The RMI EPA laboratory and its Majuro and Ebeye staff were re-certified by US inspectors who conduct the evaluation every two years.
“The US Freely Associated States Laboratory Certification Program is pleased to announce that the RMI EPA Majuro Water Quality Laboratory has received full Microbiology re-certification to analyze drinking water under the Colilert® Method and marine and other surface waters under the Enterolert™ Method,” said US EPA Laboratory Certification Officer Edna L. Buchan, who supervised the audit of the RMI EPA staff lab operations together with water chemistry scientist Dr. Peter J. Peshut.
During the certification audit Majuro Laboratory Supervisor Tuvuki Ketedromo was certified as a Level III analyst. Paul Paul, Richardo Jarom, Voneric Boktok and Malolo Malolo, from Ebeye, were also certified as Level III analysts, and Handel Dribo, also from Ebeye, was certified as a Level II analyst.
The RMI laboratory also received first-time full Water Chemistry certification for the analysis of chlorine residual, turbidity, and pH. Ketedromo, Paul, Jarom, Malolo, Boktok and Dribo received Water Chemistry certification.
These certifications are valid for two years from the date they were issued late last month, according to Buchan.
“Certification is necessary to ensure that the RMI EPA lab produces scientifically valid and legally defensible data, and that the lab staff are qualified to analyze water samples for bacterial contamination and water chemistry,” she said.
Environmental labs receive certification when specific criteria are met. A lab must pass an on-site evaluation every two years, and must have a certified analyst on staff. 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 RMI EPA laboratory audit and certifications were provided Buchan and Peshut of Nimbus Environmental Services, under contract with US EPA with funding provided by the US Department of Interior.
Certificates were presented to the Acting GM Tuvuki Ketedromo and RMI EPA Laboratory analysts at an awards ceremony held at the RMI EPA office on 27 February.
Buchan recognized the accomplishments of the RMI EPA for certification for both microbiology and water chemistry, and especially for now having four Level III certified analysts. Having four high level analysts is a major accomplishment, especially since the RMO is the only country in the US Freely Associated States with four Level III analysts.
“General Manager Moriana Phillip and her staff are very deserving of these certifications,” said Buchan. “I am extremely pleased to find that the RMI EPA has replaced older critical equipment, and has continued to uphold a high level of standards of laboratory practice since our last audit in 2024.”
Buchan noted the importance of water quality as a fundamental requirement for socio-economic well-being and that the RMI EPA board and office continues to support water quality as among the highest priorities in the RMI.
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