The certification is effective until 2011. Laboratory Supervisor Metiek Kimie Ngirchechol, and analysts Jerome Sakurai and Jesse Sengebau were also re-certified as laboratory technicians under the FAS for both methods. New analyst Meiang Chin received first time certification for both methods earlier on 20 June 2009.
Certified labs and technicians are necessary to ensure that the water quality data used for protecting public health is reliable. Certification provides assurances that the lab produces scientifically valid and legally defensible data, and that the staff are qualified to analyze water samples for bacterial contamination.Labs receive certification when they meet specific criteria, pass an on-site evaluation at least every two years, and have a certified technician on staff. Technicians are certified when they successfully pass a written exam and a practical demonstration of proficiency test. The Palau EQPB audit was performed by FAS Certification Program Manager Edna Buchan.Certificates were presented to the Palau EQPB Laboratory, and to individual technicians at an awards ceremony held at the Palau EQPB office on Thursday August 27, 2009.During the ceremony, Ms. Buchan recognized the accomplishments of the lab in being re- certified for both drinking water and marine water. “Executive Director Portia Franz and her 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 two years ago, and continues to be the premier lab of Micronesia; its lab and staff are models we expect other labs in the region to follow. The certification assures that Palau will have water quality data necessary to move forward with protection of public health and sustainable economic development.”
