waterloop

Anne Schechinger is Senior Economics Analyst at the Environmental Working Group.

In this episode Anne discusses new research from EWG that shows nitrate contamination of drinking water increasing across 10 states. She explains that nitrate is a health risk for infants and is tied to increased risk of several types of cancer. Anne says nitrate is a primary component of fertilizers and manure that can run off farm fields and into groundwater and waterways, and that drinking water standards for nitrate should be lowered.

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Tim Wheeler is Associate Editor and Senior Writer for the Bay Journal.

In this episode Tim discusses the current health of the Chesapeake Bay and the status of key indicators of nutrients, underwater grasses, and blue crabs. He talks about progress toward meeting the “pollution diet” for the Chesapeake by 2025 and the politics among the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and states of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Tim also explains the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on restoration activities and Bay industries.

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Julia Stein is Project Director of the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law.

In this episode Julia discusses the scope of single-use plastic production and pollution, why recycling isn’t an adequate solution, and the importance of source control. She explains the various laws found at the local level on plastic, including successful approaches and economic benefits. Julia also says federal action is needed on single-use plastics and that there is an impactful bill currently in Congress.

This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com

Chad Nelsen is the CEO of the Surfrider Foundation.

In this episode Chad discusses how the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically impacted beach access and surfing, and how the Surfrider Foundation assembled an expert task force to provide recommendations on public access. He explains that this is also a challenging time for the organization’s federal policy goals as it mostly plays defense against the Trump administration’s environmental attacks. Chad talks about the role of citizens in water quality monitoring, building Ocean Friendly Gardens, nutrient pollution at Florida beaches, and activism by the hard-core surfers of the Great Lakes.

This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com

Ramiro Diaz is Senior Project Designer with Waggonner & Ball, an architecture and environment firm based in New Orleans.

In this episode Ramiro explains the firm’s Living With Water approach to design that revolves around water sustainability, climate resilience, and community livability. He discusses projects including the Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan, Mirabeau Water Garden, and Dutch Dialogues. Ramiro also talks about the process of collaborating with a variety of stakeholders to shape design and create environmental, social, and economic benefits.

John Deignan is Lead Free DC Program Manager at DC Water.

In this episode John says there are more than 20,000 lead drinking water lines on private property in Washington, DC and the utility’s new program provides funding for replacement and requires disclosure of lead by landlords and property sellers. He discusses the financial and logistical challenges of replacing lead lines and how DC Water built an online searchable map using historical records. John also explains that lead lines for drinking water are an environmental justice issue and that a report by American University and the Environmental Defense Fund found that programs relying on customers to pay to have their lead pipe fully replaced put low-income and African American households at greater risk of lead exposure.

Rob Puentes is the President and CEO of the Eno Center for Transportation.

In this episode Rob discusses various intersections of water and transportation, including the challenges and opportunities with both types of infrastructure simultaneously in need of massive investment to modernize and expand. He talks about the impact that paved surfaces such as highways and roads have on stormwater pollution and the resulting trend to utilize more green infrastructure in transportation projects. Rob also explains that coastal cities are having to adapt transportation infrastructure in the face of climate change impacts such as sea level rise and the benefits to quality of life in cities that remove highways that block public access to waterfronts.

This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com