Sherri “Sam” Mason

A discussion on freshwater plastic pollution will be held at Jamestown Community College March 21.

The event will feature one of the foremost experts in the field, Dr. Sherri “Sam” Mason. It takes place at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 21 at the Sheldon Center. It’s free and open to the public.

As part of her visit, Mason will share her presentation again at 6:30 p.m. the same day at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown.

Mason is the director of sustainability at Penn State Behrend in Erie. She completed her doctorate in Chemistry at the University of Montana as a NASA Earth System Science scholar. During her time as a professor at SUNY Fredonia, Mason’s research group was among the first to study the impact of plastic pollution within freshwater ecosystems.

Mason’s work formed the basis for the Microbeads-Free Water Act, which was signed into law in 2015 by former President Barack Obama and laid the groundwork for similar legislation to be passed internationally.

In recent years, Mason has been awarded the EPA Environmental Champion, Excellence in Environmental Research by the Earth Month Network, Heinz Award in Public Policy, and Great Lakes Leadership Award from the Great Lakes Protection Fund. She has been featured in hundreds of articles in publications such as the BBC, The Guardian, New York Times, and National Public Radio’s All Things Considered.

For more information, visit sunyjcc.edu/events.

Dr. Mason earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her doctorate in Chemistry at the University of Montana as a NASA Earth System Science scholar. While a Professor of Chemistry at SUNY Fredonia, her research group was among the first to study the prevalence and impact of microplastic pollution within freshwater ecosystems.

She has recently moved into a new role as Sustainability Coordinator at Penn State Behrend in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Pre-registration is required to attend the zoom event and can be done at conewangocreek.org. Attendance is limited to 100.

Fredonia State professor and researcher Dr. Sherri Mason speaking to the County Legislature in September 2015, prior to its vote on a local law banning the sale of products containing microbeads.

FREDONIA – The Heinz Family Foundation named SUNY Fredonia professor Sherri Mason the recipient of the 23rd Heinz Award in the Public Policy category.

Mason is recognized for her research identifying the presence of microbeads and microfibers in fresh water, and for raising awareness of the potential impact of microplastics and associated contaminants on the food chain and human health, resulting in state, federal and international policy change.

As part of the accolade, Mason will receive an unrestricted cash award of $250,000.

Fredonia State professor and researcher Dr. Sherri Mason speaking to the Chautauqua County Legislature in 2015, prior to its vote on a local law banning the sale of products containing microbeads.

FREDONIA – A Fredonia State science professor is once again receiving national and international attention for research she’s done on the impact plastic has on the environment.

Dr. Sherri Mason, a professor of chemistry and chair of the Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences at the State University of New York at Fredonia, has led research that has found microscopic particles of plastic (microplastics) in nearly all major brands of bottled water.

The global study of 250 bottles from nine countries found that there were typically 10 plastic particles per liter of bottled water. Each particle is larger than the width of a human hair.

Mason was recently interviewed by a production crew from the BBC, where the study was first reported.

Mason’s past microplastics research also gained attention both locally and nationally, leading to banning the sale of microbead healthcare products in Chautauqua County.

Area residents interested in learning more about Dr. Mason and her research can attend a presentation next week on March 28 in Jamestown entitled “Water Politics: Saving the Great Lakes, the Largest Fresh Water Ecosystem on the Planet.” The free event is part of the GreenUp Jamestown initiative and will take place at 7 p.m. at St. Luke’s Church.

Dr. Mason will also be a guest on this week’s episode of Community Matters, airing on Thursday, March 22 at 5pm on WRFA.

Dr. Sherri Mason of SUNY Fredonia addresses the Chautauqua County Legislature, calling for its support of Great Lake Funding, during the legislator’s March 2017 meeting.

