Latest news with #environmental
CBC
17 hours ago
- General
- CBC
Search for B.C.'s Best Symbol: Animal Semifinals
If you were to have asked settler British Columbians what their favourite symbol of this area was 100 years ago, few would have said orcas. "They were seen as an animal that was quite terrifying and something to be feared," said Andrew Trites, director of the University of B.C.'s Marine Mammal Research Unit. "Even the name they were given, killer whales, that should be a red flag right there," he said. Because of some dangerous encounters with humans and the fact that whales and humans were often viewed to be in competition for salmon, headlines like "Killer Whale Spreads Fear" and "Criminals Of Ocean" were seen in B.C. newspapers in the 1940s and 1950s. At one point, there was the idea of using machine guns near Seymour Narrows to shoot them. But according to historian Jason Colby, public perception of orcas among settlers changed rather dramatically in the 1960s, as they began to be put in captivity and studied. "Even though that practice is rightly criticized these days, it was really the spark that transformed our relationship with them," he said. "When we brought them into our urban spaces and started experiencing them as individuals … it was a powerful factor in shifting the way people not just thought about orcas, but how they thought about how we treat all wildlife in the region." In that sense, according to Colby, the orca became a proxy for B.C.'s burgeoning environmental movement — including the campaign to stop holding them in captivity — and with that became a symbol of something far greater than its own species. Or put another way, symbols often become powerful not because of what they do, but how the culture around them changes. "The shifting economic value or environmental values, the shifting priorities about how we interact with the local landscape and seascape," said Colby. "I think it's a pretty powerful symbol of how we changed in terms of our values and priorities, and it remains so today." Yet despite the shift among settler attitudes over the past 100 years, many coastal First Nations have deep, longstanding and sacred relationships with orcas. According to Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations' teachings, orcas are the guardians of the sea, and for the Tsleil-Waututh people, the whales are a source of spiritual power and teachings. In 2018, when an orca mother carried her dead calf through the Salish Sea for 17 days, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation called it a "direct communication" from the whales to remind them of their responsibilities to the lands, waters and beings. From 64 symbols to just 16 left While the orca may be a powerful symbol, can B.C.'s official bird, the mighty Steller's jay, produce a big upset? The Search for B.C.'s Best Symbol has reached its third round, and with it, the number of daily matchups this week goes down to two. The winners will advance to the quarterfinals, which begin next week. Voting closes at 10 p.m. PT — may the best symbols advance!
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Watertown applying for $20 million to correct Western Outfall drainage issues
Jul. 25—WATERTOWN — The city hopes to secure up to $20 million in state funding to resolve longtime environmental issues in the Western Outfall Trunk Sewer drainage system. The City Council on Monday night authorized city staff to file grant applications for two state programs that would provide as much as $10 million each to correct large amounts of water that flow into the Western Outfall Trunk System — or WOTS — during heavy rains. Two years ago, the city received a consent order from the state Department of Environmental Conservation to stop issuing sewer permits until it corrected environmental violations. For years, the city has been blamed for heavy infiltration of untreated wastewater discharged into Beaver Meadows, a large wetlands west of the city. The consent order requires the city to take corrective action to mitigate the identified issues. Working with the engineering firm of LaBella Associates, the city has put together a preliminary engineering report that identifies ways to reduce what is called "inflow and infiltration" and "structural vulnerabilities" in the WOTS drainage system, according to a memo to City Council. If the grants are obtained, the city plans a complete rehabilitation of a series of sub-basins in the WOTS. Plans would then call for installing lining into mainline piping and manholes, as well as grouting of all lateral to main connection points, according to the memo. "It's a major project," said City Engineer Tom Compo, adding that it would take 18 months to design the project and another 18 months for construction if the grants are obtained. City staff believe that all the extensive repairs would correct the issues with the DEC consent order. Under the Consolidated Funding Application program, Empire State Development is accepting grant applications through a new $100 million Pro-Housing Supply Fund. As a certified Pro-Housing Community, the city is eligible to apply for up to $10 million in funding to assist with financing essential infrastructure projects, such as sewer, electrical and water system upgrades, that are needed to facilitate new housing developments. Under the consent order, the city cannot approve any new housing developments until the drainage is resolved. The program requires a 50% match. Applications are due July 31. The city also plans to apply for another grant that provides up to $10 million available from the DEC through its Water Quality Improvement Program. The DEC has made available up to $75 million. That program requires a 25% match and applications are also due July 31. "They're very competitive," Compo said about other communities applying for the two grants. After discovering that the city purposely discharged the untreated waste, the DEC issued a moratorium in the spring of 2023 that prohibited the city from approving sewer permits to developers until it put together the plan to correct the violation. Since then, the city has made some repairs to reduce the inflow and infiltration issues in the basin, so the DEC has lifted some of the sewer permit restrictions. "We've done a lot of work and we need to do a lot of work," Compo said. WOTS consists of 10 sub-basins that are "defined by road grades and elevations" that feed into the piping, Compo said. He described it as large tree trunk with branches coming out on one side and branches coming out of the other side. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
'Deeply disturbing' late-night noise complaint sparks official investigation
