#assessing Soil health

[environmentalengineering]

Path Forward provides solution-oriented consulting services in the areas of brownfield and contaminated site characterization, remediation, health risk assessment, environmental due diligence, vapor intrusion mitigation, construction oversight, compliance, litigation support, and more.

#environmental engineering #environmental consulting #air quality monitoring #environmental consulting firm #vapor intrusion #environmental engineer companies #air dispersion modeling #environmental risk assessments #soil vapor extraction #soil and groundwater remediation #groundwater remediation #environmental engineering consultants #toxicology and environmental health #groundwater remediation systems

[zvaigzdelasas]

A “human health risk assessment” by the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, from Oct. 16, 2019, revealed high levels of dioxin and pesticides at three spots on Camp Kinser.

The Okinawa Times obtained the document through the Freedom of Information Act and first reported on it Jan. 16. Marine Corps Installations Pacific responded to the Times article afterward and later provided Stars and Stripes a copy of the health center’s report on Jan. 24.

While the levels were reportedly not high enough to induce cancer, they exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency safety standards, according to the document’s authors.

However, in November and December 2018, when the soil samples were taken, the toxin levels potentially posed a “substantial impact to human health and safety” in at-risk populations like children and landscapers, the report states.[...]

The health center found the toxic equivalent of 0.0025 milligrams per kilogram of the dioxin 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin in the area of Maintenance Building 1304, an outdoor exercise facility and the base's skatepark, the health center’s report said.

That is more than 500 times the EPA's carcinogenic screening level of 0.0000048 milligrams per kilogram for dioxin, according to data on the EPA’s website, and more than double Japan's safe soil standard of 0.001 milligrams per kilogram, a spokesman from Japan's environment ministry told Stars and Stripes on Jan. 25.[...]

An area along the fence line, halfway between the dental clinic and a fenced drainage area, recorded 24 milligrams per kilogram of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane, or DDD, which is similar to the banned pesticide DDT, according to the report. That is more than 10 times the EPA carcinogenic screening level.

DDT has been banned in the United States and Japan for decades, according to the EPA’s website.

8 Feb 23

[beardedmrbean]

A 30-ton shipment of a chemical that can be used as fertilizer or an explosive is missing from a California-bound railroad car after rail officials confirmed it disappeared during a trip across the West last month.

The railcar, loaded with 61,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate, left Cheyenne, Wyoming on April 12, a Union Pacific spokesperson told USA TODAY Tuesday. Two weeks later it was found empty at a rail stop in the California Mojave Desert, according to a report filed with the federal National Response Center on May 10.

Dyno Nobel, an explosives manufacturer, told local station KQED News the material − "transported in pellet form in a covered hopper car similar to those used to ship coal" − likely fell from a rail car on the way to a rail siding (a short track connecting with the main track) about 30 miles from Mojave in Kern County, just east of Bakersfield.

"The railcar was sealed when it left the Cheyenne facility, and the seals were still intact when it arrived in Saltdale," the company told the outlet. "The initial assessment is that a leak through the bottom gate on the railcar may have developed in transit."

In addition to Dyno, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and Union Pacific are investigating the case.

Neither the FRA nor CPUC could immediately be reached by USA TODAY on Tuesday morning.

'Seal still intact'

Officials told KQED the railcar was transported back to Wyoming where it will be inspected.

"At this point in the investigation, we do not believe there is any criminal or malicious activity involved," said Kristen South, a spokesperson for Union Pacific, who works with its customers to investigate any loss of commodity or damaged freight.

"Our investigation is in its early stages because the customer recently reported the possible loss of fertilizer from one compartment of a multi-compartment railcar," South told USA TODAY Tuesday. "The fertilizer is designed for ground application and quick soil absorption. If the loss resulted from a railcar leak over the course of transportation from origin to destination, the release should pose no risk to public health or the environment."

What is ammonium nitrate?

Ammonium nitrate is explosive under certain conditions. Mixed with something flammable and exposed to flame, it can explode.

Timothy McVeigh used 2 tons of ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel oil to destroy the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people in 1995.

But it's not a danger that exists in many places. That's because the chemical, once a popular fertilizer, is rarely used these days, USA TODAY reported in 2013.

Ammonium nitrate was the main suspected chemical in a Texas explosion that killed 14 people in April 2013.

The explosion at West Fertilizer Co. also injured more than 200 and left at least 50 homes uninhabitable.

#nunyas news #good grief

[soberscientistlife]

nytimes When the Norfolk Southern freight train careened off the tracks this month and left a fiery heap of wreckage on the outskirts of East Palestine, Ohio, a town of roughly 4,700 people, it upended an area where generations of families could afford to buy acres of land, raise horses and plant gardens, hunt deer and birds and build lives undisturbed by the chaos of bigger cities nearby. Although farming provides only a small number of jobs in the immediate area, many residents say that raising livestock and working the land are profoundly important to their way of life.

So when officials decided two weeks ago to burn off the toxic chemical cargo a few miles away, sending a huge plume of smoke to blanket the region along the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, many landowners began to worry for their safety. Vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate and ethylene glycol monobutyl are among the substances that were released into the air, surface water and surface soil, the Environmental Protection Agency said.

