Feasibility study may cost $40,000

Conducting a feasibility study into setting up a central testing laboratory to monitor the environment, may cost between $35,000-$40,000.
The Times understands that is the estimate believed to have been suggested by New Zealand’s Environmental Sciences Research (ESR) agency to Government last November. It followed two meetings in August last year between ESR representatives and heads of Government agencies with an interest in the environment.
The Times understands that the ESR has indicated it is willing to be considered for carrying out the feasibility study.
STAFF
In its discussions with Government agencies such as Health, Works, Agriculture, Marine and Environment, the ESR referred to the options. These are a stand alone centralised lab or a lab under the umbrella of an existing agency such as Marine or the Hospital.
Concerns identified with having a central lab, are: having adequately trained staff, provision of the necessary equipment, an ongoing source of funds and ensuring quality and credibility by being recognised internationally through accreditation to an international standard.
BENEFIT
However, centralisation does have benefits, the main one being that it would be able to produce an overview of the state of the environment. At present several government agencies are conducting a variety of selective tests for their own purposes.
Also, it may be possible for a central lab to recover part of its running costs through conducting tests and certification. For example, of food that is exported such as fresh fish and organic products like Noni.
The ESR has recommended to Government that any group undertaking the feasibility study for a central lab, have a representative from each of the interested government agencies. They would be assisted by an independent external expert.

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