Environmental Issues : Environmental contamination |
2/19/10
INTERNATIONAL
Websites: EcoInfo: Pollution http://www.care2.com/channels/ecoinfo/pollution International Dark-Sky Association: Light pollution
Analysis & views: 2/19/10 1/14/10 12/12/09 11/13/09 9/27/09 8/23/09 New oil spill controls may be facing operators of ships which take tourists to Antarctica 5/29/09 LET THEM EAT YELLOWCAKE: THE INTERNATIONAL COVER-UP ON THE RADIATION RISKS OF NUCLEAR POWER DEVELOPMENT. A long-standing agreement between the World Health Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency has thwarted the efforts of the WHO to alert the public to those risks, as the IAEA has been able to dominate the dissemination of public information about the dangers. The IAEA's mandate is to "promote" nuclear development and it has done this partly by its reports that give low-ball estimates of lethal effects of disasters like Chernobyl, claiming a few thousand as WHO estimates a million deaths. http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=13767 5/25/09 WHAT NIGERIAN CHILD WILL BE POISONED WHEN THE ELECTRONIC FACILITY THAT SITS BEFORE YOUR EYES BECOME E-WASTE? The practice of shipping non-functioning electronics equipment from the U.S. to developing countries for parts harvest, refurbishing for re-use or destruction tends to have, critics say, devastating human and environmental effects on these countries, though some of their governments welcome these practices. Even a current bill in Congress forbidding such export except for repair and re-use is criticized as unlikely to solve these problems. http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=46959 3/23/09 Vive le France? The real danger of nuclear proliferation. France is often touted as the model for the future energy of the world, as it is noted that 80% of its energy comes from that source. The state energy company Areva and President Nicolas Sarkosy are major hucksters in the effort to "sell" the rest of the world on the idea of nuclear development. Alter Net columnist Linda Gunter makes a strenuous protest to this kind of proliferation, saying it bodes ill for the world to become another "toxic waste" mess that she describes France as being. 3/17/09 Ire;and's Galway Bay is becoming a smarter bay environmentally.:. A pilot project called SmartBay is attempting to apply advanced oceanographic technology to the monitoring of the bay in the interest of reducing its pollution and preserving its marine species. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29713510/ 1/6/09 City of Cerro de Pasco, in Peru's central highlands, is the site of a longtime Volcan company mining operation that has extracted zinc, lead and silver and left a residue of contamination of the population of 70,000. The government has finally agreed to the evacuation of 11,000 families, but has yet to provide the funding for this operation (Love Canal redux?) http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=45293 11/15/08 Electronic waste dumping in Third World countries spurs formation of a group devoted to "responsible" e-waste disposal. http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=44707 7/10/08 Peru fines Swiss mining company for environmental contamination resulting from their operations. http://www.lapress.org/articles.asp?art=5662 7/1/08 Good ship "Junk" sets sail from Long Beach, CA with two men and a rabbit. Its destination is Hawaii, near the "gyre" or blob of discarded plastics the size of the U.S. and India combined that is floating in the south Pacific. The two men are environmental activists hoping to call the world's attention to necessary action to deal with the oceanic contamination; the rabbit got seasick and had to return to port. Junk is made literally of junk, the body of a Cessna 310 floating on a pontoon of 15,000 plastic bottles. The owl and the pussy cat with their pea green vessel had a somewhat easier time of it. http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/06/30/9995/ 6/7/08 Naples Italy hospital wastes no longer welcome in Hamburg, Germany. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7441342.stm 5/15/08 Turkey begins to implement a program of electronic waste disposal by picking up discarded personal computers for re-cycling. http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=104401 5/2/08 "People are not going to buy products from companies whose emissions are going to hurt their children: Statement by the head of a British non-profit, Carbon Disclosure Project, which is pressuring multi-national corporations to promote carbon emissions reduction by enforcing emissions standards among their product suppliers. A CDP report documents an almost universal belief on the part of these corporations that regulations are in the offing and about a quarter of them have pre-emptively begun to enforce such standards in their corporate requirements of their suppliers. http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=42192 3/14/08 Who is the world's biggest polluter: ExxonMobil or Sara Lee? The public imagery of industrial smokestacks and automobile exhaust fumes as the villains of the global warming piece may be overlooking the huge contribution of "industrial agriculture" to this problem. Drop-in-the-bucket local organic and hometown marketing efforts like Seattle Tilth, described in this opinion piece, may be a more significant component in the global effort to contain global warming than is generally recognized by the public; even "An Inconvenient Truth" doesn't find it convenient to mention such programs. http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/354753_tilth13.html 3/12/08 Pollution in China leads world class Egyptian marathon runner, who suffers from asthma, to withdraw from marathon race in Beijing's summer Olympics. http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/1C927251-7198-4D45-92F2-CD196B517F0E.htm 3/9/08 When green and dirty mix: solar energy company in China deposits the wastes from its factory into nearby fields, symbolizing the pollution crisis arising from the country's rapid industrialization. 2/6/08 The Pacific Ocean has become the world's dumping ground as a layer of garbage called "plastic soup" extends from 500 miles off the California coast (with a break in the middle) almost to Japan, two "blobs" which between them are twice the size of the continental U.S. 2/2/08 Peruvian government considering proposal by Mobil Oil to open up for oil exploration a half-million acres of pristine Bahuaja-Sonene National Park. http://www.latinamericapress.org/article.asp?IssCode=&lanCode=1&artCode=5454 1/8/08 Violent protests occurring in a suburb of Naples, Italy over the issue of rubbish disposal in their neighborhood. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7176378.stm 12/9/07 Worst oil spill in Korea's history hits the country's west coast. http://www.nationalpost.com/news/world/story.html?id=155616 12/8/07 Clouds of diesel soot descend on Chinese cities as the pollution crisis associated with the country's rapid development worsens. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/08/world/asia/08trucks.html?th&emc=th 11/28/07 Mining operations in Indonesia being blamed for a slow-developing disaster in that country: the 18-month long development of a "mud volcano" that is displacing thousands of people from their homes. http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1128/p01s04-woap.html 11/25/07 Beware of the tourist...Endangered Antarctica. With the boom of tourists seeking the sighting of exotic animals, there is increased danger of the kind of accident that occurred recently in which a cruise ship struck an iceberg and stranded a dangerous fuel-laden vessel http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=40198 9/2/07 Since 1976, scientists have known that tributyltin, widely used as an additive to paints used to clear ships of barnacles and algae, is highly toxic to marine life. A treaty to ban the use of that chemical has now been negotiated, but U.S. ratification is the current drag on its implementation. http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/19374.html 8/26/07 China's booming industrial development is accompanied by an unparalleled increase in pollution and associated health problems. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/26/world/asia/26china.html?th&emc=th 7/23/07 Large pieces of "junk" are jettisoned from the international space station, where they will remain in orbit until they re-enter the earth's atmosphere and burn up. