Environment

Debris Flow From California's Rough Fire Threatens Lakes Downstream

5:42am February 08, 2016

by Ezra David Romero

A lot of El Nino-related precipitation is falling on an area devastated by a giant 150,000 acre fire that burned last summer. Dirt and debris are flowing into lakes, and farmers are worried.

In St. Joseph, La., it's not uncommon for brown water like this to come streaming from faucets.

Beyond Flint: In The South, Another Water Crisis Has Been Unfolding For Years

8:52am February 06, 2016

by NPR Staff

You've heard of the water crisis in Flint, Mich. But it's not the only place with a water problem. In St. Joseph, La., the water "looks like sludge," according to Louisiana's own state health officer.

December brought storm clouds to the Porter Ranch neighborhood in Southern California's San Fernando Valley.

Families Near The Huge Gas Leak Wonder: Is Home A Safe Place To Be?

7:57pm February 05, 2016

by Kelly McEvers

Most health officials say the small amounts of benzene and other components of the natural gas still leaking in Southern California are probably not a health threat. Still, some parents worry.

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Science

Climate Change May Be Good News If You’re A Coastal Salt Marsh

1:12pm February 05, 2016

by Shawn Fitzmaurice

SciWorks Radio is a production of 88.5 WFDD and SciWorks, the Science Center and Envir

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Sporadic dengue fever outbreaks in Florida in 2009 and 2010 spurred mosquito control efforts in Key West and Miami Beach, shown here. The same mosquito that carries dengue, Aedes aegypti, can transmit Zika.

Florida Governor Ramps Up Mosquito Fight To Stay Ahead Of Zika

12:33pm February 05, 2016

by Greg Allen

It's only a matter of time, Gov. Rick Scott figures, before the Zika virus shows up in Florida mosquitoes. He's called for increased spraying and other moves to keep Zika and other diseases in check.

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The city of Flint, Mich., may not have enough money in the future to pay for repairing broken water mains and replacing sewer lines.

Unpaid Water Bills In Flint Could Hinder Repairs

11:16am February 04, 2016

by Steve Carmody

Michigan's governor wants to spend $30 million to pay water bills in Flint. A lawsuit is seeking five times that in refunds and damages for people who paid for lead-tainted drinking water.

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Environment

Oregon's New Site To Explore: Valhalla

7:00am February 04, 2016

by Jes Burns

A natural wonder 60 miles from Portland has never been documented until now. It's a deep and narrow slot canyon. There are concerns a lot of adventure-seekers from all over will show up to explore it.

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Environment

Federal Lawsuit Challenges North Carolina's New Ag-Gag Law

6:27pm February 03, 2016

by Keri Brown

A new North Carolina law allows companies to sue whistleblowers who conduct undercover investigations and release that information to the public.

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R&B singer Kem helps Mwamini Wallace carry bottled water to her vehicle in Flint, Mich., last month.

Michigan Governor Wants $30 Million To Help Pay Bills For Lead-Tainted Water

4:31pm February 03, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

Flint residents are still being billed for water that's unsafe to drink. Tens of thousands of petitions have demanded a moratorium on residents' drinking water bills.

Plumbers Converge On Flint To Help Get Lead Out Of Its Drinking Water

7:23pm February 02, 2016

Some good news for Flint, Mich., where the water was contaminated with lead. Dozens of union plumbers volunteered to install water filters and replace faucets for some of the city's poorest residents.

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