Toxics / Public News Service

There is no safe level of lead in a person's blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Scientists note even low lead levels have been shown to affect IQ, the ability to pay attention and academic achievement. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Thursday, October 10, 2024

New EPA lead rule leaves ME schools with clean water homework

Clean water advocates in Maine are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on lead pipe removals but warned drinking water in school…

More than 80% of the 62,557 taps tested from 1,738 schools and child care centers across Massachusetts since 2016 have tested positive for lead, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Thursday, October 10, 2024

EPA omits schools from new lead rule but federal funds could help

Clean water advocates in Massachusetts are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on lead pipe removals but warned drinking water i…

A study by Women for a Healthy Environment found more than 90% of Pennsylvania school districts that tested for lead in their drinking water reported contamination. (Rafael Ben-Ari/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Study: PA schools fail to protect kids from lead in drinking water

Concerning levels of lead have been detected in the drinking water at some Pennsylvania schools, according to a new report. The investigation …

Water purification in Orange County's Groundwater Replenishment System involves three steps: microfiltration, reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

CA facilities could turn sewage into tap water, but public acceptance lags

By Matt Vasilogambros and Kevin Hardy for Stateline.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Jour…

$A fracking waste impoundment pond site. Research shows radioactive waste from fracking can spread to groundwater. (FracTracker/Flicker)$

WV lawmakers consider new rules on radioactive waste

West Virginia lawmakers are pushing legislation forward to pave the way for state management of the transport, storage and disposal of potentially …

According to the International Energy Agency, methane emissions from fossil fuels must drop by 75% by 2030 to meet climate goals set in Paris. (Adobe Stock)

High-tech tools can bust careless oil and gas drillers

By Jennifer Oldham for Sierra.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public New…

Wildfire seasons are projected to get longer in coming years in Colorado and across the Mountain West. (Adobe Stock)

Spikes in emergency visits during CO bad air days cost $1.14 billion in 2019

Colorado lawmakers are digging into the health and economic impacts of the state's poor air quality from wildfire smoke and ozone pollution created by…

The Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association said more than two-thirds of Wisconsinites rely on groundwater for drinking water. If private or community wells become contaminated, there are different levels of state rules on contamination levels for state financial assistance. (Adobe Stock)

With nitrates lurking, WI program helps with well replacement

Running your kitchen faucet and suspecting the water is contaminated can be a scary thought. A number of Wisconsinites are familiar with this…

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says up to 500 species of native bees live in the state and contribute to the existence of plant species and agricultural crop production. (Adobe Stock)

IL bee population stunted by pesticides

One of nature's hardest workers is facing extinction from repeated exposure to a dangerous pesticide. Scientists conducting CT scans reveal …

Just one-third of Latinos live within walking distance of a park, compared to half of all white Americans who can easily access green spaces. (Adobe Stock)

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates, preserves Colorado's great outdoors

Communities in Colorado and across the U.S. are making time to connect with nature during Hispanic Heritage Month. Hilda Berganza, climate manager …

A Hispanic Access Foundation poll showed Latinos are extremely concerned about pollution in the Mississippi River and view the presence of microplastics, trash, chemical waste and PFAS, or

Latino voters in AR call on Congress to clean up Mississippi River

Some Latinos in Arkansas were among 400 residents across 10 states polled about the health of the Mississippi River. Both registered Republicans and …

Analysts project the public health and climate benefits of new EPA clean air rules will exceed compliance costs by trillions of dollars through 2050. (Adobe Stock)

Report: EPA clean air benefits include 200,000 lives saved

New air pollution standards issued by the Environmental Protection Agency over the past four years should bring $250 billion in economic benefits each…

The California Department of Conservation is holding a public meeting online on Sept. 24, to update the public on its progress in plugging abandoned oil wells. (Alizada Studios/Adobe Stock)<br />

Environmental advocates call on Newsom to sign 'make polluters pay' bills

Groups concerned about pollution and climate change are asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a trio of bills dubbed the "make polluters pay" package…

Inflation Reduction Act funding is helping leading electric cooperatives, which serve one in five rural Americans, to accelerate the adoption of affordable and reliable clean energy, lowering costs for their members. (Adobe Stock)

Tri-State to lower customer energy costs by $400 million over 20 years

Colorado's second-largest electricity provider, the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, projects new federal clean energy funding will …

In 2019, Formosa Plastics settled a $50 million lawsuit after a plant in Texas dumped billions of plastic pellets into Lavaca Bay. (Adobe Stock)

Plastics production highlighted during Pollution Prevention Week

This is Pollution Prevention Week and advocates are renewing their call on one plastics manufacturer to clean up its act. An August demonstration at …

A proposed industrial complex in St. James Parish would be one of the largest plastic complexes of its kind. (Adobe Stock)

Plastics firm's expansion cited during Pollution Prevention Week

This is Pollution Prevention Week and advocates are renewing their call for one plastics manufacturer to clean up its act. An August demonstration …

One year of nuclear weapons spending could fund an estimated one-third of the costs for climate change adaptation in developing countries, and solarize more than 16.5 million homes. (Hamara/Adobe Stock)

