Latest news with #environmentalProtection
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Veolia Opens One of the Largest PFAS Treatment Plants in the U.S., Delivering High-Quality Drinking Water to Over 100,000 Delaware Residents
> Veolia's largest PFAS treatment plant sets global standard for protecting drinking water by removing regulated PFAS from up to 30 million gallons of water per day > Veolia is on pace to develop more than 100 treatment sites in America as part of its BeyondPFAS offering of end-to-end solutions for PFAS testing, treatment and responsible disposal WILMINGTON, Del., June 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--At a time when water is more vital than ever for public health and environmental protection, Veolia has built one of the largest PFAS treatment systems in the United States and the largest of its kind in the Northeast. The Stanton Water Treatment Plant will remove regulated PFAS compounds from drinking water and ensure high-quality drinking water for over 100,000 residents, fully meeting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) PFAS regulations. It establishes a replicable model for cost-effective PFAS treatment projects in water systems globally. The $35 million facility is in addition to 33 existing PFAS treatment systems Veolia already operates for water customers in the United States. Veolia will continue to install treatment systems to achieve PFAS treatment at more than 100 water production sites in the country in the coming years, which will help secure high-quality drinking water for almost 2 million people and comply with regulations in the most cost-effective way possible. Veolia's experience meeting the challenge in America has built a strong foundation to do it across the globe. The successful delivery of PFAS treatment for drinking water in Delaware exemplifies how Veolia's BeyondPFAS offering of end-to-end solutions can manage PFAS from testing through treatment and responsible disposal. About the plant Veolia began designing the Stanton PFAS system in early 2022, ahead of the new EPA regulations for some PFAS levels in drinking water, and worked methodically to deliver a state-of-the-art plant that minimized construction costs and left maximum flexibility for the future. It took three years to design and build the 17,600-square-foot facility which features 42 large vessels, each 22 feet high and filled with 40,000 pounds of granular activated carbon. The vessels are designed and optimized for the carbon material to adsorb regulated PFAS compounds from up to 30 million gallons of water per day that enters the plant from two nearby rivers. The massive vessels were installed first and the building was constructed around them, requiring precise coordination and timing during the construction process. The plant includes a laboratory to continually test new filtration media and treatment methods, providing additional flexibility and cost savings in the future. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, Veolia leaders were joined by Delaware elected officials and community leaders to celebrate the achievement, which went from the drawing board to a working treatment plant in three years. Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, said: "In line with our GreenUp strategic program, this major infrastructure milestone highlights Veolia's strong commitment to delivering environmental security solutions to communities worldwide. Tackling micropollutants lies at the heart of our mission, and Veolia is proud to lead the way in testing, treating and responsibly disposing of regulated PFAS contaminants. For the 100,000 people who rely on high-quality water from Veolia in Delaware, the Stanton PFAS treatment system is a generational improvement in public health and environmental protection that will strengthen communities and create opportunities long into the future." "PFAS contamination poses a serious threat to public health, and addressing it at the source is essential," said Delaware Governor Matt Meyer. "The Stanton Water Treatment Plant will play a vital role in tackling this challenge by treating PFAS on the front end of the water system. Veolia's leadership in developing one of the largest treatment facilities in the country reflects a strong commitment to proactive public health protection and underscores our administration's dedication to ensuring clean, safe water for Delawareans." Karine Rougé, CEO of Municipal Water for Veolia in North America, said: "I'm inspired by how swiftly and effectively Veolia responded to the PFAS challenge in Delaware through this state-of-the-art facility, which now sets a global standard. The lessons from this project will help Veolia deploy similar water quality improvements faster, more efficiently and more effectively. We're proud of our team for designing and building this vital project so quickly and so well, and we're thrilled that so many of our customers are able to benefit from their tireless work." ABOUT VEOLIA IN NORTH AMERICA Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America. ABOUT VEOLIA Veolia group aims to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. Present on five continents with 215,000 employees, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for the management of water, waste and energy that are contributing to a radical turnaround of the current situation. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia helps to develop access to resources, to preserve available resources and to renew them. In 2024, the Veolia group provided 111 million inhabitants with drinking water and 98 million with sanitation, produced 42 million megawatt hours of energy and treated 65 million tons of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) achieved consolidated revenue of 44.7 billion euros in 2024. The information contained herein is based on the Veolia group's understanding and know-how of the scientific, regulatory and technical fields discussed herein as of the time of publication. No contractual undertaking or offer is made on the basis hereof and no representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy, completeness or suitability for the purpose of the relevant information. View source version on Contacts MEDIA RELATIONS Laurent Obadia – Evgeniya Mazalova Anna Beaubatie - Aurélien Sarrosquy - Charline Bouchereau Tel.+ 33 (0)1 85 57 86 INVESTOR RELATIONSSelma Bekhechi – Ariane de Lamaze Tel. + 33 (0)1 85 57 84 76 / 84 80investor-relations@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