Officials said that the chemical burn was necessary to avoid a more harmful explosion, and that initial tests so far had found the air and water to be safe. The Biden administration said the Department of Health and Human Services and its Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would continue to monitor public health and conduct assessments in the area. Still, farmers remain fearful about whether their customers will continue to trust their product.

Norfolk Southern should take care of these people for the rest of their lives. Maybe then they will realize safety regulations are a good thing.

[thoughtportal]

Wind-borne microplastics are a bigger source of ocean pollution than rivers, say scientists

More than 200,000 tonnes of tiny plastic particles are blown from roads into the oceans every year, according to research.

The study suggests wind-borne microplastics are a bigger source of ocean pollution than rivers, the route that has attracted most attention to date. The analysis focused on the tiny particles produced by tyres and brake pads as they wear down.

It estimated that 550,000 tonnes of particles smaller than 0.01mm are deposited each year, with almost half ending up in the ocean. More than 80,000 tonnes fall on remote ice- and snow-covered areas and may increase melting as the dark particles absorb the sun’s heat.

Microplastic pollution has polluted the entire planet, from Arctic snow and Alpine soils to the deepest oceans. The particles can harbour toxic chemicals and harmful microbes and are known to harm some marine creatures. People are also known to consume them via food and water, and to breathe them, But the impact on human health is not yet known.

Earlier work suggested microplastic particles could be blown across the world, but the new study is the first to quantify the effect. The scientists concentrated on fine tyre and brake dust as there is better data on how these are produced than tiny microplastics from other sources, such as plastic bottles and packaging.

“Roads are a very significant source of microplastics to remote areas, including the oceans,” said Andreas Stohl, from the Norwegian Institute for Air Research, who led the research. He said an average tyre loses 4kg during its lifetime. “It’s such a huge amount of plastic compared to, say, clothes,” whose fibres are commonly found in rivers, Stohl said. “You will not lose kilograms of plastic from your clothing.”

Airborne transport has received much less attention than rivers because only the smallest particles can be blown by the wind and their size makes them difficult to identify as plastic. “The really small particles are probably the most important in terms of health and ecological consequences because you can inhale them and the very small particles can probably also enter your blood vessels,” Stohl said.

The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, used two methods to estimate the amount of fine particles shed by tyres and brakes. The team then used well-established atmospheric circulation models to assess how they are blown around the globe.

Stohl acknowledges significant uncertainties in the data, such as how rapidly the particles fall to the ground in rain. The study suggests the finest particles can remain airborne for a month. But he is confident the results are the right order of magnitude. The next step is to accelerate development of measurement techniques for fine particles so that real-world samples can be checked.

Deonie Allen, at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, and not part of the research team, said: “This very well conducted research shows there is an awful lot of microplastic pollution coming from sources that most people have never even thought of. This is one of the first long-distance transport modelling papers and it shows how far these pollutants can move and how important the atmosphere is at part of the plastic pollution cycle.”

Erik van Sebille, at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, said: “The study shows how interconnected pristine remote areas are with what we’re doing in our cities and on our roads.” Sebille studies microplastic flows in the oceans and is planning to work with Stohl’s group to develop a global picture of plastic pollution, which will help determine how best to tackle the problem.

Read more

“We should be concerned,” he said. “We don’t still know really what the harm is of all these microplastics, but the precautionary principle says that we had better be careful and safe about these things.”

Stohl said the issue of tyre and brake pollution is likely to get worse before it gets better as electric cars become more common: “Electric cars are normally heavier than internal combustion engine cars. That means more wear on tyres and brakes.”

Reducing microplastic pollution from vehicles is difficult, he said: “The manufacturers will have to respond somehow, if this really becomes a matter of concern.” In the meantime, Stohl said people should reduce the use of plastics they can do without and ensure the rest is recycled.

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you move on, I wanted to ask if you would consider supporting the Guardian’s journalism as we enter one of the most consequential news cycles of our lifetimes in 2024.

With the potential of another Trump presidency looming, there are countless angles to cover around this year’s election – and we’ll be there to shed light on each new development, with explainers, key takeaways and analysis of what it means for America, democracy and the world. 

From Elon Musk to the Murdochs, a small number of billionaire owners have a powerful hold on so much of the information that reaches the public about what’s happening in the world. The Guardian is different. We have no billionaire owner or shareholders to consider. Our journalism is produced to serve the public interest – not profit motives.

And we avoid the trap that befalls much US media: the tendency, born of a desire to please all sides, to engage in false equivalence in the name of neutrality. We always strive to be fair. But sometimes that means calling out the lies of powerful people and institutions – and making clear how misinformation and demagoguery can damage democracy.

From threats to election integrity, to the spiraling climate crisis, to complex foreign conflicts, our journalists contextualize, investigate and illuminate the critical stories of our time. As a global news organization with a robust US reporting staff, we’re able to provide a fresh, outsider perspective – one so often missing in the American media bubble.

Around the world, readers can access the Guardian’s paywall-free journalism because of our unique reader-supported model. That’s because of people like you. Our readers keep us independent, beholden to no outside influence and accessible to everyone – whether they can afford to pay for news, or not. {read}

#article #air pollution #pollution #the guardian #microplastics #cars

[rosiebomb]

Getting Your Hands Dirty: My kinda Beginner's Guide to Starting Gardening

Hi! I wanted to share some information on gardening. This spring I will be getting my hands dirty and start planting some flowers. I hope I have a green dumb.

