A state alert recently revealed that a cheese-clogged pipe led to the discharge of untreated water from the Gloversville Johnstown (New York) Joint Wastewater Treatment facility into Cayadutta Creek. 

The incident, which occurred at 9:13 a.m., caused an estimated 1,300 gallons of dairy washwater to be released over a 17-minute period, with 95% soaking into the ground and the remaining 5% entering the stormwater system.

Officials shut down the pipeline and assured that the discharge, which contained milk and animal waste, was "nonhazardous" to the public and easily dilutable.

Body Found in Waste Tank at West Virginia Water Treatment Plant

Officials in Martinsburg, West Virginia, reported recently that a body was discovered in the waste tank of the Big Springs Water Treatment plant. Upon discovery, emergency medical services and the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office were immediately contacted.

The city of Martinsburg confirmed that the waste tank, located adjacent to the treatment plant, holds impurities removed before water purification and distribution. The city has consulted with regulatory agencies to ensure the safety of the drinking water, assuring residents that none of the water in the waste tank is reintroduced into the supply.

Oregon Residents Demand Action on Groundwater Pollution

Residents and community activists recently gathered outside the state capitol in Salem, Oregon, urging Gov. Tina Kotek to address longstanding nitrate pollution in groundwater in the Lower Umatilla Basin. 

Demonstrators called for a public health emergency declaration in northern Umatilla and Morrow counties and the provision of clean drinking water for homes with contaminated wells. The group was led by Oregon Rural Action, a La Grande-based nonprofit that has been actively involved in outreach.