Our History
From Suburban Testing Labs to SPL Reading
Our story began in 1963, when Donald G. Saltman founded Suburban Testing Laboratories in Reading, Pennsylvania. At a time when certified water testing was rare, Saltman recognized the importance of protecting public health through accurate drinking water analysis. His work laid the foundation for what would become one of the region’s most respected environmental laboratories.
Building a Reputation for Defensible Data
In the 1970s, as the EPA introduced new water quality regulations, Suburban Testing Labs stepped forward to meet the need for certified testing. Under the leadership of Richard (Rick) C. Stump, II, the laboratory became an EPA-approved facility in 1978. By the 1990s, Suburban had expanded well beyond drinking water to include a broad range of environmental testing services.
When Rick purchased the business in 1993, he set the company on a path of independence and innovation. Over the next decade, the lab grew rapidly, serving not only Pennsylvania but neighboring states as well.
A New Generation of Growth
The 2000s brought another wave of expansion as Rick’s son, Rich Stump, III took the helm, and Suburban Testing Labs added non-potable water, solid waste, and chemical materials testing. With a focus on accuracy, defensibility, and client service, the Reading laboratory grew into one of the largest independent single-site environmental testing laboratories in North America.
Joining SPL
In November 2024, Suburban Testing Labs joined SPL, a national leader in compliance and testing services for the environmental and energy sectors. On September 1, 2025, the Reading laboratory officially rebranded as SPL Reading.
This change preserves our strong local roots while connecting us to SPL’s nationwide network of laboratories and service centers. The result: expanded capabilities, deeper resources, and access to advanced technology—without compromising the accuracy, speed, and integrity that our clients have trusted for more than 60 years.
Today and Tomorrow
From its beginnings as a small family-run water testing lab to its place today within SPL’s national platform, our Reading, PA laboratory remains committed to one mission: providing accurate, timely, and defensible environmental testing data that empowers communities and industries to protect public health and the environment.