A late-night noise disturbance in Sudbrook has raised concerns among residents and sparked official inquiries, following reports of sirens being played through loudspeakers in a residential area. Gwent Police were contacted but initially did not log the incident. It was later passed to Monmouthshire County Council's Environmental Health Team, who confirmed they are investigating the situation as a potential environmental issue. Local councillor Lisa Dymock posted on social media, expressing her concerns: 'It's deeply disturbing when individuals cause disturbance and stress by blaring sirens from loudspeakers in residential areas, especially when this kind of behaviour feels deliberately antagonistic towards residents. Even more troubling when Gwent Police decline to log.' She later added, 'I appreciate police are stretched, but I thought preserving public order and ensuring residents can live peacefully was a fundamental part of policing. Communities deserve to be heard and protected.' Councillor Dymock has also said she would appreciate a meeting with Gwent Police Crime commissioner Jane Mudd. It is understood that police did eventually attend, but no arrests were made. The incident has since been classified as an environmental matter and is now under council review. The case has prompted wider questions about how noise-related complaints are managed, and whether current procedures between local authorities and law enforcement properly reflect the needs of the affected communities.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain unveils state-of-the-art sewage water treatment plant
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) - Medical University of Bahrain is proud to announce the installation of its new Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Sewage Treatment Plant, marking a significant milestone in the University's commitment to sustainability and innovative environmental solutions. This advanced, high-capacity facility has been designed to transform wastewater into reusable water, thereby significantly reducing the University's environmental footprint. The MBR Sewage Treatment Plant is capable of processing up to 150 cubic metres (150,000 litres) per day — equivalent to 55,000 cubic metres annually — ensuring it can meet the needs of the campus both now and into the future. The system has been purpose-built to accommodate the anticipated demands of the University's growth, including the forthcoming New Academic Building, by managing future wastewater requirements sustainably. The treated water is efficiently recycled and repurposed specifically for landscape irrigation, conserving potable water resources and supporting the University's green campus initiatives. Underscoring RCSI Medical University of Bahrain's drive to minimise its carbon impact, the new plant operates predominantly on renewable energy from the campus solar farm, as it is fully integrated with the University's solar-powered electricity grid. This synergy between clean energy and water conservation exemplifies the University's holistic approach to environmental stewardship. Mr Stephen Harrison-Mirfield, Managing Director of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, commented: " At RCSI Medical University Bahrain, sustainability is a guiding principle of our operations. This new sewage treatment plant is the latest infrastructure investment for the future of our campus, which reflects our commitment to environmental sustainability and our responsibility toward the wider community. We are proud to deliver innovative solutions that reduce our ecological footprint while supporting the University's continued growth." RCSI Medical University of Bahrain continues to place sustainability and innovation at the heart of its operational strategy, contributing to a greener future for the Kingdom of Bahrain in line with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal, as well as inspiring our students, staff and the wider community to prioritise environmental responsibility. About RCSI Medical University of Bahrain RCSI Medical University of Bahrain is a constituent university of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), which was established in Dublin, Ireland, in 1784. RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, an independent private university, opened its doors to a cohort of 28 medical students in 2004. Today, the purpose-built campus is home to a student body of more than 1,600 across the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery and Postgraduate Studies and Research. It is a not-for-profit health sciences institution focused on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide. For more information, please visit
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Ten arrested after protest which saw Forth Road Bridge shut
A total of 10 people have been arrested following a protest on the Forth Road Bridge on Friday. The crossing was shut at around 1pm after a group allegedly abseiled from the bridge carrying banners. The environmental group Greenpeace have claimed responsibility for the protest, which it said was aimed at chemicals giant INEOS. The group said it was looking to block a ship from reaching the petrochemical plant at Grangemouth. Read More: Forth Road Bridge shut by protestors with police on scene Man charged over death of woman in Irvine, North Ayrshire in 1994 Man arrested after Edinburgh shooting released pending further inquiries Police Scotland said in a statement: "Five men, aged between 35 and 40, and five women, aged between 25 and 42, were arrested in connection and further enquiries are ongoing. "The bridge remains closed at this time." Greenpeace said the climbers were voluntarily transported to Port Edgar in South Queensferry where they were arrested by officers from Police Scotland on suspicion of Culpable and Reckless Conduct. Amy Cameron, programme director at Greenpeace UK said: 'We've achieved what we set out to. By blocking INEOS, we've drawn global attention to the company's bottomless appetite for plastic production, false solutions and profit for its billionaire boss Jim Ratcliffe. 'Their feeble suggestion that recycling and managing waste can hand them a free pass to go on producing more plastic forever is laughable. It comes from the same industry playbook as the health benefits of smoking and carbon offsetting. The plastic pollution problem is just too massive. Less than 10% of plastic is currently recycled globally, and this is set to rise to just 17% by 2060, while the amount of plastic we're producing is set to triple. The only solution is to address the problem at source which means securing a strong Global Plastics Treaty that imposes legally-binding caps on plastic production. 'INEOS are cutting jobs at Grangemouth while trying to open a massive new plastics plant in Belgium, leaving Scottish workers high and dry. If Jim Ratcliffe really cared about skilled jobs in Scotland he'd invest his billions in supporting his workers to transition into the green industries of the future, instead of throwing money at Formula 1 racing teams and football clubs.' A spokesman for Ineos said: 'Today's Greenpeace stunt is dangerous, disruptive and entirely counterproductive. 'It may grab headlines but it does absolutely nothing to reduce plastic pollution or deliver real-world solutions, and ultimately threatens skilled jobs in Scotland. 'Ineos produces materials that society relies on every day, from clean drinking water pipes and medical equipment to insulation, lightweight cars, and wind turbine blades – even the safety harnesses used by the protesters. 'These aren't luxury items, they're essential to modern life and to lowering emissions. 'In most cases, plastic is the most sustainable option available, confirmed by independent studies, which is why it has so many uses.' Greenpeace said: "Contrary to INEOS' claims, the protest was both safe and caused minimal disruption. The climbers are all highly-trained and spent weeks rehearsing this action to ensure it was safe. They were supported at all times by rescue climbers and support boats. The Forth Road Bridge carries low volumes of bus, bicycle and pedestrian traffic and was closed by Police Scotland - not by the protest directly."