PNG reaffirms ban as opposition to deep sea mining gains traction
Marine ecosystems are not only central to cultural practices but also form the economic foundation of local communities. Photo: Supplied Feature - Global efforts to halt deep sea mining are gaining momentum, with major French financial institutions recently joining the call for a moratorium and Papua New Guinea reaffirming its stance against such operations in its national waters. In a significant development, three major French financial institutions, including two of the country's largest banks and the state's public investment arm, announced their rejection of deep sea mining during the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held last week in Nice, France. BNP Paribas, France's largest and Europe's second-largest bank, confirmed it would not invest in deep-sea mining projects due to the inherent environmental and social risks. On the 6 June, Crédit Agricole, the second-largest bank in France, said it would not finance deep sea mining projects until it is proven that such operations pose no significant harm to marine ecosystems. Groupe Caisse des Dépôts, the public investment arm of the French Government, pledged to exclude all financing and investment in companies whose main activity is deep-sea mining, as well as in deep sea mining projects. Amundi Asset Management also stated its aim to avoid investment in companies "involved in deep sea mining and/or exploration". These announcements bring the total number of financial institutions excluding deep sea mining in some form to 24. Crédit Agricole's chief sustainability and impact officer Eric Campos articulated the bank's position in a statement. "There can be no sustainable blue growth if it is to the detriment of the integrity of seafloor that is currently unexplored. Against a backdrop of climate and ecological emergency, Crédit Agricole undertakes not to finance deep sea mining projects." Deep Sea Mining Campaign's finance advocacy officer Andy Whitmore said the recent announcements were crucial. "This is a truly significant outcome from UNOC," Whitemore said. "Until recently no French financiers had matched their government's position calling for a ban. This UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France, was the perfect opportunity for the most important national players to step up and be counted." These financial decisions align with growing global concern, with 37 states now calling for a moratorium, precautionary pause, or ban on deep-sea mining. French President Emmanuel Macron has denounced the industry as "madness," and UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the deep sea "cannot become the Wild West". Papua New Guinea has reaffirmed its strong opposition to deep sea mining within its national waters. Prime Minister James Marape recently announced in France that his government would stop deep sea mining operations in the absence of robust scientific evidence and proper environmental safeguards. This stance comes amid increasing national and international concerns regarding the New Ireland Provincial Government's (NIPG) decision to support the NIU Solwara 1 Deep Sea Mining Project. Civil society organisations in PNG have urged the NIPG to learn from past mistakes. In 2019, Nautilus Minerals, the previous holder of the Solwara 1 license, filed for bankruptcy in a Canadian court, leading to substantial financial losses for PNG. Papua New Guinean coastal communities have long voiced apprehension about government intentions to introduce seabed mining projects. Photo: Supplied Reports indicated over $120 million of government funds were "sunk into the ocean," while Marape described the agreement with Nautilus as "a deal that should not have happened". Papua New Guinean coastal communities have long voiced apprehension about government intentions to introduce seabed mining projects. For generations, these communities have relied heavily on the sea for their sustenance and way of life, and any threat to marine ecosystems directly impacts their economic backbone and cultural practices. Alliance of Solwara Warriors co-founder Jonathan Mesulam stressed the importance of community consultation for any deep sea mining plans. "The people of New Ireland must be consulted to ensure that there is free, prior and informed consent before the governor and his administration plans to favour deep sea mining," Mesulam said. He added that dismissing opposition as "fear mongering and unqualified individuals" hinders respectful discussions based on scientific facts, legal requirements, and the desires of the people for their livelihoods and ocean life. Civil society organisations are advocating for a transparent Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process, consistent with PNG Supreme Court decisions that require project proponents to obtain landowners' "free and informed consent and approval, and ultimately, their social license to operate". Civil society organisations are asserting that PNG's government's commitment to moratoriums should be upheld. Jonathan Mesulam, co-founder of the Alliance of Solwara Warriors, stressed the importance of community consultation for any deep-sea mining plans. Photo: Supplied In 2019, Marape issued a moratorium on deep sea mining in PNG waters, stating it would remain until further evidence suggested otherwise. This resolution aligns with the positions of other Pacific nations. In 2023, PNG endorsed the Udaune Declaration of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), which called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining in Melanesia. Concerns also extend to procedural and legal issues surrounding the Niu Solwara 1 project, including the need for an Environmental Impact Statement with stakeholder input, and questions about the legality of the license transfer from Nautilus Minerals to Niu Solwara. Center for Environmental Law and Community Rights PNG executive director Peter Bosip stressed the need