Protecting our water from destructive chemicals

by Debbie Schlenoff

"Filthy water cannot be washed" - West African proverb

In the spring, animals engage in the most elaborate of courtship rituals, and one may observe male birds vigorously displaying their attributes to females. The bright colors of feathers, the elaborate eyespots on a peacock's tail, the complex songs of birds all act to attract females. It turns out that when a female bird checks out the brilliant plumage of a male, she sees more than "just another pretty face." These traits are an honest indicator of the health and quality of the male. For example, male peacocks with more elaborate feathers are not only preferred by females, they also have a lower parasite load and produce offspring with a higher growth rate and better chance of survival. A female would do well to pay attention to these courtship signals when seeking a healthy mate.

Song complexity is another trait that is tied to higher quality in males, which is why I was distressed to read a study out of England that tied environmental contaminants to song complexity. This particular study was conducted on European starlings, an invasive species here in the U.S. but in decline in its native habitat. The birds in the study had eaten worms near a sewage treatment plant. The worms were contaminated by hormones in the water and estrogen-like compounds used in plastics manufacturing. Since these hormones normally activate the brain's song center, it is not surprising that the exposed birds sang more complex songs; but unfortunately they also suffered from an impaired immune system. "Females are choosing to mate with males who are in poorer physical condition," said Dr. Buchanan, one of the study's authors. The chemicals in the water had uncoupled nature's link between the courtship signal and its function as a health indicator, a link that ensures that the genes of healthy birds are passed on to the next generation.

Regrettably, there is no reason to suspect that these effects are limited to starlings. Several studies have shown adverse effects of endocrine-disruptors (chemicals that interfere with normal hormone function) on wildlife. Problems such as lowered immune responses and impaired reproduction have been reported in birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. In addition, a recent Associated Press investigation found that drinking water supplies throughout the country are contaminated by pharmaceuticals. There is great concern among many people about the effects of these chemicals on human health and fetal development. It is time to pay closer attention to water quality and ways to prevent contamination of water sources.

The problem with herbicides
Roadside spraying has a detrimental effect on area wildlife when animals are impacted by exposure to toxic chemicals. Exposure occurs when herbicide mixtures contact fur, feathers, and skin, through inhaled mist, and through ingestion. Ingestion of herbicides can occur initially when an animal attempts to clean itself after exposure, and chronically, when an animal drinks from a contaminated puddle and eats plants containing herbicide residues. In addition, many birds ingest insects that have accumulated the toxins, thus amplifying the adverse effects on the birds and their young

Herbicide chemicals are associated with skin and eye irritation, respiratory distress, organ malfunction, and reproductive problems. Exposure may drastically reduce bird eggs ability to hatch successfully. The adverse effects of the toxins are further complicated by the reduction of plant diversity in areas adjacent to the chemical application, which limits availability of preferred foods, shelter, and breeding areas for young.

Herbicides do not stay where they are sprayed; they drift or are tracked on to much wider areas. Birds and other wildlife do not avoid application sites as they move through their habitats. Aquatic organisms are exposed to herbicides when water contamination occurs through drift or runoff from spray areas after rainfall. In fish, these chemicals have been shown to disturb behavior patterns important for fish survival and reproduction. In frogs, the toxins cause malformations and hinder the survival and growth of embryos and tadpoles.

WHERE DO THESE CHEMICALS COME FROM?
Endocrine disruptors are found in pesticides such as atrazine, and in detergents and plastics. Many are released from industrial and agricultural processes. Some come from the pharmaceuticals and personal care products we use. Leaching and stormwater run-off cause the chemicals to enter our watersheds, where they impact wildlife and infiltrate our drinking water supplies. Wastewater treatment removes only a small amount of most of these compounds. Although many of these substances show up in low concentrations, nobody really knows the synergistic impact of exposure to multiple chemicals over the long term. Locally, sources at EWEB inform us that they are working to stay on top of this problem by keeping water sources protected and by monitoring potential problem sites. They have recently sent drinking water samples to laboratories to be analyzed for the presence of pharmaceuticals. Ultimately, it is important to monitor the water, reduce the amount of contaminants entering the watershed, and clean up contaminated streams.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

To protect our water supplies, we can also:

• Preserve watershed streamside buffers and wetlands, because these areas naturally clean and filter water passing through them.
• Support efforts to reduce the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers on crops and in forestry.
• Buy organic meat and dairy when possible and support local farmers. Substantial amounts of hormones and antibiotics are used on animals in large agricultural factory farms and feedlots.
• Support efforts to create a statewide pharmaceutical take-back program. A stakeholder group through the Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies is drafting legislation for such a program (see www.oracwa.org).
• Do not flush medication down the toilet. (Tell your friends!). If you have unused medication, remove it from its original container, break it up, and mix it with coffee grounds or kitty litter. (Call Eugene/Springfield's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center at 541-682-4120 for more information.)
• · Pay attention to the ingredients in the personal care products you use. There is some evidence that bisphenol A, an estrogen mimic, leaches from plastic water bottles. Try an aluminum water bottle or other alternative.
• · Voice your support for the passage of the Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007, which addresses water and wetland protection. A broad coalition of environmental groups supports this act. There is a dedicated website on wetland protection at http://audubonaction.org/campaign/cwara2007

FRESH REPORT - Amazon Headwaters acquisition

by Art Farley

FRiends of Eugene-Springfield Habitats (FRESH) is a conservation program of Lane Audubon (Lane County Audubon Society) focused on urban environmental issues. Nearly ten years ago, members of Lane Audubon responded to a call for donations from FRESH to help acquire property in the Amazon Headwaters of southeast Eugene. At the time, FRESH and the City of Eugene were involved in negotiations to purchase a key piece of land that would protect wildlife habitat and water quality in this ecologically sensitive corner of Eugene. Unfortunately, we were unable to close the deal.

FRESH has held onto the donations in the hope of restarting negotiations to acquire the property in question, but purchase of this site seems unlikely in the near future and prices have changed. FRESH is committed to helping Eugene-Springfield realize a publicly-owned, interconnected system of open spaces and wildlife habitat areas. As such, our continuing intent is to use the earlier donations to assist the public in acquiring valuable habitat sites in the metropolitan area. Given that we have been unable to purchase the previously designated property, any donors that would like their donations refunded are asked to contact Art Farley at 683-1186. Otherwise, Lane Audubon and FRESH will put the donations to work helping to acquire or restore key natural habitats in the Amazon Headwaters or elsewhere in the Eugene-Springfield area.

Sign up for e-mail action alerts

Approximately once per month, we issue e-mail alerts with opportunities to participate in meaningful advocacy efforts. We try to include links that enable members to contact legislators about timely conservation issues.

To be added to the list, please contact Debbie at dschlenoff (at) msn.com with your name and e-mail address.

To see a list of public officials you can contact, please click on the following: Links to Public Officials

Ed. note: Many thanks to Pat Bitner for all her hard work as the Conservation lead.