TN group echoes global call: No money for nuclear weapons

A Knoxville-based environmental group is raising awareness about increasing U.S. nuclear weapons spending and supporting this week's global effort to …

Iowa has provided more than $3.3 billion to communities to help finance water quality improvement projects over the years, according to the Iowa Environmental Council. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa seeks to remove dangerous lead water pipes

Iowa is getting federal help to eliminate lead water pipes in the state. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is working with local water …

Colorado residents and out-of-state visitors spent an estimated $10.8 billion on outdoor recreation within Colorado's river basins in 2019. About a quarter of this came from participants in water sports such as rafting. (Adobe Stock)

Polis taps nation’s strongest water-quality protections for 15 CO rivers

Nearly a year after the U.S. Supreme Court left key watersheds unprotected by the Clean Water Act, the Polis administration has designated new …

Despite pledges from semiconductor companies in the 1990s to phase out dangerous chemicals, miscarriage and cancer rates remain high among the global workforce. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CHIPS Act opportunity to set standard for good Colorado jobs

As the Biden-Harris Administration prepares to invest up to $175 billion in tax money into semiconductor manufacturing under the CHIPS Act, a new …

Colorado is investing in key infrastructure to power and maintain electric vehicles, including connecting new solar canopies to the electric grid, and adding more charging stations. (Adobe Stock)

Clean buses coming to Colorado transit systems

The Colorado Department of Transportation is investing nearly $32 million to help local governments and other stakeholders transition to electric vehi…

Seventy U.S. Supreme Court decisions and 17,000 lower court decisions have relied on Chevron, a 1984 case that set precedent and that the Supreme Court overruled in June. (Michele Ursi/Adobe Stock)

U.S. Supreme Court decision could shape animal farm regulations

By Marlena Williams for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …

A mega-dairy concentrated animal feeding operations can produce as much waste as a city without the benefit of an advanced sewage treatment system. (ArtemZakharov/Adobe Stock)

NM group seeks moratorium on new factory farms

By Lena Beck for Modern Farmer.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for New Mexico News Connection reporting for the Modern Farmer-Public News Service Colla…

Human health risks of exposure to PFAS include growth effects on infants and children, obstacles to a person's ability to become pregnant, effects on the immune system and increased risk of certain cancers, according to the South Dakota Department of Agricultural and Natural Resources. (Adobe Stock)

Report urges 'more stringent' look at health risks of pesticides

A new report warned about adverse health, wildlife and environmental impacts of toxic chemicals known as PFAS in states such as South Dakota…

In a statewide sampling effort, TDEC sampled 29 PFAS compounds in untreated water that supplies public drinking water systems. (goodluz/Adobe)

Report: Land application of toxic sludge making TN waters contaminated

The latest research reveals high levels of PFAS chemicals have been detected in Tennessee's soil and water, leading to demands for a statewide ban on …

Health effects from exposure toxic algae include skin rashes, headaches, vomiting, pneumonia and more, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock/AI-generated)<br />

Toxic algae blooms are on the rise in WV, industrial farming a driving cause

Harmful algae bloom events are increasing, according to a recent analysis of EPA data from the advocacy group Environment America and have occurred …

$Recommendations from the Grand Jury�s report suggest requiring safer transport of the contaminated waste created from fracking sites and conducting a comprehensive health response to the effects of living near unconventional drilling sites. (SobrevolandPatagonia/AdobeStock)<br />$

Fracking boom in PA raises health and environmental concerns

Fracking is on the rise in southwestern Pennsylvania, leading to more plastic production and harsh consequences for residents. Washington County is …

The federal government began cleaning up nuclear waste in New Mexico's Acid Canyon in the late 1960s, but one scientist said it is not gone. (National Park Service)

Scientist: plutonium contamination still present in NM's Acid Canyon

A scientist who said he found extreme plutonium contamination in Los Alamos' Acid Canyon believes concerned residents should invest in monitoring equi…

More than 80 percent of Oklahoma's wastewater sludge ends up in crop fields, according to an analysis by Investigate Midwest. (Losonsky/Adobe Stock)

Concern grows over 'forever chemicals' in biosolid fertilizers

By Ben Felder for Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by Will Walkey for Oklahoma News Service reporting for the Investigate Midwest-Public News Ser…

The 2014 water crisis due to algal blooms had an economic impact of around $65 million. (Elena/Adobe Stock)

Climate change contributes to shift in Lake Erie’s harmful algal blooms

By Kathiann Kowalski for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Networ…

A Great Plains Institute study found health benefits valued at $73.4 million to $165.4 million from reducing harmful co-pollutants by installing carbon capture technologies in the Gulf Coast region.(kittyfly/Adobe Stock)

Balancing industry and environment: Carbon capture in Louisiana

Carbon capture and storage is often discussed as part of a broader portfolio of solutions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While not a …

A Great Plains Institute study found health benefits valued at $63.8 million to $144 million from reducing harmful co-pollutants by installing carbon capture technologies in the Midwest region. (Ramon Cliff/Adobe Stock)

