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A collaboration between the U.S. Geological Service and West Virginia University has resulted in a better understanding of the chemicals that spilled into the Elk River in 2014, affecting the drinking water of 300,000 Charleston-area residents.

Scientists in the organizations examined river and tap samples at several locations impacted by the spill. The results, which were recently published in the journal Chemosphere, are the first to report concentrations for each of the two chemical forms of the primary spill component (4-methylcyclohexane methanol, or 4-MCHM) in water samples.

Kung Wang, Eberly Distinguished Professor in the C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry at West Virginia University, and doctoral student Haresh Thakellapalli used a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer to establish the concentrations of the two distinct chemical forms in the spill sample. Their measurements of the low concentrations of the chemicals were a key contribution to the study.

Among the U.S. Geological Survey findings, some of which informed other recently published studies:

Knowing how to identify the unique properties and odors of the chemicals, researchers say, will inform other studies examining other potential impacts of the spill.

"This spill represented a huge challenge for all of the entities who responded to it, as the behavior of these specific components in water environments was largely unknown before the spill," said Bill Foreman, a U.S. Geological Survey research chemist and lead author of the study. "Researchers had little information on how the spilled chemicals moved through water, their stability or toxicity, or even how to measure them, as published information was either limited or non-existent."

The method used by the Geological Survey and WVU scientists to identify the chemicals was able to determine both chemical forms of 4-MCHM to concentrations less than 0.5 part-per-billion. Measurement at these low concentrations is critical to understanding 4-MCHM behavior in the environment and in drinking water systems, and because Crude MCHM, part of the spill material, has a low odor threshold that people can smell at less than 1 ppb.

Explore further: Public health adversely affected when federal officials overlooked inhalation risk during West Virginia chemical spill

More information: Foreman, W.T., Rose, D.L., Chambers, D.B., Crain, A.S., Murtagh, L.K., Thakellapalli, H., and Wang, K.K., 2014, "Determination of (4-Methylcyclohexyl) methanol isomers by heated purge-and-trap GC/MS in water samples from the 2014 Elk River, West Virginia, chemical spill:" Chemosphere, dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.11.006.

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Research sheds new light on coal-cleaning chemicals found in the 2014 Elk River spill

LOSING an incredible 100kg between them has enabled a Hervey Bay couple to realise their dream - they are expecting their first child.

Derek Smith lost 30kg and Telaine Feeney lost 70kg by sticking to a low-carbohydrate and high-fat diet, eating bacon, eggs and cream but shunning carbohydrate-loaded breads and sugar.

Their efforts to drop the kilos have had many fantastic benefits for the couple - but number one in their book was Telaine falling pregnant with their first child.

>Girl, 2, fighting for life after near-drowning in dam

>Taxis used to transport blood between Hervey Bay and M'boro

The two had been trying for years before losing the weight when they started the diet in 2013, and had almost decided to try IVF until the weight loss helped them conceive their much-wanted child.

When asked if they were excited, Derek had only one word to say: "Absolutely."

"It's pretty phenomenal," he said.

Telaine has also achieved another important health benefit through her weight loss.

Her blood sugar level often registered at over 30.

Link:
Hervey Bay couple sheds 100kg to realise their dream

BENTON COUNTY, Mo. -- Customers in a former sewer district are up-in-arms after they say their voting rights were violated and now they are being charged for services they do not want or need.

People living outside of the city of Warsaw in Benton County say they are being charged $80 per month to flush their toilets after years of mismanagement by the Benton County Sewer District #1.

After federal courts, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Attorney General intervened, people say they are not given a choice when it comes to getting rid of their sewage.

Now, they hope to flush the past 20 years away and go back to what they can afford.

Inside the Benton County courthouse, residents of the Blue and White Branch communities near Lake of the Ozarks say their voices are not being heard.

Hubert, a retired Vietnam veteran, and his wife, Joyce, moved to the area full time ten years ago. For as long as they've lived there, there's been problems with Benton County Sewer District #1.

