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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
BangorDailyNews.com
Maine’s CDC Drinking Water Program has recorded over 40 instances of E. coli contamination across the States in 2023, roughly four times the number recorded in 2022. E. coli has been found in schools, housing, hotels, campgrounds, and other businesses and communities. Protocols to maintain public health are in place and include boil water orders.
LATimes.com
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary, Death Valley National Park and other federal lands in California and Nevada are receiving $4.575 million in relief funds. The Tropical Storm dropped over 2.2 inches of rain at Death Valley in one day, exceeding the yearly average. Flash floods eroded the ground underneath paved roads, and hiking trails and camping grounds were washed out.
The money will allow the National Park Service, Forest Service, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to refurbish roads, trails, bridges, parking areas, and other facilities impacted by the storm. In addition, funds will assist in repairing damage to the Manzanar Historic Site, the San Bernardino National Forest, the Inyo National Forest, the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, and other sites between California and Nevada.
Since the Storm, state Route 190, the main highway for Death Valley, has remained closed, with some sections tentatively scheduled to reopen on October 15.
WNEP.com
Severe flooding wreaked havoc in Scranton, Pennsylvania, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The deluge resulted in property damage amounting to millions of dollars. Cleanup efforts are underway to restore the affected areas. The brunt of the flooding was endured by West Mountain and the streets of Leech and Legget in North Scranton, where residents have been grappling with the aftermath.
CitizensVoice.com
Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania and the City of Scranton declared disaster emergency during ongoing storm cleanup. The Department of Public Works reacted to the storm and storm damage. Paige Cognetti, Mayor of Scranton, reported millions of dollars in property damage but no missing or severely injured people. During the storm, first responders prioritized rescues before responding to calls regarding flooded basements. Scott Amberg, official at a local water damage company, advises safety precautions for residents removing water on their own.
www.TampaBay.com
Fire erupted in a home in the Shore Acres neighborhood St. Petersburg, Florida. There was nobody in the house during the fire, and there were no injuries. It was the third house fire in the neighborhood since Hurricane Idalia. The home sustained flood damage from Idalia. St. Petersburg Fire Rescue suggests residents with floodwater thoroughly inspect their home before turning the electricity back on.
www.Fox2Detroit.com
Attorney General Dana Nessel is suing the Gerald R. Ford airport in Grand Rapids for contaminating nearby water sources with PFAS. Local waters including residential drinking water were affected by the airport’s release of the forever chemicals. Phil Roos, the director of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, stated that they believe the airport used PFAS-containing foam for decades. PFAS compounds were detected in excess of the state’s standards in and outside the airport.
VTDigger.org
Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics was the manufacturing company that last owned the former North Bennington factory. Under a 2019 settlement with the state of Vermont, the company took on the cleanup of industrial contamination at the factory. The factory was accused of spreading chemical contamination from the site. The factory was known for producing Teflon-coated fiberglass fabrics. The North Bennington factory and another plant owned by Saint-Gobain in the village were accused of emitting PFOA through smokestacks, thereby contaminating drinking water, groundwater, and soil throughout the area.
Saint-Gobain settled on the class-action lawsuit for $34 million in 2022. The cleanup is being done based on visual inspection by Saint-Gobain. A contractor was hired by the state to check their performance and send updates to the Department of Environmental Conservation. Saint-Gobain plans to dispose of solid waste generated during cleanup at a federally permitted hazardous waste landfill in Michigan.
UpNorthLive.com
In a significant legal victory for property owners affected by the catastrophic 2020 dam failure in Michigan, an appeals court has upheld their right to hold the state accountable for the disaster. At the heart of the matter are claims of “inverse condemnation,” which assert that the state’s actions resulted in property damage imposed on private owners.
The dam’s collapse, triggered by heavy rainfall in May 2020, unleashed a devastating flood that inundated the city of Midland, displacing thousands and destroying 150 homes. While a 2020 report by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission deemed the dam failure foreseeable and preventable, it refrained from attributing blame to any specific entity.
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