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MEDIA ADVISORY: EPA to announce why the public can feel better about swimming at Wisconsin beaches

Release Date: 05/28/2008
Contact Information:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 08-OPA096


CHICAGO (MAY 27, 2008) - In time for the start of Great Lakes beach season, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water Benjamin Grumbles will be in Racine on Friday, May 30, to announce why the public can feel better about going to the beach this year. As a result of an EPA grant to Wisconsin and a new method to identify sources of contamination at Great Lakes beaches, the beaches will be better monitored and the public can feel more confident about the safety of swimming at Wisconsin beaches. The new method was successfully piloted at Racine and other Great Lakes beaches and is now being made available to help protect beaches nationwide.

WHAT: Announcement of EPA grant to Wisconsin and new method to protect public health at beaches.

WHEN: Friday, May 30 at 11 a.m.

WHERE: North Beach Oasis, 100 Kewaunee St., Racine. In case of rain, event will be held at Racine Yacht Club, 1 Barker St.

WHO: Mayor Gary Becker, Chairman, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative; EPA Assistant Administrator Benjamin Grumbles; EPA Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matthew Frank; and David Ullrich, Executive Director, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative.

Directions: From I-94, exit Highway 20 (Washington Ave.) east to downtown Racine. At Racine City Hall, veer slight right onto 7th Street (will still be Highway 20.) Turn left (north) on Main Street (Highway. 32), cross the bridge over the Root River. Turn right (east) on Barker Street to the park entrance. Turn left (north) at the entrance and follow the drive to the North Beach Oasis (pink/purple building.) To get to the Yacht Club, pass park entrance and continue straight to the end of Barker Street Parking is available directly behind the North Beach Oasis, at the children's play area and also at the Yacht Club.