Carbon capture: Balancing industry, environment in Ohio

Ohio is becoming a focal point in the fight against climate change, thanks in part to its industrial might and a growing interest in carbon capture …

Lowry Ranch is important habitat for several Tier 1 species from the State Wildlife Action Plan, including the burrowing owl, northern leopard frog and swift fox. (Adobe Stock)

Aurora residents to continue opposition to fracking near reservoir, Superfund site

Aurora residents and environmental groups said they will continue to oppose fracking near the Aurora Reservoir, thousands of homes and 13 schools …

In April, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued the first-ever national drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to PFAS. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Pesticide use could do more harm than good

A new report sounded the alarm in states like Utah for the adverse health, wildlife and environmental impacts of toxic chemicals known as "PFAS." …

Algae blooms can clog up sewage and drinking water systems, create foul odors and hurt wildlife. (Rospoint/Adobe Stock)

Climate change is making harmful algae bloom events more frequent, experts say

By Aman Azhar for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Will Walkey for Virginia News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

Environmental groups say there is a need to reduce the use of such chemicals as PFAS and practice farming in ways that their use is no longer needed. (Adobe Stock)

Study finds high levels of PFAS chemicals in many pesticides

CLARIFICATION: Neonicotinoids may contain PFAS chemicals, but PFAS chemicals are not neonicotinoids. (12:30 p.m. MDT, Aug. 11, 2024) A class of …

$Most methane pollution comes from the drilling and processing of fossil fuels, and has been on the rise since the introduction of hydraulic fracturing technology. (Adobe Stock)$

Colorado, nation face public health, climate risks as methane pollution soars

Methane pollution is increasing at the fastest rate in decades, according to a new report, and that's making it harder to turn the tide on climate …

In March, a study by the EPA and others used aerial surveys to assess hundreds of U.S. landfills. The research revealed significant discrepancies between reported emissions and actual emissions.<br />(Punyawee/Adobe Stock)

MI leads nation in toxic methane emissions from landfills

The Environmental Protection Agency is investigating underreported methane emissions from landfills nationwide, and a recent report names Michigan as …

The latest project for Rhonda and Kim Theus,

Art breathes new life into pollution-ravaged MI community

By Randiah Camille Green for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News …

Research shows global plastic production has surged from 15 million tons per year in 1964 to more than 450 million tons per year today. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Biodegradable plastics more marketing than environmentally friendly

As West Virginia opens its door to the plastics recycling or "advanced recycling" industry, a recent report found only a fraction of plastics are …

Two South Dakota ethanol production facilities are considered high-priority emission violators, according to EPA data, including plants in Redfield and Aberdeen. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD ethanol plants release hazardous air pollutants

Biofuels are painted as a greener energy alternative to fossil fuels but a new study found the industry produces plenty of its own air pollutants…

Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. Both short- and long-term particle pollution exposure is associated with increased mortality from heart disease, lung disease and lung cancer according to the American Lung Association. (Wikimedia Commons)<br />

Critics: KY regional haze plan doesn’t protect environmental, public health

Under the federal Clean Air Act, Kentucky is required to keep haze air pollution under control in Mammoth Cave National Park. Critics said the …

Untreated factory farm waste runoff contains high levels of fecal pathogens such as E. coli, antibiotics and cleaning chemicals. (Adobe Stock)

Clean-water advocates head back to court over Colorado factory farms

Clean-water advocates are heading to state district court after Colorado regulators turned their back on a judge's decision last year calling for bett…

More than 90% of the pollution reduction needed to clean streams in Pennsylvania's portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed must come from agriculture, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. (World Travel Photos/Adobe Stock)

Calls for more funding in state budget for clean water initiatives

Pennsylvania's budget is overdue, having missed its Sunday deadline and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation is asking state lawmakers and the governor to …

Environmentalists say the plastics and fossil fuel industries driving plastic pollution and related problems have made false promises about efforts to address the pollution. (aryfahmed/Adobe Stock)

TX environmental groups fight for global plastics treaty

Environmental groups in Texas are backing a proposed global plastics treaty set to be finalized by the end of the year. The treaty aims to minimize …

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration, abandoned mines may still house containers with leaking toxic chemicals or explosives which can detonate without warning.(Adobe Stock)

Abandoned IL coal mines pose health, environmental complications

New legislation in Congress would hold coal producers accountable for cleaning up the mine sites they have abandoned, including tens of thousands of …

States are already using an initial $1.4 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to protect homes and infrastructure from landslides and clean up streams polluted with acid mine drainage, all of which is creating new employment. (Oleksii Zelivianskyi)

PA secures $244 million for abandoned mine cleanup

Pennsylvania will receive $244 million to clean up the pollution left over from decades of coal mining. The money is part of $725 million in …

On Oct. 5, 1966, Fermi 1 suffered a partial fuel meltdown. Two of the 92 fuel assemblies were partially damaged. According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, no abnormal radioactivity was released into the environment. (spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

Climate change reignites concerns over nuclear storage on MI shores

Summer temperatures are one more reason for concern by environmental groups about the nuclear waste stored along the Great Lakes. There are three …

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Toxics