Getting Started with Gardening

1. Assess Your Space:

Before diving into gardening, evaluate the available space you have. Determine whether you'll be gardening indoors, outdoors, or both. Consider factors like sunlight exposure, soil quality, and available water sources.

2. Choose Your Plants Wisely:

Select plants that are suitable for your climate and space. Beginners might find it easier to start with low-maintenance plants like herbs, succulents, or tomatoes. Research the specific needs of each plant, including watering frequency and sunlight requirements.

3. Gather Essential Gardening Supplies:

Equip yourself with basic gardening tools such as a trowel, pruning shears, watering can, and gloves. Depending on your gardening goals, you may also need pots, potting soil, fertilizer, and stakes for support.

4. Start Small:

Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to create a large garden right away. Begin with a small plot or a few containers, and gradually expand as you gain confidence and experience. Starting small allows you to learn and adapt without feeling overwhelmed.

5. Learn and Experiment:

Gardening is a continuous learning process. Take advantage of resources like gardening books, online forums, and local gardening clubs to expand your knowledge. Don't be afraid to experiment with different plants, techniques, and designs to discover what works best for you.

5. Facts on How Gardening Can Benefit Your Life

1. Stress Relief:

Gardening has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Spending time in nature, tending to plants, and connecting with the earth can have a calming effect on the mind and body.

2. Physical Exercise:

Engaging in gardening activities such as digging, planting, and weeding provides a moderate form of exercise. It helps improve flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health, contributing to an active lifestyle.

3. Mental Well-being:

Gardening has therapeutic effects on mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The act of nurturing plants and witnessing their growth can instill a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

4. Fresh Food and Nutrition:

Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs allows you to harvest fresh, nutritious produce right from your garden. It promotes a healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while also reducing reliance on store-bought produce.

5. Environmental Impact:

Gardening encourages environmental stewardship by fostering a deeper connection to nature and promoting sustainable practices. It contributes to biodiversity, supports pollinators, and reduces carbon footprint through carbon sequestration in plants and soil.

In conclusion, gardening offers a multitude of benefits beyond just beautifying your surroundings. Whether you're seeking stress relief, physical exercise, mental well-being, or environmental sustainability, starting a garden can enrich your life in numerous ways. So roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and get ready to embark on an exciting journey of growth and discovery!

#healing journey #gardening #garden #flowers #girly girl

[exoticfruitplants]

Choosing the Right Fertilizer for Your Garden: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to nurturing your garden or small yard, choosing the right fertilizer is essential for promoting healthy plant growth and maximizing yields. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which fertilizer is best suited to your specific needs. Factors such as soil type, plant requirements, and personal preferences all play a role in selecting the ideal fertilizer. In this guide, we'll explore common types of fertilizers and their characteristics to help you make an informed decision.

Compost: Compost is a natural fertilizer made from organic matter such as kitchen scraps, yard waste, and manure. It's prized for its ability to improve soil structure, enrich the soil with essential nutrients, and foster beneficial microbial activity. Compost is an excellent choice for organic gardening enthusiasts as it provides slow-release nutrients over time, promoting long-term soil health.

Manure: Manure, sourced from animals like cows, horses, or chickens, is another natural fertilizer rich in nutrients. However, it's crucial to compost manure before applying it to the garden to reduce the risk of pathogens and weed seeds. Fresh manure can be too potent and may burn plants, so it's best applied well in advance of planting.

Organic Fertilizers: Derived from plant or animal sources, organic fertilizers such as blood meal, bone meal, fish emulsion, and kelp meal offer a slow release of nutrients and improve soil fertility. Organic fertilizers are flavored by many gardeners for their ability to promote soil health while minimizing environmental impact.

Synthetic Fertilizers: Manufactured to provide specific concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), synthetic fertilizers deliver quick results but may pose risks if overused. They can leach into groundwater and harm beneficial soil organisms. Careful adherence to application instructions is essential when using synthetic fertilizers.

Liquid Fertilizers: Liquid fertilizers, like liquid seaweed extract and fish emulsion, are dissolved in water and quickly absorbed by plants, providing a fast nutrient boost. They're suitable for both soil application and foliar spraying, offering versatility in feeding plants.

Granular Fertilizers: Granular fertilizers, available in pellet or powder form, release nutrients slowly as they break down, providing long-term feeding for plants. Balanced formulations are suitable for general use, while specialized formulations cater to specific plant needs.

Before selecting a fertilizer, consider conducting a soil test to assess its nutrient content and pH level. This information will help you choose the right fertilizer and application rate to meet your plants' needs effectively. Remember to follow recommended application rates and schedules to prevent over-fertilizing, which can have adverse effects on plants and the environment.

If you're interested in adding exotic fruit plants to your garden, consider reaching out to Veliyath Gardens. With a diverse selection of rare and exotic fruit plants sourced from around the world, they can help you find the perfect additions to your garden, whether you're seeking unique Flavors or simply expanding your botanical horizons.

