BUSH ADMINISTRATION MERCURY PROPOSAL TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE, CRITICS SAY
by Sarah Morgan

Small, sickly fish covered in sores are becoming more prevalent, pointing to the ever-growing dangers of mercury pollution in bodies of water throughout Texas and the nation.

"We've got problems. Big problems," said Ed Parten of Texas Black Bass Unlimited, a nonprofit group focused on conservation and protection of Texas fish and fisheries.

Parten spoke on behalf of more than 10,000 members of TBBU at a mercury press conference held in Houston on Tuesday where the Texas Public Interest Research Group, or TexPIRG, and representatives from the Baylor College of Medicine called for stricter enforcement of mercury pollution controls. As the period for public comment on the Bush administration's proposed mercury legislation closed, concerns were voiced about the Bush proposal which, according to critics, would allow up to seven times more mercury to be emitted than if the current Clean Air Act was simply implemented as intended.

The current Clean Air Act does not have specific controls for mercury, but instead takes a blanket approach to pollution, limiting the overall particulate matter that is emitted into the air.

If enforced properly, the current laws would reduce mercury emissions by 90 percent over the next five years, compared to only 70 percent over the next ten years if the Bush administration's mercury proposal is passed, explained Chris Cardinal, a TexPIRG representative.

TexPIRG was focusing their efforts on U.S. Representative Gene Green, calling on him to oppose the Bush mercury plan.

"We want the Bush administration to go back to the drawing board on mercury plans," said Cardinal, who noted that 329,784 acres of Texas lakes have posted health warnings due to mercury.

One such lake is the Toledo Bend Reservoir near Jasper, Texas, where Parten went fishing about two weeks ago, and where he said that one-third of the fish caught were covered with sores and leeches.

"I didn't even want to handle them," Parten said, "It's all due to water quality and chemical pollution."

As further evidence of the growing problem, Parten noted that tournament weights on major reservoirs were also down by about 50 percent. Whereas six years ago, 68 fish over 13 pounds were caught, this year there were only 10. Parten also spoke about the steady decline of other fishing related industries, of marinas going bankrupt and motels, restaurants, and grocery stores losing business.

"It's a horrible domino effect," said Parten who noted that fishing license sales were down and that fishing gave about $6.8 billion to the economy in Texas in 2002, compared with only $4.3 billion in 2003.

Environmentalists and health groups continue to point the finger at industry.

"U.S. power plants in Texas emit more mercury than plants in any other state, some five tons annually, versus, for comparison, 0.004 tons in California and 0.5 tons in New York," said Winifred Hamilton, director of the Environmental Health Section at the Baylor College of Medicine.

Hamilton reinforced the dangers of mercury, noting that the primary source of mercury for most people is from eating fish from lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water contaminated by power plant emissions.

"The EPA recently estimated that up to 8 percent of women of childbearing age have levels of mercury in their bodies that exceed EPA's current guideline, " said Hamilton. Mercury exposure can affect a child's memory, comprehension, and learning abilities, and in severe cases, like incidents in two Japanese fishing communities where residents ate highly contaminated fish, mercury exposure can cause blindness, deafness, and severe mental retardation, Hamilton said.

Furthermore, Hamilton said that children that are not developing on schedule are often automatically tested for heavy metals at hospitals. Earlier this year, the EPA stated that 630,000 American newborns could have unsafe levels of mercury in their blood. To date, more than 40 states have issued advisories against eating fish from their rivers, lakes, and streams.

TexPIRG said that more than 600,000 Americans have written to the EPA since January criticizing the Bush mercury proposal.

FIREWORKS MAY BE MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
by Sarah Morgan

Fireworks have become as much of an American symbol as baseball and apple pie, which may explain why most are reluctant to criticize the bright displays, but the few studies that have been done show that pyrotechnics do have adverse effects beyond the acknowledged fire and burn hazards.

"Fireworks release tiny combustion particles, and tiny combustion particles are associated with health problems," said Winifred Hamilton, director of the environmental health section at the Baylor College of Medicine.

Besides gunpowder, fireworks contain an array of chemicals used to create the colorful effects, some of which are toxic metals and potential carcinogens, said Hamilton. For instance, lead is often used to create red, copper for blue, and barium for green.

The use of fireworks in the United States has risen dramatically over the past decade to more than 220 million pounds in 2003, up from 67.6 million pounds in 1990, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association. Furthermore, 43 states and the District of Columbia currently allow consumer fireworks, and the industry is predicting record sales this year after a series of increases over the past decade, topping out at $775 million for last year, according to the Association.

The thick black smoke created during large commercial fireworks displays can be full of toxic particulate matter, with particles well below the PM 2.5 size, the designation for fine particulate matter which penetrates more deeply into the lungs and is associated with respiratory problems.

"The particles are the worst of the worst because they're so tiny, they go directly into the blood stream," said Hamilton.

