ENS: New Ozone-Destroying Chemical & Arsenic In Bangladesh
Rich Winkel
** Topic: ENS News: New Ozone-Destroying Chemical & Arsenic In Bangladesh **
** Written 12:27 PM Sep 3, 1998 by econet in cdp:headlines **
/* Written 7:17 PM Aug 31, 1998 by edi...@ens-news.com in ens.news */
/* ---------- "(ENS) NEWS AUGUST 31, 1998" ---------- */
ENVIRONMENT NEWS SERVICE (ENS) AUGUST 31, 1998
SUNSCREEN FAILS TO BLOCK HARMFUL RAYS
NEW OZONE DESTROYING CHEMICAL DISCOVERED
ARSENIC IN BANGLADESH DRINKING WATER POISONING MILLIONS
MARINE MAMMAL KILLS STOP SWORDFISH DRIFTNETTERS
AMERISCAN: AUGUST 31, 1998
MAKAH DAYS SURROUNDED BY NATIONAL GUARD
DONATED BLOOD TO BE FILTERED FOR MAD COW DISEASE
21 ARRESTED AT VERMONT YANKEE NUKE PLANT
CREWS CHECK CONNECTION BETWEEN BONNIE & THE CELL FROM HELL
MISSISSIPPI RIVER FLOODING KILLS BROWN SHRIMP
PALM BEACH TO GET FLOOD CONTROL
GRANT BUILDS PASSIVE SOLAR ADOBE HOMES
GM SUPERFUND SITE PLAN CHANGES OPEN TO PUBLIC COMMENT
LEGAL ACTION GETS NEW JERSEY AIR SCRUBBED
ALF STRIKES AGAIN
HEALING OUR WORLD: WEEKLY COMMENT
FROM A DISTANCE, THE WORLD LOOKS GREAT
E-WIRE
Animal Protection Again Emerges as a Major Theme On State Ballots Across the
Country
Living Technologies Appoints New CEO, Ramin Abrishamian
Sharpen Your Skills With The Leading Corporate Environmental Experts
Steel Recycling Institute (SRI) 'Forecasts' Future of Recycling, Celebrates
10th Year
Environmental Resource Center Offers OSHA Training for General Industry and
Frequent Flyer Miles!
KTI Completes FCR Acquisition FCR's CEO Appointed KTI Vice Chairman
Apply Today! National Environmental Excellence Awards
Full Text and Graphics: http://ens-news.com
***************************************************************************
SUNSCREEN FAILS TO BLOCK HARMFUL RAYS
WASHINGTON, DC, August 31, 1998 (ENS) - For years sunbathers have protected
themselves with sunscreens against the ultraviolet B rays of the sun. Now
two scientists have discovered it is really the ultraviolet A radiation
that is more likely to cause skin damage and trigger skin cancer. This
discovery could explain why many sun lovers say their sunscreen does not
work.
The SPF (solar or sun protection factor) in sunscreen refers to its ability
to protect against the burning rays of ultraviolet B light. But currently
there are no world-wide standards to measure protection against ultraviolet
A, which accounts for 95 percent of sunlight that reaches the earth.
Dr. John D. Simon and Dr. Kerry Hanson studied a natural component of human
skin exposed to ultraviolet light and uncovered a new chemical reaction
that may contribute to aging of the skin and cancer.
Time, gravity, and heredity all play their parts, yet, "something like 90
percent of all the visible signs of aging are from ultra-violet sources,"
said Dr. Hanson. "Photoaging is not just a cosmetic effect. It destroys the
integrity of your skin."
The focus of their study is the sun-sensitive molecule called
trans-urocanic acid (t-UA). Formed in the top layer of the skin, t-UA
molecules cover our bodies, acting like antennae for light.
In the 1950s, urocanic acid was hailed as a natural sunscreen because it
absorbs ultraviolet B (UVB) light. It was thought to protect against damage
UVB rays, which can potentially lead to skin cancer. For a time, the
substance was even added to sunscreens and skin lotions.
Using a cutting-edge technique called photoacoustic spectroscopy, Drs.
Hanson and Simon studied
urocanic acid's activity when exposed to light near the tail end of the
ultraviolet A range, where the molecule's reactivity was thought to be
harmless.
They discovered that when this type of light strikes t-UA, it zaps the
molecule into an excited "triplet" state that sparks the creation of oxygen
radicals.
Oxygen radicals are chemical rogues blamed not only for premature aging,
but also for damaging DNA, suppressing the immune system, and causing some
respiratory problems.
"The results certainly surprised us," said Dr. Simon. "What it means is
that you have to be more concerned about protecting yourself from
ultraviolet A radiation," he said. "We should probably use sunscreens that
block all the way out to 400 nm [the end of the ultraviolet A region]."
The work may also change the way researchers approach similar projects.
Instead of studying a biological molecule exclusively under the type of
light that it absorbs most, Dr. Simon suggested that scientists may need to
expose the molecule to a whole spectrum of light, slice by slice, to fully
understand how the molecule acts.
The work was conducted at the University of California, San Diego by Dr.
Simon, who is now at Duke University, and his graduate student Kerry Hanson
who is now a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign.
The research was financially supported by the National Institute of General
Medical Sciences, a component of the National Institutes of Health that
supports basic biomedical research. It will appear in the September 1 issue
of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Full Text and Graphics: http://ens-news.com/ens/aug98/1998-08-31-08.html
***************************************************************************
NEW OZONE DESTROYING CHEMICAL DISCOVERED
SYDNEY, Australia, August 31, 1998 (ENS) - A new ozone destroyer has made
its appearance in the atmosphere. Halon-1202 was discovered recently by
scientists at Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organisation (CSIRO).
The scientists were analysing measurements of pristine air collected at the
Australian Bureau of Meteorology's Cape Grim baseline air pollution station
in north-western Tasmania when they identified the new ozone destroying
chemical.
Halon-1202, which has an ozone depletion potential approximately half that
of the common CFCs, has increased five-fold in the atmosphere since the
late 1970s. During the past two years the atmospheric concentration of
halon-1202 has been growing at 17 per cent per year.
Unlike other halons used in the past for firefighting, halon-1202 is not
controlled by the Montreal Protocol.
The source of the new halon is a mystery, adding to scientists' concerns
over its potential impact on the ozone layer. "The rapid growth of
halon-1202 comes as a surprise to us," says Dr. Paul Fraser from CSIRO
Atmospheric Research.
Dr. Fraser speculates that the gas may be a by-product of inefficient
production of other halons in developing countries. Or perhaps, he guesses,
some countries might be manufacturing halon-1202 for military applications.
