ASEPA water lab re-certified for another three years
to test drinking water

The US Environmental Protection Agency has re-certified the water laboratory at the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency in Utulei until 2010. The same lab was USEPA certified twice before in 2004 and 2001.

 The ASEPA water laboratory, which processes about 800 drinking water samples and nearly 2,700 beach/stream water samples each year, must be certified every three years in order to analyze drinking water samples for microbial contamination.

The certification came after USEPA Region 9 certification officer Andy Lincoff conducted an on-site evaluation of the water lab earlier this month on Oct. 9-10

The re-certification authority was granted during a small ceremony held on Thursday, Oct. 11 in the presence of a very pleased ASEPA director, Fanuatele Dr. To’afa Vaiaga’e.

Lincoff commended the laboratory personnel for their exemplary service, and said that they are very experienced and well qualified to perform the water analyses.

ASEPA analysts who received certificates include lab supervisor Josephine Regis, and lab technicians Ativalu Tago, Sofai Falelua, and Joe Kim.

Daystar Parker, a student intern from the American Samoa Community College, received special recognition for his contributions to the lab.

More information about the ASEPA water lab can be forwarded to 633-2304.