FORT YATES - As Sitting Bull College continues to expand its bachelor of science degree programs, the U.S. Department of Defense awards an equipment grant in the amount of $200,627, with the funding earmarked for purchase of new laboratory equipment.

Sitting Bull offers bachelors degrees in environmental science and secondary science education, along with an Sitting Bull laboratory that houses a variety of professional grade equipment, including an atomic absorption spectrophotometer with a graphite furnace, UV/VIS spectrophotometer, IR spectrophotometer, HPLC and gas chromatograph.

"With this grant we will be able to purchase a second atomic absorption spectrophotometer, a new automated mercury analyzer and an auto analyzer," said Gary Halvorson, the director of the SBC analytical laboratory. "This new equipment will help SBC in seeking accreditation from the EPA for analyzing water samples under the Safe Drinking Water Act."

According to plans, once accredited, not only will the new sampling service provide new jobs to SBC environmental science graduates, but will provide a much needed service to local tribal agencies by testing services locally without having to send samples off the reservation.

The grant also will allow Sitting Bull College to do more extensive investigations into mercury concentrations.

Sitting Bull College plans to use the grant award and purchase new equipment in the spring 2009.