The Australian Government has recognised the problem of halon-1202. At a
recent meeting of Montreal Protocol countries in Geneva, Australia was
successful in having the issue referred to the Protocol's Scientific
Assessment Panel.
Under the Montreal Protocol, developing countries have until 2010 before
they must completely phase out halon production. China, the Republic of
Korea, India and Russia are the only countries known to still be producing
halon.
Continuing growth of halons in the atmosphere is in contrast to what is
happening with CFCs.
"Our measurements show that most CFCs are either slowing down their
atmospheric growth rate, have stabilised in the atmosphere or are actually
dropping in concentration," says Dr. Fraser.
"The international community will have to consider extending the ban on
production of halons to halon-1202 if we are to protect the ozone layer,"
Dr. Fraser said.
Dr. Fraser expects that ozone recovery is likely to be detected in the next
10 to 20 years although continued emissions of halons are expected to delay
this recovery.
When certain chemicals used on earth escape into the atmosphere, they are
broken down by solar radiation and release chlorine and bromine atoms
which, in a chain reaction, destroy ozone molecules. This reaction ocures
more frequently than natural ozone replenishment, resulting in a thinning
of the ozone layer.
Full Text and Graphics: http://ens-news.com/ens/aug98/1998-08-31-03.html
***************************************************************************
ARSENIC IN BANGLADESH DRINKING WATER POISONING MILLIONS
DHAKA, Bangladesh, August 31, 1998 (ENS) - Millions are at risk from
arsenic contaminated water in what experts are calling the world's largest
poisoning ever. It is estimated that at least 1.2 million people are now
directly exposed to the arsenic poisoning, and one-third of the country'S
125 million people are potentially exposed.
Friday, the World Bank approved a US$32.4 million credit to help Bangladesh
with alternative water supplies and emergency medical relief.
Much of the groundwater in Bangladesh is contaminated with arsenic, which
occurs naturally in alluvial and deltaic sediments. Bangladesh is mostly a
low-lying plain cut by the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers and their delta.
The land is alluvial and marshy along the coast, with few hills.
Wells in more than half of Bangladesh's 64 districts are contaminated,
mainly in the southwestern, middle, and north-eastern parts of the country.
First detected in 1993, the high level of arsenic in numerous shallow and
deep wells has raised serious health concerns. About 1,000 cases of chronic
arsenicosis have been reported in Bangladesh. Undetectable in its early
stages, arsenic poisoning takes between eight and 14 years to become
visible. Until a certain point, contamination may be treated and reversed.
The effects of arsenic poisoning can vary from skin ulcers during initial
stages, to skin, liver and kidney deficiencies and eventually cancer in
severe cases. Social rejection occurs as the disease is often confused with
leprosy.
"The Arsenic Mitigation-Water Supply project has been developed on a
fast-track basis for rapid, effective action to stave off further illness
and deaths caused by arsenic contaminated groundwater. Because of the
magnitude of the problem and its potential impact on key development
policies, this is only the first phase in a long-term program of assistance
to Bangladesh," says Nadim Khouri, World Bank Senior Agricultulist in the
South Asia Rural Development Unit and project task leader.
The project will establish the extent and causes of arsenic poisoning to
allow for better planning of groundwater use to prevent the problem from
spreading and put in motion concrete actions for long-term solutions,
including water treatment, public awareness raising, and increasing
BangladeshM-^Rs capacity to address the water supply and sanitation problems.
"Arsenic contamination in Bangladesh is of an unprecedented magnitude that
could not have been predicted. There are examples of geologic arsenic
contamination in other parts of the world, including neighboring West
Bengal in India, but they are relatively site-specific and affect a limited
number of people," says Guy Alaerts, a Senior Water Resources Specialist
and co-task leader of the project.
The project will provide on-site mitigation both in rural villages and in
urban and suburban areas.
In the rural program, the project will initially survey 4,000
arsenic-affected villages. Physical works will be low-cost and include
installation of shallow and deep tube wells, ponds with filters, handpumps,
treatment, and rainwater catchment systems. To ensure that the new
alternative water supply and sanitation infrastructure will be maintained,
community-based organizations will oversee operation and maintenance and
will contribute 20 to 40 percent of the capital costs.
In urban areas, the project will monitor water quality in at-risk towns and
support local authorities with remedial strategies including alternative
water supply sources and water treatment.
Total project costs are estimated to be US $44.4 million. This includes the
credit of US$32.4 million provided by the International Development
Association, the World BankM-^Rs concessionary lending affiliate, and a US$3
million grant from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. The
government of Bangladesh and local communities are contributing to the
project costs.
Contacts will be maintained between the project and external support
agencies involved in arsenic mitigation efforts, including United Nations
Development Programme, World Health Organisation, and development
assistance agencies of Britain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, USA,
and Japan.
Full Text and Graphics: http://ens-news.com/ens/aug98/1998-08-31-04.html
***************************************************************************
MARINE MAMMAL KILLS STOP SWORDFISH DRIFTNETTERS
WASHINGTON, DC, August 31, 1998 (ENS) - High marine animal deaths in
driftnets has prompted the National Marine Fisheries Service not to reopen
the 1998 Atlantic Swordfish driftnet fishery in the deep ocean waters off
North America.
Large numbers of sea turtles, dolphins and whales have been caught during
the 14 days that driftnet boats were allowed out this year. The kill rate
of whales and dolphins in this fishery is about twice the rate recorded in
previous driftnet seasons.
"There is an alarmingly high number of marine mammal kills in this
fishery," Fisheries Service Director Rolland Schmitten said. "Preliminary
observer data indicate that there were 293 marine mammals taken in 109
hauls, including 253 common dolphins and 11 beaked whales. This is nearly
three marine mammals killed per haul."
Fisheries Service managers had predicted that the ten vessels from Rhode
Island, Massachusetts and Florida that primarily fish the south side of
Georges Bank for swordfish would catch their 41.6 metric ton quota within
the 14 day period. The fishermen managed to catch about two-thirds of the
quota within that time.
But fishermen also snared 34 endangered or threatened sea turtles,
including two Green, five Leatherback and 27 Loggerhead turtles along with
the 293 whales, dolphins and other marine mammals caught in the driftnets.
Sea turtles and some marine mammal species are protected under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA). All marine mammals are protected under the
federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.
"Two Green sea turtles have already been taken in this fishery," said
Schmitten. "It's very likely any reopening of this fishery would result in
additional sea turtle deaths."
