Blog 12 Ali Faraz Thursday,November 15,2012 EPA to finalize pollution controls at Ariz. plants

EPA to finalize pollution controls at Ariz. plants

November 15 7:14 pm 

On November 15,2012 Bloomberg Business week reported EPA is working on making a hard decision regarding pollution control at Arizona Plants. The power plants have impaired visibility in places like Grand Canyon. The EPA is proposed that some of the older units at the plants be equipped with selective catalytic reduction technology. This technology could possibly keep up to 17,000 tons nitrogen oxide from being released in the atmosphere. This Nitrogen Oxide could impair up to 18 national parks and wildlife. EPA’s proposal would cost the state and the plant owners hundreds of millions of dollars. This would for sure help the air quality. The owners of the plant would pay $436 million to improve their plants. This cost would also affect the bill of residential users, which go up nearly $19 a year. Some people think it’s a good idea and this would protect and keep the wilderness from harmful pollutants. However some people also disagree with this proposal. The state Department of Environmental Quality and Gov. Jan Brewer have urged the EPA to withdraw its proposal and called it "not only unreasonable but unnecessary," given the EPA's previous inaction on the state's plan. This could also affect the tourism of these national parks in the future. The biggest source of the pollution in this area is the power plant. This is a hard decision for EPA and the state of Arizona if this proposal is accepted it would cost a lot of money and keep us out of the mess in long term. However if this were not accepted the future health and tourism of these national parks would be in trouble. I think Arizona should accept this because it would benefit us in the long run. Survival of these national parks and wild life count on this proposal. It would cost us today but save us in the future.

Source : http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-11-15/epa-to-finalize-pollution-controls-at-ariz-dot-plants 

Blog 11 Ali Faraz Thursday, November 8,2012 Farm fined for polluting stream near Devon beauty spot

Farm fined for polluting stream near Devon beauty spot

November 8 4:02 pm

On Thursday 8 November 2012 Liz Iles of West Country news reported that North Devon dairy farm of UK have been reported to pay, £5,623 in fines and costs for polluting a stream. The authorities have confirmed BR, MJ & PJ Colwill the partnership operating the farm pleaded guilty for discharging harmful pollutants in the stream. WelsFord Farm is located at Hartland near Bideford UK.  This stream is located near a popular coastal beauty spot if the mess is not cleared quickly and effectively it could affect the tourism revenue. The main reason the stream was polluted because the farm’ slurry storage was full and it had overflowed and run down a bank and into a stream. The environmental agency released a statement saying that the pollution was result of lack of management. They also claimed that the management should have acted earlier before the storage lagoon overtopped.

However the case has closed and partnership operating the farm has pleaded guilty for discharging poisonous pollutants in Speke’s Mill Stream.

This article is like one previous article I posted; I think many people abuse their power sometimes whether it’s a farm or oil company or mining this problem is always there. A lot of companies violated many environmental regulations while doing their work. This is wrong and should be dealt with very strictly. I think it was a good thing this farm was cited for violation of environmental rules. Other agencies will be more careful after seeing an issue like this. After all if we don’t care about the society we live in our future generations will be in trouble and world will be a lot more difficult place to live in. I also think many people get away with doing this but judicial system should be harsh on the groups which are pleaded guilty.

 Source: http://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/update/2012-11-08/farm-fined-for-polluting-stream-near-devon-beauty-spot/

Blog 10 Ali Faraz Thursday,November 2,2012 Delhi cold brings pollution, illness

Delhi cold brings pollution, illness

November 1 10:31 pm

On November 1,2012 Chetan Chauhan posted on Hindustan times that this winter season has brought the most polluted time of the year. The average RSPM general measure of pollutants in air in Delhi was 571 ug/m3 more than five times the national standard of 100 ug/m3 for the pollutant in residential areas. Data clearly indicates the number of cars being used in winter season has pushed the air pollution level a lot higher. A lot of people avoid walking to work or school in this cold season.  This becomes problem because a lot of people suffer asthma and can easily get sick if the air pollution is high. The situation is unlikely to get better because metrology department reported dry weather in the capital of the country.