The consensus from most air quality specialists is that the wind quickly disperses pollutants emitted by fireworks, making the situation fairly safe. "We have observed some high PM 2.5 conditions," said Bryan Lambeth with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. "But usually there's enough wind, so it doesn't accumulate."

But Lambeth did note a situation in Texas during the New Year's celebrations for 2003 where levels of pollution were some of the highest on record for the one-hour levels. He said that weather conditions, no wind and clear skies, created a stagnant situation where the smoke did accumulate.

But, one of the few studies done on fireworks pollution showed that such instances are not uncommon. The study was conducted by the University of California at Riverside in 1995 and monitored pollution levels of one Fourth of July fireworks show. The monitoring was done three miles west of the display site where particles were still detected two weeks later, with pollution levels at their peak 12 hours after the show ended.

Another concern is the dangers of consumer fireworks, those that are set-off in backyards and on neighborhood streets. Though illegal within Houston city limits, residents of outlying areas can be seen flocking to local fireworks stands for sparklers, smoke bombs and the like. It seems that there is almost no environmental research on these types of fireworks.

"Although it can't be certain, my sense is that the worst problems occur due to lots of people setting off fireworks in their backyards, rather than the big city displays," said John Wilson of the Galveston-Houston Association for Smog Prevention. "This is because all of the smoke from the home fireworks is released at a low level, versus the explosions at high altitudes."

Two medical cases that Hamilton noted back up this assertion. She found one fatal, and one near fatal asthma attack thought to be triggered by fireworks. In both cases, young children with a history of asthma problems were playing with household fireworks just before they were taken to the hospital with respiratory problems.

"For people who have existing respiratory problems, I don't think much research has been done," said Wilson. "But from conversations with such people, my sense is that they should stay away from fireworks shows and that even being downwind from one inside their home, they may be exposed to enough pollution to trigger symptoms or aggravate a health condition."

Others concerned with fireworks have mentioned the possibility of resulting water or soil pollution, but it seems that there are no conclusive studies in these areas. Some have also mentioned noise pollution and the possible effects on nearby habitat, but these dangers also seem negligible. Though there is little data on animals in the wild, Brian Hill, spokesperson for the Houston Zoo, said that most of the animals have no visible reaction to the firework shows held at the Miller Outdoor Theater. The zoo does keep curators on hand for the evening in case there are any incidents, he said.

"No animal has ever injured itself, to my knowledge, from the stress of the fireworks," Hill said. "I've even been told that the giraffes kind of watch the first show and then go about their merry way."

Hamilton said that she will spend her Fourth enjoying the fireworks along with the rest of the city. She grew up with fireworks like so many others, and she doesn't believe that fireworks should be eliminated, but that maybe something could be done to limit the effects.

"What concerns me is that instead of making them shorter and more brilliant, they are getting longer and longer," she said. "Maybe everyone should work together and perhaps limit the amounts, or find some other alternatives."

The city of Houston is touting this year's Fourth of July celebration as an "awe-inspiring fireworks extravaganza." Walt Disney World is producing this year's fireworks show, which will be 17 minutes long and include 2,000 pieces of fireworks making it the largest display the company has ever handled, according to the Houston Chronicle. There will also be several other shows throughout the area, including one at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, one along Galveston Bay, and another at Sam Houston Race Park.

TAP HIRES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; OFFERS NEW CD

Texans for Alternatives to Pesticides, or TAP, recently hired a new executive director, environmental advocate and Master Naturalist, Charlotte Wells, to continue their mission to reduce the use of toxic pesticides, and to educate the public about safer alternatives for use in homes, schools, and public areas. Currently, many city and county municipalities, schools, commercial pest-control companies, landscape companies and private citizens use hazardous pesticides which have been linked to cancer, birth defects and numerous neurological problems. Infants and children are partially at risk to the effects of pesticides. Facts indicate that over 90 percent of all Americans use pesticides, which equals over 2 billion pounds per year. TAP has created a new informative compact disc titled, Recipes for Alternatives to Pesticides. According to Wells, the CD is a resource that has over 50 solutions and recipes that provide safer alternatives to pesticides and a means to control pests and protect natural habitat without the need for harmful toxins. Wells shared one simple recipe to use for the prevention of Mosquitoes: Steep two tablespoons of rosemary tea in one cup boiling water for 20 minutes, strain and cool then spray exposed skin with a spritz bottle. Also, a recipe for ant mounds: Mix two tablespoons molasses, two tablespoons Orange Oil and one gallon of water, pour over the center of the ant mound. For more information about non-toxic ideas, or to obtain a copy of the CD, contact Executive Director, Charlotte Wells at (713) 523-2827, or visit http://www.nopesticides.org