An Incidental Take Statement in the Biological Opinion for this fishery
authorized, in accordance with Section 7 of the ESA, a maximum take [kill
or injury] of two Green sea turtles.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act requires the Fisheries Service to
calculate the Potential Biological Removal (PBR) level for each marine
mammal species that may be killed or seriously injured during fishing
operations.
A primary goal of the Marine Mammal Protection Act is to ensure that the
level of marine mammals seriously injured or killed by commercial fishing
activities is reduced to below the PBR level to ensure species survival.
In the case of common dolphins, the PBR for all fisheries is 155 animals,
well below the 253 dolphins killed in swordfishers' driftnets as recorded
by observers. The PBR of nine for beaked whales was also exceeded, as 11
beaked whales were drowned in the driftnets.
Fishery managers, the conservation community, and domestic fishermen are
all concerned about imports of undersized fish and quota compliance.
TAKING SWORDFISH OFF THE MENU
Fine seafood restaurants pride themselves on their special recipes for this
fish that has been called the filet mignon of the sea. But conservation
groups are conducting campaigns to reduce consumer demand for swordfish.
Under the slogan "Give Swordfish a Break," the Natural Resources Defense
Council and Seaweb, a project of the Pew Charitable Trust, have been
recruiting chefs nationwide to take swordfish off their menus. About 100
chefs have done so, but many more have continued to create and serve
popular swordfish dishes.
Washington, DC restauranteur Nora Pouillon said, "Neither of my two
restaurants, Nora or Asia Nora, have served swordfish in the past five
years. My fish purveyor was starting to offer me smaller and smaller
swordfish from the North Atlantic and it was then that I realized that we
had already overfished the adult swordfish and now we were consuming the
teenagers."
Carl Safina, director of the National Audubon Society's Living Oceans
Program has said, "The last buffalo hunt is occuring in the ocean. Poorly
regulated exploitation of some of the most magnificent animals on earth,
including swordfish, is emptying the seas."
Swordfish stocks are declining faster than any other marine species,
according to North Carolina's Swordfish Education and Awareness. The
recreational swordfish fishery is nearly non-existent today due to extreme
overfishing and wasteful fishing practices by commercial longline and drift
gill net vessels, the group maintains.
The United States is a primary importer of swordfish, importing about
15,600 metric tonnes in 1997 from international fishers. Swordfish are
highly migratory fish and are harvested worldwide from tropical,
subtropical and temperate seas.
While Atlantic swordfish are not an endangered species, the most recent
scientific information, from 1996, indicates that the North Atlantic
swordfish stock is overfished, and preliminary analysis shows that current
levels of harvest in the South Atlantic are not sustainable.
Swordfish can live to be more than 25 years old and grow to a weight of
1,200 pounds. They have no scales or teeth, but have a long swordlike bill
used to slash at prey.
Full Text and Graphics: http://ens-news.com/ens/aug98/1998-08-31-02.html
***************************************************************************
AMERISCAN: AUGUST 31, 1998
MAKAH DAYS SURROUNDED BY NATIONAL GUARD - Washington state Governor Gary
Locke proclaimed a state of emergency and mobilized the National Guard
around Neah Bay for the past weekend's Makah Days Festival. This fall, the
Makah intend to go whaling for the first time in 70 years, and the extra
protection was supposedly needed against anti-whaling activists. But one of
the most active anti-whalers, Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation
Society, says the mobilization was an unnecessary expense for state
taxpayers. "At no time has Sea Shepherd ever expressed any intention to
break any federal or Washington State law in our legal opposition to the
Makah whale hunt," Watson said. Out of respect for the Makah, Sea Shepherd
and other whale advocates opted not to appear at the festival. "Our vessels
have been deployed around Neah Bay during previous Makah Days festivals to
maintain a vigil on the possible launching of whaling craft during that
time. We consider such a vigil to be unnecessary this month," Watson said.
DONATED BLOOD TO BE FILTERED FOR MAD COW DISEASE - Within several years,
all blood donated in the United States will routinely be filtered to remove
white blood cells, which carry viruses that often infect patients who
receive transfusions. This follows Britain's decision on July 17 to remove
white blood cells from all donated blood to protect against the
"theoretical risk" of the new-variant form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
(nvCJD) commonly known as "mad-cow disease." Ireland, France, Norway,
Portugal, and Austria are also removing white blood cells from stored
blood. U.S. health officials say there is no proof that nvCJD is
transmitted by blood, but they support removing white blood cells for
compelling general health reasons. "Even if white blood cells harm only a
small percentage of people, if it is logistically easy to remove them, we
should," said Dr. Harvey Klein, chief of transfusion medicine at the
National Institutes of Health.
21 ARRESTED AT VERMONT YANKEE NUKE PLANT - Twenty-one people were arrested
for blocking the gates at the Vermont Yankee atomic reactor in Vernon,
Vermont on August 27. The demonstration was part of the Nuclear Free New
England campaign, which also held a week-long action camp in nearby
Dummerston. Among those arrested was 83-year old David Dellinger of Chicago
7 fame and his wife Elizabeth Peterson. About 130 people attended the
demonstration. The arrestees were charged with trespassing and released
with a citation to appear in court September 30. The action camp was
attended by 300 people for workshops and training sessions intended to
inspire and empower activists. Most participants were from New England, but
there were people from Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Washington, DC,
Pennsylvania, and a large Texas delegation.
CREWS CHECK CONNECTION BETWEEN BONNIE & THE CELL FROM HELL - Hurricane
Bonnie's effect on Maryland's Delmarva Pennisula and the possibility that
storm-caused runoff could trigger more outbreaks of the "cell from hell,"
Pfiesteria, is under study today. Four U.S. Geological Survey crews are in
the field on Maryland's lower Eastern Shore to collect water-quality
samples at 16 stream sites in the Pocomoke, Wicomico, Manokin, and
Transquaking River basins. The amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus carried
from the land under high streamflow conditions will be measured to shed
light on the causes of possible future Pfiesteria outbreaks in these areas.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER FLOODING KILLS BROWN SHRIMP - $3.5 million in federal
funds will go to the Gulf states to help restore the Louisiana and
Mississippi brown shrimp fisheries damaged by the 1997 Mississippi River
floods, and for five states to study and predict damaging red tides in the
region, Commerce Secretary William Daley announced Friday. Award of the red
tide research funds is contingent on congressional approval of a plan to
restore the fisheries. The National Marine Fisheries Service said the brown
shrimp commercial fishery failure was due to Mississippi River flooding
that forced the prolonged flow of large volumes of fresh water into Lake
Pontchartrain, Louisiana. Another problem was the fresh water flooding into
Mississippi coastal waters from the opening of Bonnet Carre Spillway as
part of the effort to control flooding on the river system. Both events
caused the death and displacement of brown shrimp and other marine species.