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/National/Space_Station.html 7/11/07 "You can't drink oil to live " says an elderly resident of the mostly Cree Indian community of Fort MacKay. The Cree are called Canada's "richest first nation," since they are the recipients of large amounts of revenue from the "sand tar" mining of oil in the area. They are the recipients as well of disruptions of their traditional live styles, serious health problems, and an arrogant oil company administration that has vowed to "take care of the people" without ever asking them their opinions on any of their operations. http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2007/07/the-richest-first-nation-in-canada/ 6/12/07 Milan and other cities in northern Europe are said to have the "worst air pollution in Europe." http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/12/world/europe/12milan.html?th&emc=th 6/11/07 Kifossis River in Greece, a heavily-polluted waterway, is being eyed for regeneration as an "urban wonderland. http://www.athensnews.gr/athweb/nathens.prnt_article?e=C&f=13237&t=01&m=A06&aa=1 5/26/07 Many aboriginese in Australia are upset by their clan's acceptance of 12 million pounds from Australian government to locate a nuclear waste dump on their land. http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/clan-allows-nuclear-dump-for-12m/2007/05/25/1179601669086.html 5/25/07 Aggressive litter patrol in Glasgow intends to make the Scottish city "the cleanest city in the world." http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.1425111.0.0.php 5/18/07 Two "carbon dinosaurs" in Scotland will get billion pound renovation to remove 90% of the carbon emissions which these coal-burning plants are currently producing. http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=771022007 4/28/07 China as environmental scofflaw? U.S. leaders have resisted carbon emissions and energy efficiency regulations on grounds that such regulations would make U.S. industry non-competitive with China, its industrial rival which has operated without environmental limits. However, evidence is growing that China has indeed moved rapidly to institute just such regulations on its own industries. So let's see: a. global warming isn't real (false); b. anyway we can't compete internationally if we try to curb it (also now appearing to be false). http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0427/p02s01-wogi.html 4/26/07 An accidental spill at a sewage works in Leith, Scotland leads to the discharge of 1000 litres per second of raw sewage into the Firth of Forth. http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.1346669.0.0.php 4/12/07 High cost of legal disposition of dead animals leads to an epidemic of illegal cow dumping in Greece. http://www.athensnews.gr/athweb/nathens.prnt_article?e=C&f=13229&t=01&m=A09&aa=1 2/2/07 Large oil spill of undetermined source hits resort beaches on Vietnam's central coast. 1/30/07 Although it is illegal in China to import non-recylable waste, the connivance of corrupt locals and greedy corporations generates thousands of tons of such waste, creating severe ill health hazards for Chinese children. http://www.countercurrents.org/en-coonan270107.htm 11/25/06 No feasible alternative: Montreal Protocol bans use of methyl bromide in agriculture because of its heavily contaminating environmental effects. U.S. insisted on an exemption for use where there is "no feasible alternative" and, as a result, the effectiveness of the ban is severely compromised. http://www.dickmeister.com/id198.html 10/20/06 World's oceans becoming fish cemeteries: UN Environment Program report says there has been a 1/3 increase in 2 years in portion of oceans designated as "dead zones" because fish stocks are being depleted by contamination. http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1019-09.htm 8/29/06 Efforts to deal with the spreading Mediterranean environmental disaster of a warfare-caused oil spill off the coast of Lebanon are stymied by Lebanese government reluctance to intervene while the country is under "siege" and the tardiness of Israel in allowing UN aerial survey of the extensive damages to marine life. http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0828-01.htm 8/4/06 Environmental disaster looms in Lebanon as massive oil spill off the coast created by Israeli bombing of a coastal power plant creates massive beach contamination http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0804-06.htm 7/5/06 Drastic environmental effects of carbon dioxide emissions on the world's oceans are beginning to capture serious attention of scientists and politicians. 6/17/06 New UN report shows that the world's oceans are reaching a point-of-no-return in their rapid degradation, cause by human activities from pollution to over-fishing: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5086506.stm http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/19/stories/2006061901871500.htm 5/31/06 High cost in environmental degradation, especially to native Americans in the area, is being exacted by "oil sands" mining by U.S. companies in Alberta, Canada. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/30/AR2006053001429.html?referrer=email 4/28/06 Extraction from natural gas lodes in southeastern Peru is systemtically denuding and contaminating the country's jungle: http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2006/04/26/hearn/index.html 3/31/06 As 20th anniversary of Chernobyl disaster approaches, scientists accuse UN of ignoring a half-million deaths resulting from environmental contamination: http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,,329442633-115040,00.html 3/22/06 Humans and wildlife in the Arctic are feeling the effects of global warming: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/21/AR2006032101722.html?referrer=email 2/27/06 Britain creating a mountain of dumped electrical goods: http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0227-07.htm 2/6/06 Environmental think tank: World needs to focus on clean public water supplies, not selling bottled water: http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0205-01.htm http://www.earth-policy.org/Updates/2006/Update51.htm 1/11/06 U.S. and Australia, at climate change conference, say voluntary industry control on gas emissions can avert change: http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/API/601110598
Books:
Video/Film:
Other Media:
NATIONAL
Websites: Earth Justice: Legal-oriented environmental news and campaigns Environment Web Directory: Pollution http://www.webdirectory.com/Pollution/ The Nature Conservancy: University of Iowa Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination:
Analysis & views: 2/20/10 2/3/10 12/27/09 12/19/09 100,000 gallons of untreated sewage is spilled in harbor of Port Angeles, Washington. 12/14/09 Toxic algae or red tide reaches a record level along U.S. seacoasts, east and west. 12/8/09 11/28/09 11/20/09 9/18/09 5/25/09 Leak from a gasoline pump at Blue Bell gasoline station 11 years ago is still afflicting people in a Pennsylvania township. 1/14/09 Strike two for the TVA on leaks at coal-fired plants. For the second time in three weeks, a Tennessee Valley Authority plant is hit with a waste spillage, this one at an Alabama site. This arouses the ire of Senator Barbara Boxer, whose committee is responsible for environmental oversight, as she says that the TVA has a "lot to answer for." http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jan2009/2009-01-12-091.asp 1/10/09 A West Virginian who lives in a strip-mining area called Coal River describes the everyday experience of residents in dreading a toxic waste spillage like that which afflicted those near Kingston, Tennessee. What happened in Kingston could potentially the future of all of Appalachia. http://www.counterpunch.org/roselle01092009.html 1/7/09 Tennessee coal ash disaster is the tip of the sludge-berg:. The rupture of a waste pond that sent a billion gallons of toxic sludge across 300 acres of Tennessee farm land is but one of 1,300 "similar dumps" across the U.S., all equally susceptible to being breached and all operating with minimal to no regulation by environmental protection agencies. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/07/us/07sludge.html?_r=1&hp 12/26/08 A dam break in a waste disposal pond near a TVA-administered coal-fired plant at Harriman TN opens up a floodgate of Christmas Day dialogue about the irresponsibility of the TVA, the impotence of the EPA is controlling such dangers, and the prospect of further such contamination if a national energy strategy of encouraging coal-fired plants is continued. http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2008/12/24-1 12/23/08 Many U.S. students are victims of toxic air in their schools; U.S.A. Today special report. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/2008-12-21-youngkids_N.htm 11/21/08 The rush to pollute. Bush administration is proceeding at "breakneck pace" to put into place before they leave office some long-cherished fruits of their free market ideology: the dismantling of numerous environmental regulations designed to protect wild life and other natural treasures from the operation of industrial enterprises, including the pollution associated with factory farming. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/20/george-bush-conservation-climate-change 6/30/08 Pentagon is resisting efforts of EPA to clean up chemical dumps at Fort Meade and two other military bases. 6/27/08 SUupreme Court moves to protect Exxon-Mobil's bottom line. After the oil spill at Valdez Alaska in 1989 resulted in punitive damage award to $5 billion to its victims, the award was later halved and now the Supreme Court further reduces the damages to a half billion. With the company having announced profits or $10.9 billion in the first quarter of this year, even if it eventually pays the award (which will come to $1 billion with interest) it may seem chump change to a company whose operations will probably not be deterred. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/26/washington/26punitive.