overview - Hydrosphere

Hydrosphere Research Last Updated 10/04/11

11842 Research Circle • Alachua, FL 32615-6817 Tel (386) 462-7889 • Toll-Free 866:375-9004 • Fax 386-462-7264 • www.hydrosphere.net

overview

Hydrosphere Research is a full service bioassay laboratory that offers a wide array of services to its private and public clients. This document will provide an overview of our company, including capabilities, certifications, personnel, and instrumentation. The best way to evaluate and learn about our laboratory is to visit and see the operations first hand. The company invites site visits anytime. Please call toll-free at (866) 375-9004 to arrange a visit.

certifications Hydrosphere Research is certified by the State of Florida Department of Health as meeting all of the requirements for the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Certification (NELAC) standards. Hydrosphere Research was the first commercial bioassay laboratory in the state of Florida to apply for and receive the new NELAC certification. Hydrosphere Research is certified by the State of Florida and many other regulatory agencies as either a Minority or Women Owned Business Enterprise. Copies of these certifications are located in Appendix A.

http://www.hydrosphere.net/


toxicity testing Our clients routinely call upon us to design new and innovative toxicity studies. We routinely conduct tests to satisfy NPDES permits and characterize toxicity problems. Hydrosphere Research is a state and nationally recognized aquatic toxicity testing laboratory, widely known for projects completed in the following areas: • Acute freshwater & saltwater tests • Algal growth studies • Chronic freshwater & saltwater tests • Endocrine disruption tests • Freshwater and marine sediment bioassays • Ion imbalance studies • Laboratory flow through studies • Nutrient limiting studies • Nutrient potential studies • Oil dispersant Studies • On-site flow through studies • Product testing • Sediment bioaccumulation studies • Sediment toxicity tests • Toxicity identification evaluation/reduction

studies • Soil Toxicity Tests • Whole compound toxicity studies


special studies

Hydrosphere has worked on a variety of special studies that have combined the biological, chemical and toxicological endpoints. Our staff can custom design a study approach that will meet your needs.

toxicity identification evaluations Hydrosphere Research has conducted Phase I, II, & III Toxicity Identification Evaluations (TIE) to help clients identify and characterize their toxicity issues. These studies have involved both acute and chronic TIE’s with both freshwater and marine species. Often times a full phase I TIE is not required. Hydrosphere Research can consult with the client to determine a hierarchy of potentially successful treatments based on the client’s experience with their sample and plant operations. Hydrosphere Research’s experience with the client’s sample can prove indispensable when designing a custom TIE.

endocrine disruptor studies Hydrosphere Research is recognized as one of the first commercial labs in the US to be involved with endocrine disruptor studies using aquatic vertebrates and yeast activity based test methods. We have developed and implemented a suite of tools for assessing the potential reproductive effects of effluents and pure chemicals to aquatic vertebrates. Emphasis is on endocrine pathways controlled by estrogens and androgens. Hydrosphere Research continues to work with researchers at the University of Florida and elsewhere to develop new assays for the detection of endocrine disruptors. Hydrosphere Research has completed endocrine disruptor projects in the following areas:

• Rapid screening for endocrine disruptors • Fish pathology and histology


• Laboratory flow through studies on whole compounds

• Life cycle studies • Field evaluations of endocrine disruptors.

client references Hydrosphere Research has had some of the same clients since the labs inception at CH2M Hill over 20 years ago. We pride ourselves on providing unmatched customer service. Appendix B contains a partial list of references. Please contact the Laboratory Director to see a list of references specific to your area or industry.

facilities Hydrosphere Research’s laboratory and office facilities are located in the Progress Corporate Park at 11842 Research Circle, Alachua, Florida,, only minutes away from the University of Florida. Our proximity allows easy access to one of the nation’s leading research centers and is a source of highly skilled assistance for both routine laboratory tasks and also for very large or unusual projects. We have divided our test facilities into four separately lighted and climate controlled sections that will accommodate various test conditions or requirements. We maintain separate laboratories for all of our culture work and chemistry work. Hydrosphere Research has a large cold room storage facility to handle all client samples.

