Supreme Court Case Could Affect Nearly 550 Power Plants

December 10, 2008–On Dec. 2, the US Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could decide whether the Clean Water Act (CWA) allows EPA to weigh costs and benefits when determining the best technology available for the cooling water intake structures at existing power plants.

Nearly 800 Dams Already Removed Across U.S.

November 26, 2008–The last vestiges of the dam-building era continue. But the era of the dam removers is well under way, as communities try to improve river habitat, restore fish migrations, or remove hazardous dams that are crumbling or no longer serve a useful purpose (though dam removal can also have potentially adverse consequences, such as the release of toxic sediments, or reductions in species that had adapted to the dam environment). In 2008, about 60 dams were removed, according to the advocacy group American Rivers. That adds substantially to the more than 300 dams that have been removed since 1999, and about 790 dams removed in the last 100 years, according to the group's tally.

USGS to Release Water Contamination Reports

November 26, 2008–USGS report documents occurrence of nearly 270 contaminants in U.S. surface water and treated drinking water supplies for nine water systems.

Judge Rules Sandia Landfill Pollution Can't Be Secret

October 22, 2008–A new ruling by a New Mexico state district judge requires that a report on groundwater pollution from a mixed-waste landfill at Sandia National Laboratories be made public.

Many Contaminants Infiltrate Caves

October 1, 2008–Along with the usual spooky and spine-tingling sights we have come to expect in caves, another scary inhabitant is turning up — contaminants such as PCBs, pesticides, dioxins, gasoline, fertilizers, sewage, and caffeine. These pollutants, which are leaching into caves from the surface and groundwater, can pose a threat to the delicate underground environments that are prized by many, and that provide benefits to people, plants, and animals on the surface. The presence of these contaminants underground also serves as a blunt reminder of how pervasive pollutants are.

Wild & Scenic Rivers Act Turns 40

October 1, 2008–On Oct. 2, the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act turns 40. How are your local rivers faring? Here's a collection of ideas, sources, and resources for river-related stories.

"Red, White, and...Green?" Eco Wine Tastes Like a Good Story

September 17, 2008–For many reporters, eco wine can be an intensely local story. While not every state has vineyards, viticulture has spread way beyond California in recent decades.

20 U.S. States, Canada and Mexico Have Dead Zones

September 3, 2008–The Gulf waters off of Louisiana aren't the only US area burdened by a "dead zone." There are similar, smaller areas with short- or long-term oxygen depletion off the shores of 20 states, as well as Canada and Mexico.

New Trend In Urban Development: Clean Up Water Pollution

August 15, 2008–

Secret Study on Water Infrastructure Risks Now Available

August 13, 2008–A Congressional Research Service report on terrorism and security issues facing sewage treatment and drinking water plants, dams and reservoirs, and other water infrastructure is full of ideas that reporters could turn into local stories — if only they were allowed to see it.