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin EXXON MOBILE'S 2008 PROFITS: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/01/exxon-mobil-profits-soar_n_99568.html 5/26/08 North Carolina legislature struggling to develop new stormwater run-off regulations to reduce pollution in coastal waters by residential development in those areas. http://www.newsobserver.com/1565/story/1084904.html 5/26/08 Mistake by city sanitation workers dumps 8 million gallons of raw sewage into Ravenna Creek near University of Washington campus in Seattle. http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/364518_sewage25.html 5/21/08 Neighbors of defunct Rocky Flats nuclear plant in Colorado win a $350 million class action suit for contamination from the plant. http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/may/20/350-million-verdict-upheld-in-flats-case/ 5/14/08 It's not jut about perchlorate, the Pentagon's toxic legacy: The water contamination created by perchlorate ingredient of rocket fuels is the tip of the iceberg of military-based pollution, as the military is exempt from the regulations of the EPA and other "regulatory" agencies. http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2008/05/the-pentagons-toxic-legacy/ 5/3/08 What happens when an Environmental "rotection" Agency official tries to protect the environment from Dow Chemical?: Mary Gade, Midwest regional director of the EPA finds out as she is fired after months of internal wrangling over her efforts to force environmental modifications on operations of Dow in Saginaw, Michigan. http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/05/02/8667/ 4/28/08 "Clean, fishable and swimmable" is EPA's latest verdict on Charles River near Boston, after extended efforts to clean up a much-polluted river. http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/04/epa_charles_riv.html 4/28/08 St. Louis learns how to increase re-cycling volume: provide larger re-cycling bins. 4/9/08 Defenders of Wild Life and Sierra Club are suing in federal court to try to stop congressionally-approved delegation of authority to Homeland Security director Michael Chertoff to "set aside" any laws that interfere with construction of U.S./Mexico border fence, an act which they say violates the separation of powers provisions of the U.S. constitution. As the lawyers litigate, the construction crews go forward with the construction. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/08/us/08bar.html 3/13/08 EPA takes a half-measure on air pollution. While agency lowers the level of permissible pollution to 75 per billion units of air, the alteration is far less than its own scientists say is necessary. Also, the EPA administrator proposes more leniency in requiring pollution-reducing measures that would allow the cost of such measures to be factored into the degree of their requirement. 3/11/08 Bay Area environmentalist oppose California's plan for massive pesticide spraying against light brown apple moth, an "invasive" insect that they say is not a threat. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23561894/ 3/3/08 Texas environmental agency expected to recommend approval of a license to locate a toxic waste dump in west Texas despite evidence of likely water pollution. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5586426.html 2/17/08 Effor to hold a Canadian smelting plant liable for damages for pollution dumping un U.S. Columbia Riveris challeneged by D.C. political muscle of mining industry: Severe contamination of Grand Coulee dam reservoir and nearby Indian reservation results in suits against the Canadian firm which, with D.C. support, opposes the responsibility under U.S. law of corporations operating in other countries. Bush administration stresses negative "diplomatic" consequences of such action. http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/27836.html 12/30/07 "Policy relevant science" is helping to remove any remnant of environmental protection from the Environmental "Protection" Agency: The "policy relevant" approach announced a year ago is bearing bitter fruit as California applies for a waiver on federal standards of gas emissions standards to allow it to accelerate the rate of reductions required under the just-signed Energy bill. EPA evokes "policy" (i.e. political) considerations in opposing the waiver. http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/12/21/6050/ 12/21/07 Washington will join other states in suing EPA in opposition to its rule forbidding states from imposing higher gas emissions standards that the federal regulation. http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/344414_epa21.html 12/20/07 First fruits of new "energy bill ": Environmental "Protection" Agency says California and other states cannot impose gas emissions standards higher than those in the bill: EPA says federal standards pre-empt state ones, critics charge the ruling reflects the influence of the oil industry on the agency. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/washington/20epa.html?th&emc=th 12/14/07 "Clean coal": Now there's an oxymoron for you: As "big coal" agencies in West Virginia and elsewhere tout coal as an alternative to oil as it moves beyond its "peak," environmentalists are pointing out that "clean" technology for creating coal-based fuels is anything but clean; not to mention that expanded coal production may demolish whatever is left of West Viriginia's natural beauty. http://www.alternet.org/story/70475/ 12/14/07 Bottled water industry across the U.S. is on the ropes:. Local governments rebel against the expense and the environmental contamination associated with bottled water, as public water supplies are declared safe and a "back-to-the-faucet" movement takes hold. http://www.earth-policy.org/Updates/2007/Update68.htm 12/9/07 Small town near Pittsburgh struggles to deal with methane contamination of homes resulting from gas wells that produced in the 1920s and are poorly capped. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20071209_Methane_still_plagues_a_Pa__town.html 11/28/07 British Petroleum expected to enter a plea bargain charging its negligence in the Prudoe Bay oil spilling in Alaska, paying a fine of $20 million. http://www.adn.com/front/story/9483458p-9394679c.html 9/25/07 Bush administration is quietly lobbying EPA not to grant a waiver which would allow California to increase emissions standards for autos. The state has been waiting 2 years for a waiver that would require a 30% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions for new automobiles, and the Department of Transportation has pushed hard to try to stop this waiver. The operation has been largely secretive, and the uncovering of e-mails in and out of DOT leads one official to comment of one e-mail, "The last e-mail isn't a good conversation for e-mail." 9/19/07 A Texas-sized plastic "blob" floats in the North Pacific:. Sierra Club reports this result of the use of plastic bags, the "most dangerous item in your grocery store," and SC readers chime in with numerous ideas of how this danger can be minimized. http://sierraclub.typepad.com/insider/2007/09/the-deadliest-i.html 9/4/07 Environmentalist groups "cave in" to energy industry in Texas pushing for building a new generation of coal plants with emissions that warm the atmosphere and create health problems for people in their region. According to In These Times writer, these environmentalist groups provide "greenwash" cover for industrial operations which never should be approved. http://www.alternet.org/environment/61332/?page=1 8/26/07 Opinion: pollution of Maine waters is promoted by settlement of Maine Indian land claims that declares that "Indian sovereignty" is trumped by federal legislation; a decision that could hamper tribes from preventing the use of their land for dumping of nuclear wastes http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096415651 8/22/07 Most of the water wells in New Market, MD, "antiques capital of Maryland" are found to be bacteria-contaminated. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.wells22aug22,0,3653907.story 7/30/07 Sludge spreading on farms in a state park in Maryland raises the ire of the neighbors. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/harford/bal-md.ha.sludge30jul30,0,6441220.story 7/24/07 City of Albuqueque re-claiming public control of water utility after a private company fails to observe conservation controls. http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/jul/23/court-settles-battle-over-water-control/ 7/19/07 Algae contamination returns to "cleaned up" Charles River at Boston/Cambridge, threatening the holding of a first ever river-swim event. 