aquaculture & mariculture Hydrosphere Research cultures all of the freshwater and most of the saltwater organisms required for routine toxicity testing. Some of these organisms include: the freshwater Cladocerans Ceriodaphnia dubia and Daphnia pulex; the fresh water alga Selenastrum

http://www.progresscorporatepark.com/

http://www.progresscorporatepark.com/


capricornutum; the saltwater alga Champia parvula; the fresh water amphipod Hyalella azteca; the salt water amphipod Leptocheirus plumulosus; the salt water shrimp Mysidopsis bahia; the fresh water banner-fin shiner Cyprinella leedsi; and the freshwater fathead minnow Pimephales promelas. Hydrosphere Research also has experience in various aquaculture & mariculture research projects including the development of a land based recirculated hatchery for the hard shell clam Mercenaria mercenaria.

quality assurance plan Beginning October of 2000, Hydrosphere Research began operating under its NELAC approved Quality Manual. The Hydrosphere Research Quality Manual provides a unified approach to supplying data that are scientifically sound, legally defensible and of known and acceptable quality. The Quality Manual presents objectives, QA policies, organization, resumes, functional activities and specific QA activities for the testing of environmental samples. An extensive network of written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) guides all activities. Among other issues, the Quality Manual covers, in detail, our laboratories policies, management, quality system, procedures, methods, personnel, and facilities. All Hydrosphere Research personnel are required to be familiar with the Quality Manual and SOPs and are committed to following them. The Quality Manual and laboratory SOPs are always available for inspection.

sample custody procedures Samples are logged in on arrival. All sample kits must arrive with the chain of custody seal intact. Upon arrival, the samples are assigned a job number and start date and are cross-checked with the chain of custody to make sure all the samples are accounted for. They are then


inspected for proper containment and stored in our cold room. The samples are stored for a minimum of 30 days after the report goes out. After 30 days the samples are properly disposed.

data management Hydrosphere Research uses state of the art computer network to integrate many of our laboratory operations from sample receiving to report generation. Utilization of computers greatly reduces the chance for transcription and calculation errors by eliminating manual processes. To ensure accurate and complete data reporting, data are subjected to multiple tiers of review prior to reporting. Reports are available in a number of hard copy or electronic formats A daily status report listing all in-house samples, project requirements and required delivery dates, is provided to all supervisors. This facilitates human and instrument resources planning to ensure deadlines are met. Separate files are maintained for each project. All original worksheets, purchase orders, test requests and/or chain of custody documentation are permanently kept in the client/project file. Additional copies of any test results can be provided upon request.

data reporting and presentation Hydrosphere Research uses its state of the art computer systems to provide clients with reports that are ready for submission to regulatory agencies. Our staff is always available to present study findings to your staff or to regulatory agencies.


Scott MootsLab Technician

Temporary WorkerLab Technician



Peter MeyerLaboratory Supervisor

QA Officer

Tom FritzProject Manager

Craig WattsLaboratory Director

New Projects Coordinator

Nga WattsPresident

Reports CoordinatorSaftey Officer

equipment systems & maintenance Hydrosphere Research has more than one of any type of equipment. If one instrument is found to be unserviceable, we have another to take its place. This duplication assures prompt turnaround time. All testing equipment and instruments at Hydrosphere Research are checked for signs of damage, deterioration or calibration. It is the job of each technician to check the instrument before each use. If the equipment is found to be damaged etc., it is tagged out of service and reported to the laboratory manager. It is the responsibility of the laboratory manager to assure the prompt repair of the equipment. It is then recalibrated before being put back in service. All equipment manuals, schematics and calibration reports are the responsibility of the laboratory manger.

organization and management Hydrosphere Research is organized along clear lines of authority to provide clients with service that is efficient and reliable. Hydrosphere Research has staff on site every day of the year for test monitoring, test initiation, and organisms culturing. Resumes of Key personnel our presented in Appendix C.

insurance Hydrosphere Research maintains complete insurance in order to protect itself and its clients. Proof of insurance is available upon request. Clients are routinely listed as additionally insured in order to protect their interests.


appendix A - certifications

State of Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Laboratories

This is to certify that

E82295

HYDROSPHERE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. 11842 RESEARCH CIRCLE

ALACHUA, FL 32615

has complied with Florida Administrative Code 64E-1, for the examination of Environmental samples in the following categories

NON-POTABLE WATER- TOXICITY, SOLID AND CHEMICAL MATERIALS- TOXICITY

Continued certification is contingent upon successful on-going compliance with the NELAC Standards and FAC Rule 64E-1 regulations. Specific methods and analytes certified are cited on the Laboratory Scope of Accreditation for this laboratory and are on file at the Bureau of Laboratories, P. 0. Box 210, Jacksonville, Florida 32231. Clients and customers are urged to verify

with this agency the laboratory's certification status in Florida for particular methods and analytes.