By selecting the right fertilizer and caring for your plants properly, you can create a thriving garden or small yard that brings joy and beauty to your outdoor space.

#GardenFertilizerGuide #FertilizerTips #GardenCare #GreenThumbTips #PlantNutrition #HealthyGarden #Fertilizer101 #VeliyathGardens #BotanicalBeauty #GreenHaven #TropicalParadise #GardenBliss #NatureRetreat

[dailyunsolvedmysteries]

What We Know About the Train Derailment in Ohio

In early February, a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in eastern Ohio, igniting a fire that swept the town of East Palestine in smoke. Fearful of a major explosion, the authorities carved out an evacuation zone and then carried out a controlled release of toxic fumes to neutralize burning cargo inside some of the cars. Residents feared for their health as concerns have mounted about the effect of the derailment and the fire on the environment and the transportation network.

Around 9 p.m. on Feb. 3, a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, a village of about 4,700 residents about 50 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. About 50 of the train’s 150 cars ran off the tracks on its route from Madison, Ill., to Conway, Pa.

The train, operated by Norfolk Southern, had been carrying chemicals and combustible materials, with vinyl chloride, a toxic flammable gas, being of most concern to investigators. A huge fire erupted from the derailment, sending thick billowing smoke into the sky and over the town. Residents on both sides of the Ohio-Pennsylvania border were ordered to evacuate, as Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio raised alarms about a possible explosion.

Local and federal officials started an investigation that involved the National Transportation Safety Board and the Environmental Protection Agency.

The derailment has sparked concerns about air, soil and water pollution.

On Feb. 10, the E.P.A. said that about 20 rail cars were reported to have been carrying hazardous materials. Chemicals including vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether were “known to have been and continue to be” released to the air, surface soil and surface waters, the E.P.A. said.

On Feb. 12, the E.P.A., after monitoring the air, said it had not detected contaminants at “levels of concern” in and around East Palestine, although residents may still smell odors. Working with Norfolk Southern and the Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency, the E.P.A. had screened the air inside about 290 homes as of Feb. 13, and said it had not detected vinyl chloride or hydrogen chloride, which can cause life-threatening respiratory issues.

Fearing an explosion, the authorities held a controlled release of the toxic materials from five train car tankers on Feb. 6, and the contents were diverted to a trench and burned off.  Just after the derailment, about 1,500 to 2,000 residents in East Palestine were told to evacuate the area. Schools were closed for the week, along with some roads. Norfolk Southern said it had donated $25,000 to help the American Red Cross set up shelters and deal with the influx of people.

The E.P.A. informed Norfolk Southern on Feb. 10 that it might be responsible for costs associated with the cleanup of the site. The agency did not offer details about when the site might be considered completely returned to normal. The N.T.S.B. is still investigating the cause of the derailment.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is working on an assessment for a remediation plan.

“Initially, with most environmental spills, it is difficult to determine the exact amount of material that has been released into the air, water, and soil,” James Lee, media relations manager for the E.P.A. in Ohio, wrote in an email to CNN. “The assessment phase that will occur after the emergency is over will help to determine that information.”

The case is ongoing.

#ohio train disaster #ohio #disasters #chemicals #mysteries

[myimaginedcorner]

A TUMBLR STORY: TORN PAGE (pg.27)

PREVIOUS RESULT: Go into the dungeon.

“I studied Nainrhani’s architecture. Unless this dungeon is part of some classified facility, which I doubt, I should be able to guide us through it without major complications.”

“What are our risk levels?” Amani frowned.

“Well,” your gaze creeped towards the stairs as you paused for re-evaluation. “I would be aware of potential collapses and unregistered corridors that could result detrimental to our sense of direction. More so, there is a high chance of polluted air inside, which could be damaging to our overall state of health. Any corpses left within should have rotten away and any source of minerals should have dried out by now, so I would not bet on any living being underneath these rocks…”

“These is one,” cut in Hibiscus, convinced.

“…yes, I was getting there,” you mumbled, clicking your tongue, briefly annoyed by her interruption. “Nonetheless, given the assessment provided by our biology expert and our scout, there is a posing danger of a monster nesting in the ruins.”

“What kind of monster?” wondered M.

“Wyvern, giant snake, blind tiger… if we’re unlucky and there’s water, we might encounter a yuda,” answered Laefen, arms crossed. “Best worst-case scenario, lots of rats.”

“With claws like those?” scoffed Hibiscus. “Even the Rat King is not so big of a beast.”

“Well, do we know what they’ve been eating, down there? Maybe chewing on dragon bones got them big and strong!”

“Careful, Laefen. Dragon remnants aren’t mere rests, they’re legacy,” Amani’s voice came like a blizzard, sharp like a blade against the scout’s throat. Silent, you saw his hand instinctively reach out for his own dagger; yet back in control, he lifted them both instead, giving the Team Leader an innocent smile.

“Sorry, boss,” he said, stepping aside.

“Be sorry,” groaned the woman back. Her eyes ran over us again, their glance, calculative. “Any objections?”

A pause took place, with some shaking their head. Catching her gaze, you, too, made her aware that you agreed on it: you were, after all, one of the culprits of this sudden detour. Was it your passion pushing you towards the maze, or a pair of beautiful eyes outshining reason, you couldn’t tell; you only knew your path was set, and your mind, settled on the decision.