PALM BEACH TO GET FLOOD CONTROL - Funding has been approved for a storm
water improvement project designed to lessen the effects of future flood
damage on residents and business owners in Tequesta, a village in south
Florida's Palm Beach County. Regional Director John Copenhaver of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said the $95,000 project will
construct two drainage basins to restrict and reduce flooding. Florida
Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Director Joseph Myers said the area
has been inundated during severe storms and is in immediate need of
improvement. FEMA will pay 75 percent of the amount, Copenhaver said, and
the State of Florida will pay the remainder. FEMA has spent about $33
million in Florida in the past decade for hazard mitigation measures.
GRANT BUILDS PASSIVE SOLAR ADOBE HOMES - A Sustainable Development
Challenge Grant for $138,400 from EPA's Region 6 has been awarded to the
Organizacion Progresiva de San Elizario, a non-profit community development
group in San Elizario, a colonia in South Texas. The funds will augment the
group's $161,000 collected so the San Elizario Energy-Efficient Housing
Community Revitalization Project can build four passive solar adobe homes.
Eight unskilled residents will be trained in adobe home construction skills
to include electrical, plumbing, and related building trades, and eight
at-risk youth will receive on-the-job construction skills training. Workers
will use techniques that take advantage of the area's natural materials and
desert vegetation.
GM SUPERFUND SITE PLAN CHANGES OPEN TO PUBLIC COMMENT - The plan to clean
up chemically contaminated soils and sediments at the General Motors
Powertrain facility in Massena, New York has been changed. The new plan for
this Superfund site proposes off-site disposal, rather than on-site
treatment, for contaminated sediments and soils. Now, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment and will
hold a public meeting on the proposed changes. This new plan does not
change any cleanup goals established for the site, the EPA says.
Site-related documents and copies of the proposed cleanup plan are
available locally at the Massena Public Library and the St. Regis Mohawk
Tribe, Environmental Division, Health Services Building in Hogansburg, New
York. The public can send requests for documents and written comments to
Remedial Project Manager Anne Kelly at USEPA, Region 2, 20th Floor, 290
Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10007-1866.
LEGAL ACTION GETS NEW JERSEY AIR SCRUBBED - Subsidiaries and affiliates of
Coastal Corporation, a Houston-based oil company, have agreed to a $1.2
million settlement to resolve claims that they violated the federal Clean
Air Act at a refinery in southern New Jersey. The companies will pay a
$300,000 penalty and spend $900,000 on a scrubber to reduce air pollution.
In a lawsuit filed last week with the settlement, the government alleged
that Coastal's subsidiaries and affiliates released sulfur dioxide at power
plants serving a Coastal refinery in West Deptford Township, on the
Delaware River. Sulfur dioxide contributes to the formation of fine
particulate air pollution, harmful to human health. Coastal could have
prevented the violations by using cleaner natural gas as a fuel or using
more effective control equipment.
ALF STRIKES AGAIN - This is the Animal Liberation Front's busy season. The
fifth animal release in the last eleven days happened Friday when 3,000
animals were released from Zumbro River Fur Farm in Rochester, Minnesota.
On August 18 near St. Cloud at Charles Mueller's Fur Farm, 4,000 mink were
let out. On August 20, 330 foxes were set free from Steve Hansel's Hidden
Valley Fur Farm in Guttenberg, Iowa. On August 21, 3,000 mink were released
from Isebrands Fur Farm in Jewell, Iowa. 3,000 animals were released from
the Brown Mink Ranch in Beloit, Wisconsin on August 27. A total of 13,000
mink and 330 fox are out of their cages.
***************************************************************************
HEALING OUR WORLD: WEEKLY COMMENT
FROM A DISTANCE, THE WORLD LOOKS GREAT
http://ens-news.com/ens/aug98/1998-08-30g.html
By Jackie Alan Giuliano, Ph. D.
From a distance the world looks blue and green
And the snow-capped mountains white
From a distance the ocean meets the stream
And the eagle takes to flight
From a distance there is harmony
And it echoes through the land
It's the voice of hope, it's the voice of peace
It's the voice of every man
-- Nanci Griffith
I took a break from writing this afternoon and went for a walk on the beach
with my wife. It was lovely. The Sun was low on the horizon, the sky was
blue and clear, the air was warm, and the wind blew the salt spray gently
in my face. The smell of salt water brings back so many memories, memories
of how the beach has always been a place of peace to me, a place where I
could quietly reflect and contemplate without being judged or criticized.
But with those awarenesses were other thoughts as I saw all the boats in
the water, all the sickly looking birds all around, all the trash at my
feet and the large oil tanker a couple of miles out.
I know that the tanker is three times the size of the Exxon Valdez. It is
parked about a mile off-shore at buoy #8 and during a year's time, a tanker
that size will off-load its oil into an underwater pipe in a very risky
operation as many as 181 times. The EPA has said that there is a 95 percent
chance of a major oil spill in Santa Monica Bay because of Chevron's
dangerous practice. I walked on.
The water was so blue. The breaking waves were lovely. People frolicked in
the water. Children played on the sand.
But I know that the water is terribly poisoned. The signs posted next to
the stormwater outfall give a chilling message: "Warning! Storm Drain Water
May Cause Illness. No Swimming." Yet right over the storm drain sits a
lifeguard tower.
The lifeguard positioned the signs that separated the swimmers and surfers
right next to the stormwater warning signs. His signs directed the swimmers
right into the outflow of the storm drain. I desperately wanted to tell the
children swimming to get out. They were going to get sick. But I didn't.
I've been told before not to be so negative. People don't always want to
hear about the darkness. It is frightening to contemplate. Acknowledging
the darkness also means that you must take personal responsibility for your
contribution to the problem. In order to do this, you will have to drive
less, fly less, eat differently and consume less. These are treasonous
words in our consumer-based, feel good culture. So I looked away and
continued walking.
As I looked off into the distance, I saw the lovely coastline, The sandy
beaches curve like clouds as the waves lap upon the shore.
But I know that 200 feet below the surface of the water is a pipe that
carries the sewage of 4 million people and 100,000 businesses in the Los
Angeles area. Fifty percent of that sewage is currently untreated. The
other half is treated to the "partial secondary" level, still brimming with
bacteria and parasites. Nearly 400 million gallons of this sewage water per
day is dispersed between five and six miles out into an undersea canyon. No
one at the treatment plant or in the City of Los Angeles government dares
speak of slowing development or encouraging water conservation. Those words
are not allowed. So I walked on.
