Welcome to our client spotlight, where we shine a spotlight on the incredible achievements and partnerships within our community and industry. In this segment, we are thrilled to feature one of our esteemed clients, Vincent Johnson, associate and Elko manager, with Broadbent & Associates. 

 

Please give us an overview of what Broadbent does.

We are a full-service environmental consulting firm with a track record spanning over 35 years. Our core offerings encompass a wide range of services including environmental assessments and remediation, engineering, and water resources services. At Broadbent, our primary objective is to assist our clients in maintaining regulatory compliance, effectively managing environmental liabilities, and developing resources in an efficient and cost- effective manner. We take pride in building long-term relationships with our clients, many of which are decades long.

 

Broadbent has been providing services in Northern Nevada for over 30 years and recently established an office in Elko in 2020. Where are you continuing to see growth in the industries you serve in Northern Nevada?

Our Elko Office has focused on servicing the mining industry. With its location and local staff, our primary service has been field operation based. Our technical and engineering staff from our other two offices in Nevada, Reno and Las Vegas, have continued to support our mining clients. This allows Broadbent the flexibility and adaptivity that the mining industry requires. Broadbent has been able to respond quickly and efficiently with its strategic Elko location when field support is needed, which translates to lower costs for services passed onto our clients. Broadbent’s Elko staff have years of experience working directly for mines in various positions within environmental, water management, capital projects, and laboratory departments.

 

Can you describe how your relationship with WETLAB enhances your operations to help you better serve clients in your local community?

Broadbent values relationships, which play a critical part in effectively managing environmental projects. Broadbent was founded on 1987 in Nevada and has over 30 years of service supporting the mining industry. During this time, Broadbent has become a trusted partner and developed career long relationships with regulators, clients, suppliers, and other consultants, which includes WETLAB. WETLAB has been an instrumental partner and Broadbent and its clients have utilized WETLAB on many projects and scopes throughout the years.

 

What has your experience working with WETLAB been like?

Broadbent has experienced dedicated and professional services from WETLAB. Their team is motivated and actively involved when we team together on projects.

 

What recent projects have you worked on with WETLAB?

Recent projects working with WETLAB have involved water, wastewater, and petroleum contaminated soil analytical scopes that are awarded directly through mining clients. WETLAB also supports analytical analysis for Seeps, Springs and Creeks projects, as well as Water Pollution Control Permit required monitoring and analytical reporting.

 

How does Broadbent stand out from other environmental consultants serving the greater Northern Nevada area?

We are one of the largest environmental consulting companies in Nevada. We have a deep understanding of the environmental regulations and challenges and how those apply to the industries in our state. We have about 20 environmental managers that are Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) certified. With offices strategically located in Elko, Reno, and Las Vegas, we are able to reach any part of the state within a few hours. We do a fair amount of emergency response work and in those cases, quick response is crucial to our clients.

Many environmental consulting firms of similar size have chosen acquisition by larger entities or venture capitalists. Our leadership values our autonomy and the freedom it offers us to chart our own path to success. I also think there is a lot to be said about the number of employees we have that have been with the company for over 20 years. Our founder, Bob Broadbent’s vision was to build a business where the work culture would be fun, allow for a healthy work/life balance, and where employees would be developed, respected, and challenged. His model also included a mechanism to distribute ownership to key employees over time. Our employee ownership group has continued to grow the company with these values intact and it shows with the high employee retention we’ve been able to sustain.

We’re pleased to announce an important development in WETLAB’s pursuit of quality. Our laboratories in Sparks and Las Vegas are in the process of achieving NELAC Accreditation with completion expected by June. 

The National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) is an esteemed organization endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which sets forth stringent standards for environmental laboratories to ensure the quality and reliability of environmental data.

To be eligible for NELAC accreditation, laboratories must adhere to a comprehensive set of criteria that demonstrate their competence in environmental testing. These requirements criteria are reviewed annually and include:

• Sample Management: ensuring the integrity of samples through meticulous documentation and handling from collection to analysis.
• Data Accuracy: upholding the highest standards of data integrity and reliability in test results.
• Instrument Precision: conduct regular calibration of testing equipment to guarantee precise measurements.
• Method Selection: using validated testing methods that are appropriate for the analysis being conducted.
• Sensitivity Standards: setting thresholds for the detection and quantification of substances within samples. 
• Performance Validation: demonstrating the laboratory’s consistent ability to perform tests accurately and dependably. 
• Comprehensive Reporting: providing a complete set of data and documentation to validate test results.
• Expert Assessment: ensuring that personnel are properly trained to assess laboratory competence.
• Quality Management: implementing a robust quality management system that includes internal audits and management reviews. 

