EPA STRIKES CLEANUP DEAL 36 YEARS AFTER INFORMING POLLUTER ABOUT TOXIC LIABILITY

EPA.gov

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed a settlement with the Stepan Chemical Company to address contaminated soil at a Superfund site in Bergen County, New Jersey. The proposal suggests that the potentially responsible party, Stepan Company, remove and dispose of the contaminated soil from several non-residential properties at the Maywood Chemical Company Superfund Site. The estimated cost of this cleanup is $8.6 million.

Maywood Chemical Company processed radioactive thorium ore on site from 1916 through 1955. Workers used chemical waste materials as fill on site and in nearby properties.

Stepan Company bought Maywood Chemical Works in 1959 and remains the current owner of the property. Stepan Company agreed to the EPA’s cleanup plan and has already completed cleanup for several residential properties in the area.

60 MPH WIND, HAIL LEAVES MIDLAND HOMES, BUSINESSES DAMAGED

www.CBS7.com

Golf ball sized hail and 60 mph winds hit many homes in Midland Texas on Tuesday October 3rd. One resident came home to a destroyed trampoline and a downed tree which damaged the roof. Another resident had their brick-and-mortar fence torn down due to the strong winds. Kyle Archer owner of Pro Hail Damage states that thousands of claims can come in with thousands of dollars of damage within two to three minutes.

MOST WELL-WATER USERS IN NORTHEAST OREGON COUNTIES STILL IN THE DARK ABOUT TOXIC CONTAMINATION

KGW.com

Having been launched seven months ago a program testing for contamination has tested less than one third of household wells in Oregon countries Morrow and Umatilla. Social justice group Oregon Rural Action stated that the testing campaign failed to meet Gov. Tina Kotek’s expectations set in May 2023 saying that all wells would be tested by the end of September 2023. While the agency was criticized, they claimed their program was a success with 1,000 out of 3,300 wells tested stating that the goal was to test or offer testing, not necessarily to ensure all wells were tested.

Out of the 1,000 wells tested, 235 had nitrate levels above the EPA safe drinking limits. The nitrate pollutions is likely caused in part by agricultural fertilizers and animal manure used on nearby farms. The Oregon Health Authority launched a testing campaign in March offering free vouchers to test water.

THE ROLE OF E-WASTE IN SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

GenevaEnvironmentNetwork.org

Since 2014 there has been a 20% increase in in global E-waste generation. In 2021 the construction industry accounted for 37% of process related carbon emissions. Additionally, the industry uses about 40% of raw materials globally. With this information there has been a strong demand for increased sustainability in construction.

Waste Printed Circuit Boards (WPCBs) contain a blend of fiberglass, copper, epoxy resins, plastics, gold, and silver. They also contain hazardous elements like cadmium, mercury, and lead. Due to the many materials that compose WPCBs recycling becomes difficult.

One study showed that incorporating WPCB fibers into concrete significantly increased its mechanical strength. This offers a potential solution to making construction more sustainable as well as creating a more sustainable method of recycling WPCBs.

PAPER MILL POTENTIALLY SUBJECT TO RICO CLAIMS STEMMING FROM PFAS CONTAMINATION

CMBG3.com

A federal magistrate judge recommended that a plaintiff’s RICO claims over PFAS contamination proceed to discovery against a paper manufacturing company in Massachusetts that allegedly sent PFAS-contaminated byproducts to a composting facility in Westminster, Massachusetts. According to the magistrate, the allegations were sufficient to avoid preliminary summary dismissal, but that does not mean the allegations were true or have been proven true.

Seaman Paper filed an objection to the magistrate’s report and recommendations with the intent to prove that the facts alleged in the complaint are false. The next step is for a federal judge to review Seaman Paper’s objections and the magistrate's report and recommendation and determine if they will adopt or reject the magistrate's ruling.

If the magistrate’s ruling is not rejected and continues to discovery, then it has the potential to significantly expand the prospective liability of corporate defendants for PFAS contamination.

FORT MYERS HOUSING AUTHORITY RECEIVES $1.6M HUD GRANT TO MITIGATE HURRICANE DAMAGE

ABCNews.go.com

The Housing Authority of Fort Myers was recently awarded a $1,672,000 grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development Housing-Related Hazard Fund Program. The grant was awarded to mitigate damage from Hurricane Ian to the city’s public housing units.

Damage from Hurricane Ian included flood damage, windblown rain damage, roof damage, and more. The Housing Authority intends to use the funds to remediate microbial growth in 364 housing units in Renaissance Preserve, Horizons Apartments, and Royal Palm Towers communities.

The grant will also assist public housing agencies with complying with the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate, which improves HUDS oversight by consolidating inspection regulations across multiple programs.

