• White House Plans Biosafety Oversight of Scientists, Publishers
  
• Kansas Refinery to Cut Air Pollution, Clean Hazwaste
  
• EPA Funds Federal-Local Waste Management Pilots
  
• New Species, New Genes Found in Sargasso Sea
  
• Cold Northeast Could See Ice Jam Flooding
  
• Torrential Rains Flood Hawaiian Beaches with Sewage
  
• New York's Long Island Gets $2.8 Million for Waterfronts
  
• Washington Sea Lion Shooting Draws House Arrest, Fine
  
• Habitat Conserved for Migratory Birds, Refuges Expanded
  

White House Plans Biosafety Oversight of Scientists, Publishers

Scientists, laboratory workers and journal publishers will be subject to the new level of government oversight planned by the White House. "This is an important issue that requires greater awareness and education among people working in bioscience," said John H. Marburger III, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

As a first step, Thompson will create a National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) under the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The new board will advise all federal departments and agencies that conduct or support life sciences research that could fall into the dual use category.

"Our nation has been a world leader in life sciences research because of our emphasis on the importance of the free flow of scientific inquiry. Yet, sadly, the very same tools developed to better the health and condition of humankind can also be used for its destruction," Thompson said.

"For the health and security of our nation, we must take the needed steps to improve biosecurity measures for this type of research. But in so doing, we must protect our open process of scientific discovery that has been the linchpin of our research success," he promised.

The new board will advise on "strategies for local and federal biosecurity oversight" for all federally funded or supported life sciences research and provide ongoing evaluation and modification of these guidelines.

The board will advise on strategies to work with journal editors to ensure the development of guidelines for the publication, public presentation and public communication of potentially sensitive life sciences research.

And the board will provide guidance on the development of a code of conduct for life scientists and laboratory workers that can be adopted by federal agencies as well a professional organizations and institutions engaged in the performance of life sciences research domestically and internationally.

Working with the State Department and other agencies, the Department of Health and Human Services also will lead the Bush administration's efforts to foster the extension of these biosecurity policies to the international arena on a voluntary and cooperative basis, working through existing international scientific and health organizations, and other relevant international organizations.

But here in the United States, the program will not be voluntary. The NSABB will advise on the development of guidelines for "mandatory programs" for education and training in biosecurity issues for all life scientists and laboratory workers at federally funded institutions, Thompson said.

"Creating the NSABB is a major step in a longer process of outreach and education to scientists in the United States and internationally," Marburger said. "It is imperative that we develop this new framework to address serious concerns that range from personal responsibility to national security."

The NSABB will advise the Secretary of HHS, the director of NIH, and the heads of all federal departments and agencies that conduct or support life sciences research. The board will advise on and recommend specific strategies for the efficient and effective oversight of federally conducted or supported potential dual-use biological research taking into consideration both national security concerns and the needs of the research community.

The need for additional oversight in this arena was highlighted in a recent report by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences on "Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism: Confronting the Dual Use Dilemma."

National Institutes of Health Director Elias Zerhouni, M.D. is comfortable with the new oversight plans. "The NRC report addressed a timely and significant issue in life sciences research," he said. "We believe the NSABB will help guide us in working with the life sciences research and publishing communities in establishing effective and efficient measures that will accomplish many of the objectives envisioned in the report."

The NSABB will have up to 25 voting members, to be appointed by the Thompson in consultation with the heads of other federal departments and agencies. Members will represent the fields of molecular biology, microbiology, infectious diseases, laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, public health/epidemiology, health physics, pharmaceutical production, veterinary medicine, plant health, food production, bioethics, national security, biodefense, intelligence, law and law enforcement, and scientific publishing. The board will also include nonvoting ex officio members from at least 15 federal departments and agencies.

Kansas Refinery to Cut Air Pollution, Clean Hazwaste

EPA Funds Federal-Local Waste Management Pilots

Funding totals $297,575 for the six new projects the EPA announced Thursday. The agency says its goal is to test innovative ideas to make EPA waste programs more efficient and effective, measure and analyze the results, and then publicize the projects around the country so others can learn from the experiments.

The six projects selected in the first round of 2004 are:

Measuring the Environmental Benefits of Federal Electronic Equipment Management Practices ($60,000): Currently, no assessment tool exists to determine the environmental benefits of purchasing, operating, and recycling electronics. The EPA, together with the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive, the Department of Defense, and the General Services Administration, will develop tools to measure the environmental and economic impact from environmentally sound management of electronic equipment.

