Drinking Water Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, July 25, 2025

Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it had initiated an Administrative Order on Consent with a recycling company in response to Clean Water Act (CWA) violations at the company's metal recycling facility in Oakland, California. The order targets the plant's discharge of pollutants into the Oakland Inner Harbor and San Francisco Bay in violation of the facility’s permit under the CWA.

According to the announcement, wastewater discharge from the facility exceeded National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit limitations for zinc, copper, and acute water toxicity. To correct those exceedances, the company will install a new granular activated carbon treatment unit capable of reducing metals below effluent limitations. The firm will also develop and implement a Water Pollution Prevention Plan that increases inspections of the site, and strengthens cleaning and maintenance measures.

The Clean Water Act establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters. The basis of the CWA was enacted in 1948 and was called the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, but the Act was significantly reorganized and expanded in 1972.

“To help companies test and monitor their wastewater, LA Testing offers a myriad of laboratory services,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Our California facilities provide testing resources that include assessing physical properties, microbial contaminants, heavy metals, and chemical pollutants in all types of water samples. These services can be crucial for maintaining regulatory compliance.”

To learn more about water or wastewater testing services and sampling supplies, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794.

 

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.