August/September 2015

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BLACK AND BLUE: Stories of Coal and Water

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.

Scientists implement bioremediation techniques in an effort to reduce the volume of PCBs at the overflow pond in Altavista, Va. Photo by Kevin Sowers

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.

A view of the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant. Photo courtesy Blue Grass Chemical Stockpile Outreach Office

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

A resident of Big Island, Va., wades into the swimming hole on the Devil’s Fork Trail, which hikers encounter before reaching the Devil’s Bathtub. Photo by Joe Tennis

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.

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Naturalist’s Notebook

The Big Sandy crayfish, which is currently considered endangered by Virginia officials, may also be listed as federally endangered. Photo by Zachary Loughman, West Liberty University

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.

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This Green House

The University of Kentucky’s rain garden is used as a living-learning lab for students. Photo courtesy of the University of Kentucky

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.

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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.

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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.

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Saving Energy, One Utility at a Time

Our Energy Savings for Appalachia team has been…

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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.

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Across Appalachia

Kentucky Flood Kills 4, Destroys 120 Homes

An Ohio Valley flood devastated parts of southern Indiana and eastern Kentucky, leaving behind 4 casualties and 120 homes destroyed.

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No Reason to Fear the Weevil Outbreak

An outbreak of weevils — a small, black bug easily confused with the deer tick — stirred false alarm this summer.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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