Sep 18: Representative Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) praised the House passage of the Great Lakes Legacy Reauthorization Act (H.R. 6460), which he sponsored. The bill was approved by a vote of 371 to 20 which exceeded the two-thirds required under the suspended rules. Representative Ehlers indicated in a release that the Great Lakes Legacy Act is considered one the most effective Federal water cleanup projects ever. Ehlers introduced the bill along with Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) in July.
Ehlers said, “I am pleased that the House acted so quickly on this important bill. The Great Lakes are our region’s most valuable natural asset, and toxic sediment that is feeding into the lakes could cause irreparable harm. This bill creates a roadmap for funding that will ensure the polluted areas of concern that have been identified around the Great Lakes are cleaned up within the next ten years. Our goal of cleaning up these toxic sites is within reach, and we owe it to future generations to act now on cleaning them up.”
The renewal bill authorizes Congress to direct up to $150 million per year for the next five years to U.S. EPA to continue the Legacy Act cleanup program. The authorization was increased from $50 million per year in the previous bill because of the potentially high cost of cleaning up contaminated sediment once it is spread through the lakes. The new funding authorization would put the program on track to clean up every Area of Concern (AOC) within ten years.
Jeff Skelding, national campaign director for the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition said, "We applaud the U.S. House of Representatives -- especially Reps. James Oberstar and Vern Ehlers -- for passing this important and successful clean-up program. Cleaning up toxic pollution is essential to our public health, economy and way of life. We need the Senate to take quick action like they did with the Compact and reauthorize this critical program.”
Access a release from Representative Ehlers and link to previous releases (click here). Access legislative details for H.R 6460 (click here). Access a release from the HOW Coalition (click here).
Friday, September 19, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Obama-Biden Propose $5 Billion For Great Lakes
Sep 16: The Obama-Biden campaign have issued a policy paper saying they are committed to Great Lakes restoration. According to the policy paper, the Obama-Biden vision for the future of the Great Lakes will: Provide New Federal Funding of $5 Billion to Jumpstart Great Lakes Restoration; Designate a Great Lakes Coordinator to Prioritize Coordination of Federal, State and Local Agencies; and Ratify and Fully Implement the Great Lakes Compact to Conserve Water and Protect Against Water Diversions. The paper indicates that, "In contrast, Senator John McCain has repeatedly failed to support critical legislation and even opposed measures to preserve the Great Lakes, including cleanup initiatives and projects to prevent sediment pollution. He also opposed funding to complete the Asian Carp Barrier Project to prevent invasive species from reaching the Great Lakes."
The paper says, Barack Obama has a plan to restore the Great Lakes ecosystem and to revive this engine of economic prosperity. His five-point plan for restoring the Great Lakes includes: $5 billion in new federal funds to jumpstart the restoration; an aggressive toxics plan; a Great Lakes Coordinator within U.S. EPA; Zero tolerance policy for invasive species; and, A "no water diversions compact policy that works for the Great Lakes." The $5 billion to establish the trust fund will be generated from rolling back tax breaks and loopholes for big oil and gas companies.
Access the Obama-Biden Great Lakes Policy Paper (click here).
The paper says, Barack Obama has a plan to restore the Great Lakes ecosystem and to revive this engine of economic prosperity. His five-point plan for restoring the Great Lakes includes: $5 billion in new federal funds to jumpstart the restoration; an aggressive toxics plan; a Great Lakes Coordinator within U.S. EPA; Zero tolerance policy for invasive species; and, A "no water diversions compact policy that works for the Great Lakes." The $5 billion to establish the trust fund will be generated from rolling back tax breaks and loopholes for big oil and gas companies.
Access the Obama-Biden Great Lakes Policy Paper (click here).
Friday, September 12, 2008
Beach Sand Often More Contaminated Than Water
Sep 12: According to a release from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recent research has revealed that beach sand contains high concentrations of E. coli and other fecal indicator bacteria, often greatly exceeding the concentration in beach water. Further, there is evidence that beach closings due to elevated fecal indicator bacteria may be linked to these sand populations. Contaminated beach sand, and the complications that it causes for monitoring, are among the leading topics that a group of national experts will discuss in Porter, Indiana at the Great Lakes Beach Association conference on September 16-17.
