California Laboratory

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California Braces for Possible Legionella Outbreak After Lockdown

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California businesses are reopening after the long lockdown. But our empty offices, hotels, restaurants, and gyms may have collected more than just dust; a deadly bacteria called legionella could be growing in the pipes.

Legionella pneumophila is one of over 58 strains of Legionella bacteria that flourish in showers, sinks, cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative water features, hot water tanks, and plumbing systems. When aerosolized droplets of Legionella pneumophila are inhaled, the bacteria causes a deadly form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires' Disease. Although Legionnaires’ Disease is treatable with antibiotics, about 1 out of 10 people die from the illness; the elderly, smokers, and the immunocompromised are especially vulnerable. The CDC reported about 10,000 cases of Legionnaires’ Disease in 2018, but experts believe the true number of cases is higher. Case numbers are also on the rise; the rate of reported cases grew ninefold from 2000 to 2018. Health officials remain unsure if the trend is an artifact of better testing or indicative of environmental and demographic factors like antiquated infrastructure and a larger elderly population. If the trend continues, the US may be on track for a historic number of cases in 2021; experts fear…

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Peek Behind the Federal Regulatory Curtain: PFAS and Changing Policies

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PFAS are at the top of our minds and our news feeds as scientists reveal more data about the impact of polyfluoroalkyl substances on our health and our environment. Environmental groups, scientists, laboratories, and politicians across the aisle agree; it’s time to legislate these “forever chemicals.” 2020 took some steps towards regulating PFAS, especially PFOA and PFOS, which are known carcinogens and are linked to many other long-term health effects. But more work needs to be done. To help break down the federal government’s response to PFAS, here is a snapshot of recent news in the PFAS pipeline.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

On January 1, Congress overrode President Trump’s veto and enacted H.R. 6395 (NDAA), the authorization bill that directs spending for the Department of Defense (DoD) in conjunction with the FY 21 omnibus appropriations bill.

The 2021 NDAA addresses PFAS contamination on military bases and in military equipment. Multiple provisions follow-up on the 2020 NDAA provisions, which began phasing out AFFF (Aqueous Fire Fighting Foam) after studies linked AFFF with PFAS contaminated ground and drinking water on military bases and in surrounding communities. Follow-up actions include:

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Inland News Group Names Babcock Laboratories a Winner of the Inland Empire Top Workplaces 2020 Award!

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Babcock Laboratories (Babcock Labs) is honored to announce that it has been named a Top Workplace in the Inland Empire for the fourth year in a row!

On January 31, 2021, the Press Enterprise announced the 2020 Top Workplaces and designated Babcock Labs as a Top Workplace in the small business category. We feel this award recognizes and praises our employee-owners who have made and continue to make Babcock Labs a great place to work. 2020 heralded unprecedented challenges, and we are so proud of our team for adapting and thriving under these difficult circumstances.

The nationally recognized Top Workplace program was established in…

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Babcock Laboratories Found a More Permanent Home in Imperial County!

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Babcock Laboratories, Inc. (Babcock Labs) is pleased to announce the relocation of our service center in Imperial County. Effective Monday, December 14th, 2020, Babcock Laboratories, Inc. will be conveniently located in El Centro and will occupy a clean, modern, and easily accessed facility on 1550 Pepper Drive. We will continue to follow our current Imperial County operating hours and sample drop off time-windows until further notice. We are pleased to have found a more permanent home in Imperial County….

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Biosolids: The Ultimate Recycling Success Story

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In the wastewater treatment world, biosolids are often seen as the ultimate recycling success story. Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic byproducts resulting from wastewater treatment and over 60% of biosolids produced nationally in the U.S. are land applied. They are used in agriculture, landscaping, forestry, and even by homeowners on lawns and gardens. Although biosolids are under scrutiny once again due to the source of their composition—human and industrial waste—preliminary evidence suggests that the beneficial use of biosolids rests on solid ground.

To learn more about the future of biosolids, new Babcock staff member, Colleen Thompson, interviewed Greg Kester, Director of Renewable Resource Programs at the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA). Greg is the subject matter expert when it comes to emerging issues regarding all renewable energy, recycled water, biosolids, and climate change mitigation. “Biosolids have a plethora of benefits, they assist in creating healthy soils which help crop growth, they are significant mitigators of climate change, reduce irrigation use, offset the use of inorganic fertilizers, and essentially are the best example of recycling,” said Kester. In fact, many agricultural areas depend on biosolids to help…

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A Quick Year in Review:2020

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As we welcome the end of an unprecedented year and prepare to welcome 2021, we would like to reflect on some of the key industry topics of 2020 that will likely provide clues to the issues and challenges our industry is sure to experience in the New Year.