Latest news with #MassachusettsDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers decry FirstLight dam's 300-gallon oil spill into Conn. River
TURNERS FALLS — FirstLight's Turners Falls hydroelectric operations leaked 300 gallons of hydraulic fluid into the Connecticut River on Tuesday evening, according to a statement from state Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, and state Rep. Natalie Blais, D-Deerfield. Comerford was notified of the spill by Firstlight, according to Comerford's spokesperson. This is the fourth spill lawmakers know of since 2021 at Firstlight hydroelectric facilities and comes as the company seeks relicensing from the federal government. 'We also urge Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to hold FirstLight accountable by reviewing prior infractions and taking the steps necessary to ensure compliance with environmental requirements and to deter future violations,' Comerford and Blais said in a joint statement. FirstLight's team told Comerford they are actively investigating the problem, and that the company is on track this summer to undertake an overhaul of the bascule gate system that caused the leaks. Bascule gates regulate water flow through a dam using a drawbridge-like system, lowering a gate to open the flow and raising it to close. In a statement, FirstLight said there was a sudden failure in the hydraulic system that supports the pistons below one of its four water gates. Three other gates have been inspected and are working as intended. Firstlight said its system has been stabilized, and there are no indications of an ongoing release of hydraulic fluid. FirstLight's team is deploying absorbent booms in areas where an oil sheen is visible in the water and will actively monitor the area until the problem is fully resolved. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection already has issued a 401 Water Quality Certificate as part of FirstLight's federal relicensing process. Western New England University names interim president Ironman race expected to bring $2M boost to WMass With sale of Borinquen Apartments, New England Farm Workers Council pays off debt to state over misspent money Read the original article on MassLive.
CBS News
05-06-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Air quality alert issued in Massachusetts today. Here's why.
An air quality alert has been issued for the Boston area and other parts of Massachusetts today. And while the region has seen smoke from Canadian wildfires and fires burning in the U.S., that's not what's driving Thursday's warning. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued the alert for ground level ozone, which is not unusual during hot weather. Temperatures in the state are expected to climb into the 90s on Thursday. The alert was issued for Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties until 11 p.m. Cities in those areas include Boston, Lawrence, Gloucester, Foxboro and Quincy. Why is the air quality bad today? The wildfire smoke is causing hazy sunsets in Massachusetts, but most of it is too high to impact air quality. It's the ozone that prompted Thursday's alert. As the Environmental Protection Agency explains, ground level ozone is the main ingredient in smog and created when pollutants react with sunlight. The agency says ozone "is most likely to reach unhealthy levels on hot sunny days in urban environments." The alert says ozone may exceed levels that are unhealthy for "sensitive groups," which includes children and people with asthma, lung or heart disease and older adults. "Sensitive children and adults should limit prolonged outdoor activity," the alert says. Boston weather forecast Thursday is the hottest day of the season so far in Massachusetts, and the weather forecast over the next few days will be turbulent. Friday will be in the 80s, with severe storms possible in the region. After that, things will cool down to the 70s for the weekend, with lingering showers on Saturday and more sun on Sunday.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Heat wave brings wildfire smoke, hazy skies to Massachusetts
Scorching heat and smokey skies are set to blanket Massachusetts on Wednesday, with temperatures climbing in the 90s as Canadian wildfire haze drifts across New England. No air quality alerts have been issued for Massachusetts by the National Weather Service as of 7 a.m. Wednesday, though neighboring parts of Connecticut and New Hampshire were under alerts. However, the entire state was under a 'moderate' impact in air quality on Wednesday morning, according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The 'moderate' impact is expected to remain through the day, and skies may appear hazy at times from the wildfire smoke as it heads northeast, according to Weather Service forecaster Emily McMinn. Central Massachusetts and areas of the North Shore will experience the heaviest smoke, DEP said. The impact level may briefly rise to 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' in those areas. High temperatures, light winds and sunny skies statewide are expected to help along this 'rise in fine particle and ozone pollution' on Wednesday, DEP said. Western Massachusetts is forecast to be the warmest region in the Bay State on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching highs of 91 degrees in Springfield. Eastern and Central Massachusetts will hit highs of 88 and 86 degrees, respectively. But a break in the dry conditions on Thursday afternoon should help 'cleanse the atmosphere' of smoke before another weekend of wet weather, forecaster Matthew Belk said. As heat and humidity increase, clouds are expected to move in Thursday afternoon, bringing a chance of thunderstorms and downpours. The precipitation will give way to another hot and humid day on Friday, with cloudy skies and temperatures in the 80s. Another round of showers late Friday is expected to break the heat, as residents prepare for a rainy Saturday evening into Sunday. Between a half-inch to an inch of rain — with downpours in some northern parts of the state — is projected to fall overnight by Sunday morning. The end of the weekend may dry out, but cooler temperatures are expected. Mass. weekend weather: Upcoming rainy weekend may mark 12-week streak Mass. weather: Hazy skies roll in from wildfire smoke as temps soar Mass. weather: Temperatures to heat up the first week of June The northern lights may be visible in Mass. Sunday night Update: Flood advisory affecting Berkshire County until Saturday evening due to substantial downpours Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Company faces major fine for failing to report hazardous chemical cargo spill on railway: 'Required to immediately notify'