Richard Whitman, Chief of the Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, USGS said, "Over the last few years, we've identified an important source of indicator bacteria and how these bacteria may negatively influence recreation, but this is the first time experts have actually met to discuss this issue collectively. Whitman was one of the first to describe these high concentrations of E. coli in sands and to link them to high bacteria counts in water.
Beach water is routinely analyzed for E. coli and other fecal indicator bacteria to determine whether human sewage is present. When bacteria concentrations in water exceed a certain threshold, beaches are typically closed to swimming or swimming advisories are posted. A potential reason for many of these beach closings, and a complication for monitoring efforts is high concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria in beach sand. Bacteria are often present in high concentrations independent of any recent contamination events. Further, bacteria are often re-suspended into the beach water during onshore winds and high waves. The health risk associated with these bacteria is as yet unknown, but preliminary studies are being conducted.
Access a release from USGS (click here).
Richard Whitman, Chief of the Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, USGS said, "Over the last few years, we've identified an important source of indicator bacteria and how these bacteria may negatively influence recreation, but this is the first time experts have actually met to discuss this issue collectively. Whitman was one of the first to describe these high concentrations of E. coli in sands and to link them to high bacteria counts in water.
Beach water is routinely analyzed for E. coli and other fecal indicator bacteria to determine whether human sewage is present. When bacteria concentrations in water exceed a certain threshold, beaches are typically closed to swimming or swimming advisories are posted. A potential reason for many of these beach closings, and a complication for monitoring efforts is high concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria in beach sand. Bacteria are often present in high concentrations independent of any recent contamination events. Further, bacteria are often re-suspended into the beach water during onshore winds and high waves. The health risk associated with these bacteria is as yet unknown, but preliminary studies are being conducted.
Access a release from USGS (click here).
Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Public Call
Sep 12: The Great Lakes Regional Collaboration (GLRC) Executive Subcommittee invites the public to participate in a discussion on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM CDT regarding ongoing and planned activities of the GLRC and to share news about actions to implement the GLRC Strategy to Restore and Protect the Great Lakes. Topics for discussion include: Update on GLRC Initiatives; Future actions on GLRC Initiatives; and Updates by Stakeholders. Persons wishing to participate should RSVP as indicated in the details on the public call (See link below). Updates of the updates on the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Initiatives including: Toxics, Wetlands, Beaches, and Aquatic Invasives are also available on the website.
Access details on the Public Call (click here). Access the GLRC website for links to updates on initiatives and additional information (click here).
Access details on the Public Call (click here). Access the GLRC website for links to updates on initiatives and additional information (click here).
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Regs To Control Spread Of VHS Warn Of Ballast Water Pathway
Sep 9: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a Federal Register notice [73 FR 52173-52189] establishing interim regulations to restrict the interstate movement and importation into the United States of live fish that are susceptible to viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), a highly contagious disease of certain fresh and saltwater fish. In 2005 and 2006, VHS was detected in freshwater fish in several of the Great Lakes and related tributaries. The disease has been responsible for several large-scale die-offs of wild fish in the Great Lakes region. APHIS said the action is necessary to prevent further introductions into, and dissemination within, the United States of VHS. The Interim Rule is scheduled to become effective November 10, 2008, and comments on the interim rule are due on or before November 10, 2008. Comments on the separate environmental assessment (EA) document are due on or before October 9, 2008.
On October 24, 2006, APHIS issued a Federal Order prohibiting the importation of VHS-susceptible species of live fish from two Canadian provinces (Ontario and Quebec) into the United States and the interstate movement of the same species of live fish from the eight States bordering the Great Lakes (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin). At the time the Federal Order was issued, only three States (Michigan, New York, and Ohio) had been affected by VHS within the jurisdictional borders of their States. Following various meetings and consultations, a modified Federal Order was issued which established conditions under which VHS-susceptible species of live fish could be moved from the eight States bordering the Great Lakes.
