EF2 TORNADO CAUSES DAMAGE IN PALM COAST, FLORIDA

MyNews13.com

Palm Coast, Florida, experienced the wrath of an EF-2 tornado that wreaked havoc, causing extensive real estate damage. With peak winds of 115 mph, the tornado left a mile-long path of destruction, impacting properties, downing trees, and overturning vehicles. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries, but several families faced catastrophic property losses. Local authorities, including Palm Coast Fire Department and emergency management teams, are working to assess the damage and provide assistance to affected residents.

The National Weather Service will officially confirm the tornadic activity’s cause, while the community is urged to avoid hazardous storm-impacted areas. A Family Assistance Center has been set up to support residents in need.

WICHITA RESIDENTS SUE UNION PACIFIC OVER TOXIC METAL CONTAMINATION

WichitaBeacon.org

Residents near a contaminated groundwater site in north Wichita have filed a class-action lawsuit against Union Pacific, alleging exposure to toxic materials. The lawsuit accuses Union Pacific of negligence in preventing groundwater contamination, contaminating private properties, trespassing contaminants onto neighboring properties, and violating state pollution laws.

The contamination, traced back to the 70s or 80s, concerns about cancer clusters in the affected area raised in 2022. The lawsuit covers nearly 3,000 homes. Union Pacific claims compliance with regulations and prioritizing community health.

$30M BIL INVESTMENT ADVANCES SUPERFUND CLEANUP ON ATLANTA’S WESTSIDE

CNU.org

Federal, state and local officials gathered in Atlanta’s Westside last Thursday evening to recognize two milestones in the cleanup of the Westside Lead Superfund Site. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) $30 million is being invested to support the Westside cleanup. The other milestone being celebrated is 20 Atlanta area residents graduated from the EPA’s Superfund Job Training Initiative or “SuperJTI.”

The BIL funds will be used to excavate and safely dispose of lead-contaminated soil at residential properties. There are 2,097 properties in the study area and 1,251 properties have been sampled so far. Of those, 528 had lead in the soil above 400mg/kg threshold for cleanup and cleanup activities have been completed at 229 properties. The EPA continues to seek permission from property owners and tenants on the Westside to perform free sampling of their yards.

FARMERS, ILLINOIS SAY SPIRE HASN’T DONE ENOUGH TO FIX DAMAGE FROM STL PIPELINE

STLToday.com

Rocks as big as hubcaps called combine killers are what sits on the surface of farmland in Green County, Illinois as a result of the Spire STL Pipeline. Foot-deep gullies scar areas of farmland where crops used to grow along with piles of debris.

Years after the pipeline began delivering gas to the St. Louis region, Illinois farmers claim its construction damaged portions of their land making it impossible to grow crops and dangerous to run farm machinery through. A consultant representing landowners said he is aware of about 40 damaged properties. Spire is pushing to dispel the latest petition stating that it hasn’t violated any laws or regulations. The company added that it will “continue to work in good faith by being proactive and transparent in resolving outstanding restoration concerns.”

When the pipeline was put into the ground, the topsoil and the lower-quality lighter soil beneath were supposed to be kept in separate piles and then dropped back into place. But that didn’t happen correctly in some places leading to drainage and erosion problems washing the topsoil away. One farmer had some of the most productive farmland in the state, even winning awards before the pipeline was built across his land. “They’ve destroyed the productivity,” Gettings said.

DNR: WAUSAU TO INVESTIGATE GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION DETECTED AT 1300 CLEVELAND AVENUE

WausauPilotAndReview.com

Wisconsin state officials have confirmed groundwater contamination has been detected at a city-owned property slated for redevelopment in Wausau, prompting a larger investigation. City officials have long debated the fate of the property located at 1300 Cleveland Avenue, which has demonstrated environmental contamination traced to a business investigated by the state for dumping hazardous waste.

Groundwater sampling from on-site monitoring wells has shown elevated levels of PFAS compounds as well as detections in soil samples taken at the site. The Department of Natural Resources has requested that the City expand their investigation to determine the extent of groundwater contamination associated with PFAS compounds.

Considering the demographic and socioeconomic makeup of the neighborhood, Citizens for a Clean Wausau representatives say there should be no other choice than to remediate to the highest standard with no new industrialization.

MOROCCO BEGINS PROVIDING CASH TO FAMILIES WHOSE HOMES WERE DESTROYED BY EARTHQUAKE

EckvilleEcho.com

On Friday, October 7, 2023, Moroccan authorities said that they had begun providing money to those whose homes were destroyed during the earthquake. The government stated that initial monthly payments of $242 would be disbursed starting on October 6. These payments a one of the several forms of relief that Morocco plans to provide. The government plans to provide temporary rehousing assistance and up to $13,600 to rebuild destroyed homes. Additionally, there are plans to rebuild about 1,000 schools and 42 health centers.

The Royal Cabinet said that payments would go to 50,000 households in the affected region. Morocco has also pledged to upgrade and widen roads and offer additional assistance to farmers and herders.

STRUCTURE FIRE CAUSES $4M IN DAMAGE TO KAPALUA HOME

KHON2.com

On Wednesday morning October 4 a home on Plantation Club Drive in Kapalua sustained $4 million in damage due to a fire. The fire was reported at 1:56 a.m. and covered 60% of the structure. The fire was contained by 6:51 a.m. and extinguished by 1:30 p.m. There were no occupants within, and the cause of the fire is undetermined.