Most of the boats in the water come from Marina del Rey a couple of miles
down the coast. It is the largest small boat harbor in the world. Built on
the site of once rich wetlands - the city called them "mosquito infested
mudflats" - thousands of boats are moored and fueled and painted.
As I thought of all those boats and their paint, I thought about what I had
learned earlier today - that significant numbers of the 2,114 remaining
Southern Sea Otters in California are dying. They are dying because they
are being poisoned by tin compounds, tributyltin (TBT) and its byproducts.
This chemical, since the 1960s, has been used as an "antifouling agent" in
marine paint to prevent barnacles and slime from attaching to boats and
aquaculture nets.
The plight of the Southern Sea Otter, first discussed in previous Healing
Our World columns (link here) is a powerful reminder of the impact of our
actions as individuals and as a culture on our world. It may also be a
portent of things to come - the collapse of our life support systems on
Earth and the loss of our health because of rampant consumerism and a
wanton lack of appreciation for the connections we all share.
The Southern Sea Otter is a "keystone" species. Without it, the health of
the nearshore ecosystem would suffer greatly. The giant kelp forests in
which the otter lives are the breeding grounds for many ocean fishes and
other sea life. Without the otter, sea urchins and other kelp predators
would destroy the kelp in short order.
Investigations into the cause of death of 247 sea otters found along the
California coast revealed that 40 percent of them died from infectious
diseases caused by parasites, bacteria, and fungi. This high percentage
suggests that the otters lacked a resistance to infections, possibly
because of damaged immune systems. ALL the dead otters had TBTs in their
bodies, chemicals whose presence suppresses the immune system.
Although the government banned the use of TBT paint on small boats in 1989
because of the connection between TBT and diseases in bottlenose dolphins
in the Atlantic, it can still be used on boats larger than 25 feet in
length. The chemical is already deeply imbedded in the ecosystem, residing
in bottom dwelling animals like sea urchins, scallops, and mussels - all
part of the sea otter's diet.
The otters' plight is our own. The oceans are the lifeblood of our Earth.
From a distance, everything looks OK. But we have to get on our knees and
look closely at what we are doing - and pray for forgiveness.
RESOURCES
1. Read articles about the sea otter deaths and the connection to TBT at
http://www.yoto.com/dailynews/1998/04/041498/seaotter.asp and
http://www.emtc.nbs.gov/http_data/nwhc/warroom/otter.html and
http://members.aol.com/adrcnet/marmamnews/98041501.html
2. Visit the National Wildlife Health Center for details on the toxic
threats to wildlife and us at http://www.emtc.nbs.gov/nwhchome.html
3. A thorough discussion of TBTs and sea otter mortality can be found in
the May 1, 1998 issue of Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 32,
No. 9, by Drs. Kannan, Guruge, Thomas, Tanabe, and Giesy. You can look
for it at a university library or purchase an on-line copy at
http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/esthag/jtoc.cgi?esthag/32/9
4. The Baykeeper organization keeps watch on waterways throughout the
nation. Visit their Santa Monica, California site at
http://home.earthlink.net/~baykeeper/ and support their work.
5. See the "report card" for the water quality of Southern California
beaches, maintained by the Surfrider foundation, at
http://www.surfrider.org/wqjump.htm
6. View some amazing facts about our oceans at
http://www.surfrider.org/cfmany.html#marine pollution
7. Learn about he Southern California stormwater drainage system at
http://www.gatekeeper.com/stormwater/information/information.html
8. Over 1.5 billion dollars is being spent on enlarging the Hyperion
Wastewater Treatment Plant so that it can handle one billion gallons of
our wastewater every day. This will allow the Plant, they say, to serve
the needs of the city for the next 100 years. After that, who knows?
Visit the Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant at
http://www.sciarc.edu/pages/LAAC/personal/AM/AM_hypr.html
9. Read all the lyrics to Nanci Griffith's powerful song, "From A
Distance," at http://www.geocities.com/Nashville/1752/album11.htm#froma
10. Find out who your Congressional representatives are and e-mail them.
Tell them to outlaw the use of TBT and to work to get it out of our web
of life. If you know your Zip code, you can find them at
http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/ziptoit.html or you can search by
state at http://www.webslingerz.com/jhoffman/congress-email.html
11. Learn about the issues. Seek out books on the subject. A good source
for used (and new) books is PowellM-^Rs Bookstore in Portland, Oregon at
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/associate?assoc_id!2 where you will
find a wonderful alternative to the massive chain bookstores taking over
the market.
[Jackie Alan Giuliano, Ph. D., can be found in Venice, California,
wondering when to speak and when to stay silent. He is a Professor of
Environmental Studies for Antioch University, Los Angeles, and the
University of Phoenix Southern California Campuses. Please send your
thoughts, comments, and visions to him at jac...@deepteaching.com and visit
his web site at http://www.jps.net/jackieg]
***************************************************************************
E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE
***************************************************************************
TO ENVIRONMENTAL AND POLITICAL EDITORS:
Animal Protection Again Emerges as a Major Theme On State Ballots Across the
Country
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31 -/E-Wire/-- With election day just two months
away, voters will soon decide a variety of statewide ballot measures
affecting animals, including commercial trapping, cockfighting, mourning
dove hunting and the selling of horses for human consumption. Voters in
seven states will consider eight animal protection measures, matching the
number of measures that appeared on state ballots in 1996. In 1996 the
eight animal-related measures all dealt with cruel and inhumane hunting and
trapping practices, such as bear baiting, hound hunting, and commercial and
recreational trapping. Animal protection advocates won six of those eight
measures in 1996, handing stinging defeats to the hunting lobby, which spent
more than $4 million on the measures.
"Voters are deeply concerned about protecting animals from cruel and
inhumane practices -- particularly those conducted for human amusement or
profit," said Wayne Pacelle, senior vice president for communications and
government affairs for The Humane Society of the United States, which has
spearheaded or played a leading role in writing and qualifying most of the
measures. "A string of major victories for animal protection advocates
against wealthy hunting groups during the 1990's demonstrates widespread
public support for protecting animals from needless cruelty and abuse. We
expect those sentiments to be reflected again in major victories for animals
through the ballot." Animal advocates have won 10 of 13 initiative fights
since 1990.
Voters will decide six pro-animal initiative and two anti-animal
referenda in November. For the first time ever, anti-cockfighting measures
will appear on statewide ballots. Other practices targeted in the
pro-animal measures include mourning dove hunting, trapping and poisoning of
wildlife, and the human consumption of horses. Legislators in two states
have referred measures to the ballot to secure hunting rights and to deny
citizens future opportunities to challenge cruel and abusive hunting
practices through the established legislative and regulatory mechanisms.
