Latest news with #environmentalDamage
BBC News
16 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
'Intentional' fire at Maldon nature reserve did £100k of damage
The chair of a nature reserve said damage caused by a spate of deliberate fires could cost £100, crews who fought the latest blaze at the Chelmer Blackwater Reserve in Maldon, Essex, believe it was started intentionally - and suspect two other fires nearby were also Ellum, chair of the Chelmer Blackwater Community Interest Company (CIC), which manages the reserve, said it was "absolutely devastating"."The overall cost of putting in the [reserve's] walkways and the bridge has been in the region of £100,000, it will cost most of that to restore it." Mr Ellum said the CIC would have to consider how to go about restoration "because of the risk of this happening again".He added: "The wildlife has obviously been badly affected by it, the field over there where the main fire started had a very large number of voles in it, we don't know how they have fared. "The reedbed has been partly damaged over here, which was an important breeding ground for birds."He said the reserve has more than 200 shareholders who would also feel distraught. The first fire was on 3 July. There was another on Saturday, and then a third on Eaglestone, a group manager with the Essex Fire Service, said all three were "believed to have been started deliberately".He added: "It puts lives at risk, causes significant damage to local wildlife and habitats, and ties up emergency resources that may be needed elsewhere. "These types of incidents are not only reckless, they are criminal."The CIC's secretary, Jonathan Wood, said he witnessed Monday's fire."We could see it just traveling and despite the efforts of the fire brigade - who have been marvellous in this - you could see the wind taking the fire and once it caught the trees that was it," he said the thought it was arson was "a very uncomfortable feeling"."You just wonder why people are so reckless," he added Retired teacher Alison Brown said she was "absolutely gutted"."We see the fens, the lovely fens, lots of greenery and the little pontoons and the bridges that you could walk across - and it's all gone."Kirsty, 45, also a teacher, said she often took her dog for walks around the reserve."There's lots of black bits in our garden."It's just beautiful area and it's such a shame, really sad, but they [the firefighters] did really, really well to keep it contained in that area."Louise, who was also walking by, said: "The smell is horrible isn't it?"We're even more horrified that there's someone on the loose that's going to do that."People spent so much time and effort on this, it's a charity so everyone's disgusted."The Essex Fire Service has urged people to contact the police if they see someone acting suspiciously in rural or woodland can also be given anonymously by visiting or calling 0800 169 5558. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New Mexico sues US air force over Pfas pollution from military base
The state of New Mexico is suing the US air force over its refusal to comply with orders to address extremely high levels of Pfas pollution stemming from its base, which has tainted drinking water for tens of thousands of people, damaged crops and poisoned dairy cows. Though the military acknowledges Pfas-laden firefighting foam from Cannon air force base is the source of a four mile chemical plume in the aquifer below Clovis, New Mexico, it has refused to comply with most state orders to address the issue. The new lawsuit filed by the state's justice and environmental departments is the latest salvo in the seven-year battle over the pollution, and comes after changes to state law that strengthened New Mexico's legal position. Related: Landmark US study reveals sewage sludge and wastewater plants tied to Pfas pollution The air force's inaction has forced state taxpayers to shoulder the cost, and the plume has 'become a ward of the state', said James Kenney, secretary of the New Mexico environment department. 'They've managed to litigate against the state, they've allowed the plume to go unchecked, and in the mind of the state and much of the community, they've done nothing of substance,' Kenney added. Pfas are a class of about 15,000 compounds most frequently used to make products water-, stain- and grease-resistant. They have been linked to cancer, birth defects, decreased immunity, high cholesterol, kidney disease and a range of other serious health problems. They are dubbed 'forever chemicals' because they do not naturally break down in the environment. Pfas are a common ingredient in firefighting foam, and the military is in the process of phasing it out because the highly toxic substance has widely contaminated water and the environment around over 700 bases nationwide. In 2018, Cannon's Pfas was found to have poisoned drinking water for over 100 private wells, and has so far taken out one municipal well that serves Clovis, a city of 40,000 people. Levels found in surface water were about 27,000 times higher than US Environmental Protection Agency drinking water limits. The pollution also continues to contaminate thousands of acres of crops that rely on the aquifer for water, raising questions about the safety of those products. Local dairy farmers in 2018 were forced to euthanize about 3,500 cows that had contaminated milk. In August, another 7,000 gallons of Pfas-contaminated wastewater leaked from an air force pond into groundwater, but the air force has refused to pay a $70,000 state fine. The air force in a statement told the Guardian it does not comment on active litigation. In 2019, New Mexico issued a corrective action permit that stipulated how it should remediate the plume. The air force then sued New Mexico in federal court, alleging that the Pfas foam is not a hazardous substance, and the state lacked the authority to make the order. That awaits an opinion from a federal court. The New Mexico legislature designated the Pfas-laden foam as a hazardous substance under state law in response. The new suit, in state court, asks a judge to order the air force to provide water treatment systems to affected residents, or connect those whose wells are contaminated to municipal sources. It also calls for pollution controls around the base and compensation for those whose property has been affected, among other measures. The nation's hazardous waste laws allow states to establish requirements for substances like Pfas and firefighting foam. The US Department of Justice and the air force's refusal to clean up the waste is essentially 'flipping the bird' at US law, Kenney said. The air force has provided filtration systems for some homes with the highest levels of Pfas, but it has not maintained the systems, nor has it provided any for agriculture. The military has not gone far enough, Kenney said. 'If they contaminated people's drinking and agricultural water … and they're litigating instead of remediating, then we can't sit back and say they're doing the right thing,' Kenney added. Cannon is not isolated, and the air force has received criticism for slow responses to pollution around the country. After years of resisting orders to address Pfas from a base in Tucson, Arizona, that threatened the city's drinking water, the air force late last year agreed to fund new filtration systems. Congress has made around $3bn of funding available annually for Pfas remediation at military bases, but the air force often still 'slow rolls' the work, said Jared Hayes, senior policy analyst with the Environmental Working Group nonprofit, which tracks military Pfas pollution. He noted the air force's remedial investigation of the New Mexico plume is not due until the end of 2026. 'We've seen similar situations across the country where the air force is generally dragging its feet when it comes to cleaning up Pfas pollution,' Hayes said. 'Communities in New Hampshire, Michigan, Arizona, New Mexico are waiting and waiting for cleanup, but it's still a long way off.'
