Great Lakes Mercury Connections: A Report on the Extent and Effects of Mercury Pollution in the Great Lakes Region

DETROIT, Oct. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by the Biodiversity Research Institute:

WHAT: Release of the report Great Lakes Mercury Connections: The Extent and Effects of Mercury Pollution in the Great Lakes Region, a synthesis of new research by 170+ scientists based on 35 peer-reviewed papers published this month in the journal Ecotoxicology and soon to be published in Environmental Pollution.

Despite decades of progress, the Great Lakes region still has a significant mercury pollution problem. The scientists will present new policy-relevant research, as the deadline nears for U.S. EPA Utility Air Toxics Rule, including:

• new information on the severity of the mercury problem in the Great Lakes region;
• new research on the wildlife effects of mercury; and
• new analysis of progress made by pollution control efforts to date and the contribution of emissions sources in the Great Lakes region.

WHEN: 10 A.M. EDT, Tuesday, October 11, 2011 University

WHERE: The Westin Book Cadillac Hotel, 1114 Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226, Woodward Room A-B

SPEAKERS:

• Tim Eder – Executive Director, Great Lakes Commission
• James Wiener, Ph.D. – Wisconsin Distinguished Professor, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
• David C. Evers, Ph.D. – Executive Director, Biodiversity Research Institute
• Charles T. Driscoll, Ph.D. – University Professor and National Academy Member, Syracuse University

REMOTE ACCESS: Real time participation will be available via webinar (for slide images) and via a moderated teleconference (for audio). Reporters will be able to ask questions via the teleconference at the conclusion of the presentations.

To access teleconference: (800) 791-2345, code = 36155

To access webinar: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/425466822

Note: please visit this link to register for the webinar at least 15 minutes prior to the 10 a.m. EDT start time.

Great Lakes Mercury Connections is a collaboration of the Biodiversity Research Institute in Gorham, Maine, the Great Lakes Commission based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. The report is the product of a binational, scientific synthesis sponsored by the Great Lakes Commission through its Great Lakes Air Deposition Program, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Contact: Deborah McKew, 207-839-7600 x222, [email protected]

SOURCE Biodiversity Research Institute