Date Issued: July 01, 2011 Expiration Date: June 30, 2012

~,~W Max Salfinger, M.D. "

Chief, Bureau of Laboratories Florida Department of Health

DH Form 1697, 7/04 NON-TRANSFERABLE E82295-1 0-07/01/2011 Supersedes all previously issued certificates

~~ Laboratory Scope of Accreditation

Rick Scott Governor

H. Frank Farmer, Jr., M.D.,Ph.D. State Surgeon General

Page 1 of 2

Attachment to Certificate#: E82295-10, expiration date June 30, 2012. This listing of accredited analytes should be used only when associated with a valid certificate.

State Laboratory ID: E82295 EPA Lab Code: FLOllOS (386) 462-7889

E82295 Hydrosphere Research Environmental Services, Inc. 11842 Research Circle Alachua, FL 32615 Matrix: Non-Potable Water

Certification Analyte Method/Tech Category Type Effective Date

Arbacia punctulata EPA 821-R-02-014 (SW Toxicity NELAP 11 /28/2006 chronic)(I008 .0)

Ceriodaphnia dubia EPA 821-R-02-012 (FW Toxicity NELAP 8/ 12/2004 acute)(2002.0)

Ceriodaphnia dubia EPA 821-R-02-013 (FW Toxicity NELAP 8/ 12/2004 chronic)(! 002.0)

Cyprinella leedsi EPA 821-R-02-012 (FW Toxicity NELAP 8/12/2004 acute)(2000.0)

Daphnia magna EPA 821-R-02-012 (FW Toxicity NELAP 11 /9/2006 acute )(2021. 0)

Daphnia pulex EPA 821-R-02-012 (FW Toxicity NELAP 11 /9/2006 acute)(2021.0)

Menidia beryl! ina EPA 821-R-02-012 (SW Toxicity NELAP 8/ 12/2004 acute)(2006.0)

Menidia beryl! ina EPA 821-R-02-014 (SW Toxicity NELAP 8/12/2004 chronic)( I 006.0)

Mysidopsis bahia EPA 821-R-02-012 (SW Toxicity NELAP 8/12/2004 acute)(2007.0)

Mysidopsis bahia EPA 821-R-02-014 (SW Toxicity NELAP 8/ 12/2004 chronic)( I 007.0)

Pimephales promelas EPA 821-R-02-012 (FW Toxicity NELAP 8/12/2004 acute)(2000.0)

Pimephales promelas EPA 821-R-02-013 (FW Toxicity NELAP 8/ 12/2004 chronic)(! 000.0)

Selenastrum capricornutum EPA 821-R-02-013 (FW Toxicity NELAP 8/ 12/2004 chronic)(! 003 .0)

Clients and Customers are urged to verify the laboratory's current certification status with the Environmental Laboratory Certification Program. Issue Date: 7/1/2011 Expiration Date: 6/3012012

/..reo,'\

,:~ Laboratoty Scope of Accreditation

Rick Scott Governor

H. Frank Farmer, Jr., M.D.,Ph.D. State Surgeon General

Page 2 of 2

Attachment to Certificate#: E82295-10, expiration date June 30, 2012. This listing of accredited analytes should be used only when associated with a valid certificate.

State Laboratory ID: E82295 EPA Lab Code: FL01105

E82295 Hydrosphere Research Environmental Services, Inc. 11842 Research Circle Alachua, FL 32615 Matrix: Solid and Chemical Materials

Analyte Method/Tech

Ampelisca abdita EPN600/R-94/025

Chironomus tentans EPN600/R-94/024

Hyalella azteca EPN600/R-94/024

Leptochirus plumulosus EPN600/R-94/025

Category

Toxicity

Toxicity

Toxicity

Toxicity

Clients and Customers are urged to verify the laboratory's current certification status with the Environmental Laboratory Certification Program. Issue Date: 7/1/2011

(386) 462-7889

Certification Type Effective Date

NELAP 1/22/2007

NELAP 1/22/2007

NELAP 1/22/2007

NELAP 1/22/2007

Expiration Date: 6/30/2012


appendix B - references


Hydrosphere Research References

• Anhueser Busch

• Black & Veatch

• Buckeye Florida, L.P.

