On Sunday BP began deploying underwater sensors on its ruptured underwater oil well that has been gushing in the Gulf of Mexico since April 20th. The spill has already been named the worst in the US history, but BP and government officials are still not sure how much oil has actually been flowing into the Gulf. The sensors were put in place by BP using remote-controlled submarines.

An amendment, being proposed by US Representative Crenshaw (FL) is circulating through Congress, which would prevent EPA from issuing court ordered numeric nutrient standards for the state of Florida, according to an op-ed in today’s Miami Herald.  A copy of a  letter addressed to House Appropriations Chairman David Obey (WI) and signed by numerous state and national groups urging the Committee not to adopt the Crenshaw amendment can be found

Thank you to our friends at the Tri-State Conservation Coalition for bringing these important stories to our attention.

Manufacturing Facilities Release Pharmaceuticals to the Environment
Editors: This scientific paper is published in Environmental Science and Technology. The paper, an accompanying USGS data report, and related information are available online.

Pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities can be a significant source of pharmaceuticals to surface waters, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducted in cooperation with the State of New York.