LEAD CONTAMINATION REPORT CARD GIVES MOUNTAIN WEST STATES FAILING GRADES

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According to a report title “Get the Lead Out” by Environmental America, half of the states in the Mountain West received a failing grade for how they are handling lead contamination in school drinking water.

“Unfortunately, over decades, we have built our water delivery systems, including in our schools, with a potent toxic substance called lead,” said John Rumpler, the clean water program director at Environment America. “It's in pipes. It's in plumbing. It's in faucets. It's in fountains. This lead has serious effects on the way that our kids learn and grow and behave.”

The water crisis in Flint, Michigan spurred the first lead report card by Environment America in 2017 and has since expanded to give all states a grade in 2023. More states are urged to add filters and replace water fixtures at schools and childcare centers.

“The real overall big jump that we'd like to see states take is not waiting for test results to confirm that our kids are drinking lead,” Rumpler said. “It would be better if ultimately, we could get to the root of the problem.

TORNADO SLAMS LITTLE ROCK, CAUSES PROPERTY DAMAGE

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On Friday March 31, 2023 a tornado moved through Little Rock, Arkansas damaging roofs, toppling vehicles, and tossing debris. A state of emergency was declared by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The tornado first damaged neighborhoods in the western area of the city and destroyed a shopping center. Spokesperson Leslie Taylor stated that the University of Arnkansas For Medical Sciences Medical center was operating at a mass casualty level.

NEIGHBORS SUE FOR $2.4 MILLION OVER BULL SPRINGS FIRE

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Neighbors of James Verheyden are suing over damages caused by the Bull Springs Fire, which originated on Verheyden’s property. The lawsuit claims that Verheyden acted negligently, which resulted in the fire. The plaintiffs allege that the fire caused $1.5 million in non-economic damages and $900,000 in property damages.

The fire started from a burn pile that rekindled after workers performed slash burns. Slash burns are a fire mitigation strategy. The Bull Springs fire burned 211 acres, destroyed two outbuildings, and evacuated approximately 200 residents.

Verheyden’s attorney claimed in court documents, “There has been no determination or even a suggestion that the Verheydens started the Bull Springs fire. To the contrary, Dr. Verheyden's care for his land prevented the fire from truly taking off. Additionally, several factors corroborate the strong possibility that an arsonist started the fire.”

ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT CONFIRMS BOIL WATER ADVISORY REQUIRED FOR CHAMA WATER SYSTEM

www.ABQJournal.com

A “boil water advisory” was issued on May 10, 2023, to residents of the Chama Water System in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, after turbidity levels were detected above the required standards. The Chama Water System supplies public water to approximately 1,573 users.

Elevated turbidity levels can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Also, turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, causing potential nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and headaches.

CONDO BUILDING DAMAGED IN EXPLOSION CONDEMNED, PROPERTY MANAGER SAYS

Fox47.com

A condominium building in Madison, Wisconsin, was condemned after an explosion erupted from the building. Two additional condo buildings on the property were also damaged.

According to the property manager, one building saw some damage, but gas and electric services has been restored to approximately half the building. In addition, a third condo building suffered some damage but maintained gas and electricity.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation but the Madison Fire Department suspects a propane tank inside a home’s garage might be the cause. Crews have been working to clear debris at the condemned building.

‘A SOGGY, NASTY MESS': EDGEWOOD STREETS LINED WITH DAMAGED BELONGINGS AS VICTIMS DEAL WITH HISTORIC FLOODING AFTERMATH

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According to the City of Fort Lauderdale, the aftermath of flooding in the area has resulted in approximately 585 homes suffering major damage and an additional 211 homes suffering minor damage. To improve hard-hit areas, 36 pumping/vacuum trucks, 20 pressure washing crews, and 20 city inspectors have been working to restore conditions and assess the amount of flood damage to homes.

After days without power and sewer backups, residents of Edgewood are assessing what remains of their homes after being destroyed by floodwaters. Blocks are lined with damaged furniture, and personal belongings are brought to front yards to be hauled. "It's just a soggy, nasty mess," Harrell told NBC6. "And it is immense, everybody up and down the street."

MAINE SUES MANUFACTURERS OVER FOREVER CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION

www.PressHerald.com

The attorney general of Maine is suing DuPont, 3M, and others over introducing toxic chemicals into Maine’s environment, contaminating farms and wells. The lawsuit alleges that the manufacturers knew about the toxicity decades ago but concealed the information from the public. PFAS has been detected at high levels in bodies of water, wells, and wildlife.

A DuPont spokesperson stated that the company does not comment on the litigation but believes “these complaints are without merit.” 3M did not immediately respond. The lawsuit seeks to recover costs to investigate, mitigate, and monitor contamination.

INITIAL AG DAMAGE ESTIMATES PUT PRICE TAG AT $60M IN TULARE COUNTY

TheBusinessJournal.com

California Governor Gavin Newsom has asked President Joe Biden that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) take on 100% cost share for private and public entities in Tulare and Monterey counties to remove debris from flooding and institute emergency protective measures.

Over 4,000 evacuation orders had been issued in Tulare County and over 9,000 warnings had been given at the worst of the flooding. Two homes had been destroyed, 101 had suffered major damage and 52 suffered minor damage.

Initial damage estimates to fields are at $60 million. Estimated costs to remove debris are at $156 million while damage to roads, bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and parks are up to $368.27 million. Costs to FEMA for Calaveras, Los Angeles, Monterey and Tulare counties alone have already hit $92.2 million.