Post on 12-Dec-2014
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Welcome to Environmental Testing and
Research Laboratories
Technical Staff
Eric Koslowski Laboratory Director, President and Owner
Ali DeSaulnier Laboratory Manager
Sara Hess Assistant Laboratory Manager
Tasha Fuller and Austin Swallow Laboratory Analysts
Administrative Staff Terry Barter
General Manager and Owner Kelly Barnard
Administrative Manager and Customer Service Elaine Brenn
Administration and Customer Service George Gauthier
Shipping & Receiving and Customer Service Greg Aldrich
Director, Sales and Marketing
About Environmental Testing and Research Laboratories, Inc
Background Locations
In Leominster since 1995 Research and Develop
solutions Business Individuals Chemical & biochemical analysis
Whitney Fields 1995-2002
Fuller Street 2002-2011
Elm Hill Ave since 2011
Our Specialties
Private Drinking Water Analysis
Radon In Air Testing
Research & Development Solutions for Industry
Research and Development
ORGANIZATIONS: PROFESSIONALS WE WORK WITH INCLUDE:
Manufacturers Product
developers Hospitals Government
agencies Dairy Product
Vendors Cruise Lines
QA/QC Manager Process Managers
and Engineers Facilities managers Agencies
FAA Centers for Disease
Control Swimming pool
managers
TODAY
Radon in Air Private well water
Analysis
You and your clients financial interests!
Radon in Air
Radon
The Issue What is radon Measuring for property sale
How Where
Which testing is recommended
Radon In Air What is the Issue
Many experts have concluded that Radon in Air is an issue
Some Controversy about health issues
NO controversy about financial impact
Bottom Line
Experts says: Radon a health issue. Many folks are concern. Buyers see financial issues if Radon
present. Affects property value. Radon in Air is an financial issue!
Some Facts on Radon
Radon is a gas It is heavier than air Comes from the breakdown of uranium Uranium is present in may types of rock
formations EPA Standard say 4 pCi/L (picocuries per
liter)
Measuring Radon
Most practical and cost Affective method for measuring radon:
Charcoal Canister Most popular method Reasonably price Easiest to manage
EPA Says
EPA is one of the primary advocates of Radon in Air issues
Therefore EPA standards are considered by many as the basis for measuring Radon
“EPA recommends that measurements made for a real estate transaction be performed in the lowest level of the home which is currently suitable for occupancy. This means the lowest level that is currently lived-in, or a lower level that is not currently used (such as a basement, which a buyer could use for living space without renovations). Measurements should be made in a room that is used regularly, such as a living room, playroom, den, or bedroom. This includes a basement that can be used as a recreation room, bedroom, or playroom. This provides the buyer with the option of using a lower level of the home as part of the living area, with the knowledge that it has been tested for radon.”
More from the EPA
Conduct the radon test for minimum of 48 hours. In homes with an active radon reduction system, check
that the fan is running at least 24 hours before starting a short-term test lasting less than four days.
EPA recommends that short-term radon testing be done under closed-building conditions.
Single Sample Two Simultaneous Samples –
same location and time frame 4 inches apart
Multiple Samples? Complete list of guidelines Page 9
Considerations
How concerned is the buyer? Radon measurements are typically higher at lower on
lower floors of the house. Not always: Upper levels less ventilated than lower levels. Granite counter tops can emit radon.
How many places in the home should be measured? Closed house?
Recommendations
Measure in environment as people live For average client who is has little or
limited concern Single or double canister - side by side
Meets fiduciary responsibility
For moderate to very concerned client They may want to place multiple double
canister tests
Summary
Radon is a heavy gas Concerns by many about health Affects Measure with charcoal canister Location Duration Consult with ETR when issues arise
Private Water Wells
Our Focus Today
The financial impact private water wells have on real estate. We will review: Location Construction Other Factors Quality of the water Solutions Expectation of your laboratory
Well Location
Where is the well First you must find it!
Well Location
Well Location
Where is the well First you must find it! EPA Guidelines, Massachusetts Law:
At least 50 ft. from the septic (better if 100 ft.)
Well Location
Where is the well First you must find it! In MA must meet Title V:
At least 50 ft. from the septic (better if 100 ft.) Are there any plants growing so that they touch
or hang over the well?
Well Location
Are there any plants growing so that they touch or hang over the well?
Well Location
Where is the well First you must find it! In MA must meet Title V:
At least 50 ft. from the septic (better if 100 ft.) Are there any plants growing so that they touch
or hang over the well? Is the well elevated or in a depression?
Well Construction
Type of well
Well Construction
Is it above ground at least 12”? 18-24” is better Is well at ground level? Is it below ground level?
Well Construction
Is it above ground at least 12”? 18-24” is better Is well at ground level? Is it below ground level?
Well Construction
Is the casing corroded or in good condition?
Other Factors
Additional research with homeowner or local authorities (Board of Health or similar) Age of well? Who installed it? Depth of well? Jaswell seal? Does the water have bad:
Odors Color tastes
Other Factors
Well pump In the Basement
Jet pump Two Pipes
Suction Pump One Pipe
Other Factors
Well pump In the Basement (Can be elsewhere, generally above
ground level) Jet pump
Two Pipes Suction Pump
One Pipe In the well
Submersible Pump
Water Quality
Why is this important to you? Buyers – Affects:
Their family health Lifestyle Future expenses
Sellers: Effects property value Lenders: Effects value of their security
Water Quality
The more you understand about water quality, the more effective you will be at evaluating the real financial impact
on your deals
Water Quality
If the well is: 12 inches or less above
the ground Has an inferior or
damaged well cap
Water Quality
If the well is: If the well is less than several miles from:
12 inches or less above the ground
Has an inferior or damaged well cap
In a depression Current homeowner
observes issues Taste odor, smell, other.
