Latest news with #CleanWater
Global News
6 days ago
- General
- Global News
All 31 workers make it out safely after Los Angeles tunnel collapse
All 31 construction workers who were far inside a huge industrial tunnel in Los Angeles made it to safety after a portion of it collapsed Wednesday evening, an outcome officials called a blessing after they initially feared much worse. The cave-in apparently happened between the tunnel boring machine, 5 miles (8 kilometres) in from the only entrance, and the construction crew working 6 miles (9.6 kilometres) in, said Michael Chee, spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, which is in charge of the nearly US$700 million project. The workers were about 400 feet (121 metres) underground. The tunnel is being constructed almost entirely underneath public right-of-way. The structure is 18 feet (5.5 metres) wide and will be 7 miles (11.3 kilometres) long to carry treated wastewater from across Los Angeles County to the Pacific Ocean. Firefighters said workers had to climb over 12 to 15 feet (3.6 metres to 4.5 metres) of fallen dirt and debris to reach the tunnel boring machine and then were transported by vehicle back to the opening. Some people had to be pulled out. Story continues below advertisement View image in full screen People work by the entrance of the collapsed tunnel in Wilmington, Los Angeles, California, the United States on July 9, 2025. Thirty-one workers, who were trapped following a tunnel collapse in the Wilmington area of Los Angeles on Wednesday evening, have been rescued, the Los Angeles Fire Department said. Qiu Chen/Xinhua via ZUMA Press Fire Department Chief Ronnie Villanueva said the workers had to make it through the most treacherous part themselves before rescuers could assist them the rest of the way out. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Aerial footage showed workers being brought out of the tunnel in a yellow cage hoisted up by a crane. None had major injuries, authorities said. The workers were operating the boring machine when the collapse occurred, said Robert Ferrante, chief engineer and general manager for the sanitation districts. 'A section that they have already built had squeezing ground and had a collapse, a partial collapse,' he told reporters. Arally Orozco said she was at church when her phone started buzzing with calls and her son texted her the news of the tunnel where her three brothers worked. Story continues below advertisement 'It was sad and scary,' she said in Spanish. 'We feared the worst.' View image in full screen Maria Orozco hugs her son, Oraldo Orozco, one of her three sons who were trapped as tunnel workers inside a collapsed tunnel under construction for Los Angeles County's Clean Water project, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Los Angeles. Damian Dovarganes / The Associated Press After an hour, she managed to get through to one brother who told her they had to squeeze through a tight space to get out. 'My brother was crying,' she said. 'He told me he thought he was going to die underground.' The collapse happened under in the Wilmington neighborhood of Los Angeles, a heavily industrial area filled with oil refineries just north of the Port of Los Angeles. L.A. City Council member Tim McOsker praised the workers for keeping cool heads. 'This is a highly technical, difficult project. And they knew exactly what to do. They knew how to secure themselves,' he said. 'Thank goodness for the good people that were down in the tunnel.' Story continues below advertisement Mayor Karen Bass said at a news conference that she met with some of the workers. 'I know when we raced down here I was so concerned that we were going to find tragedy. Instead, what we found was victory,' Bass said. 'All of the men that were in that tunnel, rescued, up, safe.' Everyone is safe. Thank you to L.A.'s first responders and to the people throughout our city who work every day to make L.A. better. — Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) July 10, 2025 The cause is under investigation, Chee said. Work will not resume until they can figure out what happened and determine that it's safe to proceed, authorities said.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DEC announces $100M fish hatchery modernization effort
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton recently announced the launch of a nation-leading $100 million freshwater fish hatchery modernization plan. The funding supports the first of three phases of modernization projects for 12 hatcheries operated by DEC across the state. The hatcheries are integral to effective fisheries management and conservation, and contribute up to $5 billion in economic benefits provided by New York's recreational freshwater fishing industry. 'DEC's fish hatchery system serves as the backbone for the management and restoration of our freshwater fisheries,' Lefton said. 'Today's launch of the hatchery modernization plan will further strengthen New York State's commitment to the angling community and the continued stewardship of our fisheries resources far into the future.' First established in 1864, New York's fish hatchery system is the oldest in North America. The DEC operates 12 hatcheries that annually produce up to 850,000 pounds of fish that are stocked into more than 1,200 waterbodies for recreational and restoration purposes. The average age of DEC's hatcheries is 93 years and the integrity of many buildings, water supply assets, and fish-rearing structures are at risk. In recent years some of the most crucial needs have been addressed with a steady flow of DEC capital funding, but more extensive work is needed to sustain and improve operations to truly modernize the hatchery system for the future. The historic $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 dedicated up to $75 million for hatchery improvements as part of the $650 million specified for improving access to and protecting nature. This funding, combined with funding from New York Works and other capital funds, provides a solid foundation for creating a modern hatchery system that is technologically advanced, more efficient, adaptable, and environmentally responsible. The DEC will use Bond Act monies and capital funds to leverage other state and federal funding to modernize the hatchery system in multiple phases over the next 10 years. Improvements center on employing contemporary culture technologies to maximize fish production and ensuring greater sustainability by using the best technology available to reduce energy use and minimize the facilities' carbon footprint. DEC will implement its modernization plan in three phases, with Phase 1 beginning immediately. Highlights of Phase 1 include: • Covering the rearing ponds to exclude predators, reduce sunlight, and provide a surface for a photovoltaic system at the Caledonia Hatchery • Refurbishing ponds at the South Otselic Hatchery for increased walleye production • Overhauling the water supply system at the Salmon River Hatchery • Building a new hatch house at Chateaugay Hatchery • Replacing the existing hatchery at Randolph with a brand-new facility 'This plan not only ensures the continued health and sustainability of our state's freshwater fisheries but also preserves critical recreational and economic opportunities for future generations. New York's fish hatchery system is a vital part of our state's natural heritage and supports recreational fishing that benefits local communities, small businesses, and tourism across the state,' New York State Conservation Council President Dr. Keith Tidball said. 'The hatcheries are not just facilities — they are centers of fisheries conservation, education, and economic vitality.' Visit the DEC website for more information about the fish hatchery system. Stocking information, along with fishing regulations, maps, and access information is also available in 'The Tackle Box' feature of the DEC 'HuntFishNY' smartphone app. Other features include driving directions to state boat launch sites and an offline feature that allows a user to access information when cell coverage isn't available.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Report identifies 10 US beaches that are ‘hotspots' for bacteria
(NEXSTAR) – If you can't visit one of the country's best beaches, it might be wise to at least avoid some of the most bacteria-ridden. The annual Clean Water report from the Surfrider Foundation aims to raise awareness for the importance of water quality monitoring by calling out some of America's 'beach bacteria hotspots.' The non-profit organization, together with volunteers from its Blue Water Task Force (BWTF), gathered data for the latest edition of its annual report over the last year, collecting water samples from beaches from coast to coast, and from Puerto Rico and Hawaii. 'Across the country, Surfrider's BWTF volunteers are committed to measuring water quality conditions at the beaches they love and rallying their communities around protecting clean water for future generations to enjoy,' the organization wrote in its report. 'Dr. Beach' ranks 10 best US beaches of 2025 Analysts with the Surfrider Foundation studied more than 10,120 samples from 604 beaches and recreational water areas in 2024 (the BWTF collects samples year-round), identifying those that exceeded their states' standards for acceptable bacteria levels. Certain beaches that were found to have high percentages of samples that exceeded acceptable bacterial levels were deemed 'bacteria hotspots' by Surfrider. 'Each location regularly shows dangerous levels of fecal-indicator bacteria tied to human illnesses, including gastrointestinal issues, flu-like symptoms, and serious skin conditions like MRSA and staph infections,' the Clean Water report reads. It's important to note, however, that Surfrider's BWTF partners did not collect data from all beaches across the U.S. A map included with the annual report shows large swaths of the Northeast and Southeast coasts — in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, South Carolina and Georgia — where no samples were collected. Very few were collected along the Gulf region, too. Surfrider said its workers and volunteers are continually expanding its sampling efforts. That said, beaches and recreational water areas identified as 'hotspots' based on Surfrider's 2024 samples include: Windmill Beach — Sag Harbor, New York Ballard Park — Melbourne, Florida Park View Kayak Launch — Miami Beach, Florida Playa Crash Boat — Aguadilla, Puerto Rico South Sound Thea Foss Floating Dock — Tacoma, Washington Linda Mar Beach — Pacifica, California San Luis Creek Mouth — Avila Beach, California Imperial Beach — San Diego, California Kahalu'u Kahalu'u — Oahu, Hawaii Waikomo Stream at Koloa Landing — Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii Record number of travelers hit the road for Memorial Day weekend Surfrider, in its report, also advocated for funding to continue the Environmental Protection Agency's BEACH Act grants, which are provided to pay for water-monitoring programs. As seen in a recent letter to the Secretary of Appropriations, the Trump administration is calling on major cuts to the EPA, which could hinder the work done to monitor and maintain water quality, according to Surfrider. The non-profit says such a move 'could leave families completely blind to pollution issues at America's beaches.' More information about Surfrider's findings, including its history and methodology, can be found in the organization's official website and annual report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Otego to get $3.9 million for water projects
