nutrients, impacting plant growth and ecosystem recovery. Analysis focuses on nutrient levels (phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, etc.) and their availability to plants.
Microbial Activity: Soil microbes play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and decomposition. Analysis may involve assessing microbial biomass, diversity, and activity.
Reclamation Success: Monitoring soil properties in restored areas helps evaluate the effectiveness of reclamation efforts and identify areas that require further intervention.
WETLAB provides services to many mining companies and our staff has extensive experience supporting the unique requirements of mining clients. Services include analysis of water, soil, rock, and ash for physical parameters, metals, general chemistry, volatile and non-volatiles organic analyses.
WETLAB’s purpose is to provide critical information for environmental problems and our project managers and client services staff are available for your pre-project planning.
Meet Robert Johnson, WETLAB’s Senior Group Facilities Lead at the Sparks location. He is responsible for leading daily operation of the facilities. Robert’s duties also include working with group leaders to ensure that the laboratory, equipment, and environments are functional, safe, and fully supported. WETLAB’s mission to provide customers with the highest quality laboratory data requires close coordination between all staff which Robert facilitates through his management.
Robert will celebrate his 5 year anniversary with WETLAB in late 2025. Prior to his position as Senior Group Facilities Lead, Robert worked as Geo Group Lead in charge of all tests under the Geo Chem department. This includes Humidity Cell Testing, MWMP, Prep lab, LECO Sulfur/Carbon, TCLP, Cyanide Extraction, Acidity and Alkalinity on solution. Robert joined WETLAB with almost 2 decades of experience in analytical testing with McClelland Laboratories.
His extensive experience in facilities management, team leadership, and operational oversight makes him an exceptional member of the WETLAB team. He brings a proven track record of optimizing lab environments, ensuring compliance, and driving efficiency.
A Reno native, Robert graduated from Wooster High School in 1997. He also obtained a degree in Electronic Technology and Engineering from Career College of Northern Nevada in 2000. Robert’s education built a strong foundation for his work in environmental testing laboratories with its focus on the hands-on aspects of building, testing, and maintaining electronic equipment.
In Our WETLAB World
Summer BBQ’s
At WETLAB, we 💙 our summer BBQs! Grill Master Robert has been breaking in the new Blackstone with bacon cheeseburgers for the lab.
In Our Industry
Elko Mine Expo – Elko Convention & Conference Center
While most tradeshows have us stationed behind the booth, this year’s 39th Elko Mining Expo brought 💧 WETLAB’s team more opportunities to connect with our local clients and the Elko community.
The week kicked off at Broadbent & Associates, Inc.’s Mining Industry Mixer, an event that only gets s’more fun each year. We then had the privilege of attending the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes’ Benefit Gala, supporting the future of the new Owyhee Combined School.
A big thank-you to everyone who stopped by our booth. Our Project Manager Mckenna and our new Assistant Project Manager Scianna truly enjoyed putting faces to the names they call and email each day.
And of course, it wouldn’t be an expo without a raffle! 🎉 Congratulations to Tom from Sanbell, one of our lucky winners! We’re already looking forward to next year’s 40th Elko Mining Expo!
Shoshone-Paiute Tribes’ Benefit Gala – Elko, NV
On June 5, our team had the honor of attending the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes’ Benefit Gala in Elko, NV supporting the construction of the new Owyhee Combined School.
From the powerful performance of the Duck Valley Singers to an exciting live auction, the evening was filled with powerful cultural presentations, profound speeches, and a shared commitment to the future of the children of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation.
As a result of generous contributions and the live auction, the event raised over $500,000. “From the Four Directions”, original art by local artist Micqaela Jones, sold for an incredible $22,000. As a result of Assembly Bill 355 being signed into law, all funds raised from this event will be matched by the state of Nevada.
Gold Quarry Mine Tour
WETLAB Sparks’ Mckenna and WETLAB Elko’s Liz had the incredible opportunity to join @nevadawaterresources for a tour of the Gold Quarry Mine. Gold Quarry is part of @nevadagoldmines Carlin Complex – one of the largest gold mines in the world, right here in Nevada! ⛏️
Coming Up
Sept 3 – 4 Nevada Mining Association Convention
Looking forward to connecting with you at the Nevada Mining Association Convention Sept 3-4
Oct 27 – 29: Mine/Health Safety Show
Stop by our Booth to connect with us!
In Our Community
RMHC Golf Tournament
We usually serve the communities where we live, work, and play by delivering high-quality environmental testing. But once in a while, we trade in our lab coats for golf clubs. ⛳️ We had a fantastic time at the 39th Annual @rmhcnnevada Golf Tournament. It was a beautiful day on the course, supporting an incredible organization that provides so much for children and families in Northern Nevada.
