Last month U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials notified produce industry leaders that there would be a review of the Produce Safety Rule’s water quality requirements to address industry concerns, resulting in a likely delay in compliance.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Today people around the globe are celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievement of women. We at Babcock Labs are proud that our company strives for equal opportunity and gender equity. Women make up more than half of our workforce, including our management team. This is unique for a STEM company and something to be proud of, as women still remain underrepresented in the science and engineering workforce at large in the United States.
A Sinking Feeling: Over-Pumping CA Groundwater
The immense importance of proper groundwater recharge was recently confirmed by NASA, who released data earlier this month showing that parts of California are quite literally sinking due to the over-pumping of groundwater. Among other effects, over-pumping groundwater aquifers can cause the soil to collapse and compact, causing the land to subside and, in the case of California’s San Joaquin Valley, jeopardizing water infrastructure that serves millions of people.
EPA UCMR4 Environmental Laboratory Testing
Babcock Laboratories, Inc. is in the process of becoming fully certified for UCMR4! We have been approved by the U.S. EPA to participate in Proficiency Testing (PT) and currently have PTs in house. After successful participation in the EPA’s PT studies for all UCMR4 methods, Babcock Labs will receive approval upon finalization of the rule.
Rain on the Parade: Drought Endures in Southern California
California’s unexpected winter storms replenished the Sierra snowpack and filled reservoirs, allowing more than 40% of the State to emerge from one of the worst droughts in its recorded history. While this news should be cause for celebration, recent data from the U.S. Drought Monitor rains on the parade. According to federal officials, vast areas of Southern and Central California remain locked in extreme drought conditions.
Year in Review: A Look Back on 2016
I think it’s safe to say that 2016 has been a rollercoaster year. As we anxiously anticipate what 2017 has in store, I would like to reflect on some of Babcock Labs’ highlights of this past year, including but not limited to: NELAP accreditation, serving on ELTAC for the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP), presentations at the 2016 National Environmental Monitoring Conference (NEMC), addressing water conservation and quality issues, corporate social responsibility efforts including STEM education, ESOP month, and more.