MAYVILLE – Several residents were on hand at the Chautauqua County Legislature meeting Wednesday night to speak out against a cut in President Donald Trump’s proposed federal budget and its impact on the health and preservation of the Great Lakes. In addition, others also showed up to voice their opposition to a proposed motion in support of the Collins Amendment in the proposed American Health Care Act – which would remove the local cost of Medicaid from county governments.

The comments were the result of two motions the legisalture was scheduled to act on later in the meeting.

• MOTION 1: Support of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
• MOTION 2: Support of Chris Collins Amendment

CONCERN OVER GREAT LAKES FUNDING CUTS

Last week, President Trump released his proposed federal budget, which increases military spending while at the same time slashing or eliminating dozens of domestic programs and initiatives.

Trump proposes cutting the Environmental Protection Agency budget by 31 percent, from $8.3 billion in fiscal year 2017 to $5.7 billion in fiscal year 2018. As part of those EPA cuts, the Trump budget eliminates the $300 million in annual funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which finances environmental projects all over the region.

Among those who voiced concern for the possible Great Lakes funding cuts was Dr. Sherri Mason of SUNY Fredonia, who’s research on the impact of plastic microbeads on the great lakes ecosystem resulted in a local ban in Chautauqua County, and has received national attention.

“We are respectfully asking the legislature to pass a motion opposing the budget cuts, because of the impact that they will most definitely have on the Great Lakes,” Mason said. “Many of us remember that not too long ago, back in the 60s and 70s, when the rivers of the Great Lakes would regularly catch on fire, when the algal blooms were so bad, and when the Great Lakes were basically considered dead. Because of the things like the EPA, the Sea Grant agencies, the Clean Water Act, and various environmental initiatives that have taken place within the past 30 years that the Great Lakes have come back to this current state.”

COLLINS AMENDMENT RECEIVES PUBLIC CRITICISM

Former Chautauqua County Mental Health Commissioner Ralph Walton speaks during the legislature’s March 2017 meeting.

The legislature also considered a motion that would show support for the Collins Amendment, which is part of the American Health Care Act being considered by Congress and is named for its sponsor, Rep. Chris Collins (R-Clarence, NY 23). Collins amendment calls for the local cost of Medicaid to be eliminated, shifting it to the state level. While its an amendment to a federal bill, it would only impact counties in upstate New York and Long Island. According to state officials, the cost of such a shift would be $2.3 billion in lost Medicaid payments from local governments, if and when it takes effect in 2020, assuming of course the legislation passes both houses of Congress in its current form.

Speaking out against the Collins Amendment, both Bemus Point Resident Phyllis Caloren and Chautauqua resident John Brysacz explained to lawmakers that eliminating the local cost of Medicaid would have an adverse impact on local hospitals and nursing homes, as well as thousands of residents within the county. In addition, former Chautauqua County Mental Health Commissioner Ralph Walton also spoke to the legislature, explaining the negative impact the GOP-sponsored healthcare plan would have on drug addiction and other mental health services currently offered in the region.

Later in the meeting, the legislature unanimously approved the two motions of support.

Legislator George Borrello (R-Irving) offered comment prior to each vote, explaining that the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has not only provided environmental benefits, but also infrastructure, commerce, and industrial benefits as well. He also explained the support for the Collins Amendment, saying New York State has the largest Medicaid spending of any state in the nation, and the amendment will go a long way in changing policy in Albany, in order to bring down that spending and making it more similar to what the rest of the nation is spending.

Dr. Sherri “Sam” Mason (left) and Rachel Carson

JAMESTOWN – St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and the James Prendergast Library, coordinators of the Greenup Jamestown initiative, will present Dr. Sherri “Sam” Mason, Professor of Chemistry, and Chair, Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences at Fredonia State University of New York, on Wednesday, March 8, 7 p.m. in the library’s Community Room.

