The Latest Breaking News from Pollution

In 2019, Pennsylvania completed AMD abatement at Fran Camp Run No. 2 Mine, restoring 1.4 miles of Cooks Run. 7 years later, pH and metal impairments were finally cleared

An abandoned Pennsylvania coal mine cleanup project significantly improved Cooks Run water quality. The 2019 abatement project addressed acid mine drainage and metal pollution. Post-reclamation monitoring confirmed increased pH and reduced metal levels in tributaries. Cooks Run and its streams were proposed for delisting from impaired waters.

The Economic Times · Sep 1

Trump Moves To Limit Public Input on Data Centres as Critics Warn Communities Could Lose Their Voice

President Trump supports easing data centre construction by reducing public input on air pollution permits, sparking backlash over potential environmental impacts and community awareness.

International Business Times UK · Sep 1

Dry weather sewage discharges soar as water companies face scrutiny

Exclusive: 7,280 suspected illegal spills in rivers and sea recorded in first five months of 2026

The Guardian - UK · Sep 1

In 1996, Illinois listed Lake Decatur for phosphorus and nitrogen pollution. 25 years later, 3 grants helped Decatur expand BMPs and improve water quality in the lake

Lake Decatur has struggled with agricultural runoff pollution for several years, prompting the launch of a water quality initiative aimed at decreasing sediment and nutrient influx. Recent monitoring indicates encouraging trends in reducing phosphorus and nitrogen levels.

The Economic Times · Aug 31

In the late 1990s, Arkansas agencies urged landowners to use BMPs to keep cattle from streams. Today, 2 agencies and local owners protect these sensitive waters together

Fulton County faced water quality issues, prompting conservation efforts in the late 1990s. Landowners embraced livestock exclusion and conservation practices over time. These initiatives significantly reduced nutrient and sediment pollution in local waterways. Fencing and alternative watering sources were key implemented measures.

The Economic Times · Aug 31

In 2008, Virginia listed Grease Creek as impaired for swimming. 16 years later, DEQ cleared it from the impaired list after watershed BMPs restored water quality in 2024

Grease Creek in Virginia has finally escaped a problem that followed it for 16 years. The creek was listed as impaired for swimming in 2008 after tests found elevated E. coli levels. Now, Virginia’s latest water-quality assessment shows a different picture. Watershed best management practices helped reduce pollution, allowing the…

The Economic Times · Aug 31

These sustainable houses built from waste cost under $300: 2 tonnes of discarded plastic can become a home in just 7 days

A Mexican entrepreneur is turning discarded plastic into affordable, sustainable homes that cost under $300. Each house uses around 2 tonnes of plastic waste and can be built in just seven days, offering a creative way to tackle both plastic pollution and the shortage of low-cost housing. The unusual project…

The Economic Times · Aug 31

In 2006, Arkansas DEQ listed Clear Creek for E. coli. 12 years later, the creek attained the recreation standard in 2018, restoring contact recreation after BMP projects

Clear Creek in Arkansas has seen remarkable recovery since battling E. coli contamination back in 2006. Persistent water quality checks and the implementation of urban best management practices have led to this improvement. Enhanced green stormwater infrastructure like rain gardens has played a vital role in minimizing stormwater volume and…

The Economic Times · Aug 31

Michigan’s AQI hit 616 after Ontario wildfire smoke crossed into the US; scientists warn a warming climate could make such pollution more common

Smoke from Canadian wildfires can travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometres, turning a distant fire into a serious air-quality emergency. That danger was starkly illustrated when wildfire smoke from Ontario moved into the United States and contributed to exceptionally poor air quality across parts of the Midwest. In Michigan,…

The Times of India · Aug 31

In 2006, Virginia flagged the Rapidan River for failing swimming standards. 18 years later, DEQ removed it from the impaired list after BMPs restored water quality

Rapidan River water quality in Virginia has finally turned a corner after nearly two decades of concern. A section once flagged for failing swimming standards is now off the state’s impaired-waters list. Virginia DEQ made the change after monitoring showed bacteria levels had improved. Years of best management practices helped…

The Economic Times · Aug 31