Michigan State University scientists are working to develop remediation techniques for wastewater contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and are slated to present their findings to the public Nov. 28 in Holland, Michigan.
The free lecture — scheduled for 3 p.m. a the university’s Bioeconomy Institute — is open to the public.
Electrochemist Cory Rusinek, the lead researcher, will talk about a study titled “PFAS remediation at MSU-Fraunhofer: electrochemical destruction in wastewater using boron-doped diamond electrodes.”
“It will be quite a scientific talk and the public is absolutely welcome,” communications manager Melanie Kauffman tells the Holland Sentinel. “But our prime audience would be municipalities and the business community.”
The technology could be used by wastewater treatment plants dealing with PFAS contamination, like those in western Michigan, according to the researchers.
PFAS Contamination Shuts Down Tacoma Well
In other PFAS news, high enough concentrations of the chemicals were found in a Tacoma, Washington, water utility to shut down its well.
The public-access well served customers who would use it to fill containers, as it had served as an unfluoridated source of water since 1995.
The utility recently tested the well and found PFAS levels at 164 ppt, which exceeds EPA’s standards by 70 ppt.
The cause of the contamination is unknown, but is under investigation.
Nancy Pelosi Promises 'Transformational Investment' in Infrastructure
After Democrats picked up enough seats in the House of Representatives to gain a majority after the midterm elections, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California) says infrastructure upgrades/repair will be a priority.
During a speech on election night, Pelosi said the House will work to rebuild America’s infrastructure.
“We will deliver a transformational investment in America’s infrastructure to create more good-paying jobs, rebuilding our roads, bridges, schools, water systems, broadband networks . . . housing and beyond.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) reportedly told the press that the one area he and Pelosi could broker bipartisan agreement would be “something on infrastructure.”
California Voters Reject Water Infrastructure Proposal
Also on election night, voters in California rejected Proposition 3, which sought to borrow nearly $9 billion for water infrastructure projects. The measure lost by less than a 3 percent margin.
The projects would have focused on water storage and dam repairs, watershed improvements, protection of habitat, and updates for safer drinking water.
It marks the first time in 30 years voters in the state have rejected a bond.
Former Pumping Engineer Reportedly Haunts Massachusetts Water Treatment Facility
South Coast Today published an interesting tidbit of news mentioning a ghost that may haunt the Quittacas Water Treatment Plant in East Freetown, Massachusetts.
The facility was built in the 1890s and first supplied treated water to the city in the summer of 1899. Apparently some say the former chief pumping engineer, Adoniram Stone Negus, continues to haunt the facility. Legend has it, Negus died a day before he was set to retire.
