Speakers
Holly Laviolette
Holly Laviolette is a graduate of Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. She received her master’s in public health with a focus in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences. She interned with the Water Collaborative for the first phase of the Cancer Alley Water Quality Testing Project and was hired full time after completing her master’s program. As the research coordinator, Holly helps with all background research pertaining to all projects at the Water Collaborative and is assisting with the stormwater fee campaign for the City of New Orleans. She is the lead for the community hub for the lead service line abatement program in the City of New Orleans, regularly communicating with other community organizations, national organizations, community members, and Sewerage and Water Board. Holly also assists in all background research pertaining to policies and public health effects of drinking water pollutants.
Presentation Description
Evidence of “Forever Chemicals” Found in the Industrial Corridor: Louisiana Water Systems at RiskIn the summer of 2022, the Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans tested the Mississippi River for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of over 9,000 unregulated manmade chemicals that bioaccumulate and will affect generations to come. The Mississippi River is the main source of drinking water for hundreds of thousands of southeastern Louisiana residents. Join us to learn what we found, why it affects us, and how we can move forward to ensure everyone has access to clean, safe water.