On May 4, 2007, APHIS modified the Federal Order to allow for the catch-and-release of VHS-susceptible regulated fish in waters that cross State and international boundaries. On November 8, 2007, APHIS modified the Federal Order by revising the list of VHS-susceptible species -- 12 species were removed and 2 added. Currently, there are 28 separate species of fish listed. Finally, on April 2, 2008, APHIS modified the Federal Order to allow VHS-susceptible species of live non-salmonid fish from affected Canadian provinces to be imported into the United States for direct slaughter if accompanied by an APHIS permit.
APHIS indicates that the new interstate movement and importation requirements are discussed in detail in the Interim Rule. It also indicates, ". . . the AHPA authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to prohibit or restrict the importation or movement in interstate commerce of any animal, article, or means of conveyance if the Secretary determines that the prohibition or restriction is necessary to prevent the introduction or dissemination of any pest or disease of livestock into or within the United States. Ballast water (i.e., water with its suspended matter taken on board a ship to control trim, list, draught, stability, or stresses of a ship) can be taken onto a ship in its port of origin and discharged into the water body of the ship's destination port, making it a potential pathway for VHS virus. APHIS has neither the regulatory authority nor the technical expertise to safely regulate ballast water discharge. Therefore, we do not address ballast water in this interim rule. APHIS will assist the U.S. Coast Guard, which has clear regulatory authority for ballast water, in their development of ballast water discharge standards."
Access the docket for this action to review and submit comments and access documents including the EA and economic assessment (click here). Access a list of species regulated by the order (click here).
On October 24, 2006, APHIS issued a Federal Order prohibiting the importation of VHS-susceptible species of live fish from two Canadian provinces (Ontario and Quebec) into the United States and the interstate movement of the same species of live fish from the eight States bordering the Great Lakes (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin). At the time the Federal Order was issued, only three States (Michigan, New York, and Ohio) had been affected by VHS within the jurisdictional borders of their States. Following various meetings and consultations, a modified Federal Order was issued which established conditions under which VHS-susceptible species of live fish could be moved from the eight States bordering the Great Lakes.
On May 4, 2007, APHIS modified the Federal Order to allow for the catch-and-release of VHS-susceptible regulated fish in waters that cross State and international boundaries. On November 8, 2007, APHIS modified the Federal Order by revising the list of VHS-susceptible species -- 12 species were removed and 2 added. Currently, there are 28 separate species of fish listed. Finally, on April 2, 2008, APHIS modified the Federal Order to allow VHS-susceptible species of live non-salmonid fish from affected Canadian provinces to be imported into the United States for direct slaughter if accompanied by an APHIS permit.
APHIS indicates that the new interstate movement and importation requirements are discussed in detail in the Interim Rule. It also indicates, ". . . the AHPA authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to prohibit or restrict the importation or movement in interstate commerce of any animal, article, or means of conveyance if the Secretary determines that the prohibition or restriction is necessary to prevent the introduction or dissemination of any pest or disease of livestock into or within the United States. Ballast water (i.e., water with its suspended matter taken on board a ship to control trim, list, draught, stability, or stresses of a ship) can be taken onto a ship in its port of origin and discharged into the water body of the ship's destination port, making it a potential pathway for VHS virus. APHIS has neither the regulatory authority nor the technical expertise to safely regulate ballast water discharge. Therefore, we do not address ballast water in this interim rule. APHIS will assist the U.S. Coast Guard, which has clear regulatory authority for ballast water, in their development of ballast water discharge standards."
Access the docket for this action to review and submit comments and access documents including the EA and economic assessment (click here). Access a list of species regulated by the order (click here).
NOAA Has New NOS Great Lakes Regional Coordinator
Sep 8: The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) has announced that in July of 2008, NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS) placed Heather Stirratt as the new NOS Great Lakes regional coordinator. Part of NOAA, NOS delivers a dynamic range of nation-wide coastal and Great Lakes scientific, technical, and resource management services in support of safe, healthy and productive oceans and coasts. Ms. Stirratt has worked with NOAA for almost 10 years. She has experience working for the National Marine Fisheries Service as a Fisheries Management Specialist and with NOS as Special Assistant to the Assistant Administrator. The Assistant Administrator for NOS, John Dunnigan, recently stated that, “We know that our mission in the Great Lakes is extensive across NOS programs. We are pleased to offer Great Lake constituents a new way of interacting with us."