AUBURN FAMILY DISPLACED AFTER FIRE

AuburnPub.com

A residential fire on September 25 displaced a family residing in Auburn, Washington and resulted in approximately $20,000 worth of damage to the home. The fire department stated that the fire was caused by a space heater plugged into an extension cord power strip. The family delayed reporting the fire because they assumed a fault in their alarm system. Two adults and one child were displaced by the fire. The fire did not cause any injuries.

DC SECURES $57 MILLION FROM PEPCO OVER ALLEGED CONTAMINATION IN ANACOSTIA RIVER

News.law

Washington D.C.’s Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced an environmental settlement in which Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco) agreed to pay $57 million for cleanup and penalties for its alleged contamination of the Anacostia River. The company will spend $47 million toward cleaning the Anacostia River, as well as contamination found at its Buzzard Point and Benning Road facilities. Pepco will spend an additional $10 million toward penalties. AG Schwalb states that Pepco’s pollution of the Anacostia River was “chronic, illegal, and intentional.”

FEDERAL REGULATORS ANNOUNCE $235M IN GRANTS TO REDEVELOP CONTAMINATED 'BROWNFIELD' SITES

Grist.org

The US Environmental Protection Agency plans to give $235 million toward redevelopment of brownfields across the country. The contaminated sites receiving funding have not yet been chosen. Redevelopment of brownfields often face numerous challenges due to ongoing contamination. These redevelopment projects can mean a change in land use or historic preservation.

DECADES AFTER NUCLEAR TESTING, BIKINI ATOLL CONTINUES TO FASCINATE RESEARCHERS TODAY

NewsWeek.com

Bikini Atoll in Marshall Islands was used by the United States to test nuclear weapons during the Cold War. The US government detonated 23 nuclear weapons between 1946 and 1958. Three islands were vaporized, and radioactive contamination was left behind. Before nuclear testing, the US government forced 167 people from Bikini Atoll to evacuate. Many of these people starved due to lack of food on the islands they evacuated to. Almost 200 were sent home in the early 1970s and removed again in 1978 because they had ingested radioactive cesium. Research suggests that some turtles survived living in the nuclear testing area and that the effects are still measurable in them long after their initial exposure.

4 LEHIGH VALLEY STREAMS FOUND CONTAMINATED WITH ‘FOREVER CHEMICALS’

LehighValleyNews.com

Lehigh Valley streams in Pennsylvania are grappling with a concerning PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) problem, with development cited as a significant contributor. A study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey found that PFAS concentrations in the region were higher than the national average, owing to the extensive development surrounding these water bodies. PFAS, often dubbed “forever chemicals,” persist in the environment, contaminating groundwater and posing health risks such as liver damage and cancer.

State officials are launching a monitoring program to identify contamination sources. The issue has prompted municipalities like Emmaus to invest in treatment measures, with potential funding from settlements like the one involving 3M Co.

FEDS WILL REMOVE TOXIC SOIL FROM OLD BRIDGE SUPERFUND SITE

NJ.com

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a significant step towards environmental remediation by announcing its final plan for cleaning up contaminated soil in the Madison property section of the CPS/Madison Superfund site. Situated on Waterworks Road, this 35-acre site comprises the former CPS Chemical plant and the still-operational Madison Industries/Old Bridge Chemical site.

The Madison Industries/Old Bridge Chemical site plays a crucial role in producing various chemicals, including those for fertilizer, pharmaceuticals, food additives, zinc salts and copper sulfate. Unfortunately, site operations led to the release of harmful chemicals, resulting in soil, sediment, and groundwater contamination by heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.

In 2019, the EPA initiated a plan to address contaminated groundwater and soil at the CPS property, and now the final cleanup plan focuses on remediating soil contamination within the Madison property portion. The existing pavement cap, which prevents the spread of contaminants, will remain in place. Furthermore, the EPA’s plan involves ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the cap, with the removal and disposal of contaminated soil in unpaved areas if necessary.

RAIN SLOWS AND FLOODWATERS RECEDE, BUT NEW YORKERS’ ANGER GROWS

CNBC.com

New Yorkers faced frustration and devastation recently as heavy rains overwhelmed storm drains, leading to widespread flooding and property damage. The relentless downpour paralyzed the city, disrupting commutes, suspending subway services, and inundating homes and businesses.

One restaurant owner recounted watching water levels rise on surveillance cameras, with the floodwaters eventually washing away her outdoor dining structure. Commuters grappled with disrupted transportation, and the Metro North service was fully suspended for hours. Sewer systems in Brooklyn backed up, causing sewage to flood basements and homes.

Residents like Thomas Trevisan and Kelly Hayes shared stories of ruined belongings and extensive cleanup costs. Hayes, the owner of Gowanus Garden Restaurant, estimated that the damage would cost her thousands of dollars just to remove the debris.

