More news from 2009-07-05

Coping with a toxic world. There are some 80,000 man-made chemicals in the industrial environment, but only a handful of them - lead, mercury manganese, acrylamide, organophosphates, heavy metals and organic solvents - have been fully tested for potential health risks, toxicology experts warned. Jerusalem Post, Israel. 5 July 2009.
A shot at a universal flu vaccine. Protection from the swine flu, bird flu, and other viruses may evolve from one researcher's recent discovery. US News & World Report. 5 July 2009.
'100,000 fresh swine flu cases a day by August,' says Health Secretary. Swine flu is spreading so rapidly that the Government cannot contain it any more. The number of new cases could reach 100,000 a day by the end of August, the Health Secretary Andy Burnham warned yesterday. London Independent, United Kingdom. 5 July 2009.
Flu virus resistant to Tamiflu verified. A mutated form of the new swine flu virus that is resistant to the drug Tamiflu was confirmed in a woman in Osaka, health officials said Thursday. It was only the second detection of such a virus in the world, following one in Denmark in late June. Asahi Shimbun, Japan. 5 July 2009.
Swine flu death toll in Argentina climbs. The death toll from swine flu in Argentina continued to rise as President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner said she would not rule out closing major public venues where the virus could spread more quickly. New York Times. 5 July 2009. [Registration Required]
Mass transit noise may threaten passengers' hearing. Noise from public transportation, especially subways, may be loud enough to harm some passengers' hearing, a new study suggests. Reuters Health. 5 July 2009.
Ohio frog & toad calling survey tracks amphibians' range, population. Half the planet's 6,000 amphibian species face the threat of extinction. In a worst-case scenerio, amphibians could go the way of the dinosaurs and simply vanish from Earth, said Geoff Hall, general curator at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Cleveland Plain Dealer, Ohio. 5 July 2009.
Spanish vintners look to higher ground amid climate change. Climate change, which could transform the Iberian peninsula into a semi-desert, is forcing winemakers in Spain to consider moving their vines to higher ground to escape the blistering heat. Agence France-Presse. 5 July 2009.
Mirrors and wildebeest could save the planet. Covering the Sahara desert with mirrors and making livestock behave like herds of wildebeest were among the proposals put forward on Saturday as ways of helping to tackle climate change. London Daily Telegraph, United Kingdom. 5 July 2009.
U.S. greenhouse-gas bill should raise red flags in Canada. As long as Barack Obama leaves Congress to do the heavy lifting, as he has on the U.S. economic recovery act and again on climate change, he's going to get bills with add-ons, exceptions and the sideswipe effects of protectionism. Montreal Gazette, Quebec. 5 July 2009.
Sound of crickets spreads in Britain. Entomologists are reporting that crickets are spreading across the country thanks to the warming climate, making their distinctive mating call a common sound. London Daily Telegraph, United Kingdom. 5 July 2009.
Millions hungry as warming shifts seasons. In a new report, global aid agency Oxfam says impoverished communities like Nassapir, Uganda are already being hit hard by the effects of global warming, including increased drought. Reuters. 5 July 2009.
Asheville's role in climate change grows. In part by using an archive of weather records stashed in Asheville's Grove Arcade, the National Climatic Data Center is shifting its mission beyond a storehouse in the federal building to a cutting-edge research center that can confidently predict climate change. Asheville Citizen-Times, North Carolina. 5 July 2009.
Climate change shrinks sheep. Wild Soay sheep on the islands of the St. Kilda archipelago in the North Atlantic have been measured and monitored by scientists for decades. All this data now explains why females have been slowly getting smaller with generations. Science News. 5 July 2009.
Money flows into green transport despite recession. Despite the financial recession, venture capital investment in green technology rose, for the first time in six months, during the second quarter of 2009 – and the biggest winner was transport-related technology, according to the report. New Scientist. 5 July 2009.
Nexterra: Out of the woods, into the green. A biofuel technology first developed by Nexterra Energy Corp. to reduce costs for the B.C. forest industry has propelled the Vancouver company to the crest of a growing wave of green energy demand in urban North America. Vancouver Sun, British Columbia. 5 July 2009.
Villaraigosa seeks an end to coal power. Even with the prospects of higher rates, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is pushing to speed the conversion of the Department of Water and Power from cheap coal power to expanded use of renewable energy. Los Angeles Daily News, California. 5 July 2009.
Energy-pioneering Austrian town exports its model. After 20 years investing in renewable energy, the small Austrian town of Guessing, a model of energy self-sufficiency, is spreading its pioneering technology far and wide. Agence France-Presse. 5 July 2009.
