[enviro] AmeriScan: November 6, 2000
Mark Graffis
PREGNANT WOMEN NEED CALCIUM TO AVOID LEAD
CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina, November 6, 2000 (ENS) - Pregnant women
who do not consume enough calcium in their diets or through
supplements show greater increases in lead in their bloodstreams than
pregnant women with normal calcium levels, reveals a new University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) study. That is because 95
percent of the body's lead is contained in bone tissue. In pregnant
women getting less calcium, bone tissue turns over, or
"demineralizes," faster than bone in other pregnant women and releases
locked up lead into the blood, researchers found. Lead emerges from
bone during the second half of pregnancy and might hurt both mothers
and their babies, their work showed. The study also offers new
evidence that calcium consumption can minimize bone demineralization
in pregnant women.
"Past research has linked lead to many adverse conditions, including
nervous system and possible cardiovascular problems," said Dr. Irva
Hertz-Picciotto, professor of epidemiology at the UNC-CH School of
Public Health and lead author. "We found not only that calcium intake
at the recommended daily allowance level protected somewhat against
lead, but also that higher calcium levels corresponded with even less
lead. The protective effect of calcium became stronger as pregnancy
progressed." The blood lead levels of older mothers increased more
during pregnancy compared with younger mothers. The researchers
suggested that was because older mothers had accumulated more lead in
their bones, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s when leaded gasoline
was still used in automobiles. "We are still trying to determine
whether there are health effects from these low levels,"
Hertz-Picciotto said. The study is reported in the November issue of
the "Journal of Epidemiology."
* * *
POULTRY PLANT FINED $14 MILLION FOR STREAM DUMPING
JACKSON, Mississippi, November 6, 2000 (ENS) - A federal judge has
ordered the Central Industries poultry plant to pay $14 million for
discharging slaughterhouse waste into a creek that supplies drinking
water to the city of Jackson, Mississippi. The company violated
wastewater standards from the 1970s until the mid-1990s by sending
waste from the plant into the Shockaloe Creek, a tributary of the
Pearl River and central Mississippi water supply. The fine levied by
the judge is the fifth largest ever against water polluters. $13
million of the total is for criminal fines, and the additional $1
million is in restitution to the Mississippi Department of
Environmental Quality.
In a related case, John McCarty, chief executive officer of McCarty
Farms Inc., and former vice chairman of the board of directors of
Central Industries Inc., pleaded guilty on October 26 to violating the
Clean Water Act. McCarty acknowledged that during the early 1990s, as
a corporate officer of Central Industries, he allowed the discharge of
unlawful levels of polluted wastewater from a rendering plant in Scott
County to flow into Tallabogue Creek, a tributary of the Pearl River.
Central Industries renders slaughterhouse wastes into animal feed and
other products. Discharging unlawful levels of organic wastes into
surface waters can reduce oxygen in rivers and streams, harming fish
and aquatic life. When sentenced, McCarty faces a maximum of up to one
year in prison and, or a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
* * *
FOUR CONVICTED OF SMUGGLING HONDURAN SPINY LOBSTER
MOBILE, Alabama, November 6, 2000 (ENS) - Three Americans and the
owner of a Honduran fishing fleet have been convicted of smuggling
tons of Caribbean spiny lobster tails into the U.S. The defendants
conspired to import the lobster, which was harvested in Honduras, in
violation of Honduran regulations designed to preserve a sustainable
lobster fishery. Once in the U.S., the conspirators sold the illegal
lobster tails to U.S. seafood companies. A federal court in Mobile
found David Henson McNab, a Honduran citizen, guilty of felonies
including conspiracy, smuggling and money laundering. McNab owns one
of the largest fleets of lobster fishing vessels in Honduras. The
indictment charged that workers on his ships harvested undersized
lobsters and egg bearing lobsters - both illegal under Honduran law -
and harvested lobsters and shrimp out of season.
Robert Blanford - one of the largest U.S. importers of Honduras
lobster tails, and his associate Abner Schoenwetter bought most of
McNab's illegal catch. They then sold the lobster to various seafood
companies, particularly one employing defendant Diane Huang. Blanford,
Schoenwetter and Huang often received commissions or agent fees for
their roles in the illegal importation. "The prosecution of this case
was a truly cooperative effort between the United States, Honduras and
the state of Florida," said Lois Schiffer, assistant attorney general
for the environment at the Department of Justice. "These international
enforcement efforts are increasingly effective and necessary to
protect the global environment. These convictions should send a strong
message that illegally harvesting seafood for immediate personal gain
will not be tolerated, wherever it occurs." The spiny lobster is one
of Honduras' most important natural resources and is the most valuable
marine species along the entire tropical area of the western Atlantic.
