August/September 2015 - Features
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Featured Stories
Water Privatization
The troubles of an investor-owned, private water utility in West Virginia illustrate some of the hazards of private water ownership. Nationally, the number of Americans relying on public water utilities is growing, and for-profit water companies face a tougher market.
Virginia Town Tests Natural Pollution Treatment Techniques
Using natural methods to remove toxic material from soil and water is an ancient practice that has not been well-studied. A series of projects in Altavista, Va., could be the first to show that bioremediation can be a successful, cost-effective way to treat PCB contamination.
Disposing of a Chemical Past
Rockets and projectiles containing more than 500 tons of nerve gas and other chemical weapons from World War II and the Vietnam War era are stored near Richmond, Ky. If all goes according to plan, those weapons will be destroyed over the next few years in a multi-billion facility in final stages of construction.
Aug/Sept 2015 - Columns
Hiking the Highlands
Cooling off in the Devil’s Bathtub
Hikers flock to the cool swimming spots along the Devil’s Bathtub Trail in southwest Virginia, though the trail can be challenging.
Naturalist’s Notebook
Mounting Threats Imperil Two Appalachian Crayfish
There are more than 300 different species of crayfish in the southeastern United States, and two West Virginia species of these adaptable freshwater crustaceans may be declared federally endangered.
This Green House
Communities Find Solutions to Stormwater
To help reduce polluted stormwater from overwhelming nearby waterways, Appalachian cities, towns and universities are deploying green infrastructure and other creative methods.
Politics
Caught Between a Budget and a Hard Place
An Obama administration proposal would direct funds to workforce training and reemployment programs in the coal-bearing communities of Appalachia and increase the budgets of agencies focused on economic development, but regional politicians are slow to embrace the plan.
Member Spotlight
Farewells and Thank-Yous!
We say farewell to two long-time AV staff members, and express our sincere gratitude to our incredible 2014-15 AmeriCorps team.
Promoting the Power Plan as a Plus for Appalachia
Appalachian Voices has been busy promoting the Power-Plus Plan, which would among other things support job retraining for former miners, provide funds for community infrastructure improvements and direct new funding to clean up abandoned mines while creating new jobs.
Across Appalachia
N.C. Legislature Addresses Environment
Several bills with environmental ramifications have passed the North Carolina General Assembly, with provisions that affect water and air quality as well as the rights of whistleblowers.
Star Parks Shine in the Appalachian Region
In July, Staunton River State Park in Scottsburg, Va., became the fourth park in central and southern Appalachia to receive an International Dark Sky Park designation — a marker of a prime destination for stargazing.
Paying Tribute to a Beloved Daughter of Appalachia
Jean Ritchie, Kentucky-born folk hero, environmentalist and activist, died this June in her Berea, Ky. home at the age of 92.
Energy Report
Court Ruling Sets Back EPA Mercury Standards
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency did not properly consider the price of a rule to curb mercury pollution and other toxic emissions from coal plants.
Fracking Investigations Stir Questions, Fines
Kentucky researchers prepare to test for fracking-induced earthquakes, a university fracking site stirs controversy in West Virginia, and suspicion rises that there may be natural gas beneath Stokes County, North Carolina.
N.C. Solar Snapshot
A 20-megawatt solar farm under construction near Biscoe, N.C., is projected to power the equivalent of 3,500 homes when it is completed in November.