Expanding Pharmaceutical Waste Management in Hospitals ($60,000): Creative and effective procedures are needed to manage nonhazardous pharmaceuticals and hazardous pharmaceuticals that are not yet regulated to ensure environmentally safe treatment and disposal. This approach is expected to be readily transferable to the entire healthcare sector. EPA partners in this project are - Health Care Without Harm, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, H2E Champions PharmEcology Associates, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, and the New Hampshire Hospital Association.

Expanding Web Portal on Hazardous Materials Inventory ($50,000): This project expands an existing website that manages the electronic reporting of facility records for storage of hazardous materials. It is expected to eliminate duplication of data entry by local agencies and provide first responders with real-time access to facility information. The EPA teams with California's Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health and Santa Clara County Fire Chiefs Association for this effort.

Expanding the Availability of Renewable Energy from Waste Oil ($50,000): Tests of small-scale biodiesel production using locally grown crops such as canola seed and used restaurant cooking oil are expected to demonstrate the viability of producing renewable energy in the form of biodiesel fuel. Once in full production, this pilot will be able to recover methanol from the pretreatment process, which can be reused in the production of biodiesel. The EPA is in partnership with the Costilla County Economic Development Council, Colorado for this one.

Using Composts to Reduce Lead and Arsenic Soil Contamination ($46,575): The effect of different compost mixtures to reduce lead and arsenic concentrations in contaminated soils will be tested. The EPA will join with the University of Washington, Washington Department of Ecology, Wenatchee School District, Chelan-Douglas Health District, and Community, Trade and Economic Development.

Improving Emergency Preparedness and Response in Smaller Communities ($31,000): The EPA, in partnership with Colorado's Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee, will develop tools for smaller communities to assess risks and improve chemical emergency preparedness at chemical handling facilities.

Proposals for the second round of 2004 innovative projects are due to EPA by April 16. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/oswer/iwg/.

The EPA awarded the first 12 projects funds totaling $524,849 in 2002. In 2003, EPA funded 19 pilots for a combined total of $800,294.

New Species, New Genes Found in Sargasso Sea

Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham believes the research could lead to the development of new methods for carbon sequestration or alternative energy production.

"What excites the department and our Office of Science about this project is its range of potential benefits," Abraham said, marking announcement of the findings on Thursday.

"Scientists have used DOE funds to determine the genetic sequences of all the microorganisms occurring in a natural microbial community," he explained. "This will offer a direct and early test of one of the central tenets of DOE's Genomics: GTL program - that microbes can be used to develop innovative solutions to address national energy needs."

Defined by a floating lens of warm, clear water, the Sargasso Sea drifts in the North Atlantic Ocean, its location determined by the changing ocean currents. The two million square mile ellipse is covered with algae, but has little life in its depths.

Led by J. Craig Venter, Ph.D, who contributed to mapping the human genome, IBEA as a research institution is taking three major research paths. The Maryland based institute is doing research on photosynthesis and hydrogen production to determine if the efficiency and utility of these natural microbial processes can be greatly improved.

IBEA researchers are working on strategies to create a synthetic minimal genome that may speed the development of biology based solutions for some of humankind's most pressing energy and environmental challenges. And IBEA is doing environmental genomics research to discover new microbial capabilities that can be used to address the Energy Department's energy and environmental needs.

The Energy Department's Office of Science has awarded $12 million to IBEA since 2001 for microbial genomics research. IBEA is funded as part of the Energy Department's program known as Genomics: GTL - it includes funding to over 70 research projects in universities, national laboratories and private companies.

A key component of Genomics: GTL is environmental genomics where researchers will characterize at the molecular level the functions of complex microbial communities in their natural environments.

As part of their contribution to the Genomics: GTL program, IBEA scientists determined the genetic sequences of all the microorganisms occurring in a natural microbial community. Microbes are prevalent in the environment - there can be many thousands of different organisms in a teaspoon of soil or water - but the Sargasso Sea was thought to be an environment with a manageable number of microbes.

More information on DOE's genomics programs is available at http://www.doegenomes.org.

Cold Northeast Could See Ice Jam Flooding

“The continued cold weather has increased the potential for river ice jams during the spring thaw. When Arctic air stays in an area for an extended period of time during the winter months and river flows are low, ice builds rapidly on the rivers. When the ice moves and accumulates, there is a high potential for flooding,” explained Dean Gulezian, region director.