Kicks for a Cause
Another year, another Kick for a Cause! 💧WETLAB is a proud sponsor and participant of the 5th annual @kickfora_cause event raising funds to connect special needs families with necessary resources not covered by insurance.
Girls on the Run Breakfast
Building upon last quarter’s article on Sample Handling Post Collection, this quarter we’re turning our attention to a key factor in preserving sample integrity: temperature control.
As a certified laboratory, specializing in organic and inorganic testing, our goal is to provide high quality, legally defensible data. WETLAB assumes the responsibility of providing results that are accurate, reliable, reproducible, and valid for compliance monitoring. In order to meet our client and regulatory obligations it is important to understand that a test result is only as good as the sampling and handling that was performed before analysis.
Maintaining proper temperature control is crucial to ensuring the integrity and safety of samples. With the exception of samples for metals analysis, samples must be received by the lab at a temperature of 2° – 6° C (35° – 42° F). From sample collection to storage and transportation, temperature plays a vital role in preserving the quality of specimens and preventing contamination or degradation.
Below are 4 main risks to sample integrity when temperature fluctuates:
- Denaturation: Elevated temperatures can break down proteins, enzymes, and other biomolecules, rendering them inactive or altering their structure.
- Degradation: Temperature changes can accelerate the degradation of organic compounds and other sensitive materials in the sample.
- Altered Physical Properties: Viscosity, density, and other physical characteristics can be affected by temperature variations, potentially impacting analysis. For instance, samples received to the lab frozen can be rejected and not viable to compliance reporting.
- Microbial Activity: Improper temperature control can impact microbial activity. The 2° – 6° C temperature range aims to preserve the population at the time of sampling by inhibiting growth and stabilizing the microbial population.
These risks can be avoided by maintaining appropriate temperature control for samples by utilizing the simple best practices below.
Best Practices to Ensure Temperature Control
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- Always transport samples in coolers with wet ice or ice packs.
- WETLAB is always happy to supply coolers and ice packs upon request to facilitate your temperature controlled sample transportation.
- WINTER: Keep the sample cooler in the cab of your vehicle to reduce the instance of frozen samples.
- SUMMER: Wet ice is more efficient at cooling samples than ice packs.
- Track the temperature of the samples during transportation and document any deviations to assess the impact on sample quality.
In regions like ours, where seasonal and daily temperature swings are common, it is essential to ensure your sample collection and transport team are educated in best practices and equipped with proper supplies to maintain the samples integrity from collection to delivery at WETLAB. We are here to serve our clients and adhere to analytical methods and environmental regulations specifically targeting sample integrity. We extend our expertise out to you to better prepare our clients for high quality, legally defensible data. If you have any questions about sample handling procedures or need supplies, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re committed to helping you obtain high-quality, compliant data every time.
Our very own Nick Ross and Mckenna Oh have been selected to present at the upcoming 40th Annual Tri-State Seminar August 5th in Las Vegas, NV. Their expert session #1103 at 7:30am in Sonoma A will cover Water Sample Collection Best Practices to educate members of regional water associations gathered at the annual conference, including AZ Water Association, California Water Environment Association (CWEA) and Nevada Water Environment Association (NWEA).
The Tri-State Seminar unites 4,500 professionals from Nevada, California and Arizona yearly to discuss the evolution of water science through education and training. The Tri-State Seminar offers more than 200 technical sessions, 13 workshops, and 5 tours over the course of three days to registered attendees.
“WETLAB is proud to have been selected to present at the seminar’s cutting-edge technical sessions, to improve testing and laboratory services throughout our area,” said Nick Ross, WETLAB Operations Manager who has over 20 years of experience in the field of science and is an active member of the Nevada Mining Association, Nevada Water Resources Association, American Water Works Association, and SME. Mckenna Oh serves as Project Manager for WETLAB. She is the primary contact for clients regarding their analytical work, and ensures project requirements are clearly defined and met.
Read more in Northern Nevada Business Weekly here.
In Our WETLAB World
WETLAB’s Q2 Book Club Pick:
- A Psalm for the Wild-Built (Monk & Robot, Book #1)
- A Prayer for the Crown-Shy (Monk & Robot, Book #2)
International Women’s Day
Celebrating the women of WETLAB!
