WESTERVILLE, OH, May 24, 2002 -- Protecting and utilizing groundwater resources at times of crisis is the focus of the National Groundwater Association (NGWA) conference in Washington, D.C., July 10-12, 2002.
The conference is co-sponsored by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and others.
"As a leader in education and research about groundwater issues, NGWA is offering this conference to alert water professionals to take proactive steps in defending and protecting the nation's water supply," says Robert W. Masters, an NGWA hydrologist. "Events such as earthquakes and animal pathogen contamination, as well as manmade disasters such as bioterrorism and nuclear storage leaks, can be mitigated through planning for water security and sustainability," he adds.
Masters is among speakers at the conference for water agencies, scientists and engineers, as well as groundwater contractors, manufacturers and suppliers. "Assessing the Threats and Vulnerabilities of Weapons of Mass Destruction to Drinking Water Sources," will be presented by Dr. Kevin Tonat, Public Health Service, retired. Dr. Arnold Shiffman, Shiffman Associates, will discuss "Vulnerability of Distribution Systems and Early Warning Methods," and Dr. Donald A. Wilhite, director, National Drought Mitigation Center, will discuss drought management techniques. Masters will present, "Anthrax and Other Animal Pathogens That Have Potential for Bioterrorists." Results of a FEMA/NGWA study on disinfecting wells after flooding also will be presented.
"Groundwater has often been called a 'hidden resource,' as it is sometimes overlooked as a solution to water quality and water security challenges in the U.S.," says Kevin McCray, executive director, NGWA. "NGWA's mission is to provide members, government and the public with the scientific knowledge and economic guidance necessary to responsibly develop, protect and manage the world's groundwater resources."
In addition to FEMA, co-sponsors of the conference on water security include the US EPA Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, American Water Resources Association, Association of State Floodplain Managers, Center for Earthquake Research and Information and the National Drought Mitigation Center.
For more information or media registration for the conference visit http://www.ngwa.org/presscenter/idx-presscenter.html, or contact Julie Shaw at the number listed at the top of this advisory. NGWA members include more than 16,000 groundwater professionals from 70 nations. Founded in 1948, NGWA is a nonprofit leader in education, research, publishing, expositions and information dissemination.