• CH2M Hill

• City Of Boca Raton

• City Of Green Cove Springs

• City of Macclenny

• City of St. Augustine

• City Of Starke

• CF Industries

• Florida Power & Light

• Florida Power Corporation

• Georgia-Pacific

• Golder & Associates

• Tennessee Valley Authority

• Tetra Tech NUS

• The Minute Maid Company

• Town of Hastings

• Town of Orange Park


appendix C – resumes of key personnel

J. Craig Watts 3511 NW 23rd Place 352-377-8022 (Home) Gainesville, FL 32605 [email protected] (E-Mail)

Current position Hydrosphere Research Gainesville, Florida Lab Director. Responsible for the overall quality assurance, marketing and client activities associated with the bioassay laboratory. Create new markets using existing company core strengths. Provide and manage the assets and resources to ensure company growth while providing a positive return for the company’s shareholders.

Education University of Florida Gainesville, Florida Master of Business Administration. University of Florida Gainesville, Florida Bachelor of Science in Computer Information and Science Engineering. Graduated with honors. Minor in Mathematics.

Professional experience University of Florida, Engineering Research Center - Particle Science & Technology Gainesville, Florida Industrial Partners Program Manager. Primary responsibilities include developing programs to promote industrial awareness among Center students and faculty, establishing and operating an industrial technology transfer program, servicing and expanding the Center’s industrial membership base, promoting Center accomplishments, particularly to the community at-large, defining unique ways of identifying industry needs and demonstrating/seeking value from industrial partners, negotiating contracts for industrial membership in the Center, and assisting in organizing the Center’s facilities and generating industry funds and support.

North Florida Technology Innovation Corporation Gainesville, Florida Business Advisor. Assist technology-based companies with all aspects of creating a successful business venture. Carefully screen potential client companies based on likelihood of success. Work with client companies to secure a competitive advantage with their technology either through patenting, trade secrets, or licensing. Assist companies in creating and implementing a multi-faceted business plan, for strategic planning, raising capital, and/or securing industry partnerships. Assist these companies in negotiating contracts, licenses, and other business instruments. Act as a general business advisor to client companies.

Group 206 Technologies, Inc. Gainesville, Florida Founder and President. Created a corporation focused on developing technology based on research efforts at the University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering. The results of this effort were a line of innovative environmental toxicity test kits. Responsibilities as president include overseeing manufacturing, expanding an international network of distributors and sales representatives, and all other duties associated with running a successful company.

December 2000 – Current

1990 - 1992

1986 - 1990

December 2001 – August 2001

June 1997 – January 1999

September 1991 – October 1998

August 1996 – August 1999

J. Craig Watts Page 2

Santa Fe Community College Gainesville, Florida Adjunct Professor. Provide instruction for an introductory computer course.

Webster College Gainesville, Florida Part-Time Teacher. Provide instruction for an introductory computer course.

Infotech Gainesville, Florida Analyst. Compiled cases dealing with issues such as anti-trust, collusion bid rigging, environmental analysis, and age discrimination. Use advanced computer software to analyze prices, define relative markets, and produce courtroom-ready graphics. Resume Professionals Gainesville, Florida Founder and Partner. Founder of a resume consulting and preparation company. This company also prepared newsletters and flyers for various departments and programs on the University of Florida campus. Pratt & Whitney West Palm Beach, Florida Methods Engineer. Coordinated the production and release of engineering related software tools. Pratt & Whitney West Palm Beach, Florida CADD Support Group. System administrator for a digital drawing management system. Provided training and support for 300 engineers. Pratt & Whitney West Palm Beach, Florida Engineering Aide. Assisted engineers in Pratt & Whitney's largest military jet engine group. Pratt & Whitney West Palm Beach, Florida Financial Trainee. Assisted with manpower analysis and forecasting and with the financial administration of discretionary programs.

Additional professional activities Expert in many aspects of PC software, hardware, and the Internet. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Professional memberships

Member of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. Member of the Gainesville Area Innovation Network, Board of Directors

Community activities

Volunteer Work: Junior Achievement, Project Business.