U.S. military wants algae-based fuel power. Somewhere among the beakers and bubbling green-tinged tanks in this Utah State University lab, Jeff Muhs is searching for champion pond scum for Uncle Sam. Associated Press. 5 July 2009.
Wind farm expansion supported . Staff at the Land Use Regulation Commission is endorsing a 17-turbine wind power facility in northern Washington County near the town of Danforth. Bangor Daily News, Maine. 5 July 2009.
Fresno air base goes solar. The new solar panels on rooftops at the California Air National Guard base in Fresno are a first for any air guard base nationwide, but they won't be the last. Fresno Bee, California. 5 July 2009.
In Spain, the dead help fight climate change. In the Barcelona suburb of Santa Coloma de Gramenet, the deceased are fighting climate change. All Things Considered, NPR. 5 July 2009.
Green energy grows despite a cooling economy. Alternative energy may be forever linked with the granola, tie-dyed dresses and hippie culture of another time. But today’s advocates for solar and other types of clean energy are just as likely to be serious businesspeople. Greensboro News & Record, North Carolina. 5 July 2009.
Measuring the carbon footprint of a charcoal grill. Researcher Eric Johnson recently revealed that charcoal grills leave a much larger carbon footprint than their gas-powered counterparts. All Things Considered, NPR. 5 July 2009.
Environmental protest at Kingsnorth power station. Demonstrators, who encircled Kingsnorth Power Station in Kent are calling for Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to reject plans for a new coal-fired plant there. London Times, United Kingdom. 5 July 2009.
Can the G8 live up to the climate challenge? The leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the US are set to meet during July 8-10 in the earthquake-stricken Italian town of L'Aquila, with climate change high on the agenda ahead of UN talks in Copenhagen in December. Malaysian Sun, Malaysia. 5 July 2009.
Climate change a 'domestic' issue, says Ramesh. Think locally, act locally. This is the mantra on which Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh wants to work on to tackle the problem of climate change. Press Trust of India, India. 5 July 2009.
Liberal leader praises Alberta oilsands at Calgary Stampede. Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff touted Saturday the economic virtues and national reach of Alberta's oilsands, urging Canadians to take pride in the mammoth industrial development, which has touched off international environmental opposition. Canwest News Service. 5 July 2009.
'Big obstacles face Copenhagen summit.' Denmark's Minister for Climate Connie Hedegaard said on Friday there was no "Plan B" if negotiations broke down for an ambitious climate accord at a December world summit in Copenhagen. Agence France-Presse. 5 July 2009.
Rep. Walt Minnick's climate change vote may cost him. Voting with the GOP might seem like an easy political choice for the Idaho Democrat. But could it be a problem when he needs clout to help the state? Boise Idaho Statesman, Idaho. 5 July 2009.
Salazar decision ruffles political feathers. When U.S. Rep. John Salazar voted against the American Clean Energy Security Act that recently, and narrowly, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, he surprised some of his constituents, including fellow Democrats and environmental activists. Glenwood Springs Post Independent, Colorado. 5 July 2009.
Carbon dioxide debate lingers. Las Brisas Energy Center officials are watching the national debate on carbon dioxide emissions closely and say proposed legislation would not deter their project. Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Texas. 5 July 2009.
Westar south customers may pay for north's CO2 emissions. In Kansas, it's like an electric civil war. Wichita Eagle, Kansas. 5 July 2009.
Tony Blair: 'I'm a planet-saving kinda guy'. The world emits the equivalent of 53 billion tons of CO2 a year — and rising fast. That needs to fall to 20 billion tons by 2050 if we are to stand any chance of keeping the global temperature rise below 2C. London Times, United Kingdom. 5 July 2009.
A Nobel gathering. An annual conference has been bringing together Nobel Laureates and young scientists since 1951. This year, the conference convenes chemistry laureates, and there are two laureate panels: one deliberating the role chemistry can play in renewable energy, and another discussing global warming. Chemical & Engineering News. 5 July 2009.
Higher cap by utility panel could help Rifle increase solar energy. The city of Rifle’s hopes of fully powering a new waste- water treatment plant with renewable energy are in the hands of a state regulatory commission. Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, Colorado. 5 July 2009.
World's largest plant to convert garbage gas to fuel to open soon in Altamont Pass. The Altamont Landfill, operated by Waste Management, is putting the finishing touches on a plant that will take landfill-generated methane gas and turn it into liquefied natural gas to fuel garbage-collection trucks. Contra Costa Times, California. 5 July 2009.