• RELATED: Listen to our GreenUp Jamestown Interview

Mason’s slide lecture, “Silent Springs Eternal: A Perspective on the Life and Legacy of Rachel Carson,” will reveal Carson’s lifetime achievements as a writer, naturalist, scientist, US Fish and Wildlife Service editor-in-chief, and author. Her book, “Silent Spring” merges Carson’s poetic and scientific writing as a means to change public policy to heal Earth. “Silent Spring” has been recognized as one of the most significant nature books of all time.

A noted environmentalist herself, Dr. Mason is helping to transform public policy to heal the Great Lakes ecosystem—the largest fresh water source on the planet.

“Micro-plastics can affect fish, birds, and other wildlife if ingested, causing internal blockage, dehydration, and death in these species,” said Dr. Mason.

Fredonia State professor and researcher Dr. Sherri Mason speaking to the County Legislature in September 2015, prior to its vote on a local law banning the sale of products containing microbeads.

Dr. Mason’s team’s research spearheaded new legislation in Erie, Chautauqua County, and New York State, and contributed to Congress’s Microbead-Free Waters Act. Visit TEDx “Beads of Destruction” to hear Mason’s story.

Dr. Mason’s talk also kicks off the Prendergast Library’s county-wide Eco Read, featuring Rachel Carson’s first book, “Under the Sea-Wind (first subtitled “A Naturalist’s Picture of Ocean Life”).

The presentation provides an opportunity for grandparents, parents, and children to understand how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) play a crucial role in understanding the nature of Nature. Critical thinking and imagining, and scientific methods are essential tools for separating truth and reality from logical fallacies and fishy facts. High school and middle school students interested in biology and environmental studies are especially welcomed and encouraged to attend this presentation and to participate in the EcoRead.

Wednesday’s event is free and open to the public. The first 50 attendees will receive a free copy of The first 50 folks to show up to the lecture get a free copy of  “Under the Sea Wind” thanks to a generous grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. 

About GreenUp Jamestown: Greenup Jamestown is a collaborative partnership of several local organizations that is intended to unite community members who support conservation and sustainability, and who advocate clean renewable energies, economies, and jobs. The group has worked to organize a series of excellent programs to optimize teaching and learning experiences and encourage citizens to make green pledges at home, school, and work. The talks, workshops, and interactive events will be held throughout the spring at a variety of locations, culminating with an “Art Happening Event” hosted by St. Luke’s and the Jamestown Concert Association and featuring the Percussion Group of Cincinnati, on Earth Day, April 22, 2017.

For more information about Greenup Jamestown, including a list of upcoming events, visit https://www.greenupjamestown.com/ or call St. Luke’s at 716-483-6405.

Jen Maguder, Conservationist with the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, collects a water sample from near the beach at Long Point State Park on Chautauqua Lake in Bemus Point, New York. Ms. Maguder and Randall Perry (not pictured), Project Manager with the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance, also collected a sample from the lake’s South Basin in Celoron as part of an international study on microplastics in inland lakes

MAYVILLE – Chautauqua Lake is participating in an international study to look at the impact that plastics have on the environment.

Plastics in the environment are typically broken down into ever-smaller pieces, rather than into their component molecules, by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light through a process known as photodegradation. Microplastics are plastic pieces generally smaller than 5 mm that often originate from cosmetic sources such as exfoliating face wash or toothpaste but also from synthetic clothing or improperly discarded plastic products.

Whenever microplastic-containing personal-care products are used, thousands of microplastic particles travel down the drain, through water treatment systems, and out to our local waterways. From there they can have a negative impact on a wide variety of species, from fish to birds and land animals that rely on the fish to survive.

Fredonia State professor and researcher Dr. Sherri Mason speaking to the County Legislature in September 2015, prior to its vote on a local law banning the sale of products containing microbeads.

Much of the existing science on aquatic plastic pollution has focused on our oceans, but that is now evolving to include studies of freshwater ecosystems as well. In fact, Fredonia State professor Dr. Sherri Mason is on the forefront of freshwater studies focused on the Great Lakes. During her studies, Dr. Mason found alarmingly high numbers of microplastics in the Great Lakes whereby plastics were found in the gastrointestinal tracts of every fish species that was sampled.

