EPA Research Vessel 'Lake Guardian' Makes Rare Stop at Chicago's Navy Pier; Media-Only Invitation

10/6/2003

From: Karen Thompson, 312-353-8547, or Mick Hans, 312-353-5050, both of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5

News Advisory:

MEDIA-ONLY INVITATION

Come aboard EPA's research vessel Lake Guardian to learn about current EPA studies of Lake Michigan. On-water demonstrations of testing methods, weather permitting. Updates on:

-- The disappearance of diporeia, an important source of food for Great Lakes fish;

-- Monitoring for organic chemicals such as dioxin, mercury and pesticides -- and for the first time measuring new contaminants used in stain-repellant coatings for textiles; paper and packaging coatings; fire-fighting foams; herbicides and pesticides; and

-- Michigan Mass Balance Study, the largest of its kind in the world. This nine-year research project measures the amount of pollution entering Lake Michigan against the pollution that leaves and what remains in the Lake.

When:

Thursday, Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The ship will be out on the lake for about an hour. Dress warmly and wear flat shoes.

Where:

The Lake Guardian will be conveniently docked on the south side of Navy Pier against the west wall.

Who:

Great Lakes National Program Manager and Region 5 Administrator Thomas V. Skinner and scientists from EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office will be available for interviews.

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NOTE TO TV ASSIGNMENT EDITORS: If you can't spare a crew for the entire on-lake monitoring tour, come early or at 2 p.m. to get footage or do a stand-up on deck. How about a weather forecast from the Lake Guardian research ship?