for government action. "The Marape-Rosso government must revisit existing policies, including the Mining Act, which is under review, address outstanding legal issues related to the Niu Solwara 1 project, and ensure that offshore mining activities in PNG waters align with national, regional and international commitments of ocean protection," Bosip said. Communities across the Pacific are expressing solidarity with those in New Ireland, Duke of York, and neighbouring areas to condemn the NIPG's decision. Communities across the Pacific are expressing solidarity. Photo: Supplied Marine ecosystems are not only central to cultural practices but also form the economic foundation of local communities. Civil society organisations argue there are no social, economic, or environmental justifications for authorising deep sea mining in PNG waters and that the NIU Solwara 1 project must be rejected. The collective of civil society organisations is calling on the Marape-Rosso government to formally acknowledge the MSG Udaune Declaration, ensure wide consultation during the review of the Mining Act 2025's offshore policy and engage civil society, and cancel all existing exploration and mining licenses, with no further issuing or transfers in the absence of proper legislation and policy. They also advocate for an independent inquiry into the Nautilus Minerals Solwara 1 project, with all financial and environmental impact reports made public, and for PNG to support a global moratorium on deep sea mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Thames Water must be held to account
So creditors wishing to take over Thames Water want the company and its senior management to be granted clemency from rules on sewage spills and environmental protection (Bidders demand Thames Water granted immunity over environmental crimes, 7 June). The rights of investors, it would seem, should prevail over the rights of communities to a clean environment. It is the failure of rigorously enforced regulation that led to the mismanagement of Thames Water, with loans being used to increase shareholder dividends and bloated bonuses for incompetent managers. In many countries the law can now be used to confiscate private assets gained from immoral activities, such as drug-running and prostitution. There is no reason why those who accrue wealth through the degradation of the natural environment should be treated any differently. Far from granting immunity from prosecution, the government should tighten the law to enable the criminal prosecution of the managers responsible and the repayment of shareholder dividends awarded by an underperforming business. Such a move would enable financial markets to promote good corporate governance and environmental sustainability. After all, financial investors and shareholders want profitable businesses that provide them with financial returns. If investors knew that they could lose their investment and dividends by investing in a company such as Thames Water, they would soon look to invest in more ethically run businesses. The government should now initiate legal proceedings to seize the assets of those managers who enriched themselves by creating a debt-laden, high-polluting water company. The proceeds should be invested in water infrastructure and environmental clean-ups. And Thames Water should be taken into public ownership and its assets auctioned off. Only socially responsible investors need HumphreysEmeritus professor of environmental policy, Open University Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Farmers enlist unlikely heroes to tackle dangerous growth in nature area: 'We're going to test drive it and see how it goes'
A flock of sheep in Neenah, Wisconsin, is doing its part to help protect the environment. "We're going to test drive it and see how it goes," said Neenah's Parks and Recreation director, Mike Kading. A Post Crescent article explained that 50 sheep from Wooly Green Grazers and about a dozen goats from Van Acres Homestead were ushered to Carpenter Preserve and immediately got to work eating the invasive plants in the area in a pilot project to help rid the area of unwanted vegetation. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to applying chemical herbicides. Invasive species are plants or animals — in this case, plants — that are not native to the area in which they are growing. They can quickly dominate and cause harm to the area as they take over resources that native species need to survive. The animals were eager to get started on their task, taking their place on the nature preserve and immediately getting down to business. Roxie Emunson, co-owner of Wooly Green Grazers, explained that the sheep will naturally take a layered approach, eating the vegetation they find tastiest first. "They'll go around and eat all of their desserts," she explained. The animals will then make a second pass for additional plants they find appealing, and then go for the least desirable — yet still acceptable — plants until the entire area is cleared of the invasive species. Carpenter Preserve has invasive plants such as buckthorn, teasel, and thistle. The sheep graze around the natural ground cover, leaving the native plants. The goats are then brought in to stand on their hind legs and take care of the taller vegetation. The article reports that studies have shown that after the sheep and goats chew, digest, and excrete the invasive plants, over 90% of the seeds are nonviable. The fight to control the invasive species through their multiyear seed cycles brings job security to the animals that goes beyond the pilot project. The city of Neenah is paying over $7,000 for the service and plans to continue using it if it is successful. Should the government be paying people to hunt invasive species? Definitely Depends on the animal No way Just let people do it for free Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The public is encouraged to view the process without bothering the animals in hopes that this environmentally friendly way to help balance the ecosystem will help educate and inspire locals. These small ways to take local action can add up to a healthier ecosystem that benefits everyone in the community. 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.
