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<p class="MsoNormal"><img width="624" height="146" style="width:6.5in;height:1.5208in" id="Picture_x0020_4" src="cid:image001.png@01D9F835.C92153E0"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">CONTACTS:</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Evan LaCross, DEM: 401-799-0100 Friday, Oct. 6, 2023<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="mailto:Michael.Healey@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Evan.LaCross@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Joseph Wendelken, RIDOH: 401-222-3998<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="mailto:Joseph.Wendelken@health.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Joseph.Wendelken@health.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">RI MOSQUITO REPORT: STATE ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL EEE AND WNV POSITIVE SAMPLES; URGES RHODE ISLANDERS TO USE PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS
TO REDUCE RISK<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
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RI – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) are announcing that one mosquito sample collected Sept. 28 from a trap in Exeter tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus and that one mosquito
sample from Barrington tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), collected on Sept. 26. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">RIDOH State Health Laboratories confirmed these findings after testing
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">166 mosquito samples collected from 52 traps set statewide by DEM on Sept. 21, Sept. 26, Sept. 27, and Sept. 28. All other samples tested negative for WNV and EEE
virus. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">Earlier this week, RIDOH
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://www.ri.gov/press/view/46516"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;letter-spacing:.1pt">announced Rhode Island’s first human case of WNV in
2023</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">, a resident of Newport County in their 70s who developed symptoms in late August and is recovering. To date, Rhode Island reports seven positive
EEE virus<span style="color:red"> </span>mosquito samples: five in Glocester and one each in Exeter and on Block Island, one EEE case in a mammal (</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/press-releases/mosquito-report-state-announces-first-case-eee-mammal-2023"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;letter-spacing:.1pt">a
donkey in Glocester that was announced Sept. 7</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">), and 14 WNV findings: six in Westerly, three in Barrington, and one each in Central Falls, Cranston,
Johnston, Richmond, and Tiverton. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!JBO0tpCIYtq4TrIWClaWaI01GnJ2K0H0HTRTCPvWhvOR3pMFUWk_eE8JxxF3GFDc1FdGQqsM5T-BMLvZD-4BbLuJIwh_y366ruPg$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;letter-spacing:.1pt">The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts reports</span> [mass.gov]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt"> 26 EEE virus<span style="color:red">
</span>findings in mosquitoes, 162 WNV findings, and three human cases of WNV. It is notable that EEE virus has now been detected in several towns in Bristol County, Massachusetts, which border Rhode Island’s East Bay communities.<b> </b></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://portal.ct.gov/CAES/Mosquito-Testing/Introductory/State-of-Connecticut-Mosquito-Trapping-and-Arbovirus-Testing-Program__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!JBO0tpCIYtq4TrIWClaWaI01GnJ2K0H0HTRTCPvWhvOR3pMFUWk_eE8JxxF3GFDc1FdGQqsM5T-BMLvZD-4BbLuJIwh_y8VHld5B$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;letter-spacing:.1pt">The
State of Connecticut</span> [portal.ct.gov]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;letter-spacing:.1pt">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">is reporting 65 EEE virus<span style="color:red">
</span>findings, one EEE case in a mammal (</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://portal.ct.gov/DOAG/Press-Room/Press-Releases/2023/October/Connecticut-Horse-Confirmed-Positive-for-Eastern-Equine-Encephalitis-Virus__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!JBO0tpCIYtq4TrIWClaWaI01GnJ2K0H0HTRTCPvWhvOR3pMFUWk_eE8JxxF3GFDc1FdGQqsM5T-BMLvZD-4BbLuJIwh_y8ljwJ9L$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;letter-spacing:.1pt">a
horse from New London County</span> [portal.ct.gov]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">), one
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://portal.ct.gov/DOAG/Press-Room/Press-Releases/2023/September/Connecticut-Confirms-First-Case-of-Eastern-Equine-Encephalitis-for-2023-in-Emu__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!JBO0tpCIYtq4TrIWClaWaI01GnJ2K0H0HTRTCPvWhvOR3pMFUWk_eE8JxxF3GFDc1FdGQqsM5T-BMLvZD-4BbLuJIwh_y9CcwKD8$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;letter-spacing:.1pt">EEE
case in an emu from Windham County</span> [portal.ct.gov]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">, 186 WNV findings, and two human WNV cases.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">The significant EEE virus activity on the borders of Massachusetts and Connecticut indicates a higher risk in Rhode Island. Last month, DEM announced that it has
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/press-releases/dem-announces-temporary-closure-recreational-areas-glocester-due-elevated-mosquito"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:blue;letter-spacing:.1pt">t</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;letter-spacing:.1pt">emporarily
closed state-owned recreational areas in Glocester</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">, including the George Washington State Campground, Durfee Hill and George Washington Management Areas,
