ILA joins forces with US environmental Protection Agency to protect aquatic life

On 11 January the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it had entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with eight metals associations in order to leverage the scientific expertise and resources of scientists inside and outside of the agency to better protect aquatic life. The International Lead Association is one of the named eight Associations.

 This innovative arrangement between Industry and the EPA will ensure that the new science on the importance of water chemistry on the toxicity of metals to aquatic species is better reflected in U.S water quality assessments and will enhance the protection of aquatic organisms (further information can be found on the EPA site Aquatic Life Criteria and Methods for Toxics). “The CRADA signed by the eight metal Associations is a significant step as it ensures that innovative risk assessment tools like the Biotic Ligand Model, developed through resources provided by ILA members,  will be adopted by the U.S Regulatory community for future Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria. 

The use of the best available science is a win-win for Industry and the environment” said Jasim Chowdhury, ILA’s Senior Science Manager. 

Click here for more information on recent developments in the science behind understanding the risks of lead in the aquatic environment.