Public News Service

A flooded site at the Austin Master Services toxic-waste storage facility in Martin's Ferry, Ohio. (Jill Hunkler)

Friday, April 26, 2024

Court issues restraining order against fracking waste-storage facility

Environmental groups say more should be done to protect people's health from what they call toxic, radioactive sludge. A court granted a temporary …

Drone footage showed the freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Wikimedia Commons)

East Palestine concerns linger over vinyl chloride exposure

Residents of East Palestine, Ohio, say they continue to live with health problems, including rashes, nosebleeds and respiratory issues following last …

$A new fracking well pad visible from the property of Ohio resident Randi Pokladnik. (Randi Pokladnik) <br />$

Ohio considers opening 40,000 acres in Wayne National Forest to fracking

Ohio's Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments - and will answer questions in virtual sessions today and tomorrow, on a draft …

There are nearly 1 million acres of modern coal mines in 12 states that have not yet been reclaimed, according to analyses by Appalachian Voices and the Western Organization of Resource Councils. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Advocates propose solutions to stop zombie mines in Ohio, other states

Advocates from coal-mining communities are proposing a roadmap to help address and prevent so-called "zombie mines," - abandoned mine lands on hold in…

The Department of Energy is revoking $37 million previously awarded to Ohio's six-turbine Icebreaker wind project, which has been in the works since 2009. (Florian Kunde/Adobe Stock)

Future of offshore wind in Lake Erie in flux as Icebreaker project shelved

Offshore wind development in the Great Lakes region has had a turbulent history and faced many challenges. Initially considered a promising location …

Harmful chemicals including lead, particulate matter, pesticides, and phthalates added to plastics, impair brain development in children. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio children are being harmed by toxic chemicals

Children of color and from low-income families in Ohio and across the nation are not only exposed to more dangerous toxic chemicals including lead…

Climate change board games emphasize teamwork and group success. Either all players win together, or no one survives. (dvande/Adobe Stock)

Board games help players understand climate change

By Debra J. Rosenthal for The Conversation.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection for the Public News Service-Conversation …

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American household uses more than 300 gallons of water per day. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Expert: Using Less Water May Improve Water Quality

By Nathalia Teixeira / Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. The process of cleaning …

$By 2025, estimated health damages caused by methane leakage during fracking would cost $13-29 billion each year, according to the consulting firm Seed Scientific. (Adobe Stock)<br />$

Dangers of Fracking Wastewater Put Spotlight on 'Halliburton Loophole'

A law known as the "Halliburton Loophole" is under growing scrutiny. It exempts oil and gas companies from revealing the chemicals they use in the …

Garrett Betts inspects his 275-gallon tank and trailer setup. Before Garrett built the trailer, he was hauling water with the tank in the bed of his truck.(Photo by Zachary Shephard)

Vinton County, Ohio Residents Await Community Water Systems

By Zachary Shepherd and Kelsey Paulus for Kent State News Lab.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Co…

Since 2011, Ohio has allowed companies to lease state land for oil and gas drilling. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Scientists Sound Alarm on Fracking Near Muskingum, OH Watershed

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District is drawing ire for its continued leasing of land for fracking. Last year, the district, which stewards …

Train cars containing hazardous chemicals burned after a Feb. 3 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. (Jamie Cozza)<br /><br />

How Dangerous Was Ohio Chemical Train Derailment?

By Andrew J. Whelton for The Conversation.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Ohio News Connection for the Public News Service-Conversation …

East Palestine, Ohio, resident Kyla Rose Cozza, 3, plays in her backyard just a few steps away from one of the creeks now contaminated with toxic chemicals after a massive train derailment Feb. 3. (Jamie Cozza)<br />

Lacking Answers, East Palestine Residents Plan to Test Soil, Water

East Palestine, Ohio, residents have been given the green light to return home, but many believe it is not safe to do so. They're experiencing skin …

Photo caption: An oil refinery in east Toledo, Ohio. (Ted Auch/FrackTracker Alliance 2019)

OH Governor Greenlights Fracking on State Lands

Environmentalists in Ohio say they're concerned oil and gas operations planned on state lands could harm the health and property of citizens living ne…

Forty-one species of freshwater mollusk live in Darby Creek waters, eight of which are on the Ohio endangered list, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. (Adobe Stock)

Public Hearing Deadline Nears for Darby Creeks' EPA Designation

Disappearing mussel species and threatened water quality from development have prompted advocates to push for increased protections for Ohio's Big and…

Exposure to polluted sites such as coal-ash ponds can cause cancer, respiratory issues and other health problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Civil Cases Against Industrial Polluters at Record Low