Fish and chip shop fright. Next time you're enjoying a classic Kiwi dinner of fish and chips, think twice about what you're eating. New rules allow the import of frozen fillets of Vietnamese catfish or basa, a super-cheap species farmed in the polluted Mekong Delta. Auckland New Zealand Herald. 5 July 2009.
Standing tall in a nanoparticle universe. Chad Mirkin's nanotechnology could muster impossibly small bits of stuff to fight numerous ailments US News & World Report. 5 July 2009.
Attack in Pakistani Garrison City raises anxiety about safety of nuclear labs and staff. A suicide attack Thursday on a bus in Rawalpindi was the first that singled out workers of Pakistan’s prized nuclear labs, military analysts and prominent national newspapers said. New York Times. 5 July 2009. [Registration Required]
Compensation hopes of asbestos-linked cancer campaigners dashed by ruling. Thousands of sufferers of an asbestos-related illness linked to cancer have been told that they will not qualify for state benefits. Edinburgh Scotsman, United Kingdom. 5 July 2009.
Plastics threat to UK beaches. Porthtowan is one of many beaches whose hidden filth contributed to the staggering drop in the number of beaches classed as fit for swimming in a recent survey by the Marine Conservation Society. Now campaigners have decided to take matters into their own hands. London Independent, United Kingdom. 5 July 2009.
Sewage, animal offcuts 'dumped' in Vaal River. An abbatoir in Frankfort was pumping animal blood and offcuts into its evaporation dam which was in turn seeping into the Vaal River, Freedom Front Plus Mafube municipality councillor Peter van der Westhuizen said. South African Press Association, South Africa. 5 July 2009.
Late monsoon brings fears of food shortages in Nepal. Nepal's long-delayed monsoon finally arrived amid fears that the delay could prove devastating for the rice crop. Experts say the increasing unpredictability of the weather is causing huge problems for farmers in one of the world's poorest countries. Agence France-Presse. 5 July 2009.
16 dead, about 320,000 flee homes in China floods. At least 16 people have died and more than 320,000 have evacuated homes in southern and central China after heavy rains toppled houses, flooded roads and damaged a dam, news reports say. Associated Press. 5 July 2009.
150,000 evacuated in south China after torrential rains. Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao ordered local officials Saturday to step up flood control work in south China after over 150,000 people were forced to evacuate following torrential rains. Agence France-Presse. 5 July 2009.
Ludhiana in troubled waters. Over the years, the residents of Ludhiana have been drinking water which is of potentially dangerous quality. It is extracted from inside soil that, as studies have proved, contains highly toxic substances. Bombay Express, India. 5 July 2009.
Bright idea puts paid to power bills. Warren Yates managed to score a $10 credit from EnergyAustralia for selling electricity back to the grid - he is believed to be the only person in NSW to have done so - after covering his roof with a three-kilowatt solar power system. Sydney Morning Herald, Australia. 5 July 2009. [Registration Required]
Oil spill clean-up costs in dispute. The federal and Queensland governments are demanding the owners of the cargo ship Pacific Adventurer keep their promise to pay the full costs of one of Australia's worst environmental oil spills. Australian Associated Press. 5 July 2009.
It’s not ‘just dust’ after all. Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt recently dismissed particulate matter and toxic waste emitted from power plants as “just dust”. St. Julians Malta Independent, Malta. 5 July 2009.
Picketers cannot block pest control, judge rules. The City of Toronto has been given a four-day window to spray pesticide on the growing piles of garbage at the Christie Pits temporary dumpsite after city lawyers went to court yesterday to obtain an injunction. Toronto Star, Ontario. 5 July 2009.
City granted injunction to spray Christie Pits. A Toronto judge granted an injunction ordering CUPE strikers not to block exterminators from spraying pesticide on the Christie Pits park garbage site. On Friday, Toronto's chief medical officer of health demanded that the city take action to spray the temporary dump site. Toronto Sun, Ontario. 5 July 2009.
Deadline for pollution action looms . More than 30 Prince George facilities that emit air pollutants have been asked by the B.C. Ministry of Environment to provide by next Friday information on actions that are being take, or could be, to reduce emissions during air quality advisories. Prince George Citizen, British Columbia. 5 July 2009.
Yeeeeee ha! With the environment in mind, the Calgary Stampede now sends all of its animal waste for composting, diverts all hydrocarbon waste and sediments away from the nearby Elbow River and encourages visitors to make their own environmentally conscious decisions. Edmonton Sun, Alberta. 5 July 2009.
Waste gases on rise, energy board says. Alberta's oilsands developments are largely responsible for increased venting and flaring of waste gases. Edmonton Journal, Alberta. 5 July 2009.
