Water


A New Way to Restore Mining Damaged Soil

USDA research confirms that the time-tested practice of amending crop soils with manure also can help restore soils on damaged post-mining landscapes.

The Correlation Between Climate and Demographic Growth

According to McGill-trained ecologist, Jason Samson, climate is as important in shaping the distribution and movement of humans as it is in other animals.

Solar Panels Still Effective in Snowy Conditions

According to a Michigan Technological University scientist, solar panels can still be worth the investment, even for those that live in areas with long winters.

Paper Waste Could Help with Oil Spills

European researchers from the Technological, Environmental and Logistics Centre (TEC Ltd) in Slovenia have successfully transformed waste from paper mills into a product that can effectively soak up fuel from leaks or oil from spills.

Less Biodiversity Decreases Climate Change Resilience

A new study has found that the impact of climate change is likely to be worse if species are lost. High biodiversity increases the likelihood that some species will be sufficiently resilient to a changing environment.

Speed Limits on Cargo Ships Could Reduce Emissions

Putting a speed limit on cargo ships as they sail near ports and coastlines could cut their emission of air pollutants by up to 70 percent, reducing the impact of marine shipping on Earth's climate and human health.

University Receives Grant to Develop Solar-Powered Charging Stations

Black & Veatch, a foundation for engineering and construction firm, has awarded a $200,000 grant to Kansas State University to help develop solar-powered charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles.

100 Million-Year-Old Coelacanth Fish Species Discovered in Texas

Pieces of tiny fossil skull found in Fort Worth have been identified as 100 million-year-old coelacanth bones, according to paleontologist John F. Graf, Southern Methodist University, Dallas.



EPA Energy Star Award Goes to TXI Midlothian Plant

TXI Operations, LP, announced today that its Midlothian Cement Plant has been awarded the 2012 Energy Star certification for superior energy performance by the EPA. The award places the TXI Midlothian Cement Plant in an exceptional category of high-performing, energy efficient cement plants in the U.S.

Boeing Recognized for Leadership in Revitalization of Superfund Site

The EPA will present an award to Boeing for its leadership to help revitalize the Chemical Commodities, Inc. (CCI) Superfund Site in Olathe, KS. Boeing has worked with the Olathe community to install a pollinator habitat and educational trail for monarch butterflies during their pollination season throughout the Midwest.

DEP Encourages Heating Oil Tank Inspections for Homes

With cold weather quickly approaching, the Pennsylvania DEP urges homeowners to have their home heating oil tanks inspected for any potential problems before having the tanks re-filled.

Forest Fertilization May be Beneficial

Professors and researchers are studying how fertilization of forests can increase productivity and carbon sequestration as part of the Pine Integrated Network Education, Mitigation and Adaptation Project (PineMap).

Diesel Exhaust Creates More Smog than Gasoline

A new study conducted by UC Berkeley researchers states that diesel exhaust is responsible for fifteen times more secondary organic aerosol (SOA), a major component of smog, than gas emissions per liter of fuel burned.

Louisiana Wetlands Could be Restored by Mississippi River Diversions

In Nature Geoscience, a group of geologists from the University of Pennsylvania used the Mississippi River flood of 2011 to observe how new diversions in the Mississippi River’s levees could help restore the wetlands in Louisiana.

Ice Melting in Antarctica: Better than We Thought

New data that more accurately measures the rate of ice melting in Antarctica demonstrates how the continent is dealing with global warming.

Funds Awarded by EPA to Lower Ocean Pollution

More than $214,000 in grants was awarded to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Product Stewardship Institute, Inc. in California in hopes of reducing sources of ocean pollution in partnership with local students, governments, and businesses.

New Roof Design to Make Homes More Efficient

A new roof and attic system improves efficiency in homes, making them cooler in summer and warmer in winter by pulling air from the beneath the attic into an inclined air space above the roof.

NOAA Opens Gulf Disaster Response Center

The Oct. 15 ribbon cutting officially opened a 15,200-square-foot facility in Mobile, Ala., that includes a training room, conference rooms, and a multi-function space that can be used for emergency response operations and drills.

Salt Marsh Decline Due to Nutrient Levels

According to a new report from the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, MA shows that the cause of the decline of salt marshes is caused from excess nutrients soaking into the marshes. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from sewer systems and lawn fertilizers have been linked to salt marsh loss.

Solar Plants in Mojave Desert Could Help Conservation and Energy Needs

Solar developers are looking to the Mojave Desert for the construction of solar plants that could turn the sun’s heat into electricity.