* * *
ARMY FINED OVER UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS
WASHINGTON, DC, November 6, 2000 (ENS) - The U.S. Army has settled
with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over alleged
underground storage tank violations at Walter Reed Army Medical Center
in Washington, DC, and the Center's Forest Glen Annex in Silver
Spring, Maryland. The Army will pay a $86,715 penalty to settle EPA's
two complaints, and will revise its operating procedures to comply
with federal and state regulations designed to prevent, detect and
control leaks of petroleum and other hazardous materials from
underground tanks. EPA regional administrator Bradley Campbell said
that EPA will continue working with D.C. and state officials to ensure
that federal facilities, as well as private parties, comply with
regulations.
"Leaking underground tanks are a major source of soil and groundwater
contamination. Since more than half of all Americans use groundwater
as their drinking water source, it is vital that we protect this
important resource," Campbell said. EPA's June 1998 administrative
complaints alleged violations involving five diesel fuel tanks at
Walter Reed's main hospital facility in DC, and four diesel fuel tanks
at the Forest Glen Annex. These tanks range in capacity from 2,000 to
10,000 gallons. The Army allegedly violated regulations requiring
owners to close or remove their tanks within 12 months after taken out
of service. Other violations involved late reports of suspected
releases, failure to use corrosion protected piping, and failure to
comply with proper leak detection procedures in two 10,000 gallon
tanks. In the settlement papers, the Army neither admitted nor denied
liability for the alleged violations.
* * *
SYMPOSIUM PROMOTES WILDLIFE HABITAT ON PRIVATE LANDS
BALTIMORE, Maryland, November 6, 2000 (ENS) - The Wildlife Habitat
Council is hosting its 12th annual symposium on enhancing habitat on
private lands. The symposium, "Wildlife: Focusing on the Basics -
Adding Value to Your Company and Community," started Sunday in
Baltimore. The Council is a nonprofit group of corporations,
conservation organizations and individuals dedicated to protecting and
enhancing wildlife habitat. Created in 1988, the Council helps large
landowners manage their unused lands in an ecologically sensitive
manner for the benefit of wildlife.
This year, the Council's annual symposium will focus on the
fundamentals of creating and maintaining successful wildlife habitat
programs. From small woodlot, storm water and invasive species
management to environmental education, panelists will discuss the best
practices and the latest innovations. Sessions will cover success
stories about increasing employee and community involvement, and cost
effective ecological techniques for a wildlife habitat enhancement
program. Other special topics include bird watching, plant inventory
and identification, storm water management, sport fishing habitat and
native species management. Companies making presentations on their own
habitat management programs include Ford Motor Company,
Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., Raytheon Company, BP Amoco Corporation,
Eastman Chemical Company and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Several
government agencies will also make presentations, including the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Maryland Department of Natural
Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
* * *
$4.2 MILLION FUNDS ANTI-RABIES PROGRAM
WASHINGTON, DC, November 6, 2000 (ENS) - Agriculture Secretary Dan
Glickman has declared that the spread of rabies in North American
wildlife constitutes an emergency, and has earmarked $4.2 million to
halt the spread of the disease. The money will be used for an oral
rabies vaccination program for wildlife. Current costs associated with
wildlife rabies are estimated to top $450 million a year and will
increase "dramatically" unless spread of the disease is stopped,
Glickman said. "By quickly making these funds available, we can
prevent outbreaks of rabies and establish buffers to stop this dreaded
disease," Glickman said. "Most importantly, this will help protect
human lives and health as well as the health of agricultural animals
and wildlife."
More than 90 percent of reported rabies cases have involved wild
animals, and over 50 percent of rabies cases each year involve
raccoons in major U.S. metropolitan areas. Funds will be used in
strategic areas to reinforce and expand barriers to stop the westward
movement of the disease from Ohio. Extending the barrier from Ohio to
West Virginia is the highest priority at this time, the Agriculture
Department says. Of the emergency funds now available, $1.3 million
will be devoted to this effort. Ohio also will receive funds to
reinforce its current barriers. New York, New Hampshire, Vermont and
Texas will receive funds to reinforce and expand current barriers in
order to keep the disease from moving northward.
* * *
WATER RESOURCES PROFESSIONALS STUDY EVERGLADES RESTORATION
MIAMI, Florida, November 6, 2000 (ENS) - The American Water Resources
Association (AWRA) is holding its 2000 Annual Water Resources
Conference in Miami this week. AWRA members include both drinking
water and wastewater managers, as well as natural resource managers
and other professionals. The conference, which started today, will
cover non-point pollution, management of sediments, and other water
quality problems. Other topics include water supply planning, coastal
zone management and aquaculture. Some sessions will deal with the
impact of human water use on the environment, including wetlands
policy, groundwater protection and habitat protection for fish.
Participants will also learn how to access water resources on the
Internet.