These standards are designed to ensure that environmental laboratories operate with the highest standards of quality and can produce data that is reliable and fit for the intended purpose.

This anticipated certification will not only permit us to continue services in California but also reinforces our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of quality and service.

 

CLIENT IMPACT:

• Accreditation in Progress: Our team’s persistent dedication is about to result in meeting NELAC’s rigorous standards, which reflect our alignment with national quality measurements.
• Guaranteed Quality: The forthcoming accreditation serves as proof of our commitment to data integrity and precision in our operations. 
• Operational Excellence: The process of accreditation has prompted us to further refine our quality systems and operational practices.
• Assured Confidence: You can have full confidence in the quality of the data we provide, knowing it comes from an accredited source.
• Future Outlook: We are excited about the opportunities this accreditation will present for our clients, and we remain devoted to offering superior laboratory testing services.

Andy Smith, Laboratory Director

Western Environmental Testing Laboratory announced Wei Wu has joined their team as chromatography scientist 5.

With more than 25 years of experience, Wu previously worked at Alpah Analytical as a senior VOC analyst, where she performed organic analysis testing using EAP methods for a variety of sample matrices including soil, water, and air.

Wu earned a Bachelor of Science in biochemical engineering from Zhejiang University of Technology in China, as well as a Master of Science in food science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

In her new role, Wu will perform VOC analysis for wastewater, soil, air, and drinking water, as well as sample preparation and extraction, and ensuring proper instrument maintenance.

Wu will work closely with the lab manager to increase production while maintaining accurate data and reporting.

Make WETLAB your local go-to source for all organic testing needs. 

At Western Environmental Testing Laboratory (WETLAB), we feel passionately about our role in the testing and betterment of our local environment and the communities in which we live and play. Our team may be experts in environmental testing, but we also pride ourselves on our local and regional knowledge and have developed an array of products and services specific to the western U.S. to meet the needs of our clients in Nevada and California.

Analysis	EPA Method
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)	524.2, 624, and 8260
TCLP VOC	1312/8260
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) for Gas (GRO), Diesel (DRO), Oil Range Organics (ORO)	8015B and 8015M
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)	524.2
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)	552.3

We perform testing to comply with the following programs: 

• CWA
• NPDES
• RCRA
• SDWA

Our personnel have experience with sample matrices that range from typical water and soil matrices to raw sewage and hazardous wastes. 

WETLAB provides comprehensive analytical support on a variety of matrices including: 

• Wastewater
•  Sludge
• Groundwater
• Surface Water
• Filters
• Drinking Water
• Rocks
• Soil

For more information, or to schedule a pickup, please call the WETLAB office nearest you.

Sparks (775) 355-0202
Elko (775) 340-3173
Las Vegas (702) 475-8899

Contact WETLAB

Visit us at Western Environmental Testing Laboratory (WETLAB)

In 2023, WETLAB has undergone significant enhancements to its capabilities and capacity, positioning itself to better serve clients with more improvements slated for 2024. The acquisition of multiple new instruments, including two additional ICPMS instruments, has increased analytical capacity, particularly for tests requiring ICPMS analysis. Notably, the company achieved a 50% reduction in time-to-client for high production tests, aided by staff increases, cross training, and new instrument purchases.

WETLAB has also broadened its offerings by introducing a new GC-ECD instrument in the chromatography department for HAA5 analysis, addressing regional needs in disinfection by product testing for drinking water. This move allows for better control of analysis processes and meets client demands more effectively.

Looking ahead, WETLAB anticipates the addition of two ion chromatography (IC) instruments to further enhance capacity and mitigate potential delays. With a successful year of growth in 2023, WETLAB is poised for further improvements and exciting opportunities in 2024.

Andy Smith, Laboratory Director

In 2023, we set out to improve efficiency through the introduction of new approaches to technology. We introduced tools and programs, both internally and externally, to improve efficiency and offer additional conveniences and engagement opportunities to our clients.