Another SUNY Fredonia professor – Dr. Courtney Wigdahl-Perry – was recently contacted by international colleagues about conducting microplastics sampling on Chautauqua Lake, one of only a handful of North American sites to be included in a larger European study of microplastics in inland lakes.

Staff from the Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance (Alliance) and the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy (CWC), in coordination with Dr. Wigdahl-Perry, collected samples from both lake basins earlier  this week.

“It is very exciting to be included in this international study which will serve to create baseline knowledge of microplastic levels in Chautauqua Lake,” said Erin Brickley, Executive Director of the Alliance. “Chautauqua County was one of the leading municipalities that banned sales of cosmetic products containing microbeads which officially went into effect February 2016 so the timing of this study coincides nicely.”

For more information regarding the microplastic sampling, please contact Erin Brickley at (716) 661-8918.

Fredonia State professor and researcher Dr. Sherri Mason speaking to the County Legislature prior to its vote on a local law banning microbeads in September 2015.

FREDONIA – A local professor who spearheaded the effort to ban the sale of products containing microbeads is one of six New Yorkers being recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Monday announced SUNY Fredonia professor Dr. Sherri Mason has been awarded the EPA’s annual Environmental Champion Awards.

Dr. Mason is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at SUNY Fredonia and has done extensive research on the high levels of microplastics in Lake Erie and the Great Lakes. In 2015 her research led to Chautauqua County banning the sale of products that contain microbeads.

• LISTEN TO DR. MASON’S PRESENTATION TO LEGISLATURE IN AUGUST 2015

The EPA’s Environmental Champions Award recognizes achievements of individuals, non-profit organizations, businesses, government agencies and print & broadcast media. Winners will be presented with their awards on May 13th at a ceremony in New York City.

Fredonia State professor and researcher Dr. Shari Mason speaking to the County Legislature prior to its vote on a local law banning microbeads. She also brought along several commonly used products sold in Chautauqua County that contain microbeads.

MAYVILLE – By a vote of 18-0, the Chautauqua County Legislature has unanimously approved a plan to ban the sale of personal care products containing plastic microbeads.

The law is similar to one also recently enacted in Erie County and will go into effect in February, 2016.

Microbeads are small – some times microscopic – plastic particles found in personal care products such as soaps and exfoliates. When used in a home, they enter the wastewater systems and eventually find their way into regional waterways, including Lake Erie – which has shown to have one of the highest concentrations of microbeads anywhere in North America.

Legislator George Borrello (R-Irving) was the sponsor of the ban, saying it is needed to help deal with a growing concern on Lake Erie and other waterways.

“Tonight we truly have an opportunity to make a difference and to have an immediate and significant impact on our environment, on public health, and also on the local businesses that rely on our lakes and waterways,” Borrello said prior to the vote. “The waters off of Western New York are ground zero for the highest concentration of micro-plastic pollution. So passing this law, like that in Erie County, we are taking actions to reverse this trend as soon as possible.”

County Legislator George Borrello (R-Irving) – the sponsor of a local law banning microbead products – addresses the legislature prior to the vote on Sept. 23, 2015.

In August, Fredonia State professor Dr. Sherri Mason gave a presentation to the committee about the damaging effects that microbeads have had on the ecosystem. Following the vote, she was obviously pleased to learn the ban will likely go into effect.

“I’m extremely pleased,” Dr. Mason Said. “I’m proud that the county that I live in chose to take this seriously, and chose to listen to the science, as opposed to the lobby.”

Earlier in the meeting, a representative from the Personal Care Products Council had addressed the local law, requesting the county instead work toward persuading lawmakers in Albany to pass a statewide ban, rather than local ban.

County executive Vince Horrigan says he will likely hold a public hearing on the proposed ban prior to signing it, just in case there are any local residents or businesses opposed to it and who wish to speak out.