Associated Press
24-06-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Union Pacific Sued Over Train Sparks that Allegedly Ignited Rowena Fire
Plaintiffs Seek Justice for Destruction of Property, Evacuations, and Environmental Damage in Oregon Wildfire THE DALLES, OR / ACCESS Newswire / June 24, 2025 / On Monday, June 23, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of two residents impacted by the June 11, 2025, Rowena Fire, a devastating wildfire that broke out in Wasco County, Oregon and rapidly spread over 3,600 acres. The lawsuit alleges that Union Pacific was negligent, including by failing to comply with federal railroad safety and inspection laws, and caused the Rowena Fire after one of its trains in the Columbia River Gorge shot sparks into dry brush near the tracks. The fire destroyed more than 56 homes, 91 commercial properties, and many structures, displacing over 1,500 residents, including the plaintiffs. The fire also raised serious environmental and public health concerns, with smoke, debris, and other hazardous materials polluting the air and soil. The plaintiffs seek justice for the destruction of their property, evacuation expenses, and the emotional and physical toll caused by the fire. 'This appears to be yet another tragic example of preventable wildfire destruction linked to railroad operations,' said lead attorney Gerald Singleton of Singleton Schreiber. 'Families have lost their homes, livelihoods, and sense of security all because of corporate irresponsibility. We are determined to ensure the Wasco County community receives the justice it deserves.' The lawsuit accuses Union Pacific of failing to properly inspect and maintain its train, manage vegetation around its tracks, and implement appropriate fire prevention measures, all of which contributed to the fire's ignition and spread. Union Pacific's prior knowledge of wildfire risks in the area and its failure to act are at the center of the lawsuit. The Rowena Fire bears troubling similarities to the Tunnel 5 Fire in 2023, just across the Columbia River Gorge in Skamania County, Washington. That blaze, which burned several hundred acres, was officially attributed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources to sparks from a BNSF Railway train. Singleton Schreiber is also leading litigation on behalf of victims of the Tunnel 5 Fire. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for the loss and destruction of their property, including compensation for evacuation expenses and lost wages, and will be seeking all available relief for the emotional distress caused by the traumatic experience of fleeing their home. Additionally, the lawsuit calls for compliance with railroad safety measures and accountability from rail operators in high-risk wildfire zones. Rowena Fire Town Hall Singleton Schreiber will host a community town hall for residents impacted by the Rowena Fire on Thursday, June 26 at 5:30 p.m. PST at the Dalles Civic Auditorium. Attorneys will be present to answer questions and provide legal information. In-person location: The event will also be available via Zoom for remote attendance. Zoom: is a client-centered law firm, specializing in mass torts/multi-district litigation, fire litigation, personal injury/wrongful death, civil rights, environmental law, insurance bad faith, and sex abuse/trafficking. Over the last decade, the firm has recovered more than $3 billion for clients who have been harmed and sought justice. The firm also has the largest fire litigation practice in the country, having represented over 30,000 victims of wildfire, most notably serving plaintiffs in litigation related to the 2025 Eaton Fire, 2023 Maui wildfires, the Colorado Marshall wildfire, the Washington Gray wildfire, the Tunnel 5 wildfire, several California wildfires, and others. SOURCE: Singleton Schreiber press release
National Post
15-06-2025
- Politics
- National Post
Letters: What was Greta Thunberg thinking?
Sweden is located very close to Russia and Ukraine. Does she not know that Ukraine was invaded by Russia in February 2022? That since then, approximately one million people have been killed or injured in the resulting war? That there has been extensive and serious environmental damage in Ukraine as a result of Russia's invasion?
