Environment
Smoke fromTulsa Landfill Fire Deemed Non-Toxic
Written by Dick Pryor Monday, 09 August 2010 21:09
Environmental officials say additional testing confirms that the smoke coming off a landfill fire near Tulsa is not toxic. Throughout the weekend, the EPA had ground monitors in place to test the smoke that has been coming off the fire since last week. The testing looked for a number of substances but came back as just the normal components of smoke. It is still a problem for anyone with respiratory problems.
OKC Company Helps Stop Oil Flow
Written by Dick Pryor Thursday, 15 July 2010 22:09
An Oklahoma Company is keeping a close eye on today's test of a new containment cap designed to stop the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Piper Valve Systems of Oklahoma City built the series of valves that are a key component of the new custom-fitted cap. BP says oil has stopped leaking into the Gulf of Mexico for the first time since April. BP is drilling two relief wells so it can pump mud and cement into the leaking well in hopes of plugging it for good.
Oklahoma State Turns Out Lights, Saves Big Bucks
Written by Dick Pryor Monday, 12 July 2010 21:49
STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) - Officials at Oklahoma State University say the school has saved $11.5 million since 2007 and dramaticallyreduced its energy and water consumption through a conservation program. The program has put signs all over the campus reminding people to turn off the lights or practice other energy-saving behaviors. Much of the savings has come from simple behavioral changes, like monitoring heating and cooling systems more closely and turning off lights or computers. Daniel Ferris, director of utilities and energy management for the school, said the program is an effort to create a culture of energy savers, rather than users.
Okla. Agency Issues Mercury Advisory for 16 Lakes
Written by Dick Pryor Wednesday, 07 July 2010 20:46
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality says results of three years of testing show some species of fish in 16 Oklahoma lakes contain levels of mercury above what is considered safe for unlimited consumption. The agency on Wednesday issued a fish consumption advisory for Atoka, Boomer, Coalgate, Draper, Elmer Thomas, Hugo, Heyburn, McAlester, Quanah Parker, Rush, Sardis and Wister lakes. Broken Bow, Kaw, McGee Creek, Pine Creek reservoirs also are part of the advisory. DEQ officials say women of child bearing age and children 15 and under should eat no more than one meal per week of predator fish, which includes largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, white, striped or hybrid bass; walleye, saugeye, and flathead catfish. Officials say mercury levels don't affect the lake's safety as a drinking water source or for swimming and boating.
Cleanup of oil leak in Oklahoma river near completion
Written by Dick Pryor Friday, 25 June 2010 18:16
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency spokesman says the cleanup of oil that leaked into a river near Lake Arcadia is nearing completion. Joe Hubbard with the EPA says the cleanup of the Deep Fork River in northeast Oklahoma City could be finished Friday. Hubbard says between 30 and 45 barrels of crude oil are being recovered from the site.The leak was discovered Monday by a bridge inspector. Oklahoma Corporation Commission inspector Gary Heavin says the oil was leaking from a pinhole-sized hole in an abandoned pipeline and was contained Tuesday. Heavin says there is no evidence the spill expanded beyond the bridge area.
