#groundwater contamination

[sufficientlylargen]

Your honor, members of the jury, the case before you today is very clear cut. As we have demonstrated, none of the sixteen plaintiffs attended any form of clown college, nor had they shown any signs of whimsicality or fanciful behavior prior to March of 2022. Meanwhile, the emails we have presented, as well as the messages from Parfae Wonderment LLC's own internal Slack, make it clear that both CEO Jacques Farfadet and VP of Health and Safety Cormac "Lucky" Tuaicheall were aware of the quality control issues with the company's LepreConduit pipeline as early as June of 2019.

That's three years. Three years of lying to the public. Three years of suppressing environmental impact studies, of falsifying groundwater data, of knowing what they were doing to my clients' hometown and choosing, choosing to do nothing about it.

My clients are not heroes. They are ordinary folk - husbands and wives, parents, children, caretakers - simply trying to provide for their families. All they want is to make it through the day with shoes of normal length and noses that do not squeak.

Parfae Wonderment has taken that from them. Some of them may never be able to eat a pie with their loved ones again, or carry a ladder safely for even the simplest of housework.

And Mssrs Farfadet and Tuaicheall are responsible. They did this knowingly, they did this deliberately. They ruined these poor people's lives, and risked dozens more, just to pad their pockets with a few dollars saved on unicorn glue.

These people must be held accountable for their crimes, and it is you, members of the jury, who can ensure that justice is served. We ask that you find the defendants guilty as charged, and ensure that they will never have the chance to do this to another town. Thank you.

Rainbow Extra, Tim O'Brien, 2021

[wausaupilot]

“Wausau’s Independent” to return next week after collaborative reporting effort

Tom Kilian and Shereen Siewert collaborating on investigative report about local groundwater pollution:

Wausau Pilot & Review Wausau Pilot & Review’s weekly opinion column, “Wausau’s Independent,” will return next week after a brief hiatus to allow a large-scale investigative collaboration between column author Tom Kilian and newspaper publisher Shereen Siewert. The duo is working together on an extensive report regarding local pollution. The collaboration takes a deep dive into public records…

[delta-remediation]

Groundwater Remediation

Introduction

Groundwater is a crucial resource that serves as a primary source of drinking water for millions of people worldwide. However, due to various human activities, groundwater contamination has become a pressing issue. This article will discuss the causes of groundwater contamination, its effects on human health and the environment, and several groundwater remediation techniques. Additionally, we will explore the challenges and future perspectives of groundwater remediation.

Causes of Groundwater Contamination

Industrial Activities

Industries often produce waste materials containing hazardous chemicals that can contaminate groundwater when improperly handled or disposed of. Common contaminants include heavy metals, solvents, and petroleum products. Groundwater pollution can also result from accidental spills or leaks from storage tanks and pipelines.

Agricultural Activities

Modern agriculture relies heavily on the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. These chemicals can infiltrate the soil and eventually reach the groundwater. Moreover, improper management of animal waste and irrigation can lead to the contamination of groundwater by pathogens, nutrients, and organic matter.

Landfills and Waste Disposal

Improper disposal of solid waste in landfills can lead to the release of contaminants into the groundwater. Landfills can contain a wide range of pollutants, including heavy metals, organic compounds, and hazardous chemicals. Additionally, improperly managed septic systems can contaminate groundwater with pathogens and nutrients.

Effects of Contaminated Groundwater

Human Health

The consumption of contaminated groundwater can lead to various health problems, ranging from gastrointestinal illnesses to severe neurological disorders. Some of the most common contaminants, such as nitrates, heavy metals, and organic compounds, are associated with severe health risks when ingested over an extended period.

Ecosystems

Contaminated groundwater can harm ecosystems when it discharges into rivers, lakes, or oceans. The pollutants can cause eutrophication, a process that results in an overgrowth of algae and the depletion of oxygen in the water. This can lead to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms, as well as a decline in biodiversity.

