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What does the WPI Laboratory do?
Why would I need WPI’s Laboratory services?
Does the WPI Laboratory provide sorting services?
Does the WPI Laboratory provide taxonomic identification services?
Will my data be legally defensible?
Why should I use the Wallace & Pancher, Inc. Laboratory?
How much do your services cost?
What does the WPI Laboratory do?
WPI scientists have processed over 3,500 benthic macroinvertebrate samples from streams in Pennsylvania and West Virginia between 2003 and 2008, as part of long term monitoring and permitting requirements of the mining industry and the construction industry. Samples are collected using several different methodologies, some developed specifically to conduct regular evaluations of the surface waters in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Why would I need WPI’s Laboratory services?
Macroinvertebrates provide useful information about the quality of a stream over a long period of time because the organisms cannot easily move so as to avoid pollution. Chemical testing (ie. DO, pH, etc.) provides data only for conditions that were present at the time of sampling.
Most of WPI’s clients use the macroionvertebrate information collected to meet the requirements for federal and state permits that regulate the extent of environmental impacts from projects affecting streams or wetlands. The WPI laboratory has also conducted macroinvertebrate identification for preservation and conservation projects as a way to monitor stream health as a part of long term watershed management.
Does the WPI Laboratory provide sorting services?
The WPI Laboratory has a staff of qualified technicians familiar with several different methods of sub-sampling and sorting. We document our rigorous QA standards for each project we process and provide that documentation to you with your results. If you have collected your samples according to a methodology not currently used in the WPI Laboratory, please provide a copy of your methodology to us and we will assure that your samples are processed accurately according to your needs.
Does the WPI Laboratory provide taxonomic identification services?
The WPI Laboratory uses the highest quality equipment and the latest taxonomic literature to accurately identify your benthic macroinvertebrates to the lowest taxonomic level possible, usually the genus level. Our lab has a rigorous QA/QC protocol developed from standards used by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to assure that your data is accurate. Depending on the size of your project, ten percent of your samples may be sent to an independent taxonomist according to our quality assurance protocols.
Will my data be legally defensible?
In our laboratory, we have a taxonomist with a North American Benthological Society (NABS) certification for eastern taxa and all our taxonomists attend continuing education conferences and classes to assure that WPI is providing only the highest quality of services to our clients. We maintain a reference collection of macroinvertebrates verified by a third party to ensure accuracy. Compounded by rigorous QA/QC procedures, WPI ensures that the data given to you will withstand legal scrutiny.
Why should I use the Wallace & Pancher, Inc. Laboratory?
The laboratory services offered by the WPI lab are relatively new. However, our laboratory employs a NABS certified taxonomist and has a rigorous QA/QC protocol. Currently, the laboratory accurately processes over 1000 benthic macroinvertebrate samples per year. Because of the size of our lab, WPI offers a cost effective way to obtain accurate identification of benthic macroinvertebrates. The laboratory team will provide your data to you in the format of your choice, using the procedures you specify. If you need guidance as to what methodology to use, our scientists can assist you. Additionally, the size of our laboratory allows for our clients to contact our specialists easily and quickly when the need arises.
How much do your services cost?
The pricing varies according to sample type, sub-sample target, level of taxonomy required, and reporting requirements. Please contact our laboratory for a quote for the services you need. We will provide a quote to you within 24 hours of your request.