Spring Bug Special

ES&C is currently running a special offer on the identification of benthic samples. This is of particular interest to groups without in-house taxonomic expertise and on a tight budget, as it allows them to get lowest practical taxon identifications (genus level in most cases) at a price less than normal family level identifications. A typical watershed with 10-20 sampling stations can get genus level data, professionally identified, with full taxonomic Quality Assurance /Quality Control for $500 - $1000. If you've ever priced this kind of analysis before, you'll know what a competitive price that is.

We are able to make this offer if your organization is willing to sort (pick) the samples before they are sent to us. We can provide you with a clear set of instructions on how to sort, preserve, and properly ship your samples. We can even provide the sample containers and any additional equipment needed. We have over 25 years of combined experience identifying benthic macroinvertebrates, state-of-the-art facilities, appropriate sample storage of up to 1500 unprocessed samples (1 liter) and an additional 500 processed samples.

For more information on this special offer, visit our web site at http://www.es-and-c.com/services/macros.php or give us a call toll free at 888-99-LARVA (888-995-2782).

Email Permit Reminders

ES&C provides free NPDES permit reminders via email. Just log in to your account and click the permit reminders link. Remember, your email address () acts as your userid, and if you do not know your password you can always request it be sent to your email address by clicking the password reminder link.

What's on file with EPA?

Do you know what's on file with EPA concerning your permits? Just enter one of your permit numbers in the form to at right to get find out what information is in their records. While every effort is made to keep accurate records, mistakes can happen. If you see something that is not quite right, contact us and we can help you get the records corrected.

ES&C's Employees volunteered a day of time to BMS 6th graders for a day of watershed education. Stuart Lynde (left) kicks up some bugs with students from Mr. Freeman's class. Two students (center) spend some time sorting and identifying macroinvertebrates from their samples. Erika Wood (right) and a group of students discuss watershed issues and habitat.

Giving Back ...

On Earth Day (April 22, 2004), ES&C employees took the day to put on its new educational program called SWAMP (Streams Watersheds and Me Program) with 6th graders from Blacksburg Middle School. Fifty-five students from Ms. Distler and Mr. Freeman’s classrooms, along with some of their parents, traveled to Sinking Creek in Newport, VA for a day of streamside education. During the day-long event, students went from station to station learning about various water quality parameters and how these relate to anthropogenic effects on a watershed. Designated stations introduced such topics as dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, nitrates, habitat assessments, and macroinvertebrates. At each station, students learned about stream measurements, how to collect them and their importance in determining overall stream health. Each station included an activity that provided the students the opportunity for practical experience and was followed by a wrap-up session. The students enjoyed all the stations, but found a special attachment to cranefly larvae (Tipulidae) they collected at the macroinvertebrate station. With the goal of increasing public awareness and education about streams, watersheds and the role of human interaction on water quality, the day was filled with plenty of mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies; lots of laughs; and a better understanding of how their actions can affect things on a watershed level. For more information on SWAMP, and how it can be used in your school, contact us today.

West Nile Virus

In 2003, human cases of WNV were reported in all but two states in the continental USA (map). Already in 2004, one human case has been reported in Ohio, and animal (avian, animal, mosquito) infections have been reported in 9 states (map). Contact ES&C for more information on West Nile Virus, designing mosquito surveys, and what ES&C can do help.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Sarah Engel Cote on her recent marriage to Ken Cote. They were married on April 24th in Bloomington.

Learning:

Stuart R. Lynde just completed his initial 40-h HAZWOPER (29 CFR 1910.120) training.