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TODAY: Top EPA Scientist to Discuss Data from Second Round of Dispersant Testing

Release Date: 08/02/2010
Contact Information: EPA Press Office, press@epa.gov, 202-564-6794

WASHINGTON – Dr. Paul Anastas, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s assistant administrator for research and development, will hold a press conference call TODAY, Aug. 2 at 1:30 p.m. EST to discuss the data from EPA’s second round of independent dispersant testing.

On May 22, EPA directed BP to analyze potential alternative dispersants for toxicity and effectiveness. BP reported to EPA that they were unable to find a dispersant that is less toxic than Corexit 9500, the product currently in use. Following that, EPA began its own scientific research into eight dispersant products on the National Contingency Plan Product Schedule (NCP-PS).

EPA released the first round of data on June 30. That testing found that none of the eight dispersants tested, including the product in use in the gulf, displayed biologically significant endocrine disrupting activity. In addition, toxicity tests of the dispersant product alone – not mixed with oil – showed that while all eight dispersants showed roughly the same effects, JD-2000 and Corexit 9500 proved to be the least toxic to small fish and JD-2000 and SAF-RON GOLD were the least toxic to the mysid shrimp.

The data discussed on today’s call looks at the acute toxicity of multiple concentrations of Louisiana Sweet Crude Oil alone and combinations of Louisiana Sweet Crude Oil with each of the eight dispersants

Due to limited lines, this call is for credentialed members of the media only. Reporters wishing to join should dial (888) 539-8821 at 1:20p.m.EST and provide the conference ID, which is 92083884. The conference call name is “EPA’s Dispersant Testing.” International callers should dial (706) 758-2093 and provide the same conference ID.

WHO: Dr. Paul Anastas, EPA assistant administrator for research and development

WHAT: Press conference call to discuss results from EPA’s second round of dispersant research

WHEN: Monday, August 2 at 1:30 p.m. EST

WHERE: Reporters wishing to join should dial (888) 539-8821 at 1:20p.m. and provide the conference ID, which is 92083884. The conference call name is “EPA’s Dispersant Testing.” International callers should dial (706) 758-2093 and provide the same conference ID.