HILARY CAUSES $9.3M IN DAMAGE; IMPERIAL COUNTY WAITS FOR HELP

CalexicoChronicle.com

Imperial County, California, has suffered significant property damage in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary, prompting calls for federal disaster assistance. Despite receiving approximately $9.3 million in property damage during the storm, what stands out is the startling statistic that Imperial County ranks as the second-highest county in terms of property damage per capita, with an average of $51 per resident.

Imperial County Fire Chief and Office and Office of Emergency Services Coordinator David Lantzer expressed surprise at these numbers during a recent report to the Imperial City Council. He highlighted that around ten counties in total were affected by the storm, and they are collectively seeking a federal disaster declaration to secure federal funding for recovery efforts.

Imperial County is one of nine counties in California, including Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Siskiyou, and Ventura counties, appealing to the Biden administration for assistance. The storm’s impact in the region was severe, with 49 flash-flooding warnings issued. The affected communities are now awaiting a decision from Washington, D.C. to provide the necessary aid for recovery.

NEIGHBOR'S TREE FALLS IN HOMEOWNER'S YARD IN ORANGE PARK. WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?

CIELTD.us

In Jacksonville Florida Robert Frazier is dealing with damages after a neighbor’s tree fell onto his property during a severe storm. The tree fell across the roadway landing in his front yard damaging a fence, boat, and car. Frazier was told that he would be the one responsible for cleanup and removal in his front yard.

“It's an unfortunate thing when it happens. But Florida law takes the position that trees are from nature, and people don't have responsibility for what happens to them," Barry Ansbacher, an attorney with Ansbacher Law, said.

According to the attorney if a neighbor’s tree is hanging over your yard or house you have the right trim the parts hanging over your property line which may save you from damage during storms.

TOXIC COAL ASH: EPA SAYS ALABAMA DOESN'T PROTECT PUBLIC OR WATERWAYS FROM CONTAMINATION

AL.com

According to the Environmental Protection Agency coal ash threatens the waterways, wildlife, fish and drinking water in St. Clair County. Coal ash is produced when coal is combusted in power plants leaving leftover waste that contains heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, and lead. Coosa Riverkeeper gave ABC 3340 News a tour of Lay Lake to see the size and scope of the coal ash pond at the Gaston Steam Plant near Wilsonville in Shelby County.

According to Coosa Riverkeeper Executive Director Justinn Overton the coal ash pond is over 200 acres. The impound is one of 16 federally regulated coal ash ponds and landfills across Alabama. There's an estimated 118 million cubic yards of toxic waste.

LITTLE ROCK'S LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY: SIX MONTHS AFTER TORNADO DAMAGE

KARK.com

Six months after a tornado tore through Little Rock’s homes and businesses reconstruction has been painstaking. Owners are continuing to negotiate with insurance providers while contractors are struggling to find enough workers. Additionally, inflation has been causing building materials to be more expensive.

Damage includes the roof of the Pulaski County Title building where the walls were knocked down and the roof was destroyed. The roof is currently being repaired but the replacement “is still a couple weeks out,” according to Roehrenbeck, the owner of the building. In Breckenridge Village major renovations were occurring with many new restaurants getting ready to open. Unfortunately, they “lost about three months’ worth of construction,” said Jake Keet of JTJ Restaurants of Little Rock.

OVER $100K IN DAMAGE AFTER FIRE BREAKS OUT AT OGDEN HOME

KUTV.com

A home in Ogden, Utah, is estimated to have suffered approximately $100,000 in damage after a fire broke out in the garage of a multi-level home. During a news release, the Ogden Fire crew stated, "A neighbor saw the flames and alerted the occupants who quickly evacuated the home.”

There were no injuries reported; however, three residents were displaced. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

BASEBALL-SIZED HAIL WREAKS HAVOC IN CENTRAL TEXAS: MAJOR DAMAGE REPORTED

FoxSanAntonio.com

A severe thunderstorm launched baseball-sized hail across parts of Central Texas. In the aftermath, Round Rock Police reported significant property damage and isolated outages in the City. Furthermore, reports of damage to vehicles included cracked windshields to completely blown-out windows.

The City of Round Rock released a statement informing people that the City was assessing damage to City facilities and vehicles and provided a link to the Texas Department of Insurance for residents dealing with repairs to their personal property.

OFFICIAL DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS ARE UNDERWAY FROM AUGUST FLOOD IN W.VA.

WVMetroNews.com

Five counties across West Virginia are under inspection from local emergency offices and state and federal inspectors to determine if they qualify for a federal disaster declaration after being hit by flash floods. Assessment involves Kanawha, Boone, Clay, Calhoun, and Harrison Counties.

According to C.W. Sigman, the Emergency Manager of Kanawha County, inspections have resulted in “finding more homes totally destroyed than we had on our list. We’re also finding homes that are not on our list.” Furthermore, damage in Kanawha County was revealed to be worse than initially thought.

Inspections and assessments will assist in determining public assistance for damages to roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure, while individual assistance looks at the level of private property damage to determine if residents can qualify for financial aid from FEMA.