When a local beach closes for health reasons, people start wondering, “Is it safe to swim?” U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) science can help local beach managers understand the sources of contamination and the kinds of contaminants that may affect human health. In the Great Lakes region, the USGS has already developed state-of-the-art methods and predictive models to rapidly evaluate whether unsafe conditions are present.
| What: | The public and media are invited to attend a congressional briefing to learn how the USGS and its partners are working to provide the science needed to ensure that our beaches are healthy places for people to enjoy. |
| Who: |
Dr. Shannon Briggs, Sr. Toxicologist/State Beach Coordinator, Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality Heather Morehead, Beaches Coordinator, Maryland Department of the Environment Dr. Richard Whitman, Station Chief/Research Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey Deanna Archuletta, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water & Science, Dept. of the Interior |
| When: |
Friday, June 19 |
| Where: |
1324 Longworth House Office Building |
| Congressional Sponsors: |
Great Lakes Task Force |