Editorial: Scientist’s alarming charge

Wednesday, April 26, 2006 | 7:19 a.m.

A biologist who teaches at the University of Florida says he gave up on a publicly funded study of Lake Mead's water quality because his findings after nearly seven years of research were deemed by superiors to be "too sensitive."

Federal officials in charge of the study, however, deny the scientist's charge, saying that they want to make the study public but only after there has been time to evaluate additional research.

The scientist and researcher, Timothy Gross, began studying the lake for the U.S. Geological Survey after Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., secured $250,000 in federal funding for the project in 1998. In 2004 the Interior Department augmented that funding with $2.5 million.

In a story published Sunday, Gross told Las Vegas Sun reporter Launce Rake that he resigned as head of the project in January 2005 out of frustration that his work had not been published.

"They don't like the conclusions," Gross said, referring to the Geological Survey. "We've been told specifically the issues are too sensitive, that it would inhibit economic development in the area."

Gross is making a serious charge: that a scientific study of the Las Vegas Valley's main source of drinking water, paid for with taxpayer dollars, is being covered up to protect commercial interests.

Data generated by his study show reproductive problems developing in carp, large-mouth bass and razorback suckers that live in the lake. The changes in the fish, Gross says, are likely the result of their exposure to chemicals near the Las Vegas Wash, which carries runoff into the lake. Treated sewage is also released into the wash.

Gross told Rake that it is unclear if those same chemicals pose a threat to people who use the lake's water. Local water officials deny there is a problem with drinking water, as it is drawn from deep intake valves far from the wash.

With conflicting reports - the Geological Survey, for example, says Gross did not resign but was fired - it is impossible at this time to know for sure what is truly going on with this study. But we do know that nearly $3 million of taxpayer money and almost seven years have gone into it. For that commitment of time and money, the taxpayers have a right to know the truth.

We suggest a congressional hearing, such as one convened in Las Vegas three years ago when employees at Yucca Mountain raised alarms about the quality of work there. Gross and Geological Survey officials should each be compelled to give public testimony about this important issue bearing on public health.