The worrisome fact for health of Delhiities is that the winter RSPM levels has more than doubled in the last five years and is higher than the mid-1990s.

Cold weather is generally a bad time for humans because people can easily catch cold or fever but it can become even worse if the air is not clean making it hard to breath. New Delhi doctors are advising general public to use air filter specially people with breathing conditions. Earlier this year Yale University ranked New Delhi’s the most polluted air in the world. This is something the government of India should consider and take action. I think this article is really important to our class because all across the world pollution is creating a lot of problems and especially in a winter season we should prepare ourselves earlier. I think Indian Government should spend more time studying and researching why the pollution levels are rising because if this is not dealt properly we might start seeing people getting seriously ill or even death.

Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Delhi-cold-brings-pollution-illness/Article1-953510.aspx

Blog 9 Ali Faraz Thursday,October 25,2012 Pollution as big a health problem as malaria or TB, finds report

                                       

Pollution as big a health problem as malaria or TB, finds report

October 25 4:15 am

Recently Stephen Leahy Of Global Development reported that every year pollution from toxic sites, lead smelters, and industrial dumps affect 125 million people every year. A lot of major industries like Gold mining and auto industries are the most toxic producing in world. In a recent health report it was discovered that this issue was bigger then tuberculosis (TB) problem. Some common industrial pollutants are lead, mercury, chromium are responsible for high death toll in many developing countries.  A lot of these pollutants require proper safe disposing methods, which are not available everywhere in the world. For example in Kenya Old car batteries, which contain lead, are not disposed safely which results in many miscarriages in women and Anemia. The lead production rose 10% from last year to meet the needs of battery and electronics manufactures. Rise in Demand equals more electronic waste and more dangerous pollutants.

       Core countries like United States have decent laws against major pollutants like these but many other developing countries in Middle East and Africa have over production and less protection for the workers. This is a problem because many of these workers spend 14-16 hrs in dangerous sites with less protection inhaling all the hazardous material in their system. Many of the infected sites in these countries must be abandoned and destroyed. As we become more advanced in technology world there are also many backfires and this is one of them. This is a big global problem because all over the world we are producing dangerous pollutants like Lead, Chromium, and Mercury, which is ok, but we have to come up with safe ways to dispose them keeping them away from the environment. Even in United States we have issues about these harmful substance and their effects on workers as well. This is a serious issue and should be dealt with strong planning. 

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2012/oct/24/pollution-health-problem-malaria-tb

Blog 8 Ali Faraz Thursday,October 18,2012 Driller agrees to pay $84K federal fine for pollution in Washington County

                           Driller agrees to pay $84K federal fine for pollution in Washington County


October 18  4:10 am

On October 18 2012 Timothy Puko of Pittsburgh Tribune- Review reported that a Findlay – based drilling company has been charged an $84,506 federal fine for air pollution. Fine also included chemical violations, which occurred in Washington County region.  The EPA cited Atlas Energy for several storage problems in 2008 and 2009.  The company failed to respond about the hazardous chemical storage, improperly stored some of its products and had tanks, which leaked vapor. Nobody was harmed because of the problems but EPA spokesman Bonnie Smith said they found the problems through an investigation that started after a March 31 fire at a pit at one of the company’s wells.  The company has agreed to pay the fines and also stopped the drilling and production in Washington County while they review eight facilities for air pollution and other environmental risks. 

A lot of companies are not fully taking the responsibility towards an eco friendly environment.  In my last blog we saw something similar where Shell was not taking the responsibility of cleaning there own mess. This is a global issue because this is not a new story. Many big companies are abusing their powers and destroying the environment.  Some companies agree to pay the damages but some don’t even if they do pay the damages they will not accept their fault in front of the public. This is important to our class because we are at the peak of extracting natural resources from this planet but with that we are destroying the environment and creating a big problem for the future generations.  Fines are good way to prevent the oil companies from damaging our environment but if company continues to damage the society we should punish them more strictly. For example this company should have been fined in 2009 when the repeated the mistake second time. Why wait for the third time? This is our environment and we have to create every possible effort to keep it healthy. 

