TestAmerica Expert Invited to Speak on EPA Method 8330B Validation Study at the 2010 AFCEE Technology Transfer Workshop

PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, February 18, 2010
For Immediate Release

Larry Penfold, TestAmerica's Quality Director for Federal Programs, is invited to demonstrate analytical considerations derived from an EPA 8330B Method validation study performed in 2009 at the AFCEE's annual Air Force Restoration and Technology Transfer Workshop. The presentation will be given at the Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP) session during the week of April 6, 2010 in San Antonio, TX.

The study was funded by the National Defense Center for Energy and Environment (NDCEE), and the overall objectives were to compare the bias, precision, and relative cost-benefits of the newer multi-incremental sampling and EPA 8330B Method analysis, to the traditional methods of discrete/box/wheel sampling strategies and EPA Method 8330A analysis. In 2009, soil samples from two Department of Defense (DoD) firing ranges with different soil types and explosive residue contaminants were collected and used in the study. The replicate analysis of samples helped to compare the effects on data quality processed in the laboratory by the traditional and newer techniques. Replicate analysis also allowed for quantitative comparison of results from manual mortar and pestle grinding of soils, ball mill grinding, and puck mill grinding. Results were also used to compare both HPLC/UV and HPLC/MS/MS instrumental techniques.

Partnering with Concurrent Technologies Corporation and Tom Jenkins of the USACE, Mr. Penfold's presentation will focus on the laboratory analysis aspects of the study, including study design, laboratory equipment employed, and summary of results.

Mr. Penfold is TestAmerica's technical expert responsible for working with Federal Program chemists and developing new analytical technologies and quality systems. Mr. Penfold plays a key role in developing TestAmerica's capabilities for the analysis of explosives and energetic materials, and currently leads the 8330B Workgroup. For more information on EPA 8330B or Explosive and Energetic Materials, please contact Mr. Penfold through TestAmerica's Ask the Expert webpage at www.testamericainc.com.

About TestAmerica

TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, including 36 laboratories and 31 service centers. TestAmerica provides innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source and ambient air, aquatic toxicity, explosives, specialty organics, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, emerging contaminants, radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.

TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; TestAmerica Drilling Corp., provider of innovative environmental and geotechnical drilling; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients' environmental testing needs.

For more information, contact:

JAMES H. MILLER, Vice President

Tel 716.691.2600 | www.testamericainc.com