Less than 100 feet septic Proximity to roads or
wetlands
Active farmlands
Water Quality
If the well is: If the well is less than several miles from:
12 inches or less above the ground
Has an inferior or damaged well cap
In a depression Current homeowner
observes issues Less than 100 feet septic Proximity to roads or
wetlands
Active farmlands Industrial facilities
Water Quality
If the well is: If the well is less than several miles from:
12 inches or less above the ground
Has an inferior or damaged well cap
In a depression Current homeowner
observes issues Less than 100 feet septic Proximity to roads or
wetlands
Active farmlands Industrial facilities Gas Stations
Water Quality
If the well is: If the well is less than several miles from:
12 inches or less above the ground
Has an inferior or damaged well cap
In a depression Current homeowner
observes issues Less than 100 feet septic Proximity to roads or
wetlands
Active farmlands Industrial facilities Gas Stations Dry cleaning
establishments
Water Quality
If the well is: If the well is less than several miles from:
12 inches or less above the ground
Has an inferior or damaged well cap
In a depression Current homeowner
observes issues Less than 100 feet septic Proximity to roads or
wetlands
Active farmlands Industrial facilities Gas Stations Dry cleaning
establishments Underground heating oil
Then thorough testing is important to
understanding the water quality.
What is the right time to test the water?
Many buyers are going to want to have the water tested
Because “for warned is for armed,” you/your seller clients may want to consider a preliminary test to avoid surprises
Information is power If any of the items mentioned
previously . . . . .
Water Quality
If the well is: If the well is less than several miles from:
12 inches or less above the ground
Has an inferior or damaged well cap
In a depression Current homeowner
observes issues Less than 100 feet septic Proximity to roads or
wetlands
Active farmlands Industrial facilities Gas Stations Dry cleaning
establishments
Then thorough testing is important to
understanding the water quality.
What is the right time to test the water?
Then testing for water quality is
a PRIORITY!!!!
What test to have done
Consideration: Long after your client has forgotten the
exact test that was done they will remember the test said the water was OK
Liability &/or reputation Recommending the right test protects
you AND your client
Choosing a Test
A word about the “so called” Potability Test If “potability” means fit for drinking, a Coliform/ E.coli
P/A test does NOT do that Liability
Standard Scan – Meets all FHA, HUD, etc. requirements
For most wells our Health Scan is the ideal test If there is no odor or surface water
contamination issues, Comprehensive Scan can be acceptable
Health Scan
This series of tests was designed to ensure complete information about all of the parameters we see routinely in Private Well Water
We very rarely see any contamination which is not tested for in the Health Scan
Health Scan
Microbiological Coliform and E. Coli (present/absent) Microanalysis to identify all micro organisms
to genus and species Inorganics – metals, wet chemistry Radiological Organics
Solutions Most wells provide great water Some need minor modifications
Modifying landscaping Clear away from well head. Add berm to cause water to drain away from well
Often replacing well cap will solve issues Extension to 12 or more inches above ground ETR Water Well Disinfection Kit
Well Inspection Some may need filtration/treatment systems
added or modified Only use an installer who requires extensive water quality
testing
Well Inspection
Thorough review inside and out A camera is actually placed in the well, usually to the level of
the pump or beyond.
Well Inspection
Thorough review inside and out Examine all the parameters of location and construction
discussed earlier A camera is actually placed in the well, usually to the level of
the pump or beyond.
Well Inspection
Thorough review inside and out Examine all the parameters of location and construction
discussed earlier. A camera is actually placed in the well, usually to the level of
the pump or beyond. When to have a well inspection.
When water has bad odor Well does not meet standards
Construction Location
Water testing points towards ground water accessing the well Bacteria Elevated salts components – calcium, chloride, potassium, etc. Elevated nitrogen compounds . . . . particularly ammonia
Financial Consideration
A new well is likely to cost upwards of $10-15k
Water testing - what most folks needs is less than three hundred dollars
Well inspection is $590 plus travel
How ETR Laboratories Supports you and your Clients
Pick up kits and drop off samples 24/7 Kits easy to mail Results are fast – 2 business days from
receipt No rejected samples No “Failed” comment on the report Confidential to those specified on Request
form Consult with your client after the test to
know the exact situation and how to resolve
In Summary
Well location and construction. Sealed well cap 100 + feet from septic Roads and wetlands On a knoll or raised
above surrounding area Casing 12 or more
inches above ground No vegetation growing
near the well head
In Summary
Well location and construction. General vicinity within several miles
Underground petroleum tank Gas Station Heating oil
Farms Industrial Dry cleaning
In Summary
Check the well location and construction General vicinity Check the water quality Consult with ETR on issues raised by the
above Have confidence that your clients
interests are protected
Thank you
We are honored to serve you and your clients. We hope you will encourage your clients to contact us with any questions or
concerns regarding private well waterOr radon.
Questions?