Keep Drinking the "clean water"

Orrington- What good are state and federal law do if it is not enforced? The Clean Water Act of 1972 was enacted to protect America’s water ways from pollution. Since then, manufacturing companies have been skirting around the CWA. HoltraChem base out of St. Louis, Missouri, closed down the chemical plant in Orrington, Maine in 2000. HoltraChem has been fighting the Maine Department of Environmental Protection over toxic chemicals leaching into the Penobscot River and surrounding aquifer since the plants closure.

While they battle this out in court, toxins are leaching into the waterway by the tons. In the past year alone, HoltraChem has been fined five times. One of the most prevalent toxins leaching out is Methyl-Mercury; it accumulates in the food chain, and environment. According to DEP’s study most of the lower Penobscot River and Penobscot Bay are contaminated by the mercury.Studies have shown that lobsters in this region contain high levels of mercury, this alone could have repercussions that are felt for many years. This could effectively wipe out whole communities that rely on bay for their livelihood.

Mercury does not break down over time. Once it is in the environment, it has to be removed by excavation. HoltraChem plans to remove 1/5^th of total contaminated soil. That means that 350,000 cubic yards of contained soil will remain onsite. That will allowtoxins to leach into the soil, river, and drinking water for years to come.

This is just a brief view of what is taking place in Orrington. If HoltraChem circumvents the law by out spending the regulatory agency, which could leave the door open for any manufacture to exploit Maine’s environment and its communities. Why bother to enact laws if companies can sidestep the legal system. That would be a sad affair for the state and residents of Maine. It could lead to are new state motto: Maine the toxic wastes state.

14-1 and 15-1 ab

13-2
Here a few links about HoltraChem in Orrington,Maine and my source. The company was toxic waste leaching into the river and drinking water.


[ http://www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/holtrachem/index.htm ]http://www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/holtrachem/index.htm

http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=115602&catid=2

[ http://www.wmtw.com/news/23250090/detail.html ]http://www.wmtw.com/news/23250090/detail.html

http://www.downeast.com/the-tipping-point/2010/april/referendum-democracy

[ http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/141415.html ]http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/141415.html

[ http://www.cleanupholtrachem.com/ ]http://www.cleanupholtrachem.com/

[ http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/141921.html ]http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/141921.html

[ http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/141921.html ]http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/141921.html

http://www.cascobay.usm.maine.edu/pdfs/Toxics%20Chapter%209.pdf

http://maine.gov/dep/rwm/holtrachem/pdf/composthearingbrief3-22-10.pdf

Wikipedia

I chose to look how Wikipedia discusses the events that unfold in the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004 because I have limited knowledge of twitter. The 2004 tsunami devastated regions in the Indian Ocean affecting millions of people in many different countries. I am not sure how Wikipedia addresses the event as it was unfolding, so I am going to discuss what was done afterwards.

Wikipedia explains the events of that day in great detail. It breaks down the events that led up to the fault line rupture in great detail. It goes above my basic knowledge of earthquakes and their power.

Wikipedia has several different graphics on the characteristics of the tsunami. The most interesting was the propagation of the tidal wave as it moved across the Indian Ocean. Other graphics cover a wide range of statistical data and historical facts.

Wikipedia also mentions the rebuilding processes and the humanitarian aid. The rebuilding process has been hindered by separatists in some areas. Other areas have been hindered by countries not fulfilling their pledges.

This type of media provides the public with an up to date Encyclopedia. Before this type of media Encyclopedia’s where published every few years and the information was always dated. This evolving knowledge base keeps the general public informed. My biggest concern about this type of information is the belief that it is peer reviewed. I am not sure of the guidelines for writing or reviewing an article. Another concern to beware of is the qualifications the writers or the reviewers hold. When a hard copy is published from a magazine or professional journal there is someone to hold accountable. This trend of media is going to be around long after print goes the way of the Dodo.