(Koror, 18 February 2025) – The US Freely Associated States Laboratory Certification Program, has re-certified the Palau Environmental Quality Protection Board Laboratory for analysis of drinking water using the Colilert® method, and marine and other surface water samples using the Enterolert™ method. The certification is effective until 2027, provisionally. During the re-certification audit and training, the condition of the laboratory roof was identified as needing repairs, and full certification of the lab has a requirement that the roof be repaired within 12 months to stop numerous leaks that can lead to damage to equipment and supplies and impact data quality.
Water Quality & Laboratory Division Manager Jesse Sengebau was again certified as a Level III analyst. Analyst Darwin Florencio, previously a Level II Analyst, was certified as a Level III analyst, passing the higher-level exam with a score of 99%.
Certification is necessary to assure that the EQPB lab produces scientifically valid and legally defensible data, and that the lab staff are qualified to analyze water samples for bacterial contamination.
Environmental labs receive certification when specific criteria are met. The lab must pass an on-site evaluation every two years, and must have a certified analyst on staff. Lab facilities must be clean and temperature and humidity controlled to ensure that contamination does not adversely affect data quality. Lab equipment must meet technical criteria for analytical detection capabilities. Calibration and other Quality Control records must be held on file to demonstrate that equipment is working properly. Lab personnel must meet technical performance criteria. Analyst certification levels (I, II or III) are based on ability to pass written exams, individual demonstrations of proficiency of increasing difficulty, and years of experience. Level III analysts have also demonstrated the capacity to perform laboratory supervisor duties.
The Palau EQPB laboratory audit and certifications were provided by Ms Edna L. Buchan (of Nimbus Environmental Services), who serves as the Certification Program Manager for the FAS Lab Certification Program. Ms. Buchan is a US EPA Laboratory Certification Officer, under contract with US EPA with funding provided by the US Department of the Interior.
Certificates were presented to the Palau EQPB Laboratory, and to individual analysts at an awards ceremony held at the Palau EQPB office on Thursday 13 February 2025.
Ms. Buchan recognized the accomplishments of the EQPB lab in being re-certified for both drinking water and marine water. “EQPB CEO Mike Blesam and his staff are very deserving of this re-certification. I am extremely pleased to find that Palau EQPB has continued to uphold the highest level of laboratory practice standards since our last audit in 2024
Ms. Buchan noted the importance of water quality as a fundamental requirement for socio-economic well-being. The Palau EQPB Board and Office continues to support water quality as among the highest priorities in Palau.