Four Decades
California Currents | Winter 2011
Inside
getting to the source of plastics and trash in our waterways
Clean Water Action wanted to know where all the plastics and trash in the world’s oceans and inland waterways, such as the San Francisco Bay, are coming from. Research has long held that 80% of ocean debris is generated from land-based sources. It enters waterways through the storm drain system or gets blown into waterways from open garbage dumps and trash containers. But where is all that trash originating? There research just wasn’t there.Nitrate Contamination
In summer 2009 Clean Water Fund collaborated with three other organizations to launch a community-based research process with the goal of documenting the economic, social, and potential health impacts of nitrate contamination of drinking water in the San Joaquin Valley. The project leverages the combined strength of technically rigorous research, grassroots leadership by affected communities, and seasoned policy analysis and advocacy. The new understanding generated by the research isbeing applied in community education and organizing, policy development, and advocacy to achieve safe and affordable water for all residents of the San Joaquin Valley. Read the Report here
San Francisco Bay Fish Analyzed for Methylmercury, PCB, and DDT Contamination
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has published a recently updated advisory on fish consumption in the San Francisco Bay.Their report contains recommendations on which fish are suitable for human consumption and in what quantities. Toxins that end up in the bay also end up in fish through the food they eat. It is important to limit human consumption of fish due to these toxic substances.
Download the full release (pdf)