“Good. You first, scholar.”

Greenlit by Amani, you took the lead towards the stairs. As you passed by, you heard Laefen’s quiet mutter ‘This is bad’ but didn’t stop to enquire. He was being cautious, so was his nature; yours was to be brave where light was but a rare occurrence. So, armed by fine ears aware of every shift in cracking stone, equipped with eyes that easily adjusted to pitch darkness, you lowered your foot onto the first step, beginning the descend.

It was no different from all other mazes. The deeper down you went, the quieter it was, almost as if sound was being swallowed by the dusk. Old pillars laid upon the floor, where rocks more ancient presented patterns Nature got in dowry from Soil. The detailed mosaics were of simpler contents than before: there were some elves, some scrolls, some soldiers swearing their oaths to protect All Knowledge. Those were the most typical motifs from before the Age of the Unwise, from Nainrhani’s times of great progress and prosperity. Here in these walls was where the Light Quarters were first built; the first Tower of Light shined upon Nainrhani from these heights. Here was where all the creatures gathered to cross towards a region free of shackles, where everyone, elf and dwarf, adult and child, scholar and guard, all of them wore polished masks alike, designed to prevent misjudgement. Dressed like mannequins of faces pale like snow, so clean everyone could see their own faceless reflection, Nainrhani’s inhabitants prided themselves in a lack of superfluous conclusions.

“They look so creepy…” you heard Laefen mumble, following you closely.

“These were the brightest minds in all Therania before Dragonfall,” stated Amani, her sigh, full of nostalgia. “Few of them remain, by now… many perished with their Masters, many, protecting knowledge from getting destroyed by fanatics.”

“And some condemned by ugly crimes…” mumbled Ashna under the nose. Amani winced but added nothing; so, silence reigned once more.

You continued, stepping even deeper down. The occasional rustle of leather and metal made you shiver; the sighs of your companions felt unwelcomed, like they were intruders in your realm. The lower you went, the more you felt that familiar feeling, a tickling sensation you came to identify as a ‘hunch’. Of course, it was more complex than a superstitious belief; rather, you preferred to consider it a careful, subconscious analysis of all the changes in the landscape, coming to identify some patterns leading to a likely resolution. It didn’t always work, but it was sufficiently effective for you to try and follow the feeling for your first visit to a new maze.

You stopped abruptly, so that you heard Laefen’s quiet protest, and Amani’s torch almost burned your head. However, you paid little mind to what was happening behind you: your eyes were stuck on the view in front, where your way split. Three corridors greeted your gaze. Like locks untamed by a braid, they went three different ways, no signs left hanging, no clear direction followed in their odd construction. While one went up, the darkness within made chills crawl down your spine; it could be the exit, or it could be a trap. Another, going straight, had two white masks hanged where its lamps should be, the passage, way too pompous to be elven-built. The last one promised even lower depths… it was humble, if not slightly worn down, with marks over its walls left by something slim and sharp.

“Where to?” Amani broke the silence after a small pause. Startled, you flinched, coming to your senses.

“…Let me think.”

#torn page #tumblr story #tumblr community #new page

[partisan-by-default]

“The Coordinator will conduct a comprehensive assessment of any unmet needs that are not addressed by Norfolk Southern and would qualify for Federal assistance,” according to a White House fact sheet. “The Coordinator will also collaborate with the Federal, State and local governments, the private sector and voluntary, faith-based and community organizations supporting the recovery.”

Biden’s executive order also requires that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provide a report within 30 days on the status of the air, soil and water in the community and whether Norfolk Southern is complying with an order to address endangerment caused by the derailment.

The order additionally requires that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provide a report within 60 days summarizing conclusions from public health testing in the aftermath of the derailment. If any medical conditions have developed in the area, the agency will consider declaring a public health emergency, the White House said.

[jbfly46]

The idea that the internet causes mental illness arouse because the majority of Americans were already mentally ill and social media was initially designed to gather like minded individuals into echo chambers where they began to believe their mental illnesses were normal, and then began exhibiting those behaviors as normal around other people in public, eventually causing mass psychosis and division in America spread via the internet. This phenomenon eventually spread to our military effectively making the biggest threat to national security the military themselves. The CIA had to step in on America’s own soil. I would write a thesis on this but I never went to college because that was another place where the mentally ill obviously liked to gather, and if everyone involved caught the digitally viral psychosis, America was going to get nuked, since it I was able to extrapolate this inevitable outcome by observing people’s behavior on the internet, then so did Russian, Israeli, and Chinese intelligence. Most of you were put into a trance by a CIA/NSA mental health task force to avoid a catastrophic apocalyptic situation. This is all the fault of U.S. politicians and high ranking military personnel who refused to take the CIA’s psychological assessments and scientific data seriously because they had something to hide.😎🥳🫡

#mental illness #psychology #CIA #artificial intelligence #internet #virus

[broadlyepi]

MMWR Booster #17: Notes from the Field: Burkholderia pseudomallei Detected in a Raccoon Carcass Linked to a Multi-state Aromatherapy-Associated Melioidosis Outbreak — Texas, 2022

Top 5 Takeaways

Burkholderia pseudomallei, the bacterium causing melioidosis, was detected in a raccoon carcass in Texas, linked to a multistate melioidosis outbreak from an imported aromatherapy spray.

