JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- Attorney General Chris Koster announced today a two-day symposium to explore the total range of water-quality issues confronting the Lake of the Ozarks today and over the next 20 years.  The Symposium will explore scientific, technical and regulatory challenges and solutions to ensure the protection of one of Missouri’s most valuable natural resources.  The Attorney General’s Symposium will be held August 17 and 18 at Tan-Tar-A Resort, and will be open to the public.  Governor Jay Nixon will open the Symposium with an address at 9:30 a.m. on August 17.

“The past two years have focused attention on discreet issues, such as e-coli contamination, at the Lake of the Ozarks.  However, the long-term health of the Lake is dependent on our ability to address a significant number of critical issues beyond those currently being discussed,” Koster said.  “This Symposium is intended to bring together the best minds in our state in order to ensure the Lake of the Ozarks is protected and respected for generations to come.” 

The Attorney General’s Symposium, “Protecting Water Quality at Lake of the Ozarks:  An Environmental Road Map for the Future,” will feature experts on issues critical to the Lake of the Ozarks, including current water quality; pollution sources; risks of water-borne illnesses; water-quality regulation; and local and regional solutions for water-quality protection both in the short and long term.  The Symposium is designed to spur action, will include a discussion of how to fund improvements, and will result in a white paper to be released prior to the session of the Missouri General Assembly. 

The agenda for the Symposium is being finalized and will be available on the Attorney General’s website at ago.mo.gov.