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Innovative Workshops on Wetlands and Dredging Issues

Release Date: 3/14/2002
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith 215-814-5543

Contact:  Bonnie Smith 215-814-5543
PHILADELPHIA - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will co-sponsor two meetings on wetland vegetation and national dredging issues from March 18 through
March 22 in Atlantic City, NJ.

The non-profit organization, National Wetlands Regulatory Workgroup and EPA will
co-sponsor the conference to educate academic institutions, private industry, consulting firms, and environmental and regulatory organizations.

“These meetings will foster partnerships and increase dialogue on ways to best protect our important water and wetlands resources,” said Donald S. Welsh, EPA mid-Atlantic regional administrator.

The first half of the week is devoted to the Marine and Estuarine Shallow Water Conference featuring discussions on shallow water zones with an emphasis on dredging issues from the New York/New Jersey Harbor to Norfolk, Va.

On March 19, Congressman Robert Borski of Pennsylvania will address the audience on “Keeping Our Ports Competitive: A Congressional Perspective.”

Later in the week, during the hydrophytic vegetation workshop, participants will discuss proposed changes to the list of wetland plant indicators. Hydrophytic vegetation is a term given to any plant species which may be present in a wetland. Proposed changes in the list of plants in this category have caused a great deal of debate lately, raising concerns that a change in status for some species will result in drastic changes to wetlands nationally.

Wetlands, found in every state in the nation, are a critical and productive natural resource, helping to improve water quality, reduce flood and storm damage, and providing important fish and wildlife habitat.

Workshop sessions at both conferences are open to the public. Registration will be held from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day of each event. Contact Ralph Spagnolo, at the 215-814-2718 or visit www.thereillygroup.net,. for information on registration and conference fees.