"With everything that has gone in with the district, with the management, the rate hikes, we can't afford them, the people can't afford them," says Harris.

Residents say the sewer district came about in the 90s after water officials said that septic tanks failing in the area were polluting the lake.

After years of service, voters elected to dissolve the district in 2013. Following the vote, the Attorney General ruled shutting down shop would not be that easy because someone has to pay the USDA back for loaning the district $1.6 million to clean up the lake.

"The board got a loan in 1996 without the voter approval of the people. The people never voted to in debt the district," says George Hall, a former customer and resident trying to intervene into the court case.

Link:
Benton County Residents Upset Over Steep Sewage Prices

Published: Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 7:25 p.m. Last Modified: Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 7:25 p.m.

Several springs protection advocacy groups have joined forces in the hopes they will accomplish more together than separately.

In December, representatives of nine groups, including four from North Central Florida, established the Florida Springs Council.

Together, they plan to advocate for comprehensive springs protection legislation during the upcoming legislative session in Tallahassee, and potentially mount legal challenges against groundwater pumping permits, water supply plans and minimum flows and levels that they feel harm or do not do enough to protect the states springs and the aquifer.

They also plan to launch an education campaign to distribute technical data on the springs and aquifer.

The idea is to bring all these groups together to speak with a unified voice on springs protection, to educate and advocate on springs issues said Bob Knight, with the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute, the Silver Springs Alliance and the newly formed coalitions executive committee.

Other member groups from this area include the Ichetucknee Alliance and Our Santa Fe River Inc. From other parts of the state, the Save the Manatee Club, Wakulla Springs Alliance, Kings Bay Springs Alliance, Friends of Warm Mineral Springs and Withlacoochee Aquatic Restoration Inc. were also organizing members.

The basic idea of this is to approach these issues more holistically, said Bob Palmer, with the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute, the Ichetucknee Alliance and the newly formed coalition.

Knight said he expects the councils membership to continue to expand.

With committee meetings in Tallahassee underway in advance of the upcoming session, advocating for a springs bill will be an early priority for the group. In 2014, state Sen. David Simmons R-Altamonte Springs, introduced a bill that unanimously passed the Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee chaired by state Sen. Charlie Dean R- Inverness. That bill then went through numerous amendments that removed or loosened some specific requirements and timelines for setting minimum, flows and levels and recovery plans for water bodies that were below historic flows as well as the basin management action plans for cleaning up impaired water bodies and watersheds.

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Springs groups unite to strengthen their voice

OSAGE | The Osage School District has completed the first two steps in the process of securing funds for a potential safe room.

The third step involves completing pre-design plans and an estimated budget for the potential room which could be either an addition onto the middle school building or an addition to Lincoln Elementary School.

Although no money is available at this time, money could become available by the approval of Homeland Security, said Superintendent Steve Bass.

"Unfortunately, money generally only becomes available if there is a catastrophic event," he said. "Although we would hate to see that happen, we need to be prepared if that does."

According to Bass, the district has completed its letter of intent to file for funds and has received initial approval from Iowa Homeland Security, the agency that oversees the distribution of funds.

The board is pursuing the two options following a recommendation from the districts facilities committee to meet with architect Ed Wineinger about the possibility.

After speaking with a Homeland Security representative, Bass was informed that the funds could not be used for a middle school gymnasium safe room due to its proximity to the Cedar River Complex.

"They do not want people leaving a 'safe' building to go to another 'safe' building," Bass said. "Even though we know people would."

Bass said he believed the board would still want to consider pursuing a new second competition gymnasium that would include new, upgraded lobby, locker rooms and offices.

"When looking at the 18 schools making up the new super conference," said Bass, "Osage is one of only four schools in the conference that will not have a second competition gymnasium."

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Osage board continues safe room discussion

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First Management Construction

First Management, Inc. and First Construction LLC has completed numerous construction projects ranging from the renovation of historic buildings to new construction of restaurants, banks, car dealerships, hotels, medical buildings, apartments and the Fire Station Number 5 in Lawrence. The ability to superintend and execute quality construction projects has earned the company ongoing business.