Several sessions will focus on issues unique to southern Florida,
including those involved in a massive Everglades Restoration project
just authorized by Congress. The restoration will involve sustainable
water management, recharging aquifers, and redirecting millions of
gallons of fresh water. A boat tour of the Miami River and Biscayne
Bay is planned to explore the Army Corps of Engineers' experiences in
south Florida. A trip to the Everglades Agricultural Area will examine
how the sugar and other agricultural industries are adapting to the
restoration project. A visit to the Everglades Nutrient Removal
Project will demonstrate the effectiveness and operation of a flow
through marsh that removes phosphorous from runoff water entering the
Everglades. A tram tour of the Shark River Valley in the Everglades
National Park will offer exposure to the habitats of endangered
species, wetlands, and other critical water resources realms. The four
day conference ends Thursday.
* * *
AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT HONORS ITS OWN ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS
WASHINGTON, DC, November 6, 2000 (ENS) - Fourteen U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) employees have won 2000 Presidential Rank Awards,
Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman announced Friday. "These
individuals represent the highest caliber of leadership in American
government," Glickman said. "I am proud of the contributions that each
has made to the American people through their service here at USDA."
The Presidential Rank Award Program recognizes and rewards career
Senior Executive Service (SES) members who have demonstrated
exceptional performance over an extended period of time. Several of
this year's winners were honored for work on environmental programs.
Winners include Margot Anderson, director of the Global Change Program
Office, for her leadership in developing a coordinated global change
research program at USDA. Anderson works with the White House and
other federal departments to coordinate climate change research and
policy, represents USDA at international climate change negotiations,
and provides outreach to Congress and the public on climate change
issues. Thomas Elias, director of the U.S. National Arboretum, was
honored for his management of the Arboretum, the only federal facility
to conduct research, provide education, and conserve and display
trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants to enhance the environment.
Peter Roussopoulos, station director of the Southern Research Station
of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), was honored for his contributions
to the scientific management of the nation's forest resources. Eleanor
Towns, USFS Southwest regional forester, was honored for her
leadership in managing activities in the 20 million acres of national
forests and 260 thousand acres of National Grasslands in Arizona, New
Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma.
* * *
$10,000 GRANT HELPS CAPE COD WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS
BREWSTER, Massachusetts, November 6, 2000 (ENS) - The International
Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has given a $10,000 matching grant to
provide WILD CARE of Brewster, Massachusetts, with an additional full
time licensed wildlife rehabilitation specialist. Started in 1989,
Wild Care carries out animal rescue and rehabilitation for the many
species of wild animals found on Cape Cod. IFAW's grant matches one
made by the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation. "IFAW is pleased to
be able to support a local, Cape Cod organization like Wild Care,
which provides much needed assistance to the area's resident
wildlife," said IFAW president Fred O'Regan, from the organization's
global headquarters in Yarmouth Port on Cape Cod.
Wild Care rehabilitates wild animals that are undernourished, sick,
orphaned or injured. Volunteers, interns and trained rehabilitation
specialists work together with veterinarians to provide supportive
care to animals that are referred by a variety of organizations,
including the U.S. Coast Guard, Audubon Society and Cape Cod police
forces. The program admits more than 500 wild, juvenile birds each
year, as well mature birds of prey, snakes, turtles, and mammals
including rabbits, opossums and squirrels. In evaluating Wild Care for
this grant, IFAW felt the organization's emphasis on education and
community outreach were a good match with IFAW's own mission. In
particular, Wild Care makes presentations to local school children and
civic organizations, provides wildlife information to the community
and operates an assistance hotline. The hotline receives more than 50
phone calls each day. "With this IFAW grant, WILD CARE will be able to
increase the amount of care we provide to Cape Cod wildlife," said
Wild Care director Karen von den Deale.
* * *
WILDLIFE ARTISTS DRAW DUCKS, NOT BUCKS
WASHINGTON, DC, November 6, 2000 (ENS) - More than 300 hopeful
wildlife artists from around the nation began competing today in the
2001-2002 Federal Duck Stamp Design Contest. Today was a preview day.
Tomorrow, judging of the 317 paintings and drawings - rendered in
acrylic, oil, watercolor and other media - will begin. On Wednesday, a
five judge panel will choose the winning design, which will become the
2001-2002 Federal Duck Stamp. The winner of the Duck Stamp Contest
will be announced Wednesday at around 12:30 pm. The U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) sponsors the contest each year to select the
new Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or Duck Stamp. The
design chosen at this year's contest will be engraved and printed as
the 2001-2002 Federal Duck Stamp, which goes on sale July 1, 2001.
Federal Duck Stamps are a required purchase for waterfowl hunters ages
16 and older. However, stamp collectors, art lovers and
conservationists also purchase them to add to their albums or enjoy as
miniature works of art, or as a way to contribute to waterfowl
conservation. About 98 percent of the proceeds from each $15 Duck
Stamp goes toward purchasing wetland habitat for the National Wildlife
Refuge System. The winner of the Federal Duck Stamp Contest receives
no cash award from the federal government. But winning boosts the
reputation of even an unknown artist to the top of his or her
profession. Winning artists stand to make hundreds of thousands of
dollars from the sale of limited edition prints of their Duck Stamp
design. Eligible species for this year's contest were the American
wigeon, black duck, green winged teal, pintail and ruddy duck.