7/10/07 A "conservation project" on a North Carolina lake results in large fish kill as portion of a lake is drain to allow planting of wetlands grasses. http://www.newsobserver.com/1565/story/631864.html 5/23/07 Environmentalists and state officials from across the U.S. are urging the EPA to support efforts in California and other states to develop local programs of carbon emission control in the absence of definitive federal policy. http://www.projo.com/news/content/lynch_global_warming_05-23-07_QK5O5Q2.3436ee0.html 5/17/07 School children in California and across the country are afflicted by pesticide spraying. Associated Press investigative report indicates lack of regulation or lack of enforcement of regulation of spraying in the vicinity of schools, with many children falling ill from spray fallout. http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/05/16/1228/ 5/12/07 Turning Montana into a ghastly "Disneyland". Author John Holt's description of effects of policies of the Montana Department of Fish, Wild Life and Parks which allows and encourages the gating of the state's natural resources and the erection of environment-ruining tourist facilities like high-rise outhouses. http://www.counterpunch.org/holt05112007.html 4/27/07 Environmentalist critics say the bottled water industry discourages local communities from cleaning up their own public water supplies. http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/4748 4/16/07 Seattle is considering aggressive regulation on waste disposal that would produce up to 72% of recycling of waste products. http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/311774_waste16.html 4/14/07 St. Louis Sewer District faces lawsuit over alleged spillage of raw sewage into area waterways in violation of Clean Waters Act. 4/4/07 Ralph Nader: Community gardens in environmental trouble. Though the vegetables grown there may be "organic" in the disdaining of chemical fertilizers, the soil itself in many of these sites is contaminated by past waste dumping and by airborne pollutants in their area. http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/04/03/276/ 4/3/07 Supreme Court renders a startling decision that the Bush administration must obey the law: in this case the law passed by Congress (Clean Air Act) that requires the Environmental Protection Agency to make assessments of the impact of greenhouse emissions on global warming. The minority are the "usual suspects" of Roberts, Alito, Scalia and Thomas. http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0403/p01s01-usju.html 3/30/07 Farm bill being considered in Congress would continue government subsidies to factory farms despite protests about their environmental contamination. http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/4581 3/30/07 San Francisco has banned use of plastic bags in grocery stores and Madison Wisconsin may follow suit. http://www.madison.com/tct/mad/topstories/index.php?ntid=126787&ntpid=1 3/22/07 Parents of New Jersey children exposed to mercury poisoning at a Franklin Township day care center seek but are denied assistance from state health commission. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/monica_yant_kinney/20070322.html 3/7/07 Sierra Club's lawsuit against Tennessee Valley Authority for violating Clean Air act in emissions from its power plants is kept alive by federal judge ruling that statute of limitations has not run out on the case. http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/4440 3/3/07 Firm which is a "consultant" to government agency to investigate possible harmful effects of chemical products is also consultant to a number of firms involved in the production of such chemicals. http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/4426 2/24/07 Why did it take 57 years for the state of New York to require oil companies to clean up a massive oil spill at Greenpoint? \ As long as Greenpoint remained a working class neighborhood, the powers-that-be paid little attention to the toxic effects of the spill on residents living there. Now, as the area has become the target for construction of luxury condos and other gentrification projects, the state is finally moving to require Exxon and other oil companies to clean up the mess. http://www.countercurrents.org/environmnet.htm 2/21/07 Texas judge sidetracks Governor's plan to "fast track" approval process for new coal-fired plants by requiring regulatory action by a specific date. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4567410.html 2/3/07 Alaska auto shop owner gets jail time for a "crime against the environment" by paying two young men to dispose of his shop wastes in Jim Creek. http://www.adn.com/news/environment/story/8611605p-8504103c.html 2/2/07 In a case with national clean water implications, a court orders EPA to re-write rules that determine how a Wisconsin energy company can use Lake Michigan water to cool one of its power plants. http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=560579 1/30/07 California study shows that children whose schools are near freeways have significantly higher rates of lung problems. Because the siting of schools reflects socio-economic differences, it's largely a matter of "environmental equity." http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-lungs26jan26,0,2051206.story?coll=la-home-headlines 1/28/07 In some areas around Houston, compliance with anti-smog mandates to elimimate air pollution may not be achieved for up to 11 years. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4505166.html 1/17/07 Puget Sound Action Team gives it biennial report on the State of the Sound and notes a large increase in the impact of development of human activities on the eco-system of the area. http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/299854_sound16.html 12/6/06 Sierra Legal Defence fund, based in Canada, releases report showing heavy discharges of toxic sewage into the Great Lakes by both the U.S. and Canada. http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/3941 12/5/06 Pressured by competition from natural or organic pesticides, chemical pestide industry is pressing EPA to establish standards that require their competitors to prove their effectiveness in controlling pests. 12/4/06 Will Santa Claus be delivering an early Christmas present to the big oil companies? His Helper Elf (George Bush) is considering lifting a long-time ban on oil drilling in Bristol Bay off the coast of Alaska before Republican control of Congress is lost---a ban that was enacted in consideration of Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 and the environmental hazards of off-shore drilling in that area. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061203/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bristol_bay 12/2/06 Staff members of Environmental Protection Agency, working through their union, are going to Congress with complaints about their agency's failure to adopt more aggressive action to curb toxic gas emissions. http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1201/p02s01-uspo.html 11/28/06 Houston officials say the city won't be able to clean up its smog by the 2010 deadline under Clean Air Act; will push for 2018 compliance date. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4363840.html 11/27/06 Supreme Court to begin hearings this week on a case requiring EPA to enforce carbon emissions standards which could result in fundamental changes in U.S. policy regarding pollution and global warming. http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-11-26-scotus-global-warming_x.htm 11/16/06 Hollywood film industry is "doing better" in terms of pollution control and conservation but is still one of the largest sources of pollution in southern California. http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1116/p02s01-usgn.html 11/16/06 Members of O'odham tribe in U.S. and Mexico charge EPA with "environmental racism" for permitting the dumping of toxic materials near tribal communities in Arizona and Mexico. http://www.unobserver.com/layout5.php?id=2820&blz=1 10/19/06 In Maine, a blue ribbon commission is examining the practice of communities within the state of making contracts that all out-of-state solid waste to the dumped in their landfills. http://www.bangornews.com/news/t/city.aspx?articleid=141982&zoneid=176 10/14/06 Report of EPA's Inspector General says the agency has been "complicit" in environmental racism by ignoring the unequal impact of environmental regulation (or lack thereof) on the poor and minorities. http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/3746 10/10/06 Environmental "Protection" Agency hasn't protected American consumers from any building products since the asbestos ban of 18 years ago, and materials are sold in the United States that are banned as chemically "toxic" in other parts of the world. http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1008-01.htm 10/2/06 As Congress moves to facilitate dumping of nuclear wastes at Yucca Mountain in Nevada, critics argue that it would be better to reinforce storage areas where material is already being kept. http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/3714 9/6/06 Discovery by Chevron and two other oil companies of a vast reservoir of oil under Gulf Coastal waters could impact the ongoing controversy about off-shore drilling. http://www.sptimes.com/2006/09/06/Business/Oil_discovered_in_dee.shtml 9/6/06 Will Harold get pregnant? Male bass in Potomac River are found with eggs inside their sex organs, contamination cause suspected, transmission of the condition to humans is doubted. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/05/AR2006090501384.html?referrer=email 9/5/06 Bush administration cites "sovereign immunity" against application of whistle-blowers rights of employees of Enviromental "Protection" Agency to bring complaints for violations of the Clean Water Act. http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/090406B.shtml 9/1/06 Hangman cometh: Interior Secretary Kempthorne, a proponent of Arctic Wildlife Refuge drilling, visits Alaska and re-iterates his view that resources there can be exploited without harm to natural habitats. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/31/AR2006083101555.html 9/1/06 According to Bureau of Land Management's own internal report, the Agency has failed in its obligation to oversee environmental effects of natural gas drilling in western Wyoming. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/31/AR2006083101482.html 8/28/06 Pollution from factory farm waste disposal is polluting Oklahoma waters, and suits are being filed against Tyson and other operators. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/27/AR2006082700849.html?referrer=email 8/28/06 Pollution on top of pollution: a Washington County PA developer seeks permits to build a power plant burning coal refuse on land that he failed to clear of toxins dumped on the same site 27 years earlier. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06240/716869-58.stm 8/22/06 Decision by federal appeals court in Chicago gives hope that Bush administration may be forced by the courts to uphold the regulations of the Clean Air Act concerning emissions controls for older industrial plants. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/22/opinion/22tue3.html?th&emc=th 8/16/06 Explosive algae growth in Charles River in Boston leads officials to warn residents against contact with the water. http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/08/16/toxic_algae_levels_feared_in_lower_charles_river/ 8/15/06 Dupont puts off implementation of promised changes in its Teflon plant in Bladon County NC that would have reduced environmental contamination from its waste products. http://www.fayettevillenc.com/article?id=238475 8/13/06 Instances in Boston area of swimmers banned from un-polluted beaches and being allowed on polluted ones are attribute to "kinks" in the water testing system. http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/08/13/testing_kink_dont_go_in_the_waters_fine/ 8/4/06 What is environmentally worse for Maryland's eastern shore: farms and their fertilizers/pesticides or housing developments and the accompanying auto emissions? The debate goes on. 7/30/06 Oceanographer describes how a "rise of slime" from oceans contaminated by run-offs from human activities is endangering marine species and the health and lives of people who deal with the ocean (don't urinate with unwashed hands after you've handled the fish nets). 7/26/06 Newly released GAO report sharply criticizes the EPA for severely lax enforcement and response concerning toxic air pollution http://www.earthjustice.org/news/press/2006/government-air-pollution.html 7/14/06 Federal court voids implementation of a Washington State law forbidding further dumping of nuclear waste at the Hanford site. Attorney General will pursue an appeal of the court decision. http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/3411 7/13/06 Congressional Republicans are trying to push through a bill which would forbid states from establishing regulations on pesticides and the use of toxic chemicals in manufacturing that are tougher than federal standards. http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0713-01.htm 7/10/06 Whistle-blower's efforts against EPA are soon to be featured in a film produced by Danny Glover. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/09/AR2006070900741.html?referrer=email&referrer=email&referrer=email 7/4/06 Dissidents within Environmental Protection Agency accuse its director of overly close relations with pesticide industry and failure to advocate vigorously for pesticide controls. http://organicconsumers.org/2006/article_665.cfm 7/2/06 Algae, pollution and rotting fish are make life at Milwaukee Beaches less than pleasant. http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=451185 6/26/06 Environmental racism or economic salvation of the tribe? Utah Indians debate plan for placement of nuclear wastes on their lands. http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/062506H.shtml 6/25/06 "It's almost like coal was just created again" in West Virginia as rising prices, new technology and new safety practices and standards are creating the revitalization of a supposedly "dying" industry. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06176/701025-357.stm 6/25/06 Environmental activists question the appointment of nine scientists with ties to a chemical industry to an advisory panel of the Environmental Protection Agency to determine the degree of hazard from such chemicals. http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/3326 6/15/06 Refusing to punish their close friends at the oil companies, the GOP is once again going after oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico as the "answer" to high gas prices: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/14/AR2006061402377.html? 6/14/06 Oregon wilderness is put up for sale as Bush administration begins implementing policy of allowing some timber cutting in "roadless" forest areas. http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/3276 6/7/06 As Environmental "Protection" Agency looks the other way, environmentalists are pressing for anti-pollution rules to address the fact that a few plants in the chlorine production industry may be emitting huge amounts of mercury. http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/3252 6/6/06 Development of wind power in eastern U.S. mountains produces controversy among environmenalists. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/06/us/06wind.html?th&emc=th 6/5/06 Both Chicago and Milwaukee dump huge amounts of sewage into local waters, Chicago much larger volume, but more of Milwaukee's goes directly into Lake Michigan. http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=431640 6/5/06 Citing higher engine emissions standards slated to take effect this year, ChryslerDaimler will cease producing the Jeep Liberty SUV. http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060605/AUTO01/606050348/1148 5/29/06 GAO report says Bush administration's program of voluntary compliance with pollution controls is not working as many companies are failing to establish adequate standards. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/25/AR2006052501790_pf.html 5/28/06 As federal enforcement of anti-pollution standards wanes, they are being vigorously prosecuted in Georgia and other "red states." http://southernstudies.org/facingsouth/2006/05/georgia-defies-washington-cracks-down.asp 5/28/06 State of Maryland, under Democratic and Republican administrations has given a "pollution pass" to companies by failing to impose Clean Air law violation fines: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.mde28may28,0,5177326.story?coll=bal-home-headlines 5/28/06 Baby wipes to detect lead poisoning in paint? Lead activists decry EPA's "proposed rule" on lead safety in child care facilities by allowing unreliable visual inspections in place of careful laboratory test. http://counterpunch.org/fitz05272006.html 5/26/06 Greenpeace wants investigation of environmental effects of "reefing" of a U.S. Navy ship in Florida's panhandle. http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/3202 5/22/06 Environmental effects of the credo of the lawn weed and pest control industry: "let us spray." http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0522-30.htm 5/9/06 California blue turns green: Democratic candidates for Governor try to out-do one another in their support of strong anti-pollution controls http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/article.asp?art=5392&state=5&res=800 4/20/06 Most Americans (especially Republicans) do not view global warming as a crisis; they are more concerned about environmental issues like water pollution with more immediate impact: http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0419-24.htm 4/12/06 Environmental Working Group study: fertilizer from subsidized farming creates massive pollution in Mississippi Basin, and government subsidies outspend public spending on conservation, 500-1: http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/3046/continued/448#continued 4/9/06 Environmentalists in Alaska fighting government regulators over an exemption to allow gold mining which could pollute waters: http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/3037 4/8/06 Environmental group in California challenges Administration's small increases in fuel efficiency regulations for SUVs and light trucks, saying they violate 1975 law requiring standards to be set at the "maximum feasible level." http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0407-03.htm 4/4/06 Leaked EPA document shows plans in agency to weaken air pollution standards for U.S. manufacturers: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5321132 4/1/06 Environmental "Protection" Agency, responding to complaints about compliance costs, proposes to allow a tripling of arsenic and other contaminants in small town water supplies: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/31/AR2006033101629.html?referrer=email 4/1/06 U.S. Forest Service plan to allow logging in Wisconsin's North Woods threaten's the region's old growth: http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/3006 3/30/06 Newly released government fuel standards for SUV's fall well short of making any real difference in improving efficiency: http://www.sierraclub.org/pressroom/releases/pr2006-03-29.asp 3/25/06 Iowa rivers are among the most polluted in the U.S.: http://www.envirolink.org/external.html?www=http%3A//desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article%3FAID%3D/ 3/24/06 Forestland to be sold in huge numbers in the coming years, aided by the Bush administration decision to purge national forest acreage: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/6_forest24.html 3/21/06 Conservationists struggle to become buyers in the national sell-off of public forest resources: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/20/AR2006032001595.html?referrer=email 3/21/06 BP Oil's "green" credentials are being threatened by their pipeline's massive oil spill in Alaska: http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0321-06.htm 3/21/06 U.S. Geological Survey: pesticides in streams throughout the U.S. pose threats to aquatic life: http://www.agrnews.org/?section=news&news_section=4& 3/18/06 Victory for environmentalists: federal court overturns EPA regulation allowing factories to avoid standards of Clean Air Act: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/18/politics/18enviro.