Depending on the timing of the spring thaw, snowmelt runoff and rainfall, the ice jam condition can become dangerous, says Gulezian. Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other severe weather related hazard because people underestimate the force and power of water.

Most areas across central and northern New England and the interior mid-Atlantic region are reporting river ice ranging from one to three feet thick. A brief thaw in December created several ice jams in Vermont, upstate New York and interior Maine.

Ice jam flooding is a real concern for many communities. Union County officials used seven half-pound dynamite charges to break ice jams on Green Brook in North Plainfield, New Jersey, during the first week in February. The ice breakup was successful and residents’ homes were spared flood damage.

“Currently, two creeks in the Buffalo, New York, area are frozen in place with elevated water levels due to ice,” said Peter Gabrielsen, chief of the NOAA Eastern Region Hydrologic Service Division. We are concerned about these creeks overflowing their banks during the spring thaw, causing flooding. We expect this overall ice jam flood threat to continue until the rivers are ice free.”

River ice conditions in coastal New England and the mid-Atlantic region are less serious as a result of rain in early February that eroded ice thickness, the weathernmen say. With the normal temperatures forecast in the northeast and mid-Atlantic for early March, current river ice conditions will likely remain unchanged.

Historically in the northeast, the most devastating winter and spring floods have been associated with a combination of heavy rainfall, rapid snow melt and ice jams.

“Our forecasters in impacted areas are on high alert as the spring thaw season begins,” said Gabrielsen. “Daily monitoring of the hydro-meteorological factors that cause flooding allow us to provide the best river forecasts and flood warnings.”

Torrential Rains Flood Hawaiian Beaches with Sewage

No estimate is yet available on the total quantity of sewage spilled. Seven pumper trucks are at the scene to intercept the spillage and minimize the amount of sewage reaching Honolulu Harbor, but thousands of gallons have already contaminated the harbor waters.

City crews and a private contractor are on the job to repair the leak as well as install an interim line to pump the surface spill from a temporary detention basin to the Sand Island plant. The city's environmental services director, Frank Doyle, says it could take up to a week to repair the pipeline, which services nearly half the city.

The State Department of Health has been notified of the incident. Warning signs have been posted from Point Panic to Keehi Lagoon on the south shore, and the affected waters will be tested for contamination, the city says.

The Oahu sewage system is overloaded in many places around the island due to the heavy rains that swept over the Hawaiian chain on Tuesday. World famous Kailua Beach on the island's eastern or windward side is also posted with signs to warn off swimmers due to repeated spills of sewage in various stages of treatment.

Sewage has been a problem for Oahu all this week after the rains. The Kaneohe Preliminary Treatment Facility estimated that 45,000 gallons of raw sewage backed out of a manhole and overflowed the facility grounds, and about 25,000 gallons entered Kawa Stream, which discharges into Kaneohe Bay on Saturday.

New York's Long Island Gets $2.8 Million for Waterfronts

Governor George Pataki announced more than $2.8 million in Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grants for 19 waterfront projects. “Long Island’s waterfront areas are the heart of this region’s rich maritime heritage and we are working closely with local officials and civic and environmental organizations to preserve and enhance these vibrant resources,” the governor said.

Secretary of State Randy Daniels, who oversees the Department of State’s Division of Coastal Resources, said the projects that will have "long term economic, environmental and cultural benefits."

These grants will allow municipalities on Long Island to create trails, promenades and improved boating access, while also reducing pollution and other environmental threats, Daniels said. Among the fishing piers and

For instance, the town of Brookhaven will develop and implement a comprehensive hard clam spawner sanctuary plan for town owned underwater lands in central and eastern Great South Bay. The $150,000 project will involve shellfish surveys, identification of potential spawner sanctuary areas, designation of no take areas, sampling, and a public outreach campaign.

The town of Southampton, together with Cornell Cooperative Extension, will develop a comprehensive eelgrass and bay scallop restoration plan for the South Shore Estuary Reserve bays. The $100,000 project will involve monitoring existing eelgrass beds and scallop populations, a genetic survey of existing beds, modeling of environmental parameters for planting suitability, and implementing pilot plantings and scallop seeding. The project will implement natural resource components of the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Comprehensive Management Plan

One of the smallest grants goes to the town of Hempstead. For $15,000 the town will scan and reference 650 aerial photographs documenting 75 years of change in the Hempstead estuary. The project will produce a computer generated random sample of 100 shoreline points to document changes. The project is designed to help discern the causes of accelerated salt marsh loss, and will implement wetland components of the South Shore Estuary Reserve Management Plan.

