By Sonma Laxmi, in Bhopal
11 Nov 2009 - Telegraph.uk.com
Survivors of the world's worst industrial disaster in India's Bhopal city are astonished by plans to throw the site open...
Posted: 10 Nov 2009 06:02 PM PST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 10, 2009
WASHINGTON – A new EPA study shows concentrations of toxic chemicals in fish tissue from lakes and reservoirs in nearly all 50 U.S. states. For the first time, EPA is able to estimate the percentage of lakes and reservoirs nationwide that have fish containing potentially harmful levels of chemicals such as mercury and PCBs.
“These results reinforce Administrator Jackson’s strong call for revitalized protection of our nation’s waterways and long-overdue action to protect the American people,” said Peter S. Silva, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Water. “EPA is aggressively tackling the issues the report highlights. Before the results were even finalized, the agency initiated efforts to further reduce toxic mercury pollution and strengthen enforcement of the Clean Water Act – all part of a renewed effort to protect the nation’s health and environment.”
The data showed mercury concentrations in game fish exceeding EPA’s recommended levels at 49 percent of lakes and reservoirs nationwide, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in game fish at levels of potential concern at 17 percent of lakes and reservoirs. These findings are based on a comprehensive national study using more data on levels of contamination in fish tissue than any previous study.
Burning fossil fuels, primarily coal, accounts for nearly half of mercury air emissions caused by human activity in the U.S. , and those emissions are a significant contributor to mercury in water bodies. From 1990 through 2005, emissions of mercury into the air decreased by 58 percent. EPA is committed to developing a new rule to substantially reduce mercury emissions from power plants, and the Obama Administration is actively supporting a new international agreement that will reduce mercury emissions worldwide.
The study also confirms the widespread occurrence of PCBs and dioxins in fish, illustrating the need for federal, state and local government to continue efforts to reduce the presence of these harmful chemicals in our lakes and reservoirs and ensure that fish advisory information is readily available.
It is important that women of child-bearing age and children continue to follow the advice of EPA and the Food and Drug Administration on fish consumption as it relates to mercury. This study is also a strong message to state and local governments to redouble their efforts in looking for opportunities to reduce mercury discharges, as well as developing fish advisories, especially to reach those in sensitive and vulnerable populations.
Results from the four-year National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue show that mercury and PCBs are widely distributed in U.S. lakes and reservoirs. Mercury and PCBs were detected in all of the fish samples collected from the nationally representative sample of 500 lakes and reservoirs in the study. Because these findings apply to fish caught in lakes and reservoirs, it is particularly important for recreational and subsistence fishers to follow their state and local fish advisories.
EPA is conducting other statistically based national aquatic surveys that include assessment of fish contamination, such as the National Rivers and Streams Assessment and the National Coastal Assessment. Sampling for the National Rivers and Streams Assessment is underway, and results from this two-year study are expected to be available in 2011. Collection of fish samples for the National Coastal Assessment will begin in 2010.
(At bottom, please also read emails I sent regarding this issue. l.p.)
(Narrative source, below, unknown)
Denmark is a big shame.
The sea is stained in red and in the mean while it's not because of the climate effects of nature.
It's because of the cruelty that the human beings (civilised human) kill hundreds of the famous and intelligent Calderon dolphins.
This happens every year in Feroe iland in Denmark. In this slaughter the main participants are young teens.
WHY?
To show that they are adults and mature.... BULLLLsh
In this big celebration, nothing is missing for the fun. Everyone is participating in one way or the other, killing or looking at the cruelty "supporting like a spectator"
Is it necessary to mention that the dolphin calderon, like all the other species of dolphins, it's near instinction and they get near men to play and interact. In a way of PURE friendship
They don't die instantly; they are cut 1, 2 or 3 times with thick hocks. And at that time the dolphins produce a grim extremely compatible with the cry of a new born child.
But he suffers and there's no compassion till this sweet being slowly dies in its own blood
Its enough!
We will send this mail until this email arrives in any association defending the animals, we won't only read. That would make us accomplices, viewers.
Take care of the world, it is your home!
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Editor's note: If they really want to prove their manhood, perhaps they should try the same thing with sharks! l.p.
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Email #1;
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Gail Shea,
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
Government of Canada
Dear Honourable Ms. Shea,
Would the Government of Canada consider using its good offices to
speak out about the inhumane and destructive practice of slaughtering
endangered and defenseless dolphins off a Danish island each year?
Perhaps this could be done through the United Nations and/or Canada's representative(s) at a Law of the Seas conference?
I hope you will visit the site (see active link below) for more details of this shameful practice.
I would appreciate a response at your earliest convenience.
Yours truly,
Larry Powell
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Email #2
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Dear Peter, (Mansbridge),
I wonder if The National would consider covering the annual slaughter of defenseless and endangered dolphins (see photo attached) which apparently happens each year off a Danish Island (see active link below for details).
Secondly, perhaps Rex could provide us with another commentary in support of this ritual, as he did for the Newfoundland seal hunt. (I'd recommend he looks at the numerous photos of this event before he does this.)
Yours truly,
Larry Powell
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