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?