April 18, 2007

The Department of Environmental Quality and the Saginaw Bay Science Committee will be hosting a presentation of a draft report by the Saginaw Bay Science Committee on the potential human health implications of shoreline algae found along the Saginaw Bay coastline. The meeting will take place on May 2, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Bay City.

Dr. Joan Rose from the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University, and Christine Alexander from Department of Environmental Quality will provide an overview of the draft report of the Science Committee. The report addresses issues such as the potential for pathogens present in the algae at concentrations that may present significant risk to the public health; advice to the public regarding contact with the algae; possible sources of pathogens present; and sampling methods and standards for protection of the public health.

The meeting will provide the opportunity to hear and ask questions regarding the findings of the Science Committee and the report. Representatives of the Bay County and Huron County Health Departments will also be available to answer questions.

Details of the Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative and additional information are available online at http://www.michigan.gov/deq under "Issues to Watch."

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised April 18, 2007 by Pat Watson