Davis To Lead Hearing on Egg-Bearing Male Bass in Potomac

October 02, 2006

What: Ova-Pollution in the Potomac: Egg-Bearing Male Bass and Implications for Human and Ecological Health

When: Wednesday, October 4, 2006 1 p.m.

Where: ROOM 2154, RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING


A recent series in The Washington Post revealed that some male smallmouth bass in the Potomac River are bearing eggs. The Committee on Government Reform will hold a hearing to examine this phenomenon, its possible effects on humans and what steps government at all levels can take to protect humans and the ecology.

Scientists suspect heightened levels of some chemical compounds have caused this "intersex" phenomenon. Heightened estrogen levels, possibly from urban sewerage or from agricultural waste, are considered a possibility. But, despite more than a decade of research, none can say for sure which compounds cause what damage. For now, only male smallmouth bass seem to be affected in the Potomac, and Washington's drinking water appears safe. But studies continue on both questions.

As research continues, the Committee will look at what is known about the manmade chemicals that may be causing endocrine disruption in fish, the level of threat to humans and the environment and what the various government agencies and utilities are doing to safeguard humans and the environment.


WITNESSES

PANEL I

The Hon. Benjamin Grumbles,
Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water
Environmental Protection Agency

The Hon. Mark Myers
Director
U.S. Geological Survey

Dr. Sue Haseltine
Associate Director of Biology
U.S. Geological Survey

Dr. Gregory Masson
Chief, Branch of Environmental Contaminants
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

PANEL II

Andrew D. Brunhart
General Manager
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission

Joseph Hoffman
Executive Director
Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin

Thomas Jacobus
General Manager
Washington Aqueduct

Ed Merrifield
Director
Potomac Riverkeepers

Charles Murray
General Manager
Fairfax Water

Erik Olson
Attorney
Natural Resources Defense Council