Source : http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/2799660-74/agency-company-problems-storage-county-pollution-washington-atlas-based-chemical#axzz29gEyNDAs

Blog 7 Ali Faraz Thursday, October 11,2012 Nigerian villagers sue Shell in landmark pollution case

                                  Nigerian villagers sue Shell in landmark pollution case

October 11 1:12 pm

On October 11,2012 Ivana Sekularac and Anthony Deutsch reported on Chicago Tribune that four Nigerian villagers took Royal Dutch Shell to court on Thursday. The fisherman and farmers, together with the Friends of Earth Campaign group, accused the oil company of polluting land and waterways around their homes in Niger Delta region of Africa’s top energy producer. Campaigners said that this could open the door to other compensation claims against international companies.

            However Shell has denied the responsibility, stating that leaks were caused by sabotage. This case has a lot of media attention because it is the first time a Dutch –registered company had been sued in a Dutch court for offences allegedly carried out by a foreign subsidiary. Villagers ignited their claim in a civil court in The Hague, where shell has its joint Global headquarters. Villagers are holding Shell responsible for pollution from three oil spills between 2004 and 2007. They claimed that their community has lost its good vegetation and people are getting sick from respiratory problems.  Shell says that pollution was caused by thieves breaking into pipelines to steal the oil, and believe they have played their part in cleaning it up.  Shell stated that pollution problem in Niger Delta was caused by thieves who steal oil from shell’s installations. They reported each year  $6 billion is stolen in this region, which is about 150,000 barrels of oils everyday.

Nigerian lawyers claimed that it was insufficient maintenance not sabotage that caused the leaks.  Friends of the earth said other companies could face similar charges if it won the case.  Last year, the United Nations particularly reported Shell is responsible for 50 years of oil pollution that has devastated many parts of Niger. Case is currently waiting to hear their verdict by three judges on New Year. This article is important to our class because many rich oil companies in the world are abusing the environment. Whether shell is one of them or not is yet to be determined.  Our environment and health is being harmed because of oil spills. We have to take this seriously and penalize the violators for being a non-ethical company.

Source : http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-rt-us-shell-nigeria-lawsuitbre8991se-20121010,0,7855040.story

Blog 6 Ali Faraz Friday October 5 2012,Pollution

It's Not Too Late for Coral Reefs, Experts Say

October 5 2012  12:06 am

On October 3^rd 2012 Daily Science articles posted an article, which explained that worldwide temperature changes and human interference have affected many coral reefs but there is still a chance to protect them.  Over the last 100 years rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification have damaged the worldwide coral reefs. Overfishing and coastal development has damaged 30% population worldwide.  

Some scientist’s believe coral reefs could be wiped out if action is not taken. The coral reef issue is not only environmental issue but also economic one. Each year coral reefs generate over $172 billion per year from services like tourism.  In south Florida where 84% of the nations reefs are located reef generate about $6 billion annually.  A lot of these coral reefs are under protected waters, which helps the situation a little.  Still there is a lot which needs to be done if we want to save them from extinction.  A lot of extensive research is also being done to help save the rainforest of the sea. Many scientists also believe raising coral reefs in places where larvae and juveniles are nurtured in a relatively safe environment before being moved to a location can hope to restore a coral population. There are many unidentified sources, which are disturbing coral reefs, but the biggest source is man interference. We are responsible for rising temperatures because of burning fossil fuels.  

We are also responsible for over fishing and ocean acidification. Also many developing countries are dumping harmful toxins in ocean.  If we don’t take action now in coming years Coral reefs can extinct from the face of planet earth. This is important to our class because over production has lead to many problems and as we continue burning fossil fuels and overfishing coral reefs will become threatened species. 

