Battelle Marine Sciences Laboratory has been awarded a five-year $864,000 contract to conduct testing for the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
Marine Chemistry Group leader Eric Crecelius said the lab on Sequim Bay will test sediments and tissue samples for metal content.
Battelle has the ability to detect lower concentrations of metals than most other labs in the United States, he said.
“There are a limited number of labs that can do this kind of testing,” Crecelius said.
He said that’s especially important in detecting the presence of methylmercury, which is harmful to humans.
Battelle helped the EPA develop testing standards being used in the project and Crecelius said additional research and development in the field will be done during the five-year contract.