EPA begins cleanup of Ottawa River
CHICAGO, December 28, 2009 (Water Tech) — In cooperation with the Ottawa River Group and the state of Ohio, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has started construction on phase one of a cleanup effort of the Ottawa River and Sibley Creek in Toledo, Ohio, according to a press release.
The project, which is part of the EPA’s Great Lakes Legacy Act, aims to reduce impacts to human health and the environment by removing approximately 260,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment from the creek and river, the release said.
The presence of heavy metals, PCBs and PAHs in the sediment is the main reason that fish advisories are currently in place, the release added.
“The start of this cleanup brings us closer to the day when the public can safely eat all fish from the Great Lakes and their tributaries,” said Bharat Mathur, EPA acting regional administrator.
Polluted groundwater concerns officials
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY, CA, January 4, 2010 (Water Tech) — According to officials, contaminated groundwater in San Gabriel Valley is safe enough for humans, but not for fish, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported.
Perchlorates and other dangerous chemicals used by the aerospace industry were leaked into the groundwater, causing concern among the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local officials, the story stated.
A $100 million plan was devised to clean the polluted water and discharge it into the San Gabriel River, but it has faced setbacks as officials are struggling to rid the water of all the contaminants, according to the article.
“Although they meet drinking water standards, they don’t meet water quality standards,” said Ray Chavira, a spokesman for the EPA. “It affects freshwater fish and microorganisms and their ability to reproduce. It doesn’t affect humans.”
San Gabriel Valley water officials plan to meet with representatives from the EPA on Jan. 7 to discuss several options, the article reported.
Is your drinking water safe?
January 5, 2010 (Cool Site of the Day/EWG) — These days, fewer of us drink tap water. Many prefer bottled water.
Unfortunately, the cost of bottled water can add up quickly. If you've resolved to save money in 2010, you may be thinking about ditching bottled water.
Before you do that, head over to today's Cool Site. It will help you find out how safe your tap water is.
The site will tell you what contaminants and chemicals have been found in your water. You'll see if the contaminants exceed legal or recommended health limits.
Chances are you won't want to drink the tap water. That is, without filtering it first. In that case, you'll also find information on selecting the right water filter.
To read complete article, go to:
www.ewg.org/tap-water/whats-in-yourwater
Tests reveal high arsenic levels near schools
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC, January 6, 2010 (Water Tech) — Tests performed on the soil and groundwater near Castle Hayne Elementary and Holly Shelter Middle School revealed arsenic levels that exceed North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources standards, according to an article on WECT.com.
The schools are located near a US Environmental Protection Agency superfund site, which caused concern among parents and led to the testing, the article stated.
Contrary to the data from the tests, officials claim the sites have been cleaned up, the story reported.
Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure’s MP880 Series has been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53, to reduce Arsenic V.
Tests reveal trace levels of hexavalent chromium in two cities’ water supplies
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, January 8, 2010 (Water Tech) — Drinking water tests conducted by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources revealed trace levels of hexavalent chromium in the cities of Hannibal and Louisiana, according to an article on infozine.com.
The level of hexavalent chromium in Hannibal’s water was 0.6 ppb, which exceeds the health-screening level set by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the story reported.
Despite the contamination, officials said that the water in both cities is safe to drink, the article stated.
Hexavalent chromium, which is used in industrial processes like the making of stainless steel, has been shown to cause cancer, according to the article.
Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure’s MP750 Plus RO has been certified by NSF International, under Standard 58, to reduce Hexavalent Chromium.
Uranium, Arsenic and water softener salts found in New Mexico wells
SANTA FE, January 15, 2010 (Water Tech) — According to a study by the New Mexico Environment Department and the Good Water Company, many of the private domestic wells in the Santa Fe area are contaminated with high levels of salt, uranium, arsenic and chloride, The New Mexican reported.
Arsenic and uranium occur naturally in New Mexico rocks, so it is no surprise that they leached into well water. The salt, however, originates from water softeners, the article stated.
Domestic wells are not required to meet federal or state drinking water standards, but Dennis McQuillan, an environmental geologist with the New Mexico Environment Department, said well owners need to be aware of quality of their water.
“This type of comprehensive testing has never been done in the state of New Mexico with this many parameters from so many private domestic wells,” McQuillan said. “We’re going to be able to map the groundwater of Santa Fe like it has never been mapped before.”
Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure’s MP880 Series has been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53, to reduce Arsenic V.
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