Socioeconomic Impacts

Contaminated groundwater can have significant socioeconomic repercussions, including increased healthcare costs, reduced agricultural productivity, and diminished property values. Moreover, the contamination of groundwater resources can lead to conflicts between communities and even countries that share transboundary aquifers.

Groundwater Remediation Techniques

Pump and Treat

Pump and treat is a widely-used remediation technique that involves extracting contaminated groundwater, treating it to remove pollutants, and then re-injecting or discharging the treated water. Treatment methods can include physical, chemical, or biological processes, depending on the type of contaminants present.

In-situ Bioremediation

In-situ bioremediation involves stimulating the growth of naturally occurring microorganisms in the contaminated groundwater to degrade pollutants. This is achieved by adding nutrients, oxygen, or other amendments that help the microbes break down contaminants. This method is particularly effective for treating organic compounds such as petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents.

Permeable Reactive Barriers

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are a passive remediation technique that involves installing a reactive material in the path of contaminated groundwater flow. As the polluted water passes through the barrier, contaminants are removed by processes such as adsorption, precipitation, or chemical reactions. Common reactive materials used in PRBs include zero-valent iron, activated carbon, and biochar.

Phytoremediation

Phytoremediation is a green remediation technology that uses plants to remove, degrade, or stabilize contaminants in the soil and groundwater. Some plants can absorb and accumulate contaminants in their tissues, while others can promote the degradation of pollutants through their root systems or by releasing chemicals that stimulate microbial activity. This method is especially useful for treating contaminants such as heavy metals, nitrates, and organic compounds.

Challenges and Future Perspectives

Despite the progress in groundwater remediation techniques, several challenges remain. These include the complexity of groundwater systems, the presence of mixed contaminants, and the need for long-term monitoring and maintenance. Future research should focus on developing more efficient and cost-effective remediation technologies, as well as enhancing our understanding of the interactions between contaminants and the subsurface environment.

Conclusion

Groundwater contamination is a critical issue that poses significant risks to human health, ecosystems, and socioeconomic stability. A variety of remediation techniques, such as pump and treat, in-situ bioremediation, permeable reactive barriers, and phytoremediation, have been developed to address this problem. However, challenges remain, and continued research and innovation are essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of our precious groundwater resources.

FAQs

1. What are the primary causes of groundwater contamination?

Groundwater contamination can result from various human activities, such as industrial activities, agricultural practices, and improper waste disposal in landfills and septic systems.

2. How does contaminated groundwater affect human health?

Contaminated groundwater can lead to various health problems when consumed, ranging from gastrointestinal illnesses to severe neurological disorders, depending on the specific contaminants present.

3. What are some common groundwater remediation techniques?

Some common groundwater remediation techniques include pump and treat, in-situ bioremediation, permeable reactive barriers, and phytoremediation.

4. What are the challenges associated with groundwater remediation?

Challenges associated with groundwater remediation include the complexity of groundwater systems, the presence of mixed contaminants, and the need for long-term monitoring and maintenance.

5. What is phytoremediation?

Phytoremediation is a green remediation technology that uses plants to remove, degrade, or stabilize contaminants in the soil and groundwater.

[limnologylover]

look gotham probably has lead pipes, iykyk

[movingtothefarm]

In 2017, Fairchild Air Force Base acknowledged its responsibility for widespread drinking water contamination in Airway Heights, to the northeast, leading the Department of Defense to designate a testing zone and to test some residents’ wells.

What is known about the scope of contamination continues to grow.

Documents obtained by a resident through a public records request this spring revealed that Spokane International Airport detected the chemicals in its groundwater, also in 2017.

But airport authorities did not report this to the state, regional health district or surrounding community.

***

This summer, after the resident shared the airport’s groundwater test results with Ecology, an attorney representing the airport in an Aug. 7 letter sought to remove “the [Spokane International Airport]-related PFAS information” from Ecology’s website that lists cleanup sites. He also asked the state to refrain from making public statements or sharing information regarding the cleanup until state and local officials met face-to-face.

