Lisa Criswell Berger, owner, Consulting Analytical Services International Inc.

Consulting Analytical Services International Inc. – or CaSi – was incorporated in Springfield in 1979 to provide analytical testing services to industry, municipalities, state and federal agencies, consultants and engineers, and individuals. Sample types include wastewater and stormwater, soil, bio-solids, solid waste and foods that are tested for compliance with federal and local regulations, quality control and research and design criteria. We also offer consulting services including assistance completing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit applications, preparation of monitoring reports, interpretation of results and water quality study design.

Specifically, what is your job?

By training, I’m a scientist, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Drury University, and an Master of Science degree in Resource Planning from Southwest Missouri State University. However, my job description is to do whatever it takes to deliver technically valid, legally defensible data and assistance to my clients. I oversee all aspects of CaSi’s business operation, including analytical testing, quality assurance, consulting and marketing. Also on the CaSi team are a full-time chemist and full-time executive secretary.

What types of water and wastewater analyses do you provide?

We are excited to be furnishing analytical services for a Table Rock Lake water quality demonstration project, which is evaluating the effectiveness of alternative wastewater treatment systems. This is a collaborative study with the Environmental Protection Agency, Table Rock Lake Water Quality Inc., the Electric Power Research Institutes, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and MEC Water Resources out of Columbia.

We routinely analyze water and wastewater samples, such as influents and effluents from municipalities and industries, primarily for regulatory compliance monitoring as a condition of discharge permits. Point-source stormwater and private well water samples also comprise our testing repertoire.

What are some of the most common water problems you see? How do you recommend preventing them?

Southwest Missouri is blessed with an abundance of high quality water available from many sources. Our ability to supply clean drinking water to ourselves and to those sharing our streams and aquifers, while meeting water quality needs for wildlife, recreation, power generation, industry and agriculture, will be the greatest challenge of the 21st century. Every person can make a difference. Collectively, at home and in our businesses, we can have a huge positive impact on water quality by educating ourselves about waste minimization and disposal, alternatives to pesticide and fertilizer use, using native plants in landscaping, eco-friendly development and conserving water and other natural resources. Water resources and water rights will be the primary factors that direct and limit urban growth and development in our children’s future.

What’s the biggest challenge in your work?

My biggest challenge is to provide the highest quality services, in the shortest time frame, at a competitive price. CaSi offers value-added services that are tailored to individual clients, something that a larger laboratory can’t do. Many of my clients have been with me for 26 years. I have the highest degree of commitment to them, as well.

Tell us about your family.

I’m a third generation Springfieldian, with a sister and two brothers. My maternal great-grandfather purchased real estate for the railroad, settling his family in Springfield in the early 1880s. Science and a love of learning are also in my genes. My great-grandmother attended Vassar, and I follow in the footsteps of several generations of physicians and pharmacists.

What do you do in your free time?

I’m passionate about nature and the outdoors and am an avid birder. To this end, I devote most of my free time to volunteer work, encouraging people to explore the outdoors through citizen-science projects, conservation, and education programs. It’s my belief that humanity’s well being is dependent upon the health of the environment in which we live. When people connect with nature, they become stewards, and the world becomes a better place for all its inhabitants. I serve on the Audubon Missouri Board of Trustees, the state office of the National Audubon Society, and chair several state and local conservation-related committees.

What book are you reading now, or have you read recently?

Aldo Leopold’s “A Sand County Almanac,” “The DaVinci Code” by Dan Brown and “The Race to Save the Lord God Bird” by Phillip Hoose.