News Releases from Region 02

EPA Announces Microplastics and Citizen Science Workshop

Detecting Microplastics in Waterways with Citizen Science Workshop; Tuesday, October 11 2016 at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry School, Syracuse, New York

(New York, N.Y. – October 6, 2016) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry are co-sponsoring a Microplastics/Citizen Science workshop in Syracuse, New York on October 11, 2016 at SUNY ESF’s Gateway Center. At the “Detecting Microplastics in Waterways with Citizen Science” workshop, EPA experts and others will present research and information on sampling and analysis methods. The workshop will also include a discussion on how organizations involved with citizen science can assist in filling in research gaps. Workshop participants will be introduced to microplastics sampling techniques, and will then perform actual sampling to obtain tangible experience.

“Citizen science is an important, growing field that can provide invaluable environmental monitoring data on pollution problems, including plastic pollution in our waterways,” said Judith A. Enck, EPA Regional Administrator. "Residents are the eyes and ears of their communities. By supporting citizen scientists, the EPA is expanding its own scientific knowledge and building partnerships with communities that are working to reduce pollution.”

Aquatic plastic pollution, including microplastics, is an environmental concern increasing in magnitude each year. It is estimated that over eight million metric tons of plastic pollution enter the world’s oceans annually. By 2025, that amount is expected to more than double.

To RSVP, visit:

https://eventbrite.com/e/us-epa-microplasticscitizen-science-workshop-tickets-26947189770

Event Details:

Detecting Microplastics in Waterways with Citizen Science

Time:

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location:

The Gateway Center

The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

1 Forestry Drive

Syracuse, New York 13210

Featured Speaker:

Judith Enck, EPA Region 2 Regional Administrator

Scheduled Panelists:

Abby Barrows, Adventure Scientists

Dr. Sherri Mason, The State University of New York at Fredonia

Margaret Murphy, AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow

Dr. Nick Anastas, U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development

For more information on the EPA’s trash-free waters program, visit: /trash-free-waters

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and Facebook at http://facebook.com/eparegion2.

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