EPA Boosts Water Policing as Worst Fears Realized

Fifth-generation farmer Kenny Watkins ran afoul of the U.S. clean-water police in 2009. His infraction: Planting hay in a pasture.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ordered Watkins to stop cultivating a 160-acre (65-hectare) tract in central California because he might destroy seasonal ponds and harm the San Joaquin River. Watkins has defied the decision and the federal government’s control over what he can grow on his farm. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-26/epa-boosts-water-policing-as-farmers-say-worst-fears-realized.html

Deadly foreign diseases threaten Britain's trees

Tighter controls are to be imposed on plant imports to halt an invasion of diseases that put Britain's trees in peril. At least eight major new foreign threats have been identified, with important species including oak, beech and larch in danger.

With forestry worth £7.2bn a year to the British economy, ministers fear a severe outbreak could wipe millions from the industry at a time when the Treasury wants to rebalance the economy.

Next month Caroline Spelman, the Environment Secretary, will unveil a strategy to keep the invaders at bay. She is studying import controls to prevent new strains from entering the UK, and examining extra biosecurity measures. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/deadly-foreign-diseases-threaten-britains-trees-2364353.html

Studies: Gulf oil affecting La. fish

Amy Wold

Advocate staff writer

0 Comments

Recent research shows that oil is negatively affecting fish genetics and raising concerns about future fish populations in Louisiana waters.

In a paper published in proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Fernando Galvez and Andrew Whitehead, who are researchers and assistant professors of biological sciences at LSU, show how oil is affecting fish on a cellular level. http://theadvocate.com/home/982969-79/studies-gulf-oil-affecting-la.