Sample collection instructor extraordinaire, Amanda Royal, will be offering her class on Collecting and Handling of Water Samples for Trace Metal Analysis through the Northwest Environmental Training Center (NWETC) this summer! In order to achieve the ambient level detection limits required by the Clean Water Act, the EPA developed a number of analytical methods specifically for metals at "ultra-trace" levels (1600-series methods). One of the greatest difficulties in obtaining accurate data at such low concentrations is due to contamination occurring from the improper collection, handling, and transportation of samples. The 1600-series analytical methods are supported by EPA Method 1669: Sampling Ambient Water for Trace Metals at EPA Water Quality Criteria Levels.

On July 21^st, BAL will be partnering with the NWETC to present a full-day training course just outside of Seattle on the theoretical and practical application of EPA Method 1669. Tuition is $395 (reduced tuition available to employees of Native American tribes, nonprofits, and government agencies; students; and NAEP members). To learn more or to register for the class, view the EPA Method 1669 Training Course: Course Description and Registration.