ISU student recovers usable nutrients from wastewater Senior Illinois State University environmental health and sustainability major Rowan Carroll is addressing the widespread issue of nutrient pollution harming public health and aquatic life through a process she’s developed that not only…
Tag Archive for environment
Environmental News and Notes | April 2022
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
Illinois trails goal to cut damage to the Gulf Gulf of Mexico “dead zones” resulting from algae blooms sapping up oxygen are so deadly, fish either flee or die, and Illinois — a huge contributor to the chemical runoffs flowing…
Environmental News and Notes
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A look at issues of concern involving our planet. Illinois gas plants could offset Clean Energy’s gains Weeks after Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Clean Energy Jobs Act, his administration tentatively OK’d a new source of heat-trapping pollution: a new…
Industrial ‘neighbors’ say pollutants are controlled
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new Toxic Release Inventory shows companies’ data on industrial waste last year, and of all of Peoria’s zip codes, four have businesses that say they released between 12.6 tons to six pounds. Metro Peoria has…
Study: toxins pervasive in drinking water
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
Illinois may not have the worst contamination of PFAS “forever chemicals,” according to a new study by the Environmental Working Group, but the toxic compounds are present in water systems and groundwater in Peoria, Galesburg, Bloomington and the Quad Cities. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the legislature recognize the danger, and some are pressing for reforms.
Radon “old news,” but threat current
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
January is National Radon Action Month designated to increase awareness of the dangers of radon, which is especially relevant to Central Illinois where residents live with high levels of the carcinogenic gas, according to the U.S. Surgeon General and Environmental…
Bill Knight | Market forces, climate change, lawsuits drive closure of coal fired power plants
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
It was a slap in the face but no shock when Texas-based Vistra Energy announced its closing of somewhat modernized coal-burning power plants near Canton, Coffeen, Havana and Hennepin, Ill., to meet terms of a deal negotiated with the state,…
News analysis: Trump damaging EPA & globe to benefit favored industries
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
Last month, President Trump defended his administration’s role in protecting the environment, remarks observers say were needed after a year of controversies concerning the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and climate change – and recent moves sparking even more criticism. “President…
PDC pushes landfill-gas regs despite Trump delays
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Methane is a major contributor to climate change, and worldwide, methane’s top source is natural gas, followed by cows, then you. At least, your waste, deteriorating beneath the surface of area landfills and releasing methane and carbon dioxide (CO2). Clean-energy…
Illinois and eight states sue to carry out landfill-gas rules
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Rules updating landfill-gas guidelines were finalized in August of 2016 to go into effect that October, but after Donald Trump’s election, his newly appointed Environmental Protection Agency leadership team delayed enacting the changes, and then pushed for a second delay…