Our next big initiative will be the launch of our Client Portal, a tool to improve communication, collaboration, security, and create a more streamlined and personalized experience for our clients. The goal of the portal is to provide you with centralized access to information, real-time collaboration with WETLAB client services staff, enhanced security, and 24/7 accessibility to your data. We are currently in the beta testing phase of the portal. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Caitrianna.

Kara Ansell, Informations Systems Manager

In 2023, WETLAB dedicated its efforts to enhancing the client experience by revamping internal procedures, increasing client visits, and actively seeking and acting upon client feedback. Our client services team successfully achieved this by updating client services documents based on your feedback, and implementing procedural changes to elevate the overall experience.

One notable initiative included the standardization of the client operating procedures across all of our locations. Based on the feedback WETLAB received, our biggest opportunity was to reduce our time-to-client. We were able to drastically improve our turnaround times by implementing an internal hold time alert system, improving tracking to provide accurate time frames and due dates upon receiving a sample and increasing our capacity.  For more information on those efforts, CLICK HERE.

At WETLAB our client engagement is what sets us apart. We strive to work with our clients to provide the best experience possible. All of these milestones have contributed to achieving our 2023 goal of increasing client engagement and communication. As we look forward to evolving in 2024, client engagement remains a priority, and feedback from you, our clients, is necessary for continuous improvement.

 

Caitrianna Bishop, Client Services Manager

In Our WETLAB World

NAE Training Recap

Our WETLAB managers participated in the Fundamentals, and Advanced Skills seminars, hosted by Nevada Association of Employers (NAE) this year. These training sessions aid supervisors with a better understanding of regulatory laws, how to troubleshoot uncomfortable situations, strengthen their leadership skills, and so much more! Learn more at https://www.nevadaemployers.org/supervisor-training/.

 

HAA5 Certification 

We are excited to announce the new Certification of Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) by EPA Method 553.2, granted by the State of Nevada last month, expanding our Sparks lab testing capabilities. The addition of HAA5, in conjunction with the Trihalomethanes (TTHM) certification, which we’ve held since 2022, further solidifies our position as a trusted partner in drinking water compliance testing. To learn more click here .

 

In Our Industry

NMA Annual Convention

Garry Gray and Mckenna Oh had the awesome opportunity to attend the 2023 Nevada Mining Association (NMA) Conference which was held in South Lake Tahoe on September 6^th through 9^th.

Nevada Water Resources Association (NWRA) Fall Symposium

The two-day event featured 26 presentations, a dozen exhibitors (including WETLAB) and provided an excellent opportunity to interact with the various presenters and water related entities from Nevada.

ACG Mine Closure Conference recap and Great Basin Hospitality Night

We enjoyed partaking and learning at the International Conferences on Mine Closure which was held locally in Reno, NV this year. The series provides topical and high-quality papers and presentations on a range of topics of immediate interest and relevance. A key feature of the conference series is the diversity of disciplines and expertise that come together to focus on the pressing issues facing the mine closure community globally. We topped off the conference by co-hosting Great Basin Hospitality Night with SRK and National Drilling.

 

In Our Community

Reed High School Girls Golf Sponsorship

Thanks to an invite from RICH, WETLAB Sponsored the Reed High School Golf Tournament.

 

Bringing the Holiday Spirit to the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home

Our team gathered together to make ornaments for the residents of the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home. We are hopeful our contributions bring joy and merriment to their holiday seasons!

Northern Nevada State Veterans Home is the premier long-term care and rehabilitation facility in Sparks, providing post-acute rehabilitation, extended skilled nursing care, and specialized memory care. Eligibility for the Northern Nevada State Veterans Home includes U.S. Veterans who have served active duty, spouses of Veterans, and Gold Star Parents. For more information visit their website here.

We are excited to announce the new Certification of Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) by EPA Method 553.2, granted by the State of Nevada last month, expanding our Sparks lab testing capabilities. The addition of HAA5, in conjunction with the Trihalomethanes (TTHM) certification, which we’ve held since 2022, further solidifies our position as a trusted partner in drinking water compliance testing.

Haloacetic Acids-5 (HAA5) is a group of five specific disinfection byproducts that can form when chlorine or other disinfectants react with organic and inorganic matter in water during the water treatment process. The five specific acids included in HAA5 are monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid, and dibromoacetic acid.