Asbestos fears a trial for U.S. Attorney's office. The issue of cancer-causing asbestos used in the 1966 construction of the Brien McMahon Federal Building on Lafayette Boulevard remains a concern to workers. So much so that the U.S. Attorney's office, with its 20 employees, is finally moving out. Bridgeport Connecticut Post, Connecticut. 5 July 2009.
Veterans: America’s green warriors. Veterans are stepping out of their camouflage and into the renewable energy industry, as the fledgling industry depends on highly skilled technicians and managers who can oversee projects with, well, military precision. Newsweek. 5 July 2009.
Brockton plant backers declare victory after tentative state ruling. Backers of a proposed city power plant are jubilant after a favorable state ruling last week. The 127-page tentative decision rejected arguments that the plant would have severe health and environmental effects. Brockton Enterprise, Massachusetts. 5 July 2009.
Warning signs preceded office closing. Long before the construction problem that closed the Broome County office building for a month this spring, there was compelling evidence that the project was making some county workers sick. Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, New York. 5 July 2009.
Study of Three Rivers might not be up to snuff. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission established the Three Rivers Ecological Research Center in Pittsburgh in November of 2006. But some within the Fish and Boat Commission wonder whether it's achieving that goal. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pennsylvania. 5 July 2009.
Wild trout streams list to be published to 'protect' them from development. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has identified six "new" wild trout streams in the Laurel Hill Creek watershed as part of a statewide effort to expand its list of 3,415 waters. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pennsylvania. 5 July 2009.
Builders pan tougher runoff rules. State officials are planning tougher stormwater regulations on developed properties, a move criticized by home builders struggling from the recession. Newport News Daily Press, Virginia. 5 July 2009.
Senators lobby for disputed dredging. After two state senators intervened, South Carolina's environmental protection agency approved a controversial dredging project that the department had rejected twice because of pollution concerns. McClatchy Newspapers. 5 July 2009.
Let there be dark. From the earliest camp fires to the Las Vegas strip, people worked to light up the night. Now, however, some are questioning whether cities are safer and individuals healthier in the bright world that technology has created. South Sebring News-Sun, Florida. 5 July 2009.
Critics say DEP’s new list of polluted waters in Southwest Florida falls short. A federal review meant to clean up Florida’s list of polluted waters has left a handful of waterbodies in Lee and Collier counties in limbo. Naples Daily News, Florida. 5 July 2009.
Benton Harbor poised to adopt lead paint clean-up law. The Benton Harbor City Commission on Monday is expected to adopt an ordinance aimed at protecting children from lead poisoning by requiring landlords to clean up lead-based paint or face a fine and/or jail time. St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Herald-Palladium, Michigan. 5 July 2009.
City edges closer to reclaiming contaminated sites. Kishwaukee River has a story to tell.Once the home of mammoth manufacturer National Sewing Machine Co., which employed 1,200 people at its peak, the plot of land was later deemed an environmental hazard and an eyesore. Rockford Register Star, Illinois. 5 July 2009.
Keep on truckin': Terra subsidiary cleans way for diesel engines. A Sioux City-based company known for its ag fertilizer products has taken a leading role in allowing manufacturers of heavy-duty diesel engines to comply with strict new environmental rules. Sioux City Journal, Iowa. 5 July 2009.
Fluoridation debate not quite settled in 2 towns. That’s figuratively what many Nebraskans did last year with a public health effort to expand fluoridation in drinking water. Lincoln Journal Star, Nebraska. 5 July 2009.
Overflow prompts system upgrades. State environmental regulators are overseeing upgrades to a Denton city wastewater system near Lewisville Lake after rains on May 2 caused it to overflow twice, spilling 2,500 gallons of sewage onto nearby properties and into a private pond. Denton Record-Chronicle, Texas. 5 July 2009.
Natural gas operator to clean up mercury sites. EnerVest Operating LLC of Houston, a major operator of natural gas wells in the Monroe Gas Field, has agreed to remove all mercury meters and to clean up mercury-contaminated wetlands and other soils at gas production sites in Ouachita, Morehouse and Union parishes. Monroe News-Star, Louisiana. 5 July 2009.
Inland Empire utility secures funds for 'green' projects. The Inland Empire Utilities Agency is becoming more green to get green by securing $49 million of federal stimulus money to expand and improve its regional recycled water program, in an effort to help make the area more drought-proof and less dependent on imported water. San Bernardino County Sun, California. 5 July 2009.
Smokers priced out of the habit. Cigarettes would cost more than $20 for a packet of 30 and come in plain wrapping under a radical proposal being considered by the Federal Government to fund a massive preventive health program. Sydney Morning Herald, Australia. 5 July 2009. [Registration Required]