EPA consent order requires hazardous waste landfill to submit to an audit. Residents say it’s not enough

Reid FrazierMay 2, 2024

Yukon residents wanted the MAX Environmental facility shut down. EPA found nearly two dozen violations, including piles of hazardous waste exposed to the elements.

HealthPollutionWater

Federal Mine Safety Regulators Finally Focus on Silica Dust – With Thousands Of Miners Sick And Dying

Howard BerkesApril 16, 2024

Addressing a problem first identified 50 years ago, federal regulators filed new rules to limit miners’ exposure to silica dust.

EnergyHealth

A Tick Researcher’s Tips for Staying Safe Outdoors

Kara HolsoppleApril 12, 2024

One tip: walk in the center of the trail. Ticks like to attach themselves to long grasses. No need to use DEET.

HealthRecreationYour Environment Update

EPA announces first federal restrictions on toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

Zoë ReadApril 10, 2024

The new rules will prevent more than 4 million cancer deaths, thousands of premature deaths and tens of thousands of serious illnesses.

HealthPollutionWater

Paused Ohio chemical recycling plant puts spotlight on Appalachia as ‘prime target’ for the controversial practice

Kristina MarusicMarch 27, 2024

Chemical recycling uses heat, chemicals or both to break down plastic waste into component parts for reuse as plastic feedstocks or as fuel.

Environmental JusticeHealthPollutionYour Environment Update

Private well sampling in East Palestine gets $2 million boost from federal funding

Abigail BottarMarch 21, 2024

Columbiana County will sample 250 residential wells using an independent laboratory and local agency staff, not Norfolk Southern contractors.

East PalestineHealthWater

Hollowed out: How EQT’s expansion in West Virginia set 4 families reeling, while regulators trusted the company to answer their complaints

PublicSourceMarch 5, 2024

Pittsburgh gas giant EQT pledges to tackle climate change and flexes political muscle. Communities in its frack path face stark realities.

EnergyHealthYour Environment Update

President Biden visits East Palestine, announces public health studies

Abigail BottarFebruary 19, 2024

Amid protestors, President Biden visited East Palestine a year after the train derailment and announced grants to study health impacts of the chemical release.

East PalestineHealthTransportation

What you need to know about soot, U.S. Steel and Pittsburgh’s air

Reid FrazierFebruary 16, 2024

How the latest news about a new soot standard, a settlement with U.S. Steel and EPA's rejection of the company's air permit could impact Pittsburgh's air.

HealthPollutionYour Environment Update

Some East Palestine residents want the EPA to test inside their homes. EPA says ‘no’

Reid FrazierFebruary 12, 2024

The EPA says there is no evidence that contamination would be in people's homes. Experts recommend testing to be sure.

East PalestineHealthOne Year LaterPollution