Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On February 9, 2026, the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) hosted a Fall Protection Awareness and Drinking Water Sampling Training conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

The training was provided for ASPA water system operators, recognizing the critical role they play in protecting public health and ensuring the safe delivery of drinking water to communities across the Territory. A total of 17 ASPA water operators successfully completed the training, in addition to ASEPA drinking water staff.

Participants received training on identifying and mitigating fall hazards commonly encountered during field operations, as well as best practices for collecting drinking water samples to ensure accuracy, reliability, and compliance with applicable federal and territorial drinking water standards.

According to Director Edna Noga of the ASEPA, “Interdepartmental collaboration isn't just efficient — it's essential. By working together, we ensure that our policies, resources, and decisions reflect the full strength of our government.”

This collaborative training underscores ASEPA's continued partnership with USEPA and supports ASPA's ongoing efforts to strengthen workplace safety, safeguard public health, and maintain high quality drinking water for the people of American Samoa.

For more information, please contact ASEPA at 633-2304 or email at info@epa.as.gov.