The raccoon, exposed to the contaminated spray, developed acute neurologic symptoms and died, leading to concerns about environmental contamination by the pathogen.

Extensive environmental testing at the burial site revealed no evidence of B. pseudomallei in the soil or surrounding area, despite the raccoon testing positive for the bacterium.

This incident marks the first reported presumed melioidosis case in a raccoon and the first animal case linked to this particular outbreak.

The investigation highlights the importance of environmental assessments to prevent potential establishment of B. pseudomallei in non-endemic areas.

Full summary link: BroadlyEpi.com

Enjoying these summaries? Check back every day at 8am and 4pm Pacific Time (UTC - 8) for a new MMWR Booster. A reblog would also be greatly appreciated, and thanks to everyone who already has! BroadlyEpi hopes to make Epidemiology and Public Health more approachable to anyone who's interested.

#MMWR Booster #public health #cdc #epidemiology #science #raccoon #Burkholderia pseudomallei #melioidosis

[quaranmine]

at my university, the environmental science programme recently combined with the earth system science one, but i still have a course list of the old programme and on there i see stuff like toxicology and environmental chemistry (and at least one law elective) lol, so what you said does not surprise me at all

i'll also say ahead of time that my current wip will probably involve the "using my bachelor's degree to write mcrp fanfiction" if i ultimately publish it… turns out science is very good worldbuilding fuel <3

Yeah we had some earth science stuff--I took geology, hydrology, ecology, and soil science. But we also had a lot of pretty "obscure" classes such as remediation, drinking water/waste water treatment, environmental risk assessment, etc. Environmental Science is a very broad field with many specialties. The plants/animals based ones are the flashy/fun ones that stick out to people. Not that I am degrading or saying anything about that, I would love one of those jobs! But what I mean is that is what everyone assumes I do. My work is much more focused on human health, housing, etc.

An equally large part of environmental science as a field is also stuff like hazardous waste cleanup, toxic chemicals runoff, wastewater treatment, pesticides, brownfields, etc. It is just as important in protecting the earth as conservation but a lot dirtier/less glamorous i suppose? i mean i have an office job so it isn't dirty ofc but i guess i just mean that. theres a lot of jobs that are less "walking into the woods to go catch birds and put bands on their legs" and more like "look at this nasty ditchwater drainage, how to do we clean that up" LOL

also omg yes please do! i just think it would be fun if it got made into a canon tag. try to use the same wording as mine so they get connected: Using My Bachelor's Degree to Write Minecraft Roleplay Fanfiction

^ note that you dont have to be a sciencey person to use that i would love to see this with all kinds of specialties! i should perhaps have made it non bachelor's degree specific though haha but oh well it was supposed to be specific to me

#example could be like. if u have a nursing degree i would love to see that medical knowledge applied to a fic #or for example my friend chrys is doing a major in peace and conflict and it definitely shows in the wasteland series #i just think it's fascinating to see peoples research and areas of study #quara asks

[gradsnail]

Cultivating Mushrooms in the Forest: A Metaphor for Teaching

Forest-farming mushrooms is a process in which a person encourages mushroom growth on prepared logs, optimally located under the forest canopy. The mushrooms that grow in this natural environment are healthier than mushrooms planted in gardens. The wild specimens produce nutritionally-dense fruit that we use for culinary and medicinal purposes (Schultz 2020). 

Mushrooms are adorable and trendy, and public awareness of fungi’s usefulness seems to grow every year. I chose mushroom cultivation as my metaphor for teaching, because I believe that a good teacher is to the forest-farmer as the student is to the mushroom. Students are as diverse as the myriad species of mushrooms; each is an individual with amazing potential to contribute positively to the world. The teacher goes to meet the student where they are (the forest), prepared with an understanding of what the student needs, in order to encourage their growth. I imagine that the growth the students experience due to their relationships with the teacher is primarily with their knowledge and skills, but also more broadly in regard to their overall ability to thrive.   

The Teacher as the Forest-Farmer

Each mushroom requires different conditions to be the most productive. This connects with the necessary, ongoing research and learning to which teachers need to commit during their careers. For example, I think that it is important for teachers to learn about their students– their backgrounds, their special needs, their interests, etc. Schools are culturally diverse places. I think it is necessary for teachers to actively learn about the cultures represented in their student body, in order to honor their needs and avoid unintentional discrimination or bias. 

The forest is a dynamic setting. Every year can be different, as weather patterns change, animals migrate, and human activity fluctuates. A teacher needs to adjust their approach to every new class with the same patience and willingness to learn that they exhibited when they earned their credentials.  

The Students as the Mushrooms

There are so many different fungi species, and scientists continually discover new ones! Every student has a unique identity, and it is important to honor that in order to know how best to help them grow. 

