Events to Watch for in March
By Michaela Burns
Interested in what’s happening at EPA this month? Here are a few public meetings and webinars you can attend!
Children’s Centers Webinar Series: Child Care
Wednesday, March 9th at 1:00 PM ET
Set your calendar for Wednesday, March 9th! The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and EPA are co-hosting their monthly Children’s Centers Webinar Series. The following experts will speak on environmental health in child 
care facilities: Dr. Asa Bradman of University of California, Berkeley; Dr. Dana Dolinoy from University of Michigan; and Dr. Vickie Leonard from University of California, San Francisco. After hearing from them, stick around for the discussion portion of the event moderated by Nse Witherspoon of Children’s Environmental Health Network. Register now!
Webinar on Water Pollution Sensor Priorities: Arsenic
Wednesday, March 9th at 2:00 PM ET
Want to help develop more cost-effective and accurate technology for monitoring arsenic in water? Then register now to participate in the Water Pollution Sensor Priorities: Arsenic webinar. EPA, in collaboration with the Association of Clean Water Administrators and the Water Environment Federation, is working to accelerate the development of affordable and accurate technology to detect arsenic in water. At this webinar we will share input received from organizations and hear from a broader group of users, including you! Register here.
Webinar on Water Pollution Sensor Priorities: Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins
Wednesday, March 16th at 2:00 PM ET
Most species of algae are not harmful, but sometimes certain types of algae bloom in excessive amounts and cause severe harm to human health, aquatic ecosystems, as well as local economies. These harmful algal blooms (HABs) are often composed of microorganisms known as cyanobacteria. There are methods for measuring cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in laboratory settings, but more sensor-based methods are currently needed. During this webinar we will share input received for the next generation these sensors. Register to hear from the experts and join the discussion here.
Webinar on The Growing Public Health Impact of Wildfire Smoke Emissions
Wednesday, March 16th at 3:00 PM ET
The 2015 wildfire season was one of t
he worst on record. You may have seen wildfires in the news blazing across the western United States and questioned their effect on public health. An upcoming Tools and Resources webinar will focus on EPA’s research on wildfire smoke emissions and its impact on human health. Attendees will learn about the Wildfire Smoke Guide for Public Health Officials and upcoming efforts to revise the guide in time for the 2016 wildfire season. Register here.
Dial-in: 1-866-299-3188 access code 2025646669
Drinking Water Treatment Devices: Point of Use and Point of Entry
Tuesday, March 29th at 2:00-3:00 PM ET
Every month, EPA hosts Small Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems webinars to share current small systems research and communicate directly with state personnel and other drinking water and wastewater small systems professionals. This month’s webinar highlights two different treatment devices: point of use (designed to treat a small amount of water in your home from a kitchen or bathroom faucet) and point of entry (designed to treat the whole house). EPA environmental engineer Craig Patterson will present recent case studies highlighting household water treatment systems like kitchen sink membranes and carbon filters. Cynthia Klevens, a chemical engineer with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, will discuss case studies that demonstrate the advantages of using these water treatment systems to achieve water system compliance in New Hampshire. Register now.
National Priorities: Water Scarcity and Drought Kick-off Meeting
Wednesday, March 30th at 9:30 AM ET
Be there when grantees take the stage at the National Priorities: Water Scarcity and Drought Kick-Off Meeting. These grants aim to support the development of innovative strategies to protect water quality during periods of drought. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear grant winners present their research proposals as well as engage an expert panel on the impact of environmental hazards (like droughts and wildfires) on water quality. Attendance is free and open to the public. Hurry, spaces are limited! Register here to attend in person or online.
About the Author: Michaela Burns is a student contractor and writer working with the science communication team in EPA’s Office of Research and Development.
Events to Watch for in March
Source: EPA Water Science news