New EPA Data Shows Widespread PFAS Contamination in U.S. Drinking Water Systems

Michael S on May 29, 2024

EPA Data Reveals Widespread PFAS Contamination in U.S. Drinking Water

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released data showing that almost 300 public drinking water systems in the United States have exceeded the newly established annual limits for PFAS, or per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. These nearly indestructible “forever chemicals” have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers and other serious health issues. As more water utilities submit their test results over the next two years, the number of affected systems is expected to grow significantly.

5 Key Points

  • The EPA estimates that up to 6,000 water systems may need corrective action to reduce PFAS levels.
  • Public water systems in Fort Worth, Texas; Fresno, California; Pensacola, Florida; and Augusta, Georgia, exceed the new limits.
  • Water utilities invest in granular activated carbon filtration and other treatment methods to remove PFAS from their water.
  • Compliance with the new EPA rules may lead to increased water rates for consumers.
  • Addressing PFAS contamination is expected to be expensive, but the cost of inaction could be even greater.

Water Systems Taking Action to Remove PFAS

Many water utilities have already begun taking steps to address PFAS contamination in their water supplies. In Fort Worth, Texas, where three separate PFAS chemicals exceeded the new limits at two water treatment plants, the city plans to design a treatment process using granular activated carbon. The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority in Pensacola, Florida, also invests in granular activated carbon filtration for wells with PFAS detections.

The Water Authority of Western Nassau County on Long Island, New York, has been installing PFAS treatment on contaminated wells to comply with state regulations. However, with stricter federal standards, the authority must revisit and retrofit some of its previous projects.

Private Water Operators Address PFAS Contamination

Veolia Water, the largest private operator of water services in the U.S., has proactively addressed PFAS contamination in several states. In Delaware, where one of its water treatment plants averaged nearly five times over the new limit for PFOA, the company is constructing a new treatment facility housing 42 carbon filters. The facility is expected to be fully operational by early 2025.

The Cost of Compliance

Complying with the new EPA rules is expected to be expensive for water utilities. Many will seek federal assistance to reduce the burden on ratepayers, but more money needs to be made available for everyone. As a result, some water systems may need to raise customer rates to recover the costs associated with PFAS treatment projects.

However, experts argue that the cost of inaction could be even greater. “The cost of doing nothing is going to be far worse than the cost of doing something about this,” said Adam Lisberg, senior vice president of communications in Veolia’s municipal water division.

Barge Collision with Texas Bridge Results in Oil Spill and Road Closure

Daniela P on May 23, 2024

Galveston Bridge Collision Causes Concern and Disruption

On the morning of Wednesday, May 15th, 2024, a barge collision with the Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston, Texas, resulted in an oil spill and the closure of the only roadway connecting the island to the mainland. The incident, which occurred around 10 a.m., has raised concerns about the potential environmental impact and the safety of the bridge structure.

5 Key Points

  • A barge owned by Martin Petroleum crashed into the Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston, Texas.
  • The collision caused an oil spill, with vacuum gas oil visually confirmed in the water.
  • The barge’s total capacity was 30,000 gallons, but the amount of oil leaked is unknown.
  • The bridge remains closed until deemed safe by engineers from the Texas Department of Transportation.
  • The incident has heightened concerns about the vulnerability of bridges to large ships.

Barge Collision Details

According to Galveston County’s Office of Emergency Management, Martin Petroleum owns the barge involved in the collision. Although no injuries were reported, the impact caused a portion of the railway running alongside the bridge to collapse onto the barge. The Pelican Island Bridge, located about 60 miles southeast of Houston, remains standing but will be closed until the Texas Department of Transportation engineers deem it safe.

Oil Spill Response and Investigation

The U.S. Coast Guard is responding to the incident and will assess the extent of the oil spill and initiate containment and cleanup processes. Vacuum gas oil from the barge has been visually confirmed in the water, but the exact amount leaked remains unknown. The barge’s total capacity is reported to be 30,000 gallons. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The collision has closed approximately 6.5 miles of the Intracoastal Waterway to water traffic, potentially impacting shipping and commerce in the area. The oil spill also raises concerns about the environmental impact on the surrounding waters and wildlife. Authorities have not yet provided an estimate of the duration of the cleanup efforts or the extent of the damage caused by the spill.

Heightened Concerns About Bridge Safety

The Galveston bridge collision comes amidst heightened concerns in the U.S. about the vulnerability of bridges to large ships. In March, a cargo ship collided with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in the loss of six lives and the collapse of the structure. This latest incident underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of bridges and the need for measures to prevent such collisions.

Tragic Accident in Texas: 350,000-Pound Load Crushes Vehicle, Killing Two

Daniela P on April 28, 2024

Tragic Accident on State Highway 36 Claims Lives

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, a devastating accident occurred on State Highway 36 in Texas, just west of Highway 317. At approximately 11:30 a.m., Temple Fire and Rescue received a report of a collision involving an oversized load that had detached from its trailer and crushed a vehicle, trapping three people inside.

5 Key Points

  • An oversized load weighing approximately 350,000 pounds detached from its trailer and landed on a vehicle, trapping three people inside.
  • Two passengers sustained fatal injuries, while the third victim was extricated and flown to the ER with life-threatening injuries.
  • The driver was extricated over four hours, and 25 personnel from Temple Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene.
  • The cause of the collision is under investigation, and the victims’ identities have not been released.
  • This tragic incident highlights the importance of proper load securement and safety measures when transporting oversized equipment on public roads.

Oversized Load Detaches, Crushing Vehicle

According to officials, the load being transported by the fleet was estimated to weigh around 350,000 pounds. The authorities did not specify the nature of the oversized equipment. Upon arriving at the scene, first responders found the vehicle pinned beneath the massive load.

Two Fatalities and One Serious Injury

Two passengers had already sustained fatal injuries, while the third victim remained trapped inside. Rescue crews worked tirelessly for over four hours to safely extricate the driver from the wreckage. The seriously injured driver was eventually freed from the vehicle and immediately flown to the emergency room for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

Extensive Rescue Operation

Temple Fire and Rescue deployed ten units and 25 personnel to assist in the rescue operation. The extrication process was lengthy and complex due to the size and weight of the load that had crushed the vehicle.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and the victims’ identities have not been disclosed. Authorities are working to determine the factors contributing to the oversized load detaching from the trailer and the subsequent tragic accident.

Community Mourns and Reflects

This tragic incident highlights the importance of proper load securement and safety measures when transporting oversized equipment on public roads. The loss of two lives and the severe injury of another serve as a somber reminder of the potential dangers associated with such transportation. As the community mourns the loss of the two individuals who lost their lives, support is extended to the injured victims and their families during this difficult time.