A July 2024 chemical leak in Springfield, Massachusetts, spotlighted the need for urgent action and notification when hazardous substances are spilled. Workers at Astro Chemicals were transferring a sodium hydroxide-based solution when a valve was left open, according to WWLP 22 News in February. What was initially thought to be a smaller leak turned out to amount to up to 3,200 gallons spilling onto the soil and crushed-stone ground cover of a railway trackbed. Regulations require that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection be notified "within two hours of becoming aware of a spill, if the spill exceeds 50 pounds," the local station reported. WWLP said that the agency wasn't called until the next day. "When a reportable quantity of hazardous material is released, responsible parties are required to immediately notify their local fire department and MassDEP," Michael Gorski, director of the agency's office in Springfield, told the outlet. Sodium hydroxide is a potent substance used for multiple purposes, according to the Virginia Health Department. It can be used to make soap and clean wood. It's also found in household cleaning products. The chemical can cause burns and blindness, while powder forms have the potential to cause lung damage if inhaled. Sodium hydroxide is just one example of the chemicals that are transported around the country and all over the world every day. Most reach their destinations without incident. But spills of dangerous cargo can lead to disaster and require quick mitigation from trained experts. A 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, for example, unleashed toxic vinyl chloride. Air, water, and soil pollution fallout will continue to be studied long after. Last year in Maine, one of the country's largest spills of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — chemicals found in household items like non-stick cookware and also known as PFAS or "forever chemicals" — occurred at the decommissioned Brunswick Naval Air Station. A malfunctioning fire suppression system sent about 51,000 gallons of foam containing PFAS into the water. A "do not eat" order for local fish was issued, among other precautions, according to The Guardian. In Maine and in Massachusetts, watchdog groups and officials called for better communication about the contamination events. Fast action from trained professionals is key to safe containment, but experts and the public also need to receive information in a timely manner, guided by regulations, to ensure strategic cleanup, effective monitoring, thorough follow-up, and trust. Immediate reports to the proper authorities can limit damage from hazardous spills. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "This assures timely response, assessment, mitigation, and cleanup to protect both the public and the environment," Gorski told WWLP, regarding the Springfield case. Astro received a $25,000 penalty from the environmental agency. $2,500 of that penalty was suspended, to the company's credit, for a speedy cleanup on its part, per the local report. Becoming informed about the plans and procedures in your community regarding potential environmental hazards is a good way to make sure measures are in place to prevent and mitigate pollution. Communities can also come together to support pro-environment policies to safeguard local ecosystems and the water systems that connect us all from chemical contamination. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Massive search effort launched in Holyoke for missing person in Connecticut River
Law enforcement is searching the Connecticut River in Holyoke for a missing person on Tuesday morning after at least two people went into the water Monday night and only one was rescued. At around 8 p.m. on May 19, a call came in to report there were people who needed help in the water below the Holyoke Dam, according to the Holyoke Fire Department. One person was pulled from the river before first responders arrived, while a second person was still in the water. This prompted a massive rescue effort from law enforcement using boats and drones to search the shore and water. The efforts expanded down river and caused the Willimansett Bridge to close until 10:25 p.m., the Holyoke Fire Department said. But despite their search, law enforcement could not find the second person on Monday night. Search efforts were ongoing as of 8 a.m. on Tuesday, the Holyoke Fire Department said. The Holyoke Fire Captain was on scene Tuesday morning. The Holyoke Fire Department's search efforts on Monday were assisted by crews from the South Hadley, Chicopee and Springfield Fire Departments. Police officers from Holyoke, South Hadley, Chicopee and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection were also assisting. Worcester man with a samurai sword pointed rifle at officers, police say New poll reveals major shift on Trump's economy Hip-hop legends accuse record label of holding music catalogue 'hostage' '90 Day Fiancé' alum dies at 55 Suspect in North End sexual assault arrested by Boston police Read the original article on MassLive.
