On January 1, 2010, hundreds of thousands of people probably reached for an ibuprofen as a solution to the headache caused by the previous evening’s revelry. What scientists are finding, however, is that the medicine we take for granted may end up harming the environment.
Scientists have found the residue of over 100 different kinds of drugs and other products in many of the nation’s rivers and coastal waters, raising concerns about potential impacts to humans and aquatic species.
In this edition of Coastal Services, we look at pharmaceuticals in the environment and how coastal resource managers are already beginning to address this emerging issue, by conducting research in Ohio and sponsoring events like those in New York where the public can return unused medicines for safe disposal.
Until science can prove that the low levels of pharmaceuticals being found in the environment are safe, it is prudent for coastal managers to take action to keep medications out of the environment in the first place.
Also in this edition, we look at how Hawaii is increasing its resilience to hurricane-force winds by adopting building design standards that are specific to Hawaii’s wind hazard. This is particularly important in the face of climate change, which has the potential for increasing the severity of coastal storms.
Other articles focus on a new Web atlas showcasing examples of innovative low impact development projects from across the country that was developed by the National Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) Network, and the way managers in Michigan proactively developed a geographic information system-based decision-support tool for offshore resources, which was perfectly timed to help inform the governor’s council looking at siting offshore wind energy.
As 2010 gets underway, the issues facing the nation’s coastal managers are daunting. But the articles in this—and every edition—of Coastal Services clearly demonstrate the creativity, determination, and talent of those who are on the front lines of these coastal issues.
I wish you all a very happy and productive New Year.
Margaret A. Davidson
-- Margaret A. Davidson