"Recognizing that social attitudes are shifting in favor of animal
protectionists, extremist hunting groups are seeking to amend state
constitutions in order to deny citizens the right to make any future
judgements about cruel hunting and trapping practices," continued Pacelle.
While past initiatives have focused on protecting wildlife, three
measures will address protecting other animals. Voters in two states,
Arizona and Missouri, will have an opportunity to ban organized animal
fighting activities, such as cockfighting. In these fights -- which are
still legal in five states -- roosters are drugged and outfitted with razor
sharp implements, known as gaffs or slashers, and are forced to fight to the
death for the benefit of gambling spectators. In these states, it is legal
for children to witness these events. Missouri's Proposition A also bans
"baiting," fighting tethered animals against a pack of dogs, and bear
wrestling. A California measure, Proposition 6, seeks to ban the slaughter
of horsed for human consumption. The measures to protect domestic
animals -- which are all expected to pass -- mark a significant shift in the
subject content for animal protection initiatives.
The HSUS is the nation's largest animal protection organization with
more than six million members and constituents. Twenty-four states and the
District of Columbia allow citizens to make law through the initiative
process. Most other states allow legislators to refer measures to the
ballot.
NOVEMBER INITIATIVES AND REFERENDUMS ON ANIMAL PROTECTION
ALASKA - Proposition 3 bans the cruel and indiscriminate practice of
wolf snaring, conducted principally for predator control and fur sales.
HSUS position: Vote YES on Proposition 3.
ARIZONA - Proposition 201 bans the gruesome "sport" of cockfighting,
currently legal in only five states. HSUS position: Vote YES on Proposition
201.
CALIFORNIA - Proposition 4 bans the use of cruel and indiscriminate
traps and poisons. HSUS position: Vote YES on Proposition 4.
CALIFORNIA - Proposition 6 bans the sale of California horses for
human consumption. HSUS position: Vote YES on Proposition 6.
MINNESOTA - Question II is a constitutional amendment that recognizes
hunting and trapping as a "valued part" of the state heritage "that shall be
forever preserved." HSUS position: Vote NO on Question II.
MISSOURI - Proposition A reinstates the 1873-1985 ban on the cruel and
gruesome bloodsport of cockfighting. HSUS position: Vote YES on
Proposition A.
OHIO - States Issue I restores long-standing protection for doves and
bans the target shooting of these gentle backyard birds. HSUS position:
Vote YES on Issue I.
UTAH - Proposition 5 is a constitutional amendment that required two-
thirds majority of voters to approve any wildlife protection initiatives,
thus all but eliminating the opportunity for voters to decide wildlife
issues. HSUS position: Vote NO on Proposition 5. SOURCE The Humane Society
of the United States
-0- 08/31/98
/CONTACT: Colleen Dermody of The Humane Society of the United States,
301-258-3072/
***************************************************************************
TO BUSINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:
Living Technologies Appoints New CEO, Ramin Abrishamian
A Chemical Process Engineer, New CEO Plans to Mainstream
Ecology-based Living Machine(TM) Natural Wastewater Treatment Systems
BURLINGTON, Vt., Aug. 31 -/E-Wire/-- Living Technologies, Inc., a
Burlington, VT-based ecological engineering firm which designs and markets
Living Machines(TM), natural wastewater treatment systems, today announced
the appointment of Ramin Abrishamian as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr.
Abrishamian, an MIT-trained chemical engineer, has previously played a key
executive role in the development of such pollution control and hazardous
waste treatment technologies as Critical Fluids Extraction and Thermal
Desorption, for petroleum refineries in the U.S. and Europe. He has also
held posts as Research and Development Manager for the technology consulting
firm Arthur D. Little of Cambridge, MA, and President and General Manager of
Retec/Tetra, a former subsidiary of Remediation Technologies (Retec). In
his new position, Mr. Abrishamian plans to improve productivity through the
streamlining of design, engineering and construction processes at Living
Technologies. Notes Mr. Abrishamian, "I hope to use my experience with the
chemical process industries to guide improvements in how we design, engineer
and build Living Machines, while maintaining and enhancing their essential
ecological advantages."
Mr. Abrishamian most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of
Igene Biotechnology, Inc., where he successfully started industrial
production of its natural-pigment product and forward-sold its first two
year's production. Before that, he led Retec/Tetra through a period of rapid
growth, culminating in the successful commercialization of thermal
desorption for as-generated refinery hazardous wastes.
"After a six month national search for a CEO involving 140 applicants,
we are thrilled to appoint the individual who combines the talents most
sought by our Board of Directors," said Charles F. Kireker, Chairman of
Living Technologies. "Mr. Abrishamian offers a 20-year track record of
engineering solutions for environmental problems, successfully managing both
large-scale and entrepreneurial projects," he added.
Living Machines are onsite, chemical-free wastewater treatment systems.
They consist of a system of engineered ecologies such as snails, fish,
plants, bacteria, zooplankton, and microorganisms which accelerate nature's
own breakdown processes to digest organic pollutants, with the help of
sunlight and a managed environment. Depending on the site, the treated
water is used for irrigation, discharged harmlessly back into municipal
systems, recycled back into toilets, or discharged into lagoons, reed beds
or leach fields. Living Machines are deployed in greenhouses or in open air.
Living Technologies has designed and installed Living Machines for M&M Mars,
Ethel M. Chocolates, The Body Shop, National Audubon Society, the City of
South Burlington, Vermont, the Battelle Institute, Master Foods, and other
locations in eight countries.
The Living Machine was developed and patented by Dr. John Todd, who has
won numerous awards, including an Environmental Merit Award from the U.S.
EPA. Dr. Todd serves as Research Advisor and a Director of Living
Technologies. SOURCE Living Technologies, Inc.
-0- 08/31/98
/CONTACT: Ramin Abrishamian of Living Technologies, 802-865-4460; or
Meir Kahtan of Kahtan Miller P.R., 212-929-2200, ext. 352/
***************************************************************************
TO NATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:
Sharpen Your Skills With The Leading Corporate Environmental Experts
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31 -/E-Wire/-- Sharpen your environmental management
skills with the leading industry experts! Business-to-business information
sharing is the most cost-effective way to learn how to achieve your business
objectives and, at the same time, advance your personal goals. Considered
the strongest, most comprehensive conference in the field, the Sixth Annual
Environmental Management Forum is October 7-9, 1998 at Ceasars Palace in Las
Vegas, Nevada. The Forum will attract more than to 300 corporate and
facility environmental executives.