The village of Otego is among municipalities getting state funding for water projects. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday, May 22 that the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved more than $37 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across the state. "The board's approval authorizes municipal access to low-cost financing and previously announced grants to get shovels in the ground for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects, from treatment processes to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water, to replacing lead service lines and modernizing aging systems," a news release from Hochul's office said. 'This is how you lead: invest boldly, move fast and protect your people,' Hochul said. 'This $37 million investment jumpstarts critical projects to fix aging pipes, tackle emerging contaminants and upgrade infrastructure, all while keeping costs down for communities and creating good-paying local jobs.' Otego will get $3.9 million in grants for the installation of a redundant production well, replacement of asbestos-lined pipe and exposed water main, relocation of a well house treatment building to a higher elevation, replacement of a booster pump station, and the installation of a tank mixer, according to the release. EFC's board approved grants and financing to local governments from the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds — a mix of federal and state dollars dedicated to financing community water infrastructure projects. State Revolving Fund interest rates are below market rate, and with long repayment periods, and communities may save significantly on debt service compared to traditional financing, the release stated. State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, 'This latest round of funding means critical infrastructure projects will be affordable to municipalities looking to protect their communities without breaking the bank. Through our Bureau of Water Supply Protection, the Department of Health will continue to work with our state and local partners to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers by providing technical assistance and monitoring for emerging contaminants, lead and other chemicals.'
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Bay Area beach ranked as bacteria 'hot spot'
PACIFICA, Calif. - We've reported on this before, but unfortunately for beach-goers, a popular Bay Area beach has once again made this top 10 list for the wrong reasons. What we know Pacifica's Linda Mar Beach weighs in at number 6 for the Surfrider's 2024 Beach Bacteria Hot Spots list. The organization's Clean Water report came out this week ahead of the busy Memorial Day holiday. The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the world's coasts and the protection of the oceans. They say as many as 100 million people flock to U.S. beaches each year. In 2024, Surfrider Foundation's Blue Water Task Force processed more than 10,000 water samples from 604 distinct sampling sites. One of those sites was the relaunched site at their Sonoma Coast Chapter. The task force monitors sources of pollution, including stormwater outlets, rivers and creeks that discharge onto the beach. The group said last year as many as 80% of the beaches from their sampling sites yielded high bacteria results that exceeded state health standards. While they argue it is important to continue this type of monitoring, the organization notes that the Trump administration's projected budget cuts for fiscal year 2026 eliminate all funding for the Environmental Protection Agency's BEACH Act grant program that funds beach water quality monitoring along with the public notifications that accompany the results of sampling if levels are hazardous. The Surfrider Foundation has put out a call to tell Congress to reject these budget cuts. The following is the Surfrider's top 10 list for 2024 Beach Bacteria Hot Spots. The list shows the location and the high bacteria rate. Windmill Beach, Sag Harbor, New York - 43% Ballard Park, Melbourne, Florida - 52% Park View Kayak Launch, Miami Beach, Florida - 90% Playa Crashboat, Aguadillia, Puerto Rico - 23% South Sound Thea Foss Floating Dock, Tacoma, Washington - 64% Linda Mar Beach, Pacifica, California - 71% San Luis Creek Mouth, Avila Beach, California - 38% Imperial Beach, San Diego, California - 82% Kahalu'u, Kahalu'u, O'ahu, Hawai'i - 92% Waikomo Stream at Koloa Landing, Poipu, Kaua'i, Hawai'i - 90% According to Surfrider's Blue Water Task Force, the table above shows 10 priority beaches that are consistently measured for high bacteria levels. The percentages suggest the samples collected have bacteria levels that exceed the state health standard for recreational waters. "These popular recreational braces pose real health risks to swimmers, surfers and families. Each location regularly shows dangerous levels of fecal-indicator bacteria tied to human illnesses, including gastrointestinal issues, flu-like symptoms, and serious skin conditions like MRSA and staph infections," the Clean Water Report states. The organization's San Mateo County chapter is raising awareness about the hazardous conditions at Linda Mar Beach by joining a coalition of environmental and surfing groups to investigate the source of the pollution in the San Pedro Creek, which flows into the Pacific Ocean at this beach. KTVU reported in 2023 that enterococcus, a bacterium commonly found in fecal matter, made up an overwhelming majority of samples taken from that year. The EPA doesn't typically consider enterococcus harmful, but it is a common cause for urinary tract infections, according to the National Institute of Health.