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin 3/17/06 EPA under fire for inaction for failure of environmental clean-up following Katrina: http://www.zmag.org/content/newstandard.cfm?itemid=2958 3/16/06 Despite recent massive oil spill in the area, Congress may be about to deliver up ANWR for oil drilling: http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/031606J.shtml 3/13/06 EPA about to water down regulations against toxic chemical emissions: http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0312-26.htm 3/2/06 Congress to weaken pesticide laws after lobbying by pesticide maufacturers: http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0302-02.htm 2/23/06 Report says government under-estimates damage to humans and wild life from post-Katrina sludge in Louisiana: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/22/AR2006022202205.html?referrer=email 2/23/06 Poultry production a major contaminant across the rural South: http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2006/02/21/parker/ 2/22/06 Supreme Court begins hearing a "clean waters" case; how far "upstream" does the watershed for a protected body of water extend? http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060220/NEWS01/602200344/1150 2/20/06 Toxins found in fish for sale in Seattle: fish16m.html&itemid=200602170302270.558408 2/17/06 Board: Teflon chemical likely a carcinogen http://www.envirolink.org/external.html?www=http%3A//abcnews.go.com/Health /wireStory%3Fid%3D1624471&itemid=2006021 2/17/06 Ontario criticizes US plans to ease air pollution rules 2/16/06 Environmentalists concerned that EPA is handing out free passes from regulation for companies who demonstrate enlightened environmental policy: http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?itemid=20364 2/16/06 George Bush's green environmental policy (cartoon): http://www.workingforchange.com/comic.cfm?itemid=20355 2/9/06 White House aims to open Gulf waters to oil and gas drilling: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/13826619.htm 2/8/06 On mercury contamination, EPA "caves in" to food distribution industry: http://counterpunch.org/montague02072006.html 2/1/06 EPA will waive pollution fines to large farm factories in exchange for their "cooperation" in controlling future contamination: http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0131-05.htm 1/20/06 Judge Alito's poor record on environmental protection: http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0119-23.htm
Books:
Video/Film:
Other Media:
FLORIDA:
STATEWIDE
Websites:
Analysis & views: 1/6/10 DEP sets goal of 75% re-cycling in Florida within 10 years. 1/2/10 10/31/09 9/1/09 12/26/08 Red tide has almost totally disappeared from Gulf beaches of southwest Florida. http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/dec/26/na-beaches-mostly-free-of-red-tide/news-metro/ 12/22/08 Florida environmental watchdog group says that Florida businesses, including U.S. Sugar, have been getting away with little or no fines for their extensive polluting practices. http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2008-12-21/group_fines_too_easy_for_polluters 11/30/08 Automakers deploying lobbyists to Tallahassee to fight to prevent Florida from enacting auto emissions standards like those in California. 11/7/08 Burning sugar cane in south Florida to produce electricity: Is that environmentally friendly or unfriendly?: : Sugar-producing company Florida Crystals claims the practice is eco-friendly, citing among other things that it burns material that would otherwise wind up in landfills and the company pushes for expansion of its cane-burning operations. Environmental regulators beg to differ, noting that the company has already been involved in numerous fines for air pollution. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2008/11/06/a1b_crystals_1107.html 7/2/08 Miami New Times writer notes the prominence in south Florida cuisine of pizzas cooked in coal-fired ovens, a process banned for its air pollution effects in New York City, some of whose residents have flocked to an "environmentally lawless" Florida to carry on the practice. Defenders note that the coal used is of the anthracite or relatively "clean" variety. http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/shortorder/2008/07/that_pizza_could_kill_you.php 6/10/08 "There is nothing new about EPA being on the side of the polluters " says an attorney for a Florida Indian tribe suing to require dumping permits for contaminated water from Broward County municipal wastes and from sugar field irrigation canals. The EPA makes a baffling determination that the Clean Water Act does not require permits for "transferring" polluted water, in this case transfer of such water into Lake Okeechobee and Everglades bodies of water. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/564328.html 3/13/08 Florida officials say the state's drinking water is not contaminated by pharmaceutical chemicals. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-pills1308mar13,0,6510047.story 3/13/08 Enjoy. Pharmaceuticals in the drinking water; a Gainesville Sun cartoon. http://www.gainesvillesun.com/article/20080312/OPINION04/292292901/1089/opinion04 2/19/08 Heard at the Publix: Paper or plastic? Neither, please. Just put 'em in this bag. Increasing number of central Floridians are bringing their own durable shopping bags to the supermarket and the stores are encouraging this by offering inexpensive such bags for sale. (If I could only remember to bring the bag when I go to the store.) http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/consumer/orl-plasticbag1908feb19,0,7466825.story 1/11/08 Governor Crist getting high marks from Florida environmentalists for his anti-pollution policies. http://www.miamiherald.com/460/story/374991.html 12/22/07 Clamming operations in intracoastal waterways along Florida's Atlantic coast have been hit hard by red tide. 11/23/07 Who lost the Florida Evergaldes? Alan Farago, in a "thanksgiving rant," asserts that all hope of Everglades "restoration" was lost in the turning over of that project to the state of Florida, whose "growth machine" with its campaign-financing political power was able to allow the building industry to engage in an over-development of housing and agriculture. They were abetted in this by compliant EPA and Army Corps of Engineers federal agencies and a somnolent environmental movement that for the most part went along with any "compromises" regarding clean water and aquifer destruction. Farago's "rant" asks: if the U.S. can't save the national heritage of its Everglades, how can it hope to save the world? http://www.counterpunch.com/farago11222007.html 8/10/07 South Florida Water Management District, in 4-3 vote, decides not to approve "back-pumping" of run-off from agricultural operations into Lake Okeechobee, a measure that had promised to raise the lake level to the benefit of local agriculture, especially the sugar cane industry. While U.S. Sugar (a big contributor to many campaign coffers) objects, one of the 4 who voted to restrict back-pumping says that long-term environmental interest cannot be sacrificed for short-term gain for agriculture. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/story/198468.html 8/8/07 A person could catch a viral infection at one of the beaches along Florida's Big Bend:. New report shows excessively high bacteria count at beaches in Taylor and Dixie Counties. Whether the source is human activity or wildlife excrement, the result is the same: people who use the beaches can get sick. http://www.gainesville.com/article/20070808/SUNFRONT/708080338 8/1/07 Helicopter "bombs" a section of Florida Everglades with aquatic plants to provide vegetation in wetlands to prevent seepage of contamination into glades waters. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-flpplants0801psaug01,0,4696714.story?coll=sofla_tab01_layout 7/29/07 Florida's fabled springs are a "natural treasure" now being threatened by water depletion and contamination as naturalists are finding materials flushed from toilets where they used to find ancient Indian relics and many springs are closed to swimming. http://www.news-journalonline.com/special/natural/theliquidoflife.htm 6/6/07 Regulatory agency says no to FPL's plan to build a coal fired power plant in the Evergaldes. The Public Service Commission's 4-0 vote on Florida Power and Light Company's plan to build a very large plant near Lake Okeechobee is based on issue of "cost-effectiveness" to energy consumers, but activitists hail the decision on grounds of protection of Florida environment. http://www.miamiherald.com/884/story/130061.html 5/30/07 Florida Power and Light and environmentalists are squaring off on battle over FPL's plan to build coal burning plant in Glades County. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FL_PSC_COAL_PLANT_FLOL-?SITE=FLPET&SECTION=HOME 5/13/07 Nitrate levels in Suwanee River in north Florida continue to rise despite efforts to contain the contaminating effects of agriculture, industry and recreation in the area; beginning of special report of Gainesville Sun. http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070513/SUNFRONT/705130333 5/10/07 Salt water intrusion on drinking water a "huge concern" in South Florida. Broward and Palm Beach Counties go under increased water restrictions while utitilies in 4 communities are considering shutting down chloride-tainted water supplies. http://www.miamiherald.com/457/story/101825.html 5/6/07 Surveys in Palm Beach and Broward Counties show high levels of lead in some children's jewelry offered in local stores. 5/2/07 American Lung Association issues report card on air quality in Florida. Aside from the recent cloud of smoke from Georgia wildfires, 4 Florida counties get D or F grades for air quality: Duval, Escambia, Hillsborough and Sarasota. http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070502/LOCAL/705020344 5/2/07 A beneficial side of south Florida's drought is shown in the fact that Lake Okeechobee's "eco-system" will be improved as new water-cleaning vegetation will grow in areas normally covered with water. 2/25/07 Travel brochures describe Volusia and Flagler County beaches as "pristine" but, with erosion, habitat destruction and pollution, the beaches are anything but that. http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Headlines/frtHEAD01ENV022507.htm 1/15/07 EPA says federal court ruling requiring permits to pump flood waters into reservoirs like Lake Okeechobee threatens Florida's efforts to deal with flood conditions, will ask for clarification of Clean Waters Act requirements. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/gen/ap/SOU_Moving_Water.html 11/16/06 They don't listen to us, anyway: Florida environmentalists boycott federal hearing in Panama City on plans for offshore oil drilling in the Gulf, saying that their views are consistently ignored by such panels. http://gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061116/LOCAL/211160333/1078/news 10/13/06 NOAA announces $4.7 million grant to study whether waste products of farms, waterfront developments and heavy industry are responsible for creating red tide infestations along Florida's coasts. http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/oct/12/noaa_allocates_47_million_find_if_nutrients_trigge/ 7/1/06 Senators Nelson and Martinez say they will launch a filibuster in Senate to prevent passage of bill allowing offshore drilling. http://keysnews.com/286455750639553.bsp.htm 6/30/06 House votes to lift offshore drilling ban; those in the "divided" Florida delegation who voted for it: Miller, Boyd, Bilirakis, Young, Putnam, Crenshaw, Brown-Waite, Stearns, Mica, Keller, L. Diaz-Balart , M. Diaz-Balart, Weldon, Feeney. Full vote is here: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2006/roll356.xml 4/7/06 At last stop on federal "listening tour" on off-shore oil and gas drilling, environmentalist and business representatives clash on Florida effects of such drilling: http://www.tdo.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060407/NEWS01/604070330/1010 3/23/06 Offshore drilling being promoting by Florida and national industrial interests, which require cheap natural gas for manufacturing operations: http://www.sptimes.com/2006/03/23/Worldandnation/Industry_joins_drilli.shtml 3/22/06 State failure to exercise pollution controls in Everglades is cited as reason for possible congressional cutback in restoration funding: 2/27/06 Millions of gallons of polluted water are released into rivers across the southern part of Fla. every time Lake Okeechobee receives heavy rainfall http://www.sptimes.com/2006/02/27/State/Liquid_poison.shtml 2/21/06 Gulf Drilling? 'Rest Easy' http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060221/NEWS/602210319/1036
Other information sources:
FLORIDA LOCALITIES
Websites:
Analysis and views: Gainesville: 1/31/10 Collier Co.: 1/28/10 Sarasota: 11/12/09 West Palm Beach: 10/25/09 Palm Beach Co.: 9/3/09 Putnam Co.: 9/2/09 Tampa: 8/29/09 Palm Beach Co.: 8/27/09 Broward Co.: 3/15/09 ORGANIC RE-CYCLING OF GROCERY STORE WASTE AN IDEA WHOSE TIME CAME (AND WENT) IN SOUTH FLORIDA. Last year Governor Crist hailed as a "groundbreaking event" an agreement between Publix Stores and an organic re-cycling organization in Pompano Beach for the recycler to receive store waste from 85 Publix stores in Broward County to be converted to organic fertilizer. Now, Publix announces suspension of the program, saying that because of "the economy" the organization no longer can "service" them, though the company maintains its corporate "green" commitment. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/southflorida/story/949390.html Pasco Co.: 1/12/09 Construction is set on landfill in source water of Hillsborough River in Pasco County despite vehement environmental objections. St. Petersburg: 7/10/08 Air and groundwater pollution will be tested in homes near Raytheon plant in St. Petersburg. http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jul/10/me-homes-near-plume-to-have-air-tested/ Orlando: 7/5/08 The water in this pond is as warm as bath water; come on in!: To the contrary, say Orange County health officials, that's precisely the time to get OUT of freshwater ponds and streams, as they are likely to become infected with illness-causing micro-organisms. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-b3report05_108jul05,0,2108876.story Orlando: 6/28/08 12 inches of safety: That's all we can guarantee U.S. Corps of Engineers says they can't promise 100% safety for children at a school built over a covered-over World War II bomb site in Orange County, but only the top foot of soil. (Teachers: tell the ids not to dig holes in the playground, or at least take a ruler with them when they do.) http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-bomb2708jun27,0,363448.story Ormond Beach: 6/24/08 Lightning strike at Ormand Beach takes out a water supply facility, results in water boil advisory for local residents. http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/EastVolusia/evlEAST04062408.htm Jacksonville: 4/30/08 Florida's Duval County expected to be among those U.S. counties in violation of ozone regulations when EPA regulations raise the bar for permissible pollution. http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/043008/met_273520401.shtml Orlando: 1/5/08 Clean-up at Odyssey Middle School in Orlando yields 400 pounds of World War II munitions found on school grounds and adjacent railroad tracks. Collier Co.: 12/22/07 Lawsuit in Tampa challenges the National Park Service's decision to open up Big Cypress National Preserve in Collier County to all-terrain vehicles. http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2007/dec/21/conservation-groups-sue-over-reopening-big-cypress/ Flagler Co.: 11/29/07 Red tide not yet a tide in Flagler County, but traces of it have been seen. http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Local/newFLAG02BEACH112907.htm Flagler Co.: 8/31/07 Odors wafted across Flagler County beach communities from paper mills in Jacksonville or Palatka are suspects in the foul odors experienced by residents yesterday http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Headlines/frtHEAD05083107.htm Sarasota: 8/11/07 Southwest Florida beach-goers are enjoying a 6-months respite in the red tide contamination that ravaged the area last year. http://www2.tbo.com/content/2007/aug/11/me-red-tide-absent-beachgoers-enjoy-breathing-easy/ Ft. Lauderdale: 6/8/07 Removal of tire reef off Ft. Lauderdale coast aims for a double environmental advantage. Removal is expected to help restore a natural reef damaged by an ill-conceived dumping project; and tires to be sent to Georgia to provide fuel for a newspaper recycling plant. http://www.miamiherald.com/457/story/132512.html Sarasota: 6/4/07 Deterioration of health of oysters in Lemon Bay near Sarasota is being seen as a sign of advancing pollution of coastal waters. Pensacola: 6/3/07 Over environmentalists' objections, a mountain of dioxin-laced waste disposal will be re-buried in Pensacola. http://www.sptimes.com/2007/06/03/State/EPA_ready_to_begin__M.shtml Taylor Co.: 5/26/07 Wildfire hazard in Florida is highlighted by state troopers ticketing or warning drivers who throw cigarette butts outside their vehicles. http://gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070526/LOCAL/705260380/-1/news Largo: 5/17/07 Streets of Largo FL are hit with large sewage spill. http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/newswire/story/sewage-spills-into-streets-in-largo/ Ft. Myers: 4/23/07 Red tide of death hits manatees near Fort Myers. At least 27 deaths in March and April are attributed to red tide contamination in that area. http://www.miamiherald.com/416/story/83529.html Port Canaveral: 4/16/07 As Port Canaveral Florida has been transformed from a fishing center to a dock for luxury cruise ships, the ships have brought in substantial muck that pollutes the local waters. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-ships1607apr16,0,1705029.story?coll=orl-home-headlines Sanford: 3/17/07 Superintendent of Seminole FL County schools says he will ask the School Board to approve siting of an elementary school on polluted acreage, now determined to be "safe," outside the city of Sanford. Gulfport: 3/4/07 Bring back a bag of trash and win a free kayak ride: the offer at Gulfport FL to people helping to clean up Clam Bayou. http://www.tbo.com/news/metro/MGB69HCVUYE.html Orlando: 3/4/07 Citizen volunteer clean-up crews are attacking street debris in metropolitan Orlando. Daytona Beach: 1/26/07 Not just on your back deck, migrating bird flocks are contaminating beaches as well; several are closed at Daytona Beach under "swim advisories." http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/EastVolusia/evlEAST02BEACH012607.htm Orlando: 1/18/07 Is 40 years long enough to wait? Orlando preparatory school hopes to buy a site, contaminated 40 years ago with toxic waste from company making NASA parts, de-contaminate and sell the property at a profit. A school official cites the endless delay of the city and utilities commission in dealing with the problem. Gainesville: 11/26/06 Bio-control measures to counter pests with their predatory enemies is going forward at University of Florida, despite increasing regulations associated with concerns for "bio-terrorism" and fear that introduced predators will themselves become unwanted invasive plants and animals. http://gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061125/LOCAL/211250336/1078/news Miami: 11/24/06 When you widen a road, where do you put the "muck?" Florida DOT contemplates various unsatisfactory alternatives for disposing of the material displaced by building the "18-mile stretch" of roadway between Florida City and Key Largo on the dangerous 2-lane road that is the single access road for the Florida keys. http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/16087448.htm Pensacola: 11/22/06 But don't go near the bayou: new report shows significant water pollution in three popular bayous in Pensacola area. http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061121/NEWS01/611210323/1006 Lake City: 10/14/06 No itch from Ichetucknee: State health investigators rule out algae in the Springs as cause of allergies suffered by visitors; other health effects of the algae still being studied. http://gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061014/LOCAL/210140311/1078/news Melbourne: 10/11/06 Dangerous bio-toxin that has contaminated Indian River Lagoon in Melbourne area for 4 years has now spread to ocean waters and is affecting marine life. http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061011/NEWS01/610110369 Everglades 8/31/06 Everglades activists try to counter the influence of U.S.Sugar in supporting the candidacy of Rod Smith for Governor by taking out ads against Smith's environmental record with regard to Everglades clean-up efforts http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orl-everglades3106aug31,0,7779153.story?coll=orl-news-headlines Ft. White: 8/25/06 Ichetucknee Springs near Ft. White leads all Florida springs in the number of cases of people experiencing allergic reactions to their use. Waste spillage from Lake City and other pollution sources are suspected causes. http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060825/LOCAL/208250331 Delray Beach: 8/23/06 Reef madness: untreated sewage from Delray Beach and Boynton Beach is pumped 90 miles out to sea and discharged, threatening the coral reef and much of marine life as well. Local activist group Reef Rescue lobbies for stopping of this pollution practice. http://www.newtimesbpb.com/Issues/2006-08-10/news/feature.html Charlotte County: 8/15/06 215 acres of low density residential land northeast of Punta Gorda could become wildlife habitat in plan being considered by Charlotte County. http://www.sun-herald.com/NewsArchive2/081506/ew1.htm?date=081506&story=ew1.htm Palm Beach: 8/6/06 To environmentalists' dismay, large mounds of Palm Beach County solid wastes are to be transferred to Everglades agricultural area. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/pbcwest/content/local_news/epaper/2006/08/06/w1c_landfill_0806.html Dixie County: 8/4/06 Dubious distinction: Shired Island beach in Dixie County named by Natural Resources Defense Council as one of the nation's most polluted beaches. Officials debate whether "animal waste" or human activity is the cause. http://gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060804/LOCAL/208040328/1078/news Tallahassee: 7/18/06 Environmentalist tells Tallahassee city officials that coal-fired plants may not be the cheapest form of energy production in the light of probable carbon dioxide emissions regulations in the near future. http://www.tdo.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060718/NEWS01/607180324/1010 Taylor County: 7/8/06 Environmentalists in Taylor County are fighting a power plant, pipe line to transport waste to the Gulf and a marina/condo development project in an effort to preserve one of Florida's remaining "pristine" coastal areas. http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060708/LOCAL/207080321/1078 Gainesville 6/6/06 Oil spill at Gainesville power generating plant, as 25,000 gallons of fuel oil are accidentally spilled, initially into a containment pond, with 10,000 drained into an aquifer-connected "drainage ditch" through an employee mistake; company doesn't announce this until a day later. http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060606/LOCAL/60606007/1078 Taylor County: 6/4/06 There goes the neighborhood. Proposed Magnolia Bay development in Taylor (condos, marina, shop, dug canal access to Gulf) would destroy many acres of coastal seagrass preserve. http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060604/LOCAL/206040312/1078 Ocala: 5/17/06 Long-time problem of pollution from nearby landfill at Lakeview Hills sub-division near Ocala may lead to abandonment of well water and sale of water from county resources to residents by Marion County. http://www.ocala.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060516/NEWS/205160359/1001/NEWS01 Jacksonville: 5/5/06 Florida Department of Environmental "Protection" is proposing to loosen anti-pollution rules that will further the contamination of the St. Johns River: http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/050406/met_21784386.shtml Jacksonville: 5/3/06 Plans for St. Johns River clean-up get big boost from state funding: http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/050306/met_21774336.shtml Deerfield Beach: 4/15/06 Construction company faces $45,000 per day fine for dumping of waste materials into Broward County lake: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-clanzodump15apr15,0,3569272.story?coll=sfla-home-headlines Port St. Lucie: 3/23/06 Coral dying on Port Lucie Inlet reef: http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/local_news/article/0,2545,TCP_16736_4563467,00.html Orlando: 3/22/06 Urban sprawl and environmental destruction are feared effects of proposed toll road for Central Florida: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/custom/growth/orl-newroads22_106mar22,0,96883.story?coll=orl-home-headlines Miami: 2/27/06 Rock minig is causing massive pollution of Miami-Dade drinking water http://cbs4.com/defede/local_story_058225842.html Gainesville: 2/21/06 Gainesville's battle of consultants: Superfund clean-up firm says danger to water supply is contained, GRU says the firm's data is "unreliable" http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=news Tallahassee: 2/19/06 Critics: Field permit won't guard springs http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060219/NEWS01/602190334/1010 Tampa: 2/17/06 Once-clean Hillsborough River suffers major contamination: http://www.tampatrib.com/MGBN1ORZRJE.html Gainesville: 2/16/06 Gainesville voters may be able to vote whether GRU can build a coal-fired power plant: http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060216/LOCAL/202160351/1078 Ft Lauderdale: 2/15/06 An "eternal reef" off Ft.Lauderdale coast for disposition of human remains; promoter says it is "environmentally friendly": http://www.newtimesbpb.com/Issues/2006-02-09/news/tailpipe.html Gainesville: 2/11/06 Gainesville: Toxic chemicals from superfund site found near city's water supply. http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060211/LOCAL/202110331/1078 Gainesville: 2/6/06 Environmentalists fight uphill battle against contamination from cement plans: http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060206/LOCAL/202060325/1078
Other information sources
OPINIONS/FEEDBACK What do you think? To have your opinion on this or any other topic of progressive interest published, go to the Opinions page
|