Source :: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121003132058.htm

Blog 5 Ali Faraz Thursday September 27,2012,Pollution

100 million to die by 2030 if world fails to act on climate

September 27  3:48 pm 

 

On September 27,12 Nina Chestney of Reuters published an article that more then 100 million people will die by 2030 if the world fails to tackle climate change. Global temperatures are rising because of green house gas emissions. These emissions have serious effects on our planet like melting ice caps, extreme weather, drought and rising sea levels. 20 governments commissioned this report and calculated that five million deaths occur each year from air pollution, hunger, and disease as a result of climate change. This toll is expected to increase if current patterns of fossil fuel use continue. More than 90 percent of those deaths will occur in developing countries, because developing countries are less cautious compare to developed countries.

Effects of climate change will also cost us a $1.2 trillion a year by 2030 if global temperatures are allowed to rise. The losses to agriculture and fisheries alone could amount to more than $500 billion per year.  Many people in developing countries depend on these sectors to make a living. Temperatures have already risen by 0.8 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times. In 2010 200 nations agreed to keep the global average temperature rise to below 2C. However scientist have warned that the chance of this is getting slimmer because of continued burning of fossil fuels.

Even the biggest economies like United States and China could see a 2.1 percent reduction in their potential GDPS by 2030. This can increase job loss and higher death rates. This article relates to our class because this is a serious global issue.  Every country in this world is burning fossil fuels, which is increasing higher amounts of global greenhouse gas emissions.  If we continue to keep this up by 2030 we will destroy many lives and hurt our global economy. We are making ourselves more vulnerable to failure.
Source : http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/27/us-climate-inaction-idUSBRE88Q0ZJ20120927

Blog 4 Ali Faraz Friday,September 21,2012

PPL Montana to mothball coal-fired plant in 2015

September 21 11:50 Am

On September 20,2012 CBS news reported that a coal plant in Billings, Montana will indefinitely shut down in April 2015 because of the new environmental regulations. PPL Montana will mothball the Corette plant because all over United States coal fired generation is on a steep decline. The 44-year-old plant is also being forced to shut down because of the new environmental laws costing company $38 million in upgrades.

Many companies are abandoning less-efficient coal plants and in favor of gas plants.  PPL Montana will maintain its operating permits for the 35-employee Corette plant in case circumstance changes.  The plant burns 700,000 tons of coal annually from an unspecified mine or mines in the Powder River Basin of Montana and Wyoming.

Modern market has made it difficult for coal burning plants to compete for higher business. With the help of EPA and their new environmental regulations Corette will be shut down for further notice. PPL deserved praise for making its announcement so far ahead of time, which was done as a courtesy to the plant's workers.

Not just Corette according to the Energy Information Administration 57 other plants generating a combined 8,990 megawatts expected to retire this year. All over world people are avoiding coal plants because they are more expensive to run and very costly to maintain. Coal releases a lot of emissions in the air causing serious damage to the environment. Core countries require most coal using companies to improve their filter systems and have the latest safety systems. This cost a fortune to the companies resulting in permanent shut down of the company or move overseas.

This article is important because this is a huge debate in global market whether to follow safety regulations or send the plant over seas, which increases job loss. Organizations like EPA will ask all major plants to improve their environmental standards but not every body is willing to pay. Should we worry about our long term health or Job loss?

Source :  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57517034/ppl-montana-to-mothball-coal-fired-plant-in-2015/

Blog 3 Ali Faraz Friday,September 14,2012 Noise Pollution takes toll on Health

Noise Pollution takes toll on Health

September 14 11:42 am

On September 11 2012 Voice of America published an article, which described the effects of noise pollution. Researchers studied noise pollution in Fulton County, Georgia. They discovered many of the community’s residents are exposed to high levels noise because of the local traffic. This tells us that even the smallest types of pollution can have a serious affect on our psychological well being.  Last year World Health Organization (WHO) also researched in Europe and reported noise pollution is also responsible for taking one million healthy years of life per year. Researchers studied Interstate highway I-85 and then examined noise maps with the help of US Federal High Way Administration.

Researchers also determined city of College Park, Georgia that is surrounded by highways, came in first with the highest risk of being affected by noise pollution. This can increase the risk of sleep disturbance in our society. Just like College Park there are many other cities in America, which are on high risk of noise pollution. More noise pollution can also increase the risk of permanent hearing disability. Health study also shows that disturbance in sleep can increase the chances of human error as well. US census Bureau data shows that greater Atlanta area had the lowest number of households representing the present road noise. This means even more people could be affected in densely populated areas of the US. This reflects on the growing number of people losing permanent hear loss.