Don't miss the most impressive peer-to-peer learning opportunity of the
year! Produced by the National Association for Environmental Management
(NAEM), the conference is for, by, and about "in-house" environmental
managers.
"The Forum's theme, Strategic Environmental Leadership, focuses on the
environmental value to business and the environmental manager's leadership
in this arena," notes Barbara L. Ennis, Director of Global Environmental
Affairs at Lucent Technologies and NAEM President. "Environmental
Leadership is a bottom-line issue. Increasingly, environmental managers are
integrating environmental considerations into the broader, business decision
making process. Their stories, successes, and challenges are reflected in
each of the Forum's 38 workshop sessions."
Forum sessions include such topics as "Creating an Environmental
Management System," "Turning an auditing program into a Management Tool,"
"Meeting the Information Management Challenge," "Tracking environmental
costs," "Meaningful performance Measurements," "Determine what the EHS
program is worth to your company," and more.
The Forum's track format accommodates all levels of environmental
management expertise and educational needs. The four tracks are: 1) The
"Management System" which focuses on the major components of an
Environmental Management System; 2) "New Horizons" for experienced managers
to explore new trends and challenges; 3) "Management Tools and Resources'
which includes sessions such as regulatory updates, environmental cost
accounting, mergers & acquisitions, etc.; and 4) the "Dialogue & Technology"
track with is a series of informal discussions or software technology
demonstrations.
The Forum also hosts the annual NAEM business meeting as well as
presentation of NAEM's Annual Excellence Awards. NAEM, based in the
nation's capital, is a non-advocacy professional association solely composed
of "in- house" environmental managers of all levels. More than 800
environmental managers from business, industry and public entities are
members of NAEM. For more information about NAEM, call 202-986-6616.
Information on the Environmental Management Forum contact the Forum
Secretariat at 703-683-6334 or view it on NAEM's website at NAEM.org.
SOURCE National Association for Environmental Management
-0- 8/31/98
/CONTACT: Carol Singer Neuvelt of National Association for
Environmental Management, 800-391-NAEM (6236), or 202-986-6616/
/Web site: http://www.naem.org/
***************************************************************************
TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDITOR:
Steel Recycling Institute (SRI) 'Forecasts' Future of Recycling
SRI Celebrates 10th Year Anniversary With Release of New Report
PITTSBURGH, Aug. 31 -/E-Wire/-- Will the introduction of light weight
materials impact the near perfect automotive recycling rate in North
America? Will the growing use of residential steel framing revolutionize the
way in which homes of tomorrow are built? Will young Americans support
recycling as they grow older, and help sustain high consumer participation
rates in the future?
In commemoration of its 10 year anniversary, the Steel Recycling
Institute (SRI) released a report today that predicts the outcome to these
and other important recycling-related issues. The report, entitled Steel X
10: A Forecast for Recycling's Next Decade, reviews recycling's economic
and environmental contributions over the past decade, and addresses specific
ways the issue may evolve in the years ahead.
"Over the last decade the Steel Recycling Institute has worked to
advance consumer awareness of recycling issues," stated Bill Heenan,
president of SRI. "In honor of our ten year anniversary, we are celebrating
the past by focusing on the future. This report predicts how recycling and
other steel related issues will develop as we enter the next millennium."
Steel X 10 contains a series of recycling "forecasts," or trends SRI
believes will transpire over the coming decade. These trends are based on
SRI's 10 years of experience in advancing recycling awareness, and the
predominant role it has played in issues that directly affect solid waste
management. The report provides an in-depth analysis on the present climate
surrounding each focus area, statistical information from various sources
and case study examples that support each corresponding theory. The report
also provides a list of actions SRI plans to engage to sustain, advance or
reverse each highlighted projection.
Trends identified in SRI's report include:
* Funding to promote the importance of recycling will diminish over
the next decade, resulting in the expansion of public/private partnerships
to advance environmental awareness;
* Young Americans will become increasingly apathetic toward the value
of recycling unless greater education efforts are undertaken to promote its
value;
* The demand for scrap steel will increase over the next decade,
resulting in an expansion and diversification of materials accepted for
recycling;
* Greater participation in recycling by multi-family and
commercial/institutional facilities over the next decade will prolong the
growth of recycling rates;
* As industries continue to research, identify, develop and utilize new
materials in the manufacture of appliances, the stability of the appliance
recycling infrastructure will be challenged;
* The introduction of lighter weight steel will sustain the near 100
percent automobile recycling rate in America; and
* By 2002, one out of every four new residential houses built in
America will be constructed with steel framing.
"SRI is encouraged by what the future holds for recycling," Heenan
added. "However, we also recognize that the issue will be challenged by
opponents who will continue to question recycling's value, and seek to
impede its future progress. In light of these barriers, SRI -- through
outreach, education and consumer awareness campaigns -- plans to expand its
effort to raise environmental awareness throughout the next decade. It is
our belief that recycling's best days are yet to come."
The Steel Recycling Institute, an industry association dedicated to
promoting and sustaining steel recycling, is the primary information and
technical resource for recyclers, municipalities, legislators, educators,
businesses and other entities interested in steel recycling. Through its
seven regional offices, SRI works directly with city and county recycling
coordinators and solid waste managers, recycling operators, intermediate
processors and end market buyers.
A copy of Steel X 10: A Forecast for Recycling's Next Decade, can be
obtained from SRI's Web site at: www.recycle-steel.org. SOURCE Steel
Recycling Institute
-0- 08/31/98
/NOTE TO EDITORS: To schedule an interview with SRI's president Bill
Heenan, please call the contacts below./
/CONTACT: Betsy Martinelli or Mary Norton of the Steel Recycling
Institute, 800-876-7274/
/Web site: http://www.recycle-steel.org/
***************************************************************************
TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:
Environmental Resource Center Offers OSHA Training for General Industry and
Frequent Flyer Miles!
CARY, N.C., Sept. 1 -/E-Wire/-- Environmental Resource Center
announced today the addition of The OSHA Compliance Course, a comprehensive
two-day course which provides effective instruction on how the provisions of
the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) must be implemented in the
workplace, to their 1999 schedule.
Attendees of this course will learn how to assure that their facilities
maintain conformance with OSHA standards. They will also learn how to
protect their health and safety, as well as that of their employees, while
complying with OSHA regulations. In-depth instruction will be provided on a
variety of general industry safety and health standards including:
* walking and working surfaces
* means of egress and fire protection
* hazardous materials
* hazard communication
* machine guarding
* the new respiratory protection standard
* lockout/tagout
* confined spaces
* recordkeeping
* and more
Environmental Resource Center's instructors for this course are
OSHA-authorized, and certificates of course completion will be issued by
OSHA to students successfully completing the course.