The Environmental Protection Agency's enforcement of federal pollution rules has plummeted. In 2022, the agency referred 88 cases to the Justice …

$Hydraulic fracturing relies on water supplies from ponds, streams and reservoirs, which research suggests can impact water flow. (Ohio Northern University)$

New Research Dives into Fracking’s Impact on Water Flow in Ohio

Fracking is a very water-intensive industry, and a new study dives into the impact of unconventional oil and gas drilling on aquatic ecosystems in …

A 1952 fire on the Cuyahoga River caused more than $1.5 million in damages. (Tullio Saba/Flickr)

Cuyahoga River a Showpiece for Clean Water Act's Success

The 1969 Cuyahoga River fire spurred passage of the Clean Water Act in Congress, and this week the landmark legislation marks 50 years of …

$Clean-up of an August 2021 fracking waste spill near Barnesville, Ohio reportedly didn't begin until three days later. (Jill Hunkler)$

Groups Ask EPA to Revoke Ohio’s Authority to Regulate Fracking Waste Wells

More than two dozen citizen, environmental and faith groups want the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to revoke Ohio's authority to regulate …

Concerning levels of PFAS have been discovered in the environment, water and wildlife of the Great Lakes region. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Moves to Take Action on Dangerous 'Forever Chemicals'

The federal government is taking new steps to protect people in Ohio and other states from "forever chemicals." PFOA and PFOS are two types of per-an…

Grazing cattle on cover crops can help increase organic matter in soil. (Conservation Media Library/Flickr)

Regenerative Agriculture: "Farming in Nature's Image"

While it isn't a new concept, a new movement is growing in agriculture toward the use of practices that restore soil quality by mimicking nature…

Oil and gas companies dispose of liquid waste in injection wells. (eleonimages/Adobe Stock)

Groups Say Ohio Needs to Strengthen Rules for Oil and Gas Waste

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Groups say new draft rules proposed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) do not go far enough to properly regulate …

There are no state or federal regulations for toxic PFAS chemicals found in drinking water. (AdobeStock)

Congress Takes Action on Toxic "Forever Chemicals"

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A bill to tackle contamination from so-called "forever chemicals" known as Perfluorinated and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) is …

Wildlife not seen for years is returning to Mentor Marsh after more than 200 acres were restored. (Eric Drost/Flickr)

Groups Say Biden Proposals Would Boost Lake Erie Restoration in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Groups that fight for clean, affordable water are speaking out in favor of President Joe Biden's proposed budget, which would put …

Ephemeral streams are considered the backbone of a watershed. (bgwashburn/Flickr)

Small Yet Vital Streams Could Lose Protections in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A vital part of watersheds in Ohio would lose environmental protection under a proposed bill. A committee hearing will be held …

Toxic algae blooms driven by excess nutrients give the waters of Lake Erie a greenish hue. (Adobe Stock)

Industrial Ag Runoff Seen as Major Threat to Lake Erie

TOLEDO, Ohio -- Groups advocating for clean water say they're facing an uphill battle trying to prevent animal manure and other pollution from …

H2Ohio is funding a project to reconnect 173 acres of Magee Marsh to Lake Erie. (Dakota Calloway/Flickr)

Groups Urge Continued Support for H2Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In less than two years, H2Ohio has spurred dozens of water-quality improvement projects from Lake Erie to the Ohio River, and …

Nutrient loading in the Ohio River leads to harmful algae blooms that threaten drinking water. In 2019, one bloom occurred that spanned 300 miles; 2015 saw another across 700 miles. (Rick Lohre/Adobe Stock)

Groups Look to New Administration to Clean Up Ohio River

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Groups that advocate for water quality are urging the incoming Biden administration to meet the goals of the Clean Water Act…

State and federal policies that protect Ohio's landscape often start at the ballot box. (Dan Keck/Flickr)

Ohioans Encouraged to Speak Up for Nature

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- From the bluffs of Lake Erie to banks of the Ohio River, Ohioans are encouraged to keep the protection of the Buckeye State's …

A June 20 satellite image of Lake Erie's Western Basin. (NOAA)

Smaller Lake Erie Algal Bloom on Tap for 2020

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Forecasters continue to predict that the annual harmful algal bloom on Lake Erie will be smaller this year than it was in 2019…

Memorial Day Weekend typically marks the official start of summer on Lake Erie's islands. (PatatJuno/Flickr)

A Tell-Tale Weekend Ahead for Lake Erie Businesses

TOLEDO, Ohio - The Memorial Day weekend could serve as a barometer for Lake Erie businesses, now operating during an unprecedented public health …

Toxic algae is an annual problem in the western basin of Lake Erie. (NOAA/Flickr)

EPA Enforcement Policy Could Spur Harmful Algae-Bloom Growth

By Alicia Krynock/Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann Kuhlman Reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration Clarification - 6:54 p…

Heavy wave action, combined with Lake Erie's already high water level, continues to threaten the shoreline. (USACE/Flickr)

Another Record Month for Lake Erie Water Levels

TOLEDO, Ohio -- The old saying that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, certainly didn't apply to Lake Erie this year. Record high …

Toxic algae from Lake Erie contaminated Toledo's water supply in 2014. (Ken Lund/Flickr)

Trump's Budget a Non-Starter for Great Lakes Restoration?