Mushrooms are natural community builders, much like the social nature of humanity. Mushrooms manage the mycelium, the mysterious and near- magical threads of connections running beneath the soil, between the forest’s organisms (Hart 2019). I think this is an apt representation of the complex web of relationships students form inside and outside school, as well as the sensitivity children have for their surrounding environments. These interpersonal and environmental relationships contribute positively, or negatively, to the student’s ability to succeed academically. We as teachers should be mindful of the mycelium.  

Measuring Mushroom Health   

In order to adjust their teaching techniques to achieve positive results, educators rely on concrete plans to assess success. The fruiting of the mushroom, which indicates the health of the organism and the effectiveness of the forest-farmer’s intervention, can relate to the ways in which students exhibit positive changes after taking a class. I hope that students will leave my classroom with the passion to continue exploring art. I also hope that students leave with the skills to think critically about making and meaning, a curiosity about art history, heightened observational skills, and more. Art can help students study other subjects as well, and I hope that students utilize different art-based techniques to succeed in their other classes. Finally, utilizing art therapy can cause wonderful changes with mental health. These are all different fruits my mushrooms can express.   

Because of the mycelium and the complex web of life that makes up the forest, mushrooms depend on each other for survival. You can measure how different factors surrounding the mushrooms affect the resulting fruiting. 

 I want to acknowledge the diversity of shapes that fruiting mushrooms can take, because I think that reminds us how every student is different, and the results of their studies will be just as different. You cannot compare the very different species of fungi to each other in order to determine if your forest-farming is effective. Instead, you observe over time, building up an understanding of how the mushrooms are changing (hopefully improving) in comparison to themselves. 

Finally, mushroom cultivation has a very close relationship with sustainable land stewardship and forest conservation (Hart 2019). The degree to which the mushrooms are able to continue to fruit year after year can indicate how sustainable the methods are. I think that the positive results that come from the teacher-student relationship should be sustainable, and the lessons the teacher imparts should continue to produce positive results well after the direct interaction ends.   

Just like the actual mycelium, the surrounding, connecting factors in a students life can be complex and sometimes hard to identify. What are some factors that impact a student’s educational success? 

Also, what kind of mushroom are you? 

Forest Farming (2019, August 26). Main Steps Involved in Forest Farming of Specialty Mushrooms. Retrieved September 9, 2023, from https://forest-farming.extension.org/main-steps-involved-in-forest-farming-of-specialty-mushrooms/

Hart, S. (2019, September 30). Fungi-- The Key to A Successful Food Forest. Retrieved September 9, 2023, from https://gardenculturemagazine.com/fungi-the-key-to-a-successful-food-forest/

How, When and Why of Forest Farming Resource (n.d.). How, When, and Why of Forest Farming. Cornell Cooperative Extension. Retrieved September 9, 2023, from http://hwwff.cce.cornell.edu/learningf7e8.html?unit=4

Schultz, P. (2020, June 5). Farming Mushrooms in the Forest: An Opportunity to Grow Something New. Forest Stewardship Notes. Retrieved September 9, 2023, from https://foreststewardshipnotes.wordpress.com/2020/06/05/farming-mushrooms-in-the-forest-an-opportunity-to-grow-something-new/

#art #education #grad school #art teacher #mushrooms #mycelium

[daniel-level]

In the vibrant city of Toronto, where diverse neighborhoods and architectural styles coexist, homeowners often face a common challenge – damp basements. Whether it's due to the city's unpredictable weather, aging infrastructure, or poor drainage, water intrusion can turn a once-cozy basement into a damp and uncomfortable space. This guide is dedicated to unveiling top-notch Toronto waterproofing services, providing homeowners with the insights they need to transform dampness into dryness and reclaim their basements.

The Need for Waterproofing in Toronto

Toronto experiences a climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers, making it susceptible to various weather-related challenges. Common issues that homeowners in Toronto face include:

Basement Leaks:Heavy rainfall, melting snow, and shifting soil can contribute to basement leaks. Waterproofing becomes essential to prevent water from seeping through foundation walls and causing damage.

Humidity and Mold Growth:Damp basements often lead to increased humidity levels, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive. This not only poses health risks but also compromises indoor air quality.

Foundation Cracks:Over time, Toronto's freeze-thaw cycles and natural settlement can lead to cracks in the foundation, providing pathways for water to enter the basement.

Sump Pump Failures:Homes equipped with sump pumps may face issues such as pump failures or inadequate drainage, leading to water accumulation in the basement.

Qualities of Top Toronto Waterproofing Services

Expertise in Basement Assessment:The best Toronto waterproofing services begin with a thorough assessment of the basement. This involves identifying the root causes of leaks, whether they stem from foundation cracks, drainage issues, or other vulnerabilities.

Customized Solutions:Each basement is unique, and effective waterproofing requires tailored solutions. Top services take into account the specific needs and challenges of a property, offering customized approaches that address the underlying issues.

Quality Materials and Technology:Leading waterproofing services utilize high-quality materials and the latest technology. This ensures the longevity and effectiveness of the repairs, providing homeowners with a durable solution to their damp basement concerns.

Transparent Communication:Clear communication is a hallmark of the best waterproofing services. Homeowners are kept informed at every stage, with explanations of proposed repairs, associated costs, and expected outcomes. Transparency builds trust and confidence in the repair process.

