-
Last summer residents of the Eastern Shore and other coastal areas complained bitterly about dead fish washing up on beaches – fish that were accidentally spilled from nets owned by a firm called Omega Protein. The company produces ingredients for nutritional supplements and pet food. This week, the state announced an agreement with Omega to limit future spills, but environmentalists doubt it will make much difference.
-
One of the greatest threats to wildlife in Virginia is traffic. Thousands of animals are killed each year by cars and trucks in collisions that may also cost human lives or cause injuries. In an effort to reduce the incidence of roadkill, scientists at Virginia Tech have been trapping, tagging and tracking the travel patterns of bobcats.
-
Last week the world’s leading climate scientists released another grim report