[USCC] Compounds of Emerging Concern

[Craig Coker]

>From the Water Environment Federation:

 

CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING on "Compounds of Emerging Concern:  An Evolving Water
Quality Issue," Friday, March 23, 2007, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. 2253
Rayburn House Office Building; Technical Practice Update on Compounds of
Potential Concern in Biosolids

 

Scientific research indicates that the production, use, and disposal of
numerous substances that offer improvements in industry, agriculture,
medical treatment, and common household conveniences may have potentially
adverse effects on human health and the environment. Present in the
environment at low levels, these compounds of emerging concern (CEC) 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 topic.  

 

Only recently have researchers created analytical tools to detect CECs at
very low levels, and there is a lack of knowledge regarding the occurrence,
possible impacts, and levels 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. 

 

SPEAKERS:

 

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, Office of Water, U.S. EPA:
Voluntary efforts to reduce CECs in the environment, the regulatory
framework related to CECs, and EPA's plans and activities.

 

The briefing will be moderated by Rebecca West, WEF Vice President and
Director of Technical Services, Spartanburg Sanitary Sewer District

 

SPONSOR:  Water Environment Federation in cooperation with 

The U.S. Geological Survey

 

>From Lorna Ernst, lernst at wef.org: The Water Environment Federation's
Technical Practice Committee is looking for individuals willing to
participate in the development of a Technical Practice Update (TPU) on
Compounds of Potential Concern in Biosolids, which is being developed on a
10-week schedule and is being led by Todd Williams.  We are seeking an
author for a 1- to 2-page section titled "Future WERF or Other Research on
This Issue". This author will be responsible for preparing a detailed
section outline according to the proposed audience, purpose, and scope of
the document. The author will also be responsible for preparing the section
itself and addressing or incorporating all technical review comments
received. Finally, the author must follow the attached development process
and schedule, meeting all deadlines to ensure that the TPU is developed on a
10-week schedule. Please contact me if you are interested in preparing this
section (or know of an individual who would be interested) and could meet
the development schedule.

 

We are also seeking reviewers for this TPU. Reviewers will be responsible
for providing written comments at the outline and draft stages.   If you are
interested in participating as an author or reviewer and will be able to
work closely with other WEF volunteers, the Chair, and WEF staff and
dedicate your expertise and time to ensuring that a quality TPU is developed
according to a 10-week development schedule, please contact me (author
candidates should also submit a brief resume).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Craig Coker

Coker Composting & Consulting

3331 Glade Creek Blvd.  Ste. 7

Roanoke, VA  24012

(540) 904-2698  Fax: (540) 904-6732

Cell: (540) 874-5168

 <mailto:craigcoker at cox.net> craigcoker at cox.net

 <http://www.cokercompost.com> www.cokercompost.com

 

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