This article is important because world wide many countries have poor regulations on noise pollution. When we actually think about noise pollution it is hard to believe that such a small issue could have a serious long-term effect. Many people are unaware of this issue and have little to no information on the effects of noise pollution. Many people might also believe that noise pollution is not a serious problem.  Is this a social problem or just a traffic problem in College Park? We should focus on noise pollution in depth and prepare for further studies.   

Source: http://blogs.voanews.com/science-world/2012/09/11/noise-pollution-takes-toll-on-health/

Blog 2 Ali Faraz Friday,September 7,2012 Pollution left in wake of Isaac

                         Pollution left in wake of Isaac

September 7 3:50 pm

On September 05, 2012 Kevin McGill in Bloomberg Business News reported that oil in the form of tar has washed up on some Louisiana beaches from hurricane Isaac. This has restricted fishing in some waters and forced the authorities to find out where the source of this oil is coming from. This has made scientist think about whether this is coming from the 2010 deepwater horizon disaster. Commercial and recreational shrimping is prohibited. The state wild and fisheries department said there was a large mat of tar on one beach.  BP was awaiting test results but the high water has prevented a thorough investigation. Coast guard captain told the news reporters that they are currently investigating 90 other pollution cases in the wake of hurricane Isaac.

These pollution cases include minor leaks, which are usually expected after hurricanes. Wild life department has also found some oil on birds. Coast guard believes that many under water oil caps have been slightly damaged. Some close railroad tank cars containing hazardous chemicals overturned during the storm but are secure now. This just shows that many dangerous chemicals are hard to deal with in the situation like Isaac. Most leakages are now under control but the tar, which has washed up on the beaches, looks like a different story. This situation is important to the world because many places in the world are using all of their oil supply through the ocean and many rigs have on going construction with little safety.  Bp is going to test the tar but we have to understand the fact that natural disasters will happen and if our natural resources are not dealt properly we will hurt our economy, wild life and our health. We should prepare for this either before or remove the oil from ocean completely.

Source:http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-09-05/pollution-left-in-wake-of-isaac

Blog 1 Ali Faraz Thursday, August 30, 2012 "Steel pollution case highlights Italy's slow decline"

"Steel pollution case highlights Italy's slow decline" by James Mackenzie

August 30 8:20pm
 
   

On August 29th 2012 in Reuters James Mackenzie Reported ILVA steel works a Riva group plant in Taranto, Italy is in trouble for violating environmental laws.  Family owned industry is now facing serious charges for put the city of Taranto in risk for many years. Judges have ordered to clean or be shut down. As many as 20,000 workers are on risk for loosing their jobs, ILVA has dominated the city's economy for last 50 years. Officials are trying to come up with a solution to clean up and issue a new environmental certificate that would let the plant allow continue operation. This problem has produced an abnormal level of tumors and chronic respiratory diseases in the city. This incident is an example of Italy's corruption and a bad economy with a growth rate of less then 1 percent a year.  Unlike many other modern steel plants in Germany or France with their advanced filters and safety systems ILVA’S huge smokestacks has dumped thousands of emissions on the city which has impacted just not humans but also the fishing and farmland around the city. On regular basis not just the workers but also every single person living in city is inhaling benzoapyrene and other cancer-causing chemicals. Reading this article has made me realized how difficult this decision would be for the city of Taranto, if they shut down the plant today thousands of workers will loose their jobs and will not be able to support their families. This would have a huge impact on the economy of the country. However if we don’t find a way to clean the plant this would just increase the rates of mortality in the city and infect thousands of people with cancer and other diseases.

This article is important because globally all nations should understand that they are regulators and should control if one person or one plant fails to follow laws whether they are driving laws or environmental laws. The city should have stepped in this long time ago no matter what health is the number one priority. This company should be forced to improve their filters and safety systems before further operation.

Source: http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/08/29/us-italy-pollution-idINBRE87S07B20120829