Daily Mail
30-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
'Hypocritical' BBC is accused of damaging the countryside to film Chris Packham's Springwatch
The BBC has been accused of wreaking environmental damage on a National Trust estate in order to film Springwatch. Residents in the Peak District claim the production team for the hugely popular nature programme is destroying an area of the Longshaw Estate. Live filming for the 20th anniversary series of the programme - fronted by environmental campaigner Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan - is taking place on the estate, which sits within the Peak District National Park, near Sheffield. But images taken by local resident Christine Laver, supplied to MailOnline, show what some alleged to be hypocritical behaviour on the part of the BBC Natural History Unit, part of BBC Studios, the commercial production arm of the broadcaster. Steel plates are laid out across part of the estate - which only some vehicles belonging to the production team are parked on, with others in the grass. Large plates were also laid out across paths and ditches were filled in with bags of stones, topped with plastic mats to widen the roads for larger vehicles such as production lorries. The BBC and the National Trust both say the site will be restored to its original condition once filming is concluded. But in a viral social media post Ms Laver said the apparent damage reflected 'the reality of Springwatch at Longshaw'. Large plates were laid out across paths and ditches were filled in with bags of stones, topped with plastic mats to widen the roads for larger vehicles such as production lorries She wrote: 'Tons of limestone tipped in a gritstone landscape to facilitate access for huge lorries. Ditches blocked and tracks widened by vehicles they were never designed for. 'A meadow covered in steel plating, just when the wildflowers are coming into bloom and dozens of staff and production vehicles parked there. 'How many tons of CO2 will this lot produce in 3 weeks, Chris Packham?' The first episode of the latest series of Springwatch, which aired on Monday, opened with Chris and Michaela praising the habitats and the wildlife at the location. Among Longshaw's fauna are wild hares, herds of deer and birds including short-eared owls and ring ouzels. But some of those who saw Ms Laver's post fear that the wildlife may have been disrupted. The BBC has denied this is the case. 'Saw a pair of curlews in the field the wagons are in now, probs a week before the arrived, two days in a row,' one said. 'If they had a nest, that'll be trashed now.' One social media user opined that it was an example of 'hypocrisy and feeding a narrative' on the part of the BBC. Another, referring to Chris Packham, said: 'The hypocrisy of these environmentalists knows no bounds. Educate and inform by all means but stop the campaigning.' The BBC and National Trust supplied MailOnline with similar statements outlining how the site would be preserved after production came to an end. Some have given the broadcaster the benefit of the doubt as production continues. One said: 'Why not be thankful for the good that comes from this programme? For me personally I think it is fantastic that Springwatch is coming from my own backyard.' Another commented: 'I like they are trying to [put] wildlife to the forefront of people's attention and get people interested in wildlife and support mental health. 'And all people can do is look at the negative side if things. 'They're not destroying habitats to build homes like the government. They're trying to bring the beautiful side of nature.' The row comes despite Chris being a prominent environmentalist campaigner and vocal supporter of groups such as Just Stop Oil. In November last year, he joined thousands of people marching through central London to demand the government cleans up Britain's waterways. Speaking outside Westminster, he said: 'Rachel Reeves gave a Budget in 2024, whilst Valencia was being flooded and people were losing their lives, and she didn't use the word climate or nature once in that Budget. Now that's scary.' Pointing at Parliament, Mr Packham added: 'I know there are plenty of MPs and ministers over there who are desperate to do what they need to do and do their job - but they need to be given access to the resources, and part of that is finance.' Meanwhile in April last year Chris joined Extinction Rebellion protesters as they stormed the Science Museum's new climate gallery over its sponsorship by a mining company. The criticism centred on the fact the gallery's sponsor – the Adani Group – derives 60 per cent of its revenue from the coal industry. Speaking to the 30-strong band of young people, scientists and activists, Mr Packham deemed the sponsorship deal 'beyond greenwash – it's grotesque'. He continued: 'Science tells us that the fossil fuel industry is responsible for the accelerating destruction of our natural world. 'The Science Museum is a place to spark imagination, to provide answers but also to encourage us to ask questions. 'The question I'm asking today is a big one, 'why on earth are we allowing a destructive industry to sponsor an educational exhibition whilst simultaneously setting fire to young peoples futures?' 'This is beyond greenwash - it's grotesque.' A BBC spokesperson said of the Springwatch row: 'At Longshaw the Springwatch team is working in cooperation with the National Trust. 'The field location was confirmed as appropriate for temporary use by local land managers and no wildlife has been displaced. 'All of the surfaces installed and modifications are temporary, and the National Trust will undertake any works that may be needed to reinstate the site once Springwatch has departed. 'This restoration includes reseeding fields, restoring ditches, and reverting any landscape changes. 'Minimising our environmental impact is a top priority and Springwatch is certified by BAFTA Albert, which encourages sustainable TV and film production. 'Whilst on location, our main power source is a green hydrogen fuel cell, dramatically reducing our CO₂ emission.' In a similarly worded statement, the National Trust said it would 'uphold the highest possible environmental standards' during production.