Source: paywall Seattle Times Oct. 29, 2023

[techmomma]

OHHHHHH YEAH IT CAN, BABEYYY

and that’s not even mentioning the other carcinogens that go into casket-making, varnishes on coffins, etc. etc.

embalmed bodies decay. caskets decay, no matter what they are made of--yes, metal too. ALL of EVERYTHING that made up what you put in the ground during the funeral becomes... well, we’ll call that mixture of “grandma and everything she was buried in” something like “compost.” (funfact! the actual term of all of... that is called “necroleachate!”)

just runoff from farms gets into groundwater

burying bodies sure as hell gets into groundwater

oh! and that doesn’t even include the gallons of arsenic they used to use when embalming bodies between about the civil war and world war one! which were often an undertaker’s top secret mix of formaldehyde, arsenic, and a bunch of other decay-stalling bacteria-killing chemicals like borax and mercury! that they kept as trade secrets. <3 so we still have no idea WHAT exactly went into a bunch of people embalmed during this era <3

[transgenderfivepebbles]

k now that rot innocence has been done. i have to make grey wind evil now sorry

[grittyghoul]

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[subsidystadium]

St. Louis MLS owners required no "direct taxes" in 2019...now they are increasing sales tax rate to 12.7%

In 2019, St. Louis was riding high with an ownership group buying their way into the Major League Soccer league. The owners had even selected a piece of land for their soccer stadium that many others coveted. This would “serve as the centerpiece of a new real estate development” in downtown St. Louis. Most importantly, the ownership group claimed in interview after interview that the taxpayers…

[jcmarchi]

The PFClean project is finding solutions to “forever chemicals” - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/the-pfclean-project-is-finding-solutions-to-forever-chemicals-technology-org/

The PFClean project is finding solutions to “forever chemicals” - Technology Org

PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a global environmental and health issue. There is extensive soil contamination near Hügelsheim in the district of Rastatt. In this area, compost mixed with paper sludge containing PFAS was spread on agricultural land in the past. Within the framework of the BMBF PFClean project, researchers from the University of Stuttgart are testing how activated carbon in the soil could bind harmful substances and thus protect the groundwater.

Researchers and project partners are introducing activated carbon into the soil of a Hügelsheim field contaminated with PFAS. The aim is for the harmful chemicals to adhere to the activated carbon, so that the further transport of these substances into the groundwater will be stopped. Image credit: Universität Stuttgart

Stopping the transport of harmful substances into the groundwater

In the project “PFClean – An Innovative Modular System for the Sustainable Reduction of PFAS Contaminants from Soil and Groundwater”, a team from the University of Stuttgart headed by Haslauer is currently testing a method in a field trial of reducing the contamination of groundwater by the pollutants. In January, the researchers introduced activated carbon into the soil of a contaminated field in Hügelsheim with the support of project partners. The PFAS substances are intended to adhere to the homogeneously incorporated activated carbon. The aim is a higher absorption capacity in the soil, which will stop the further transport of harmful substances into the groundwater.

The PFClean team investigates whether this method will be successful with the aid of a detailed monitoring system. This includes regularly taking groundwater samples from 13 monitoring sites and pore water analyses. “In this way, we hope to find a viable way of sustainably managing the pollutant load in the groundwater,” says Haslauer.

After trials in the laboratory, PFClean is testing approaches on site

Successful laboratory experiments preceded the pilot project on site in Hügelsheim. The project, which started in March 2023, investigates not only the increase in the absorption capacity of soils, but also further approaches for PFAS remediation technologies such as the removal of PFAS using so-called funnel-and-gate systems. In this method, impermeable walls built into the subsoil control the direction of groundwater flow in order to retain the PFAS at a single point. Other tests are concerned with the degradation of harmful substances by microorganisms and at different temperatures.

“To date, there are hardly any in-situ remediation technologies, meaning the removal on site, at the source of the contamination,” says Haslauer. This is due to the wide range of possible properties of PFAS: Some are mobile and can be easily transported in the subsoil and carried into the groundwater. Others bind strongly to soil materials. All of them are very stable due to carbon-fluorine bonds. For this reason, they are also called “forever chemicals”. Until now, PFAS have been removed from contaminated water using various treatment techniques, for example in waterworks, but not at the source of the contamination, i.e. directly from soil and groundwater.