KEMP'S RIDLEY TURTLES NEST ON TEXAS BEACHES - MOST EVER RECORDED

Help Endangered Animals Ridley Turtles (HEART) chairperson, Carole Allen,
recently announced that there are now 40 Kemp's Ridley nests on Texas
beaches. "The 40 Kemp's ridley nests are the most ever recorded," according
to HEART's Web site. The 40 Kemp's Ridley Turtles nests are located on Texas
beaches which include two on Bolivar Peninsula, two on Galveston Island, one
near Surfside in Brazoria County, two on Mustang Island, and at least 22 at
Padre Island National Seashore. Texas residents and tourist who are
interested in seeing the release of the hatchlings for July and August can
contact Gulf Office Director, Carole Allen at the Hatchling Hotline (361)
949-7163 ext. 223 or email carole@seaturtles.org

CORRECTION
The number given for the Hatchling Hotline belongs to the National Park Service at the Padre Island National Seashore. To contact Carole Allen, call (281) 444-6204

THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND UPDATES RESOURCES

Trust for Public Land works with individuals, agencies, and nonprofit organizations throughout the greater Houston/Galveston Bay area to recognize and evaluate land properties that may be conserved for open space. TPL has released two new resources from their Conservation Finance Program: an online database covering years of finance statistics, and a handbook to help assist those seeking to pass funding issues. The database provides statistics that are available to the public as well as reporters and researchers interested in trends in conservation finance. Another resource is a new Conservation Finance Handbook with information on how to raise funds. For more information visit http://www.tpl.org

TEXAS FOREST SERVICE 2004 URBAN FORESTRY PARTNERSHIP GRANT

The Texas Forest Service, the agency responsible for protecting and enhancing the state's forest resources, offers financial assistance in the form of challenge grants. The Partnership Grants are designed to start or improve a local urban forestry program or to educate the public about the importance of urban trees. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $10,000 and must be matched dollar-for-dollar (except for the application for a new professional staff position, for up to $30,000). Applicants may include any local or state government entity, schools, or nonprofit groups. Application deadline is July 15, 2004. To apply, e-mail the program secretary at lscasta@tfs.tamu.edu, or visit: http://www.texasforestservice.tamu.edu
Go to the Urban Forestry page and click the link for grants.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE OFFERING LAND PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

The Harris County Flood Control District and the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservative Assistance Program have partnered to develop a strategic plan for multiple public uses of 30,000 acres of land in Harris County. To date, HCFCD has entered into over 150 multi-use partnership agreements to provide recreational, educational, and conservation uses of floodplains and detention basins. Now the program has expanded to allow partnerships with nonprofit organizations, water and utility districts, and governmental partners. If your group is interested in discussing partnership opportunities with HCFCD for the recreational and conservation use of this land, please contact them at (512) 916-5161, or email david@cechouston.org for a copy of the application. Application deadline is July 1, 2004.

CONSUMER GUIDE DETAILS ILLS AND ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMON PRODUCTS

A free online consumer guide published in March by the Worldwatch Institute describes the environmental, social, and health harms associated with a wide range of products, including appliances, baby products, DVDs, clothing, cell phones, and food. The guide takes a behind the scenes look at how products are made, and offers simple advice and alternatives that enable people to reduce some of the ills associated with the things they buy.
For each product, the guide also describes successful efforts by governments, businesses, and nonprofit groups around the world to reduce negative impacts associated with common products.
http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/goodstuff

NEW REPORT IN PARKS FOR PEOPLE SERIES

The Trust For Public Land’s Parks for People initiative works in cities across America to ensure that everyone--in particular every child--enjoys access to a park, playground, or open space. A new Parks for People report by Peter Harnik, director of TPL's Center for City Park Excellence, highlights the need for parks in Newark, New Jersey. The report's release follows by several months the publication of TPL's Parks for People white paper, which makes the case for new city parks nationwide. Upcoming Parks for People publications will focus on other US cities.
http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=13843&folder_id=175

A HANDBOOK FOR ACTIVISTS

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, Wilderness Forever has created a handy-dandy guide to taking action. Learn how to draft your own action letters, organize enjoyable activism events, and get in touch with local media.
To obtain your own tree-free version of the guide:
http://www.wildernessforever.org/action/index.html
Learn more about the Wilderness Act:
http://www.wilderness.org/OurIssues/Wilderness/act.cfm

SEASIDE CLUB BECKONS TO TEXAS TEACHERS

Texas A&M University's Marine Advisory Service (MAS) will be hosting two development workshops for Texas educators on the environment, and natural resources in Texas and the Gulf Coast. Participates who are teachers, science curriculum specialists, or department heads working in public and private schools are encouraged to register. Training sessions for elementary school educators are June 28-30; training for secondary school educators will take place July 7-9. For more information or to enroll, contact (979) 863-2940 or email lbeach@neo.tamu.edu.

EPA SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

The EPA Summer Opportunities for Students website is now up and running. The site provides a web portal through which students may enter to learn about EPA programs, offices, and summer employment opportunities. They also will be able to submit a job application directly to the EPA location where there is a vacancy.
http://www.epa.gov/ohros/student