PAGO PAGO — The American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS-EPA) in partnership with CNMI Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and USEPA R9 Pacific Islands Office contractor Nimbus Environmental Service (NES), through the “FAS Laboratory Certification Program” (FLCP) recently performed laboratory re-certification audits to 6 Freely Associated States (FAS) laboratories.

AS-EPA’s assistance came at a critical time as funding to operate the program from the Department of Interior (DOI) was delayed and the labs were faced with losing their certification status.

In support of the FAS Laboratory Certification Program, Governor Lolo M. Moliga authorized and approved the mobilization of one of the AS-EPA state, Ms. Josie Regis (Laboratory Chief) to join a team comprising lab personnel from CNMI DEQ and NES. Ms. Regis is a certified US EPA Laboratory Certification Officer.

“I am grateful that AS-EPA was able to represent the American Samoa Government on a humanitarian mission to offer our sister countries technical assistance to enhance their capability to test their own drinking water and marine water to protect public health to sustain vital economical development such as tourism and aquaculture ventures such as mangrove crabs and giant clam initiatives, “ said AS-EPA Director Ameko Pato.

US EPA Region 9 Program Manager Michael Wolfram stated, “This is an excellent example of AS-EPA’s leadership in environmental programs throughout the Pacific, as well Governor Moliga’s commitment to American Samoa’s environmental initiatives and technical assistance throughout the entire Pacific Region.”

The FLCP resulted in 6 certified labs for drinking water and marine water analysis, and 20 laboratory technicians were certified. The certification is a significant accomplishment based on the ability and commitment of each FAS to sustain and maintain a high quality lab, while also demonstrating that the FAS labs have capitalized on their certification status to request and receive adequate funding levels for day to day operations from their respective states — something they did not receive prior to certification.

The FLCP program ensures FAS laboratories produce scientifically valid and legally defensible water quality data for drinking water and marine water. Scientifically valid and legally defensible water quality data provides significant public health and economic benefits for the FAS.

Some of the benefits include protecting public health from health risks associated with contaminated drinking water or contact with polluted coastal waters. Additionally, it creates community and government awareness to change attitudes about the need for safe water, which can lead to change in behaviors that cause water quality problems.

The marine (sea) water results are what is printed in the Samoa News every weekend (Friday & Saturday) — indicating areas that are safe for swimming by the community. There are also two ‘boards’ located at Utulei Beach Park, in plain sight, that indicate to what degree the marine water is ‘safe’ to the public for recreational use. Local ‘boil water’ notices are also a result of the AS-EPA FAS lab testing.

Mr. Albert Roby, Director of Pohnpei State EPA and Mr. Kun Mongkeye, Acting Director of Kosrae State Department of Health expressed their sincere appreciation to AS-EPA Director Ameko Pato for the services rendered to their islands.

For more information, please contact AS-EPA at 633-2304.