Update: Panel warns about arsenic in water WASHINGTON (AP) - High levels of arsenic are being allowed in drinking water, despite findings that the government-sanctioned standards pose an unacceptable risk of cancer, an advisory panel to the federal government has concluded. The study by a committee of the National Academy of Sciences was embraced by environmentalists and water quality experts as a clarion call for the Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen its regulations on allowable arsenic levels in tap water. The report, made public Tuesday, concluded that the EPA's standard of a maximum 50 micrograms of arsenic per liter of water "does not sufficiently protect public health" and should be lowered "as promptly as possible." See full story <http://www.infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2558924169-6e6> Calif. otter-fishermen battle rages LOS ANGELES (AP) - A relocation plan aimed at protecting the threatened southern sea otter and helping shell fisherman has failed, according to a draft report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Amid concern that hungry sea otters would harm the $100 million-a-year shellfish industry, 140 animals were moved to a sanctuary at San Nicolas Island south of Ventura nine years ago. The agency also maintained an "otter-free" zone for fishermen, meaning that animals spotted there were captured and returned to the island. A 50-pound sea otter gobbles up more than 100 pounds of sea urchins, lobster and crabs each week; fishermen saw the animals swallowing potential profits. But only about 15 sea otters were left on the island in December, according to the draft report sent to experts Monday. [Note: Linked story incomplete.] See full story <http://www.infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2558919561-2fe>