CBC
13-06-2025
- Politics
- CBC
First Nation leaders, advocates rally in Thunder Bay, Ont., to demand Bill 5's repeal
Etched on a poster board the size of her body, Mary McPherson held up a pencil-drawn portrait of Ontario Premier Doug Ford. With dollar signs over his eyes, Ford is standing in front of a burned-down forest, holding a torn copy of the James Bay Treaty. The artwork, McPherson said, is in response to Bill 5, controversial legislation which aims to fast-track development in the name of unleashing the province's economic potential. "I'm really angry and scared for the future. I feel like already, this territory has experienced a lot of environmental harm as a result of resource extraction," said McPherson, a member of Couchiching First Nation. "I'm concerned about the lack of consultation and most importantly, the lack of consent from Indigenous communities before going forth with projects like the Ring of Fire." The legislation will see the creation of special economic zones, which will allow exemptions for certain municipal and provincial laws when it comes to projects of economic importance — namely mining. The provincial government says it plans to consult with First Nations over the summer to help inform Bill 5's regulations and the special economic zones, including the mineral-rich Ring of Fire in the James Bay lowlands. Over the past several weeks, dozens of First Nation leaders and conservation groups have been speaking out against the bill, arguing it tramples on Treaty rights and weakens environmental protections. On Thursday, McPherson joined about 200 people outside Thunder Bay—Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland's office, calling for Bill 5 to be repealed. "Really take into strong consideration UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) — and I'm not just talking about Section 35 and duty to consult and accommodate, which I personally [feel] is not enough," McPherson said. "I'm talking about serious engagement with Indigenous peoples as equal partners and taking seriously their consent." WATCH | First Nations members rally against Bill 5 Indigenous people rally at Queen's Park, call for withdrawal of Bill 5 10 days ago Duration 2:47 Hundreds of Indigenous people rallied outside Queen's Park on Monday, calling on the Ford government to withdraw its controversial Bill 5 that aims to speed up mining projects and other developments. CBC's Lorenda Reddekopp has the details. Hundreds of First Nations members from northern Ontario rallied outside Queen's Park last week before the bill was passed, after Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa, a member of Kingfisher Lake First Nation, was asked to leave the legislature for saying "the premier is telling untruths to First Nations." Economic zones 'of common interest for First Nations' Joyce Hunter, a member of Weenusk First Nation and one of the organizers of Thursday's rally, told the crowd she knocked on Holland's office door, but he wasn't there. She said his staff refused to come outside and speak with participants or pass along their message to the MPP, and shut the door on her. "This is not something that [only] the First Nations are talking about. Everybody is talking about this, and we want to be heard," Hunter said. "To have that door slammed like that, it was really a very inappropriate way to respond to people who elected Kevin Holland." Later on, attendees of the rally slid their signs beneath the office door. "Bill 5 is about unlocking nation-building projects that will bring economic opportunity, critical infrastructure, and good-paying union jobs to communities across northwestern [Ontario] and the province for generations," says a statement from Holland's office emailed to CBC News. "We are maintaining high environmental standards, labour laws, and duty to consult. Any assertion otherwise is false." The statement also says projects streamlined through Bill 5 "are of common interest for First Nations." "They support legacy infrastructure and will unleash additional economic opportunity by bringing road construction, hydro hookups, health care, schooling, jobs, and other services back to their community," it says. Two of the region's First Nations that have been working with the province on building roads to the Ring of Fire have also spoken out against the new legislation. 'The bill can be killed' Since 2002, Grassy Narrows First Nation has upheld a blockade against clear-cut logging and mining in its territory. The Treaty 3 community has a long legacy of environmental activism, particularly since the Dryden Paper Mill dumped about nine tonnes of mercury into the English-Wabigoon River System in the 1960s and 70s. To this day, about 90 per cent of its community members experience symptoms of mercury poisoning, including Chrissy Isaacs. "For Grassy Narrows, we're always gonna protect that land because we live with a lifelong sentence" of environmental harms, Isaacs said. Her concern is that Bill 5 "opens the gates" to hundreds of mining claims that Grassy Narrows has fought against for years. "I feel like if there's enough pressure, the bill can be killed, and it has to," she said. "They have to consult with us, they have to talk to us when it comes to big decisions like that." Chris Moonias, former chief of Neskantaga First Nation, said his community voted Wednesday to demand the Ontario government repeal Bill 5. The First Nation is also calling for the resignation of Kenora MPP Greg Rickford, the minister of Indigenous affairs and First Nations economic reconciliation and minister responsible for Ring of Fire economic and community partnerships. "We will take action now. We will put people on the ground. We will come up to those rallies or if there's any blockades happening in other communities, we will support them," Moonias said.