and Pulaski State Park until further notice to protect the health and safety of visitors and staff. After discussions with state health officials, the Boy Scouts of America chose to close its camps in Glocester and Block Island for the remainder of the season.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">With the state’s EEE virus and WNV risk levels considered high, DEM and RIDOH are urging
Rhode Islanders to continue protecting themselves and their loved ones from mosquito bites until the first hard frost of autumn. A hard frost, which is meteorologically defined as three straight hours below 32 degrees, kills adult mosquitoes. Its timing varies
widely across Rhode Island. It often occurs in northern communities such as Burrillville in early October and in southern, ocean-facing communities later. Humans can only contract these diseases through a bite from an infected mosquito. RIDOH and DEM are issuing
a heightened public health warning that it is a particularly active mosquito season and that both EEE virus and WNV are likely present in mosquitoes statewide.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">Although extremely rare in humans, EEE is very serious and has a much higher human mortality
rate than WNV. Approximately 30% of people with EEE die and many survivors have ongoing neurological problems. Unlike WNV, which is prevalent in Rhode Island every year, EEE virus risk is variable, changing from year to year.
<a name="_Hlk144395251">For more information on EEE and ways to prevent it, please visit
</a></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk144395251"></span><a href="http://www.health.ri.gov/eee"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk144395251"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;letter-spacing:.1pt">www.health.ri.gov/eee</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk144395251"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk144395251"></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">.
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States and is much more prevalent than EEE virus. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts
in the summer and continues through fall. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About
one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. For more information about WNV, please visit
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.health.ri.gov/wnv"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.health.ri.gov/wnv</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">The two state agencies, which along with experts from the University of Rhode Island, form the Mosquito-Borne Disease Advisory Group, are recommending
that schools and communities consider “s</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">mart scheduling” — namely, that games, practices, and other outdoor activities scheduled to occur during early morning or dusk hours be rescheduled
to earlier in the afternoon or relocated to an indoor venue. The “smart scheduling” of events is intended to help minimize the risk of mosquito bites for players, coaches, and spectators. The agencies also recommend that officials consider keeping smart scheduling
measures in effect for the remainder of the mosquito season</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">(which may end variably per above).<span style="letter-spacing:.1pt"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">EEE virus and WNV are typically present in wild bird populations. Birds are reservoirs of the diseases and mosquitoes transmit these viruses among
birds. During an active mosquito season, the viruses are amplified in the environment with each generation of mosquitoes. At a certain point, a number of mosquito species that bite both birds and mammals serve as a bridge
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">between infected birds and uninfected mammals. Most of the bridge species are within the <i>Aedes, Coquillettidia,</i> and <i>Culex</i> genera.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Along with smart scheduling, there are other measures that Rhode Islanders should take to protect themselves from mosquito bites, and to help minimize mosquito breeding.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Protect yourself!</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Put screens on windows and doors. Fix screens that are loose or have holes.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">At sunrise and sundown (when mosquitoes that carry EEE virus are most active), consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during
evening or early morning. If you must be outside, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and use bug spray.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Use EPA-approved bug spray with one of the following active ingredients:
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/DEETgen.pdf__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!JBO0tpCIYtq4TrIWClaWaI01GnJ2K0H0HTRTCPvWhvOR3pMFUWk_eE8JxxF3GFDc1FdGQqsM5T-BMLvZD-4BbLuJIwh_y7yXoUuV$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEET</span> [npic.orst.edu]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
(20-30% strength)<u>, </u>picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus or paramenthane. Always read the label and follow all directions and precautions.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Do not use bug spray with DEET on infants under two months of age. Check the product label to find the concentration of DEET in a product.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET when used on children. Children should be careful not to rub their eyes after bug spray has been applied on their skin. Wash children’s’ hands with soap and
water to remove any bug spray when they return indoors.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Put mosquito netting over playpens and baby carriages.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Remove mosquito breeding grounds!</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Remove items around your house and yard that collect water. Just one cup of water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes; an unused tire
