EPA awards $97,000 to study microplastic pollution in Lake Tahoe

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Aug. 25 that it has awarded $97,000 in grants for projects to address microplastic pollution in Lake Tahoe. The projects include a study led by the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) to gather more data on the movement and types of plastics in Lake Tahoe as well as a public education-focused source reduction pilot project led by the Incline Village General Improvement District, in partnership with the Tahoe Water Suppliers Association and others. Both projects are managed by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) with the aim of reducing sources of plastic pollution.

“Lake Tahoe is an important natural resource for communities in California and Nevada,” EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud says. “EPA is pleased to support forward-looking projects which can reduce harmful microplastics in waters, thus protecting human health and the environment.”

“The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, together with our partners, looks forward to carrying out these novel projects to address the emerging issue of microplastics in Lake Tahoe,” Greg Lovato, administrator of NDEP, says. “A better understanding of microplastic sources, impacts and controls is critical to keeping Lake Tahoe clean and ensuring it remains a healthy and vibrant ecosystem. Efforts like this shine as a prime example of the benefits of collaboration in conservation.”

Microplastics are small plastic debris that can escape into the environment. They have been detected in drinking water in multiple locations worldwide and can be ingested by wildlife. Unlike plastic waste in the ocean, microplastics do not enter Lake Tahoe through wastewater or from commercial shipping operations. Rather, improperly disposed of litter found on Lake Tahoe’s beaches is believed to be the lake’s primary source of plastic pollution.