Top Toronto Waterproofing Services

Toronto Waterproofing Experts:Toronto Waterproofing Experts stand out for their comprehensive approach to basement waterproofing. From exterior foundation repairs to interior drainage solutions, they provide a range of services tailored to the unique challenges faced by Toronto homeowners. With a team of skilled professionals, they aim to transform damp basements into dry havens.

DryBasements Toronto:Specializing in basement waterproofing, DryBasements Toronto has earned a reputation for its expertise in addressing leaks and moisture issues. Their team is equipped to handle both interior and exterior waterproofing, offering a holistic solution to damp basements in the city.

EcoSeal Toronto Waterproofing:EcoSeal Toronto Waterproofing is known for its commitment to environmentally friendly solutions. They employ eco-conscious materials and practices in their waterproofing services, making them a top choice for homeowners seeking sustainability alongside effective moisture control.

Citywide Waterproofing:Citywide Waterproofing boasts a track record of success in tackling Toronto's diverse waterproofing challenges. With a focus on innovative technologies and skilled craftsmanship, they aim to deliver lasting solutions that keep basements dry and comfortable.

Choosing the Right Waterproofing Service for Your Basement in Toronto

Selecting the right waterproofing service is crucial for ensuring the longevity and resilience of your home. Consider the following factors:

Experience and Reputation:Look for services with a proven track record in Toronto. Reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers can provide insights into the reliability and effectiveness of the service.

Guarantees and Warranties:A reputable waterproofing service should offer guarantees on their work and warranties on materials. This commitment speaks to their confidence in the durability of their repairs.

Licensed and Insured:Ensure that the service is licensed and carries appropriate insurance. This not only indicates professionalism but also protects you in case of any unforeseen issues.

Customer Service:Assess the level of customer service provided by the waterproofing service. Responsive communication and a commitment to customer satisfaction are indicators of a service that values its clients.

Conclusion

In the bustling metropolis of Toronto, where modern living meets historical charm, the battle against damp basements is a shared experience among homeowners. The top Toronto waterproofing services, including Toronto Waterproofing Experts, Dry Basements Toronto, Eco Seal Toronto Waterproofing, and Citywide Waterproofing, stand ready to address the unique challenges faced by Toronto residents. By understanding the importance of waterproofing and selecting a service that embodies the qualities outlined in this guide, homeowners can transform damp basements into dry havens, ensuring comfort and peace of mind for years to come.

#Toronto Waterproofing services

[thinkeco-friendly]

The Issues Surrounding Lithium-Ion Battery Production and Disposal

The increasing demand and production of electric vehicle batteries have become unsustainable for the Earth's ecological welfare and human populations because of their extraction process and afterlife disposal. As the auto industry continuously advances with electric cars, the market for rechargeable batteries increases, with Lithium-ion batteries (LiB) becoming the most commonly used rechargeable batteries. LiB features a secondary cell construction allowing their lifespan to provide the highest energy density and hefty charge/discharge cycles, making them widely used for electrical devices requiring a long battery lifespan. However, for multiple reasons, lithium-ion battery production and its inefficient afterlife disposal have become environmentally and socially unsustainable.

With lithium production, mining sites worldwide threaten the ecosystems and communities outside the areas because of greenhouse gas emissions, excessive water use, and the destruction of livable land. Mining sites use approximately 500,000 liters of water to extract one ton of lithium during the extraction process while spreading heavy metals and chemicals to the surrounding environment, which contributes to air and water pollution. Using livable land as a mining site loses the biodiversity and culture of those areas by compromising wildlife with battery chemicals, infiltrating rivers and streams with dangerous metals, and releasing toxic chemicals into the air.

Alongside the environmental repercussions, people working in these mining sites are underpaid, overworked, and in unsafe working conditions since they are usually located in areas without government regulation. As working conditions remain hazardous, water and air pollution also affect communities by creating health risks, such as burns, neurological damage, and cancerous disabilities.

After its production, manufactured lithium-ion batteries risk deteriorating below functional levels after numerous uses, prompting consumers to dispose of them improperly. Researchers say only 5% of used Li-ion batteries are recycled in the United States. As people toss batteries into the trash, they end up in landfills, making the area prone to fires and explosions years after. The Li-ion batteries can also release toxic components into the soil and surrounding bodies of water, making it difficult for all living organisms to sustain themselves.

These batteries' end-of-life disposal should not end up in household recycling or garbage bins because they can be a possible fire hazard but instead discarded at a local battery recycling location. Even with recycling, there is a danger for recycling trucks transporting, handling, and discharging battery waste since they can ignite other materials because of their explosive properties in high temperatures.

However, despite the hazards associated with every part of a lithium-ion battery's life cycle, actively trying to recycle them at a separate recycling or hazardous waste collection point. This way, there can be preventative measures in place to eliminate harming the environment while scientists and researchers look for more ways to be more sustainable with battery production and consumption.

Sources

Zhao, E., Walker, P. D., Surawski, N. C., & Bennett, N. S. (2021). Assessing the life cycle cumulative energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions of lithium-ion batteries. Journal of Energy Storage, 43, 103193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2021.103193

#climate change #climate justice #earth #environment #environmentalism #epa #batteries #renewableenergy #reusedmaterials #lithium #environmetalists