The goals of PFClean are to test on site and, if necessary, refine the approaches developed in the laboratory and in large-scale trials for the remediation and removal of PFAS from soil and groundwater, and to achieve a rapid and effective transfer from science to real-life application. In addition to the location in Hügelsheim, trials in Reilingen, south of Heidelberg, are planned. There, at individual points, PFAS found their way into the ground from fire-extinguishing foams.

Background: PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)

The substance group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances comprises about 5000 individual substances. PFAS are dirt-, water-, and grease-repellent and can be found in countless products: in outdoor jackets, frying pans, paper and cardboard, in shampoo, varnishes, and fire-extinguishing foam. Some of the chemicals are harmful to health. High concentrations in the blood may damage organs or cause cancer. For decades, PFAS have been finding their way into the environment, for example, in wastewater and exhaust gas. They accumulate in soils and groundwater and decompose only very slowly.

Source: University of Stuttgart

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[wausaupilot]

State estimates around 40 percent of private wells contain pesticides

More than half of the pesticides detected aren’t regulated in groundwater by the state or federal governments.

By Danielle Kaeding | Wisconsin Public Radio The state estimates one or more pesticides are found in around 43 percent of 800,000 private wells in Wisconsin, and more than half of the pesticides detected aren’t regulated in groundwater by the state or federal governments. The findings stem from an analysis of 380 wells sampled last year as part of a statewide survey to assess pesticides and…

[neosciencehub]

A Beacon in Groundwater Exploration & Critical Zone Science

A Beacon in Groundwater Exploration & Critical Zone Science, Dr. Tanvi Arora, a Senior Scientist at CSIR-NGRI @neosciencehub #neosciencehub #science #research #groundwater #CSIR #NGRI #scientists #geophysical #environmental #hydrogeophysics #contaminant

Dr. Tanvi Arora, a Senior Scientist at CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI), has been honored with the prestigious NESA Eminent Scientist Award for the year 2023. This recognition by the National Environmental Science Academy, New Delhi, is a testament to her significant contributions to groundwater exploration and critical zone science. Pioneering Work in…

[simpletank]

Addressing Groundwater Contamination in NJ | Simple Tank Services

Simple Tank Services is dedicated to addressing and resolving groundwater contamination issues in New Jersey. With our specialized expertise, we provide comprehensive solutions to ensure environmental safety and compliance. If you're dealing with concerns about Groundwater Contamination NJ, trust our experienced team for efficient and effective remediation. Contact us today to safeguard your property and the environment from groundwater contamination challenges in New Jersey.

[delta-remediation]

Effective Bioremediation Techniques: A Sustainable Solution for Environmental Cleanup

Bioremediation is a sustainable and cost-effective solution to environmental pollution, using living organisms such as bacteria and fungi to degrade pollutants into harmless compounds. There are various bioremediation techniques, including in situ (at the site of pollution) and ex situ (removing contaminants to treat elsewhere). Other methods include bioventing, biosparging, and use of bioreactors to promote the natural degradation of pollutants.

These techniques can handle a wide array of pollution types including petroleum, heavy metal, pesticide contamination, industrial waste, and landfill leachate. Benefits of bioremediation include its sustainability, cost-effectiveness, versatility, and non-invasiveness.

One company leading the way in bioremediation is Delta Remediation, based in Alberta, Canada. They specialize in applying these techniques to sites polluted with hydrocarbons, pesticides, and industrial waste, and have expanded their operations to Nigeria and Kenya.

Bioremediation thus offers a promising method for environmental cleanup, being both eco-friendly and adaptable to diverse environments. Companies like Delta Remediation are pioneering in this sector, making significant contributions to environmental health.

[watertreatmentplantindia]

Removing the Arsenic Contamination Of Groundwater : Dew Pure

Removing the Arsenic Contamination Of Groundwater can be a difficult task but you can ease the process with the help of Dewpure Engineering Pvt. Ltd.