Frequently Asked Questions PRIMA Environmental, Inc. is a treatability laboratory, not an analytical lab. Some commonly asked questions about PRIMA and its services are answered here. If you still have questions, please contact us. Q. What is PRIMA and how does it differ from an analytical laboratory? A. PRIMA is an independent laboratory that performs treatability tests, technology evaluations, custom laboratory work, litigation support, and scientific consulting for the environmental community - services not offered by most analytical labs. Although PRIMA performs some analyses in the execution of these tasks, most analyses are subcontracted to a certified analytical lab. Q. Why would I need bench-scale testing? A. Bench-scale testing can save time, money and liability on many projects. For example, site- or compound- specific evaluation of remediation options can ensure that a proposed technology is feasible without an expensive field pilot-test. Measurement of Soil Oxidant Demand and other design parameters can keep chemical costs down during full-scale implementation, whil e metal speciation or leachability can aid risk assessment. Bench-scale testing can also be used to gain information about a site that can then be used to develop the best management strategies for the environmental issues at a site. Q. Who designs the test procedures? A. If you choose, PRIMA will design the testing procedures necessary to address your situation and will ask only for your approval before beginning work. Alternatively, PRIMA will work closely with you and other stakeholders to develop procedures that are acceptable to all parties. PRIMA can also perform tests that are described in the literature, such as measurement of Aquatic Humic Substances (Methods of Water and Wastewater Analysis) or Easily Reducible Manganese (Methods of Soil Analysis, Part II). Q. Is PRIMA a certified laboratory? A. No, PRIMA does not perform certified analyses. However, appropriate QA/QC procedures are followed for all tests to ensure the highest quality data. If certified analyses are needed, samples can be sent to a certified laboratory, or PRIMA can perform the analyses, but send select samples to a certified laboratory for confirmation. Q. Is “custom laboratory work” expensive? A. The cost of custom laboratory work varies greatly depending upon the scope of work, though most projects fall within $2,000-$20,000. This is money well-spent since laboratory testing can reduce overall project costs by identifying the most cost-effective remediation option, minimizing the number of water quality parameters that must be monitored post-treatment, or providing site-specific scientific evidence to support a proposed clean-up goal. Q. What do I do with the bench-scale test results? A. PRIMA's final report will not only state the results of the bench-scale testing, but will include descriptions of procedures, observations, data interpretation and recommendations to help you fully understand and apply the information to your project. In addition, PRIMA can provide technical oversight during field pilot or full-scale remediation, or refer you to appropriate experts. Copyright © PRIMA Environmental, Inc. 2003 - 2011