July 1995 - December 1995

May 1991 - June 1993

October 1990 - September 1991

May 1990 - August 1990




Peter R. Meyer 1049 NE 9th Ave

Gainesville, FL 32601

WORK EXPERIENCE

Laboratory Manager, Hydrosphere Research 1995-Present Responsible for the acquisition of test organisms and maintenance of all test cultures. Designated Quality Assurance Coordinator. Perform all aspects of toxicity tests. Responsible for initiating new laboratory protocols based on Environmental Protection Agency and Florida Department of Environmental Protection guidelines Conduct an extensive number of acute, chronic and algal toxicity tests including both freshwater and marine species and both static and flow-through test design. Familiar with requirements for Biomonitoring Effluents Programs under EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Laboratory Manager, CH2M Hill 1989-1995 Previously Mr. Meyer was employed in CH2M Hill’s Gainesville bioassay laboratory for six years.

CURRENT RESEARCH

Current research project funded by Water Environment Research Foundation and the Environmental Protection Agency titled Assessment of the Occurrence and Ecological Significance of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Watersheds. This project has focused on developing a battery of test methods for the occurrence of hormonal activity. These test methods include laboratory fish studies, flow-through fish studies, field studies, and development of the YES Assay, a gene expression assay for detecting the presence estrogen related compounds.

ANALYTICAL EXPERIENCE

Toxicity Bioassays Biological Culturing Water analysis Enzymatic assays Wastewater analysis Algal cultures Algal Assays Endocrine Assays

EDUCATION

University of Florida, Bachelor of Science-Zoology. 1989

PUBLICATIONS

Poster titled “Comparison of Laboratory Generated Photographs and EPA Illustrations of Mysidopsis bahia.” Presented at SETAC 1994

CHARLES W. JARMAN

4201 NW 13TH PLACE, GAINESVILLE, FL, 32605 (352) 240‐6231 [email protected]

HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive background in the operation, maintenance, and repair of GC and GC/MS instruments.

• Excellent software knowledge including Agilent Chem Station instrument control and Enviroquant data processing software, Target data processing software, and Microsoft Office programs.

• Strong computer support skills; currently completing IT Professional classes at New Horizons Training Center.

• Expert in all phases of laboratory operation from sample receipt to final report generation and review.

• Project coordination for numerous high‐level Federal projects including Superfund and Military Base Clean‐up; performed and meet all client QA/QC requirements including performance evaluation samples.

JOB SKILLS

Analytical/ Computer/ Flexibility: Many projects required modifications to methods, analytical procedures, and software. Flexibility was essential to meeting client requirements.

Communication/ Team work/ Interpersonal: Work required constant verbal and written communication with fellow chemists, supervisor, and project managers to insure work was scientifically valid, legally defensible, and completed per project and EPA guidelines.

Motivation / Work Ethic/ Honesty and Integrity: A strong work ethic and honesty have always been the foundation of personal work. Responsibilities included being a mentor and motivated co‐workers through discussion of problems and solutions. All work was subject to annual State and Client audits.

RELEVANT WORK HISTORY

HYDROSPHERE RESEARCH, Alachua, FL: Performed toxicity analyses per EPA Methods; data reduction and final reports for supervisor review; Perform QA functions throughout lab.

ELAB/PACE ANALYTICAL SERVICES, Ormond Beach, FL: Performed drinking water analyses per EPA Method 524; data reduction and final reports for supervisor review; managed analytical priorities with hourly information from Laboratory Information Management System and Project Managers; fast turn‐around samples and projects always completed on time; received many compliments from clients about excellent work that led to project success.

SEVERN TRENT SERVICES (Now TEST AMERICA), Knoxville, TN: Senior GC/MS chemist responsible for TO14/15 air analyses, data reduction, and final reports. Initially responsible for VOST analyses via special project method for incinerator samples; Senior GC/MS data review and final report generation as final position. Optimized procedures to save time and increase revenue.

CH2M HILL/QUALITY ANALYTICAL SERVICES, Gainesville, FL: GC Department Supervisor; increased monthly revenue by a factor of 5 without need for additional staff or equipment; interfaced equipment with personal computers; used LOTUS to provide CLP‐like QA/QC reports; configured computer system to generate final data reports; designed GC/MS laboratory for new facility and became senior GC/MS chemist. Projects included Federal, Military, State, County, and Local waste water/remediation/ and State of FL Underground Storage Tank Program.

HEWLETT PACKARD, New Orleans, LA: installed and provided service and training for GC, GC/MS, and large computer systems; received over one year of training in GC, GC/MS, and mini‐computer systems theory, application, and maintenance.

EDUCATION

University of Southern Mississippi: BS Physics/Math minor; extensive classes in Biology and English

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