Washington Sea Lion Shooting Draws House Arrest, Fine

One day in March 2002, North and his buddy Rodney Watson were sport fishing for salmon on the Columbia River along the Washington State riverbank. North and Watson took turns firing a.22 caliber rifle at sea lions that were foraging for fish nearby in the river.

North succeeded in shooting one of the sea lions in the head, causing the sea lion to thrash about and bleed profusely from the head. The sea lion dove and surfaced several times in this condition, and then disappeared. The shooting was witnessed by several other boats in the area.

On December 11, 2003, North and Watson each pled guilty to a single count of violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act for having shot at and for having killed a sea lion, which is a class A misdemeanor. Both were sentenced on February 27, 2004.

Watson, who shot at but did not strike a sea lion, was sentenced to 75 hours of community service, a $1,500 fine, and two years of supervised probation. The court also prohibited both men from fishing while accompanied by a firearm during the period of probation.

Sea lions inhabit the waters of the Pacific Northwest, and range up and down the west coast. Sea lions can live for up to 20 years and can range in size from 500 to 1,000 pounds. Sea lions commonly forage for salmon in Pacific Northwest waters. All sea lions are protected from harassment and killing by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

The investigation of this case was lead by special agents of the National Marine Fisheries Service. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington, and the Wildlife and Marine Resources Section of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Habitat Conserved for Migratory Birds, Refuges Expanded

The funding will go to states and other partners under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) to meet habitat goals for migratory birds. The Commission’s 500th NAWCA wetland conservation project will conserve over 6,000 acres in Nebraska.

Funding for the program comes from Congressional appropriations, funds collected from fines, penalties, and forfeitures under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, interest accrued to the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, and from excise taxes paid on small engine fuels through the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act.

"Sportsmen and women have contributed a great deal to the development of the National Wildlife Refuge System," said Interior Secretary Gale Norton. "Money raised by the sale of Federal Duck Stamps pays for these land acquisitions. Since the first Duck Stamp sale in 1934, about $675 million has been raised to purchase more than five million acres of wetlands for the refuge system."

The Commission approved more than $289,000 in revenue from the sale of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly called the Duck Stamp, to purchase key tracts of land for the Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System in New Jersey and Louisiana. All acquisitions were previously approved by the states.

In New Jersey, 47.4 acres are being acquired to preserve salt marsh for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, woodcock and neotropical migrants within the boundaries of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge in Cape May County.

In Louisiana, a 6.3 acre acquisition will protect bottomland hardwood forest and swamps for migratory and wintering waterfowl within the boundaries of Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge in Avoyelles Parish.

Another acquisition of 320 acres will provide habitat for migratory waterfowl within the boundaries of Red River National Wildlife Refuge in Red River Parish.

The $15.8 million worth of NAWCA grants will fund 17 projects in the United States to protect or restore more than 270,000 acres of wetlands and associated upland habitats in 13 states - Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, New Jersey, and North Carolina.

Project partners added a total of $75.9 million to the various conservation efforts.

The Commission also approved more than $482,000 for three projects in four Mexican states. Partners added more than $583,000.

"Since many of North America’s waterfowl species are dependent on wintering habitat in Mexico, it is important that we use our NAWCA funds to conserve habitat there as well," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Steve Williams. "For every federal dollar provided though this program nearly $3 more are made available by partners, and that speaks volumes about the success this program has had since it was created."

Since the NAWCA U.S. Standard Grant program began in 1990, more than $340 million in federal funds has been matched with $857 million in partner funds for the long term protection of wetlands and associated uplands needed by waterfowl and other migratory birds in the United States.

In the United States, Mexico and Canada, the program has invested nearly $600 million through NAWCA, and partners have contributed nearly $1.7 billion. The partners have restored and protected approximately 20.6 million acres of wetlands and associated uplands.

"The Commission turns 75 this year," Norton said. "More than 75 years ago, conservationists realized habitat was very important for wildlife. They created the Federal Duck Stamp and this Commission to protect wetlands for migratory waterfowl."