containing water can produce thousands of mosquitoes.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Clean your gutters and downspouts so that they can drain properly.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Remove any water from unused swimming pools, wading pools, boats, planters, trash and recycling bins, tires, and anything else that collects
water, and cover them.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Remove or treat any shallow water that can accumulate on top of a pool cover. Larvicide treatments, such as
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://summitchemical.com/products/mosquito-dunks/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!JBO0tpCIYtq4TrIWClaWaI01GnJ2K0H0HTRTCPvWhvOR3pMFUWk_eE8JxxF3GFDc1FdGQqsM5T-BMLvZD-4BbLuJIwh_y9JvQxp4$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Mosquito Dunks</span> [summitchemical.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
can be applied to kill immature mosquitoes. This environmentally friendly product is available at many hardware and garden stores and online.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Clean and change water in birdbaths at least once a week.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Best practices for horse owners!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Horses are particularly susceptible to WNV and EEE virus. Horse owners are advised to vaccinate their animals early in the season and practice the following:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo9"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Remove or cover areas where standing water can collect.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo9"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Avoid putting animals outside at dawn, dusk, or during the night when mosquitoes are most active.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo9"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Insect-proof facilities where possible and use approved repellents frequently.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo9"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Monitor animals for symptoms of fever and/or neurological signs (such as stumbling, moodiness, loss of appetite) and report all suspicious
cases to a veterinarian immediately. If you are unsure if your horse is properly vaccinated, you should consult with your veterinarian.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Visit
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://health.ri.gov/disease/carriers/mosquitoes/"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">health.ri.gov/mosquito</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
for additional mosquito prevention tips, videos, and local data. Mosquitoes are trapped weekly by DEM and
<span style="color:black">tested at the RIDOH State Health Laboratories. DEM issues advisories on test results
</span>from June through September, with additional reports as necessary. <span style="color:black">
Typically, positive test results trigger additional trapping to assess risk. </span>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">.
Follow </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!JBO0tpCIYtq4TrIWClaWaI01GnJ2K0H0HTRTCPvWhvOR3pMFUWk_eE8JxxF3GFDc1FdGQqsM5T-BMLvZD-4BbLuJIwh_yxSjPe2Z$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEM on Facebook</span> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">,
Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:27.45pt;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:10.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:-.5pt">
<b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">###<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><br>
Evan LaCross, MPA</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Programming Services Officer, Public Affairs<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#004678;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">235 Promenade Street, Providence RI 02908</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">401-799-0100 (c)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="mailto:evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:gray;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
</span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">(E);
</span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
(W)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0096D2;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Follow DEM on
</span></i><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM/?fref=ts__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!JBO0tpCIYtq4TrIWClaWaI01GnJ2K0H0HTRTCPvWhvOR3pMFUWk_eE8JxxF3GFDc1FdGQqsM5T-BMLvZD-4BbLuJIwh_yw5ZgA63$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#004678">Facebook</span></i> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">,<i><span style="color:#0096D2">
</span><span style="color:#00B0F0">on</span> </i></span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.instagram.com/rhodeisland.dem/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!JBO0tpCIYtq4TrIWClaWaI01GnJ2K0H0HTRTCPvWhvOR3pMFUWk_eE8JxxF3GFDc1FdGQqsM5T-BMLvZD-4BbLuJIwh_y89-twbx$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002060">Instagram</span></i> [instagram.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002060;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">,</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
<span style="color:#00B0F0">and</span> <i><span style="color:#0096D2">on </span></i></span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://twitter.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!JBO0tpCIYtq4TrIWClaWaI01GnJ2K0H0HTRTCPvWhvOR3pMFUWk_eE8JxxF3GFDc1FdGQqsM5T-BMLvZD-4BbLuJIwh_y60iA6wp$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#004678">Twitter</span></i> [twitter.com]</a></span><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0096D2;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">.</span></i><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;line-height:105%"><img border="0" width="152" height="76" style="width:1.5833in;height:.7916in" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image006.jpg@01D9F832.8BC4BD00" alt="Logo
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