On March 8th we celebrated International Women’s Day by shining a light on the incredible women of WETLAB who drive innovation, precision, and excellence in environmental testing. Their dedication keeps our community and environment safe, and we couldn’t do it without them! We are so proud to be a WBENC certified woman-owned business founded and spearheaded by Michelle Sherven. Here’s to strong women in science, leadership, and beyond!
In Our Industry
Elko Mining Expo
Check us out at the Elko Mine Expo June 2nd-6th at the Elko Convention & Conference Center.
Visit our booth #111 to meet the team!
WBE Certification
WETLAB is a WBE (Women Business Enterprise) Certified business meaning we are at least 51% owned by a woman or group of women and our top executive officer responsible for daily operations is a woman with technical expertise in the firm’s primary business activity. WETLAB is proud to be part of an exceptional group of WBE certified businesses in Northern Nevada.
“I am so proud to be a certified woman-owned business and lead the women of WETLAB. They are an unstoppable force – leading with expertise, passion, and resilience every day.” – Michelle Sherven, president, WETLAB
In Our Community
Employee Volunteer Spotlight: Morgan Dailey
Our volunteer spotlight is on Morgan Dailey, WETLAB’s Sample Control Specialist since May 2023.
Morgan is “The Safety Guy” leading WETLAB’s Safety Committee. He is also a Retired American Maritime Officers Captain. Morgan has been a member of Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue for 22 years. “I thought Search and Rescue would be a great opportunity to help the community and help save lives,” said Morgan.
Over the years he has participated in many daring rescues with his team. “Summertime is the busiest for rescues with boating, fishing, and swimming at our many local lakes. The beginning of winter is a close second as people attempt to drive their vehicles in areas that are no longer accessible,” he said.
After all of his hours of rescue work, Morgan’s advice is to think twice before attempting something risky. We are so fortunate to have Morgan part of our WETLAB team keeping us safe in the lab and across northern Nevada.
Earth Day Celebration and Parking Lot Clean Up
Celebrated Earth Day the WETLAB way – with our annual parking lot cleanup and BBQ!
It was the perfect day to come together, give back to our neighborhood, and enjoy some sunshine. And as if the day couldn’t get any better, nature surprised us with a solar halo overhead. A beautiful Earth Day here in Sparks, NV! 🌏🌳🌸🌞
Proud Sponsors
WETLAB proudly sponsors area sports teams: Galena High School Lacrosse and Sparks Centennial Little League
Save the Date: Girls on the Run Mini Golf
Girls on the Run Sierras is hosting their mini-golf event on Saturday, May 10th from 11 AM- 1PM at Wild Island.
This is a great day for all GOTR girls, families and supporters to come together and enjoy a few hours of fun in the sun. There is no need to register before the event, families are encouraged to just show up! We are so honored to support this great organization.
WETLAB’s team attends and exhibits at relevant trade shows around the US each year. These events help our team keep an eye on the direction the industry is moving including upcoming regulations, cutting-edge technological advancements, and getting to meet our wonderful customers in-person. WETLAB’s customers span the state from Vegas to Elko and beyond, so these events are a great opportunity to see you all face to face!
Recent Trade Shows
We started the year at the SME (Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration) Minexchange Annual Conference & Expo in Denver, CO. WETLAB handles a wide variety of mining testing needs, so staying at the forefront of tech, regulations, and needs of the mining industry is highly important.
In March, we exhibited at RCAC (Rural Community Assistance Corporation) Nevada Water & Wastewater Operator’s Conference in Sparks, NV. This event focuses specifically on our state and brings in our rural customers from all around the state whom we frequently work with, but rarely see.
What to Watch?
Each event provides important insight into new regulations affecting our industry. Changing regulations may not affect WETLAB directly, but might impact how we handle samples, what bottles are used, or more. So far this year, we’ve become aware of potential upcoming changes to Lead and Copper sampling procedures. These changes may affect how these materials are sampled and may require new procedures on our end. As of publishing, these changes are still very fluid, but knowing what may come allows us to have resources on hand in case of implementation or changes.
What’s Next?
American Water Works Associations of the West: In early April, the WETLAB team attended the AWWA regional conference in Anaheim, CA. This is a great opportunity to scope out the state of the industry and explore if we may want to exhibit at this event in the future. Attending without exhibiting also gives our team much more time and flexibility to attend break-out sessions to stay up-to-date on the newest technology, industry changes & best practices.
Elko Mine Expo: Visit our booth #111 June 5th-6th at the Elko Convention & Conference Center. Each summer thousands of people with ties to the mining industry converge on Elko, NV for the Elko Mining Expo. One of the oldest and most respected mining expos in the United States, this event features more than 350 exhibitors from throughout the industry. WETLAB is proud to be an annual exhibitor at this event.