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- After past attempts to gut funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the Trump administration's new budget plan funds the …

An investigation by Rolling Stone magazine found the waste from Marcellus wells that crowds some area roads is radioactive enough to be seen as a threat to workers and the public. (Bill Hughes)

Radioactive Marcellus, Utica Well Waste Flows through 'Loophole'

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A federal loophole means millions of tons and billions of gallons of radioactive natural gas waste are being disposed of as if they …

Clean Water Act's Legacy for Ohio River

By Lucia Walinchus Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann Kuhlman Reporting for the Eye on Ohio, the Ohio Center for Investigative Journalism-Ohio …

Several Ohio communities have ordinances banning or imposing a tax on the use of single-use plastic bags and containers. (AdobeStock)

Plastic Bag Ban Debate Heats Up Again in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The plastic bag ban debate is once again heating up in Ohio. A state Senate committee held its first hearing Wednesday on SB …

A new report says sometimes even the workers at oil and gas wells are unaware of the chemicals being used on-site. (Andy Ilmberger/Adobe Stock)

Report: Secret Fracking Chemicals a Concern for Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Troubling information has been uncovered about the use of so-called classified chemicals in fracking operations in Ohio…

The algal bloom in Lake Erie is not expected to dissipate for several more weeks. (noaa.gov)

Toxic Algae a Labor Day Concern on Lake Erie

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohioans seeking fun on Lake Erie's waters this Labor Day weekend will be confronted with some water-quality warnings. An algae …

NOAA's Lake Erie algal bloom forecast position for July 31. (noaa.gov)

Large Algal Bloom Grows in Lake Erie

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A midsummer algal bloom again is turning western Lake Erie's waters green. While it's predicted to become fairly severe…

Keeping Lake Erie clean is crucial for local recreation, tourism and economic development. (Rona Proudfoot/Flickr)

Coalition: Make Great Lakes a Presidential Priority

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Democratic White House hopefuls will soon square off once again, and they're being asked to explain how they plan to …

One study estimates that 100 million pieces of plastic, including single-use bags, pollute Lake Erie. (Indi Samarajiva/Flickr)

State Lawmakers Seek to "Ban the Plastic-Bag Bans" in Ohio

By Nick Pedone/Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann Kuhlman Reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration To help protect the env…

FERC is accepting public comment on its environmental assessment of The Buckeye Xpress pipeline project. (FERC)

Ohio Groups Question Pipeline Expansion

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Despite an agreeable review from regulators, some Ohio residents and organizations still object to a proposed pipeline …

Conservation groups say sewage contamination, farm runoff and toxic pollution are among the serious threats to the Ohio River. (Ken Lund/Flickr)

River at Risk? Vote Expected on Ohio River Water-Quality Standards

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Conservation groups are asking Gov. Mike DeWine to speak out this week against a proposal that could weaken clean-water protections …

The Cuyahoga River is listed as an Area of Concern in the Great Lakes. (Eric Drost/Flickr)

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Readies for Phase III

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal program committed to improving the health of Lake Erie and the other Great Lakes is moving into its third phase…

Incentive programs could boost the use of agricultural practices that reduce the nutrient runoff linked to algal blooms. (Zachary Haslick, Aerial Associates Photography Inc./Flickr)

Reducing Harmful Lake Erie Algal Blooms: What Will It Take?

COLUMBUS, Ohio – With the waters of Lake Erie starting to warm, concerns are rising about the possibility of toxic algal blooms over the summer …

Climate change is expected to cause thinner levels and earlier melting of ice in places such as Cleveland going forward. (teknorat/Wikimedia Commons)

Climate Change Predicted to Cause Flooding, Pollution in Great Lakes

CLEVELAND -- Bigger, more frequent storms. More floods. Many millions in financial losses. Massive environmental shifts. Climate change already is …

Big Darby Creek is one of thousands that would lose protection under changes proposed to the Waters of the United States rule. (Chris Yoder/Midwest Biodiversity Institute)

Still Time to Comment on EPA's Plan to Reduce Stream Protections

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Time is running out for public comments on a federal proposal to lift pollution controls on certain smaller streams and …

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