As an employee of the NOAA Coastal Services Center, Ms. Stirratt is working to better integrate NOS programs and enhance connections with customers and partners. GLC said the position will be key in building partnership bridges at the local level and elevating NOAA’s Ocean Service's work in the Great Lakes region.
Access the GLC announcement with additional details and contact information (click here). Access the NOAA NOS website for more information (click here).
As an employee of the NOAA Coastal Services Center, Ms. Stirratt is working to better integrate NOS programs and enhance connections with customers and partners. GLC said the position will be key in building partnership bridges at the local level and elevating NOAA’s Ocean Service's work in the Great Lakes region.
Access the GLC announcement with additional details and contact information (click here). Access the NOAA NOS website for more information (click here).
Possible New Methods To Control Spread Of Round Goby
Sep 2: Scientists have discovered that certain chemicals may be useful in slowing the spread of the round goby, an invasive fish species that is threatening parts of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. When released near the bottom of a river or lake, two fish pesticides are effective in controlling this bottom-dwelling invader, particularly where dissolved oxygen is low, while leaving native species unharmed. Theresa Schreier, lead author of this research, published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research said, "Selective removal of round gobies may be possible with bottom-release pesticides. This work shows the value of understanding how an invasive species differs from native populations in the way that it lives in an ecosystem and basing control measures on a unique vulnerability of the invader."
Researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center in La Crosse, WI evaluated four currently registered fish pesticides (antimycin, rotenone, 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM), and Bayluscide) for their toxicity to round gobies. Round gobies were sensitive to all four chemicals; unfortunately, the level of sensitivity was similar to native fish species tested. Further testing revealed that formulations of Bayluscide and antimycin that can be released near the bottom of a body of water showed promise as control agents because round gobies did not react or appear to detect the presence of these chemicals.
USGS scientists also evaluated the effect of dissolved oxygen concentrations on toxicity to determine if a modification of the current design of the Illinois Waterway could be an effective tool in the management and control of round gobies. Round goby can withstand low dissolved oxygen concentrations, and during lab tests gobies showed increased sensitivity to bottom-release fish pesticides at lower oxygen levels. Some portions of the Illinois Waterway have low oxygen levels and are mechanically aerated, providing an option to manage a segment of the waterway as an anoxic barrier. USGS said managers could explore the option of maintaining a low dissolved oxygen zone that could be treated with selective fish pesticides to control congregations of the bottom-dwelling round goby.
Access a release from USGS with links to additional information (click here). Access more information on the Invasive Species Research Program at the USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (click here).
Researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center in La Crosse, WI evaluated four currently registered fish pesticides (antimycin, rotenone, 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM), and Bayluscide) for their toxicity to round gobies. Round gobies were sensitive to all four chemicals; unfortunately, the level of sensitivity was similar to native fish species tested. Further testing revealed that formulations of Bayluscide and antimycin that can be released near the bottom of a body of water showed promise as control agents because round gobies did not react or appear to detect the presence of these chemicals.
USGS scientists also evaluated the effect of dissolved oxygen concentrations on toxicity to determine if a modification of the current design of the Illinois Waterway could be an effective tool in the management and control of round gobies. Round goby can withstand low dissolved oxygen concentrations, and during lab tests gobies showed increased sensitivity to bottom-release fish pesticides at lower oxygen levels. Some portions of the Illinois Waterway have low oxygen levels and are mechanically aerated, providing an option to manage a segment of the waterway as an anoxic barrier. USGS said managers could explore the option of maintaining a low dissolved oxygen zone that could be treated with selective fish pesticides to control congregations of the bottom-dwelling round goby.
Access a release from USGS with links to additional information (click here). Access more information on the Invasive Species Research Program at the USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (click here).
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