Courses are scheduled for Raleigh, North Carolina on January 6-7, March
24-25, June 10-11, and December 16-17. The training is also available
on-site at your facility.
In addition to comprehensive training and course materials, students
can also receive 500 American Airlines AAdvantage miles with attendance.
For more information or to register, call 1-800-537-2372, ext. 222, fax
919-469-4137, visit http://www.ercweb.com, e-mail ser...@ercweb.com, or
mail Environmental Resource Center, 101 Center Pointe Drive, Cary, NC 27513.
Environmental Resource Center, a full-service consulting firm located
in Cary, North Carolina, has been providing environmental consulting and
educational services since 1981. For additional information on this press
release, contact Tammy Nielsen at 919-469-1585 ext. 226. SOURCE
Environmental Resource Center
-0- 09/01/98
/CONTACT: Tammy Nielsen, Environmental Resource Center, 919-469-1585
ext. 226/
/Web site: http://www.ercweb.com/
***************************************************************************
TO BUSINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:
KTI Completes FCR Acquisition FCR's CEO Garrett Appointed KTI Vice Chairman;
FCR's CFO Noonan Named CFO of KTI
GUTTENBERG, N.J., Aug. 31 -/E-Wire/-- KTI, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTIE)
announced today that it has completed the acquisition of FCR, Inc., a
national waste processing firm with 27 plants in 14 states based in
Charlotte, N.C. under previously announced terms and conditions. FCR's CEO
Paul Garrett was named vice chairman of KTI. FCR's Brian Noonan was named
chief financial officer of KTI, a post previously held by KTI President
Martin Sergi.
Martin Sergi, president of KTI, said, "This is a significant step
forward for KTI. With the inclusion of the FCR operations into our company,
we have added roughly $100 million in new annual revenue, significantly
expanded and strengthened our recycling operations, acquired a profitable
and promising new insulation business and added valuable new management
talent. Our projections show this acquisition will be accretive to earnings
immediately. Counting FCR's revenues, the company's current run rate exceeds
$300 million. This revenue base will be surpassed in the future as the
company's negotiated acquisitions are consummated over time. We expect that
the combined companies will benefit significantly from numerous
administrative and operational synergies which will be accomplished during
the balance of the year."
KTI has aggressively pursued a synergistic diversification strategy by
acquiring seven companies in the past year. KTI now operates six waste-to-
energy plants, 34 material recovery facilities, five insulating plants, four
plastics facilities, an international recycled products brokering business
and other recycling assets in 21 states.
Copies of KTI press releases, SEC filings, current price quotes, stock
charts, analysts' comments and other valuable information for investors may
be found on the website http://www.hawkassociates.com .
This release contains various forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which represent the company's expectations
or beliefs concerning future events of the company's financial performance.
These forward-looking statements are qualified by important factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements. Results actually achieved may differ materially
from expected results included in these statements. SOURCE KTI, Inc.
-0- 08/31/98
/CONTACT: Marty Sergi, KTI, Inc., 201-854-7777; or Frank N. Hawkins,
Jr. or Julie Marshall, both of Hawk Associates, Inc., 305-852-2383/
(KTI)
***************************************************************************
TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDITOR:
Apply Today! National Environmental Excellence Awards
WASHINGTON, Sept. 1 -/E-Wire/-- The National Association for
Environmental Management (NAEM) is now accepting nominations for its 1998
Environmental Excellence Awards.
In its seventh year, the Environmental Excellence Awards Program
recognizes the contributions of the professional environmental manager and
the environmental accomplishments of a business organization. Applications
must be postmarked by Monday, September 14, 1998.
The application process is very easy! Contact NAEM via e-mail at
NA...@MSN.com to receive the application quickly or call NAEM at 202-986-6616
for a hard copy of the application.
Nominations and self-nominations may be initiated by individuals and
corporations in the following categories:
Environmental Manager of the Year Award
Any individual with environmental management and compliance program
responsibility in a corporation, institution or facility is eligible for the
Environmental Manager Award. The Award recognizes the environmental manager
who has demonstrated leadership, dedication to the greater common interest,
and has achieved successful integration of environmental consciousness into
his/her organization and the broader community.
Corporate Environmental Excellence Awards
Corporate Awards are open to all corporate entities regardless of size.
NAEM may use its discretion to bestow up to three awards for efforts of 1) a
large corporation, 2) a small business, and 3) a facility or corporate
business unit. These awards showcase leading-edge organizations and
recognize the impact resulting from integrated corporate environmental
programs. The recipients will be selected for the tangible results of their
programs.
The Award recipients will be honored by their peers at a special
luncheon on Thursday, October 8th during the NAEM Environmental Management
Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Past recipients of the Environmental Manager of the Year Award:
Ms. Colette Sun, Motorola's Radio Products Americas Group (1997)
James Oberndorfer, Perkin-Elmer Corporation (1996)
Curtis Stephan, Baxter Healthcare Cardio Vascular Division (1995)
Ed Jamro, the Monsanto Company's Indian Orchard Plant (1994)
Deborah C. Blanks, South Carolina Electric & Gas Company (1992/93)
Pat Bartholomew, Baxter Healthcare Corporation (1991)
Previous corporate recipients include:
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. (1997)
Compaq Computer Corporation and the Mine Safety Appliances Company
(1996)
Perkin-Elmer Corporation (1995)
Northrop Grumman Corporation (1994)
Baxter Healthcare International, Inc. (1992/93)
AT&T (1991)
NAEM is the leading association dedicated to advancing the practice of
environmental management and is the only association created specifically
for facility, corporate, and municipal environmental managers. NAEM
promotes environmental management principles with programs and initiatives
that provide professional development, recognition and opportunities.
SOURCE National Association for Environmental Management
-0- 09/01/98
/CONTACT: Carol Singer, Executive Director of NAEM, 202-986-6616/
***************************************************************************
To Find Out How To Transmit Your News On E-Wire Call 1-888-764-NEWS
E-Wire Is Broadcast To Millions Of Readers Worldwide.
***************************************************************************
To Unsubscribe send a message to edi...@ens-news.com
** End of text from cdp:headlines **
***************************************************************************
This material came from the Institute for Global Communications (IGC), a
non-profit, unionized, politically progressive Internet services provider.
For more information, send a message to igc-...@igc.org (you will get
back an automatic reply), or visit their web site at http://www.igc.org/ .
IGC is a project of the Tides Center, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
***************************************************************************