6/5 briefing to report on emerging technologies for minimizing Lake Michigan discharges

The Purdue University Calumet Water Institute will host its second community briefing, Thursday, June 5, to report on the progress of a project to explore emerging technologies and approaches to minimizing discharges into Lake Michigan.

The briefing will be held at 2 p.m. at Purdue Calumet’s Academic Learning Center (ALC) in south Lake County along the Merrillville/Crown Point border.

Scientific researchers from the Purdue Calumet Water Institute and Argonne National Laboratory have been collaborating since early last fall on the project. The intent has been to identify and analyze various emerging technologies and other long-term sustainable practices that might minimize pollutant discharges from wastewater into Lake Michigan.

The project was initiated at the request of U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-Ind.) and U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-Ill.). Triggering the request was a commitment by energy company BP to study ways for reducing ammonia and total suspended solid discharges from its pending $3.8 billion Whiting refinery modernization. Subsequently, BP provided a grant to the Purdue Calumet Water Institute to collaborate with Argonne on the project.

At the briefing, project researchers will present an overview of their work to date and answer questions. It is anticipated that project findings will help policymakers better understand and address environmental concerns and provide insight to other Great Lakes industries planning expansion/development projects.

Due to limited seating, individuals who desire to attend should pre-register by May 30 by e-mailing research@calumet.purdue.edu, or by phoning 219/989-2925 or 800/HI-PURDUE, ext. 2925.

Purdue Calumet’s Academic Learning Center is located less than one mile west of Interstate 65, some two miles south of U.S. Highway 30, just east of Broadway Avenue. Travel directions are available at the Purdue Calumet Water Institute web site: http://www.calumet.purdue.edu/pwi.

Comprehensive information about the Emerging Technologies project is available at:  www.calumet.purdue.edu/pwi/emergtech/.

News Release Date: May 20, 2008