First Management, Inc. and First Construction LLC have consistently demonstrated their ability to finish construction projects successfully, on time, and within budget. We keep the client involved and up to date with budgets and on the progress of development, construction and leasing. We strive to provide upfront, accurate construction budgets and design criteria, and then follow that process through to completion. The development team meets regularly with clients to identify and ensure all needs are met.

The dedicated involvement with both the customer and its projects has landed a variety of projects in multiple cities and states.

First Management, Inc. and First Construction LLC are currently preparing several tracts of raw land for future use as single-family, multi-family, and commercial sites. With the industry growing and changing on a daily basis, First Management, Inc. and First Construction LLC is poised to become a leader.

First Management is now LEED trained and a member of U.S.G.B.C.

LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health:

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Construction Projects | Restaurants, Banks, Car ...

DAMASCUS, Va. Richard Smith is known throughout Damascus and Abingdon as someone who is always ready to lend a helping hand.

At age 76, he is retired, but has remained active doing volunteer work and as an outdoor enthusiast. Three years ago, he even hiked the 620 grueling miles of the Israeli National Trail.

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After breaking his back, Richard Smith gets help from community

(PRWEB) January 12, 2015

Many within the construction industry experienced a stagnant or dare we say glum 2014. However, for Todd Whittaker Drywall (TWD) Inc that simply was not the case. Since 1996, TWD has been known in the Peoria and surrounding areas as a leader in home repair and remodeling. With TWDs growing involvement in the local community, TWD believes that has been the driving factor in our business success. You can learn more TWD and their services by visiting: http://www.twdaz.com/about.php

Partnering with non-profit organization Building Homes for Heroes, TWD was honored to be a part of the remodel process bringing a local home in Peoria, as well as one in Surprise that were donated by Chase Bank up to appropriate living conditions. Two deserving veterans and their families were gifted these homes for their sacrifice and service. Being involved in the key turnover ceremony seeing the look of sincere gratitude on their faces is a moment that will never be forgotten.

Todd and Jamie Whittaker, as parents and as business owners truly believe in contributing within the education system. As a small business, being a role model for our children instilling the concept of giving back is important. This past year TWD was able to donate pallets of bottled water to various school athletics departments to assist in raising needed funds for their teams. Greenway High Schools Demons football team, Shadow Ridge High Schools football and softball teams were all recipients of the gesture.

Looking back on 2014, its apparent that the combined efforts of TWD's dedicated team to strive to be one of the best and to raise the bar for the construction industry are just a few of the things that set TWD apart from the rest. Its this confidence that has enabled the owners of TWD to reinvest in the company by expanding the existing remodel showroom. Adding features such as a fully working kitchen, a custom media wall, an industrial bathroom, an assortment of lighting and dcor options, and a diverse display of trends, materials, colors and styles to choose from when planning your next remodel project, TWD has brought a showroom to Peoria that is like no other. TWD invites you to stop by our full service remodel showroom http://www.twdaz.com/remodel-showroom.php at 9201 W. Grand Avenue to meet with a member of our design team to see what TWD can do for you.

Looking back, 2014 has been a year of many blessings energizing the TWD team about the upcoming 2015 calendar year and all that is planned. From the TWD family to yours, they wish you a healthy and prosperous New Year

ABOUT TODD WHITTAKER DRYWALL, INC: TWD is a full service general contractor that has been honored to build an extensive portfolio of kitchen and bath remodels, custom entertainment walls, patios and other home renovation projects, as well as servicing drywall, stucco and paint repair needs. For more information please visit: http://www.twdaz.com/remodeling-contractors-phoenix.php Since 1996, TWD has built its reputation for superior customer service and quality one customer at a time. For more information on the services offered visit http://www.twdaz.com or give them a call at (623) 544-1211 to schedule an appointment in their home remodeling showroom.

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Todd Whittaker Drywall Inc. A Year to Remember