We hope to see some of you at our many upcoming events throughout the remainder of 2025.
Proper sample handling before submitting samples to the lab is as important as proper sample collection. Care in both collection and handling is integral in receiving accurate results. Temperature regulation and the chain-of-custody are the most important aspects of sample handing before submission to WETLAB.
Temperature is a key part of sample handling. Maintaining proper sample temperature is vital when transporting samples to the lab. Samples received to the lab frozen or over temperature can be rejected and not viable to compliance reporting. Many samples are required to be chilled to 2-6 degrees Celsius after collection. If the samples are received the same day they are collected, the temperature range doesn’t apply, however the samples must arrive at the lab with evidence of cooling.
The most frequent temperature issues are over cooling during winter and under cooling in summer. We always recommend the client transport samples in coolers with wet ice or ice packs for the most effective temperature control. However, additional steps during winter and summer can reduce temperature errors. In the winter, keeping the sample cooler in the cab of your vehicle can reduce frozen samples. And during the summer, wet ice is more efficient at cooling samples than ice packs. WETLAB is always happy to supply coolers and ice packs upon request.
The sample’s chain-of-custody is another important aspect of sample handling. A chain-of-custody or COC is a legal document that indicates sample handling and provides relevant information regarding samples submitted to the lab. A COC should be filled out by the client contact or sampler who has knowledge of the project. Providing complete, accurate COC is essential. We are here at WETLAB and are diligent in providing quality results. Any COC errors found during the sample login are addressed before analysis to ensure the best service. Any discrepancies or missing information on the COC or sample labels may cause delays during sample processing.
Common COC errors include sample collection date/time discrepancies, missing required analysis, missing sample matrix, and discrepancies between sample bottle labels and the COC. Having a prefilled COC for a sample project can save time and reduce errors. WETLAB can provide editable pdf’s or physical copies of COCs at any time and our sample control staff or project manager are always available to assist with any questions regarding COCs.
WETLAB strives to provide timely and accurate results with each and every sample and careful client sample handling allows us to do so. Please let us know how we can help streamline your sample handling procedures with coolers, COCs, etc.
Meet Phaedra Harmening, WETLAB’s Elko Manager.
Phaedra oversees daily operations of our Elko Laboratory, specialising in microbiology and wet chemistry. She ensures compliance with industry regulations, maintains quality assurance standards, manages our team of Elko laboratory analysts, and coordinates with clients for optimal data.
Phaedra has dedicated her life to the craft of science with an impressive 18 years at WETLAB, prior careers in the field, and education. Prior to WETLAB, Phaedra worked as the City of Elko Manager, developing Standard Operating Procedures to maintain high quality results in both chemistry and microbiology testing. She has a Bachelors of Science from Oregon State University where she was a Junior Fellow for the US Department of Agriculture-Ag Research Station (USDA-ARS) and she was awarded a Fellowship Award. ARS Fellowship programs aim to train scientists through collaborative research working to solve agricultural problems.
Outside of work, Phaedra participates in the Rotary Foreign Exchange Program and volunteers to help those in need. She has donated her time to serving meals with groups including FISH and Meals-on-Wheels. Phaedra has also enjoyed bringing science to the youth through Boy Scout Camps and classroom volunteerism. Whether Phaedra is helping kids earn Science Badges or ensuring adherence to EPA regulations, she does so with care, leadership, and technical know-how to achieve the optimal results.
Phaedra’s continued dedication to science throughout her career and with WETLAB for nearly 2 decades makes her a prized member of our team and an exceptional role model to us all. Thank you Phaedra for all you do!
At WETLAB, we take pride in the brilliant, hardworking, and dedicated women who play a vital role in our laboratory and beyond.
On this International Women’s Day, we want to shine a light on the talented female scientists, technicians, analysts, and administrators who drive our mission forward every day.
Women in science and environmental testing bring innovation, precision, and passion to their work, ensuring that we continue to provide accurate, reliable data for our clients and communities. From analyzing water and soil samples to maintaining the highest environmental safety standards, the women of WETLAB are essential to everything we do.
Their expertise extends beyond the lab, too—many of our female employees are leaders and mentors, inspiring the next generation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). As an organization, we are committed to fostering an environment where women can grow, thrive, and break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Today, we celebrate their hard work, achievements, and dedication to protecting our environment and public health. Thank you to the women of WETLAB for making a difference every single day. Your contributions do not go unnoticed!
Happy International Women’s Day to all the amazing women in science, business, and beyond!
