[Pharmwaste] FW: CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING - Compounds of Emerging Concern: An Evolving Water Quality Issue

[Bowling, Patrick]

FYI...News Advisory for March 23 Congressional Briefing on Emerging Contaminants.  --Pat

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G. Patrick Bowling, P.G.
PA Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Watershed Management
P.O. Box 8555
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8555
phone: 717-772-4048
fax: 717-787-9549
e-mail: gbowling at state.pa.us
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Monday March 05, 2007 

CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING - Compounds of Emerging Concern (CECs):  An Evolving Water Quality Issue 
Sponsored by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 

When:        Friday, March 23, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. 

Where: 2253 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 

What:        Scientific research indicates that the production, use, and disposal of numerous substances from industry, agriculture, medical treatment, and common household conveniences may have potentially adverse effects on human health and the environment. Compounds of emerging concern (CECs), present in the environment at low levels, have recently been the focus of media attention and public concern. This briefing is an opportunity to learn more about this evolving and challenging water quality issue from scientists working at the forefront of the subject. 

Why:        Only recently have researchers created analytical tools to detect CECs at the very low levels at which they may be present in the environment, and there is a lack of knowledge regarding the occurrence, possible impacts, and level of exposure that may affect the health of humans and wildlife. Over the last decade, research has expanded our understanding of the issue, but more is needed.  Research and assessments by the USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program help to determine the occurrence, sources, transport, and exposure effects of these substances. In addition to presenting USGS findings, speakers at the briefing will help explain this complex issue and provide information on related scientific, voluntary, and regulatory activities. 

Who:        Speakers include: 

·        Dr. Jeff Armstrong, Senior Scientist, Orange County Sanitation District:  Concepts to define CECs, sources in the environment, and why the issues are so complex. 

·        Dana Kolpin, Emerging Contaminants Investigations Chief, USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program: USGS findings on CECs, evidence of environmental impacts, and research needs. 

·        Dr. Ed Ohanian, Office of Science and Technology, U.S. EPA: Voluntary efforts to reduce CECs in the environment, the regulatory framework related to CECs, and EPA's plans and activities. 

Note to editors: 
The briefing is free and open to the public. There will be a question and answer period immediately following the presentation. Media representatives interested in scheduling one-on-one interviews with the speakers should contact Lori Harrison, WEF Director of Public Information at 703-216-8585 or lharrison at wef.org. 

Please distribute this email-announcement to your colleagues and members. Thanks. 

Pixie Hamilton
USGS
1730 E. Parham Rd.
Richmond, VA 23228
(804) 261-2602 (ph)
(804) 261-2659 (fax)
http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa