The Mississippi-based head of the Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf of Mexico Program is keynote speaker for the 32nd annual Mississippi Water Resources Conference in Raymond.
James D. Giattina, whose federal agency office is located at the John C. Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, is among more than 150 participants scheduled to take part in the April 23 and 24 meeting at Hinds Community College's Eagle Ridge Conference Center.
Affecting some 1.8 million square miles, the Gulf of Mexico Program--known to most as GMPO--finds and applies environmental solutions that work successfully in concert with the economic development efforts of Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. Loss of coastal wetlands, endangered commercial and recreational fisheries and shellfish beds, and toxic substances are among major GMPO challenges.
Organized by the Mississippi State University-based Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute, the spring conference traditionally involves government and education professionals, students and interested citizens.
This year's program opens at 8:45 a.m. [on the 23rd] with Giattina's presentation, followed by several others addressing the entire body during the morning. Concurrent sessions on various topics meet during the afternoon and following morning.
Conference participation offers continuing education credit for operators of water supply and wastewater treatment facilities.
In addition to the MSU-based institute, the conference is co-sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey's Mississippi District Office; Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality's offices of Land and Water Resources and of Pollution Control; and Mississippi Water Resources Association.
To obtain information on registration or the schedule of speakers, contact conference coordinator Patricia McCluskey at (662) 325-3620 or pmac@wrri.msstate.edu.