Importance & Benefits of Certification

1. Public Health Protection – Certified laboratories play a vital role in safeguarding public health, reliable information allows water treatment facilities to make informed decisions to mitigate health risks associated with disinfection byproducts, ensuring the safety of drinking water.
2. Regulatory Compliance – Ensures standards and methodologies are met when analyzing levels of HAA5 in water samples, accurate and reliable data are necessary for water treatment facilities to meet regulatory standards.
3. Credibility and Trust – When laboratories are accredited for HAA5 analysis, it instills trust in regulatory agencies, water treatment facilities, and the public. This trust is essential for maintaining the integrity of water quality monitoring and management.
4. Standardization of Processes & Sustainable Operations – Certification promotes the standardization of testing procedures, methodologies, and reporting. Consistent practices across laboratories ensure uniformity in HAA5 measurements, facilitating accurate comparisons and evaluations of water quality data.
5. Enhanced Water Quality Management – Certification contributes to the overall improvement of water quality management by establishing standardized testing procedures. This consistency allows for better monitoring, analysis, and decision-making regarding water treatment strategies.

Certification Process

1. Laboratory Accreditation – Accreditation ensures that the laboratory follows recognized standards and meets specific competency requirements.
2. Method Validation – demonstrating the accuracy, precision, and reliability of the chosen methodology in measuring HAA5 levels in water samples.
3. Quality Assurance and Control – implementing a robust quality assurance and control program that  includes regular calibration of equipment, proficiency testing, and adherence to standard operating procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of results.
4. Participation in Interlaboratory Studies/Proficiency Testing Programs – external validation helps confirm the laboratory’s analytical competency and proficiency in HAA5 analysis.

Criteria and Parameters in the Certification Process

1. Methodological Rigor – Demonstrate adherence to standardized procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of results.
2. Analytical Performance – Meet specific performance criteria, such as precision, accuracy, and detection limits, when analyzing HAA5 in water samples.
3. Compliance with Regulatory Standards – Demonstrate the ability to analyze HAA5 levels in accordance with regulatory standards, including the determination of compliance with established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).
4. Quality Management Systems – Implementation of a comprehensive quality management system that encompasses documentation, traceability, and continuous improvement processes to ensure the overall reliability of laboratory operations.

We look forward to better serving our clients and community with our new testing capabilities.

Meet some of our WETLAB team members!

• Meet Monica– With over 20 years of experience, Monica most recently worked as an HR consultant with experience including executive-level fiscal and people operations/HR management with hospitals, medical/biotechnology, human resources firms, California county, and the state of Nevada. Monica is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), and has a Bachelor of Science in business management and an Associate of Art in criminal justice. In her new role as business office manager, she is responsible for managing the administrative support infrastructure of WETLAB’s daily operations, including office/facility management, supply chain activities, fleet management, AP/AR oversight and all human resources processes.

 

• Meet Laura– a passionate and dedicated worker with an interest in and talent for scientific research. As quality assurance specialist at WETLAB, Laura is responsible for helping oversee data management, data quality, and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures & Methods. Laura attended the College of Wooster in Ohio, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in biology/biological sciences. Originally from California, she also served as a volunteer at the North Roseville REC Center, where she helped provide a safe and engaging environment for children from low-income families to play sports, visit the library, study, and experience positive social interaction with fellow peers.

 

• Meet Vanessa– Vanessa is a chromatography scientist who helps analyze VOC samples, as well as assist in extracting and analyzing TPH samples. In addition, she also helps out the IC department by helping the analyst troubleshoot any instrumentations and software issues. Vanessa moved to Reno in 2014 to attend the University of Nevada, Reno. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in chemistry with a minor in environmental science, and shortly thereafter started working at WETLAB. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the river, and hanging out with her dog, fiance, and friends. 

 

• Meet Krysta– Krysta is a chromatography/organics analyst that is responsible for extracting, running, and analyzing samples. In her previous role, she worked at a local institute where she studied and analyzed air quality samples. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a dual minor in biochemistry and chemistry.  When she’s not in the lab, Krysta serves at the cafe in the Grace Church every Sunday, and also coaches varsity volleyball for Truckee High School.