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Palos Verdes Shelf Fish Contamination Education Collaborative
Congratulations on the Achievements of the Palos Verdes Shelf Fish Contamination Education CollaborativeIn recognition of their efforts to address fish contamination issues, the U.S. EPA has honored the Palos Verdes Shelf Fish Contamination Education Collaborative Community Outreach Team with the agency’s 2009 Citizen Excellence in Community Involvement Award.
The award was presented to Ms.Yolanda Lasmarias, Dr. Howard Wang, Ms. Hee Joo Yoon, Heal the Bay, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, St. Anselm’s Cross Cultural Community Center in Garden Grove, and Boat People SOS – Orange County. "The EPA commends the Palos Verdes Shelf Fish Contamination Education Collaborative for its commitment and dedication to communities at great risk – especially non-English speaking communities - affected by the Palos Verdes Shelf Superfund site located off the coast of Los Angeles," said Breen. "The EPA’s Citizen Excellence in Community Involvement Award recognizes individuals and the community groups working collaboratively with the Agency to address environmental issues." Since 2003, the Fish Contamination Education Collaborative (FCEC) has been working to protect the most vulnerable populations in Southern California from the health risks of consuming DDT- and PCB-contaminated fish off the Palos Verdes Shelf Superfund site, one of the largest contaminated sediment sites in the nation. The FCEC, as a part of USEPA’s Institutional Controls (ICs) program, works in conjunction with monitoring programs and enforcement efforts to address human health risks posed by fish contamination. Through outreach to affected communities, anglers and businesses, FCEC provides education on the dangers of consuming contaminated fish, as well as recommended portioning and preparation guidelines. You can download many of their educational materials and curriculum from their website. See the links below. DDT and PCDs on the Palos Verdes Shelf in SoCalAt the Palos Verdes Shelf, large deposits of DDT and PCBs sit in the sediments deep underwater. The chemicals came from area industries, including a large DDT manufacturing facility which closed in 1982. The Palos Verdes Shelf Fish Contamination Education Collaborative identified "at risk" communities, including local fishermen, and the Vietnamese and Chinese communities and educated them on the dangers of consuming contaminated fish, as well as ways to protect their health. The outreach focuses on not only getting the word out but also evaluating how people are using the information to protect their health.The Palos Verdes Shelf Fish Contamination Education Collaborative also developed the Community Resource Council to provide recommendations and created the www.pvsfish.org website to engage the community and host a wealth of outreach and educational materials. Soon to be available, take one of FCEC’s online training courses to increase your knowledge and expertise on fish contamination off the Los Angeles and Orange County coasts. USEPA is further protecting public health through related programs that supplement FCEC’s pubic outreach and education.
DDTs and PCBs dumped in the ocean decades ago at White Point, near Los Angeles continue to contaminate natural resources in the Southern California Bight. The Montrose Settlements Restoration Program is taking action to restore those resources. Bald Eagle restoration on Channel Islands. Proposed plan for interim remedy will be released in June 2009 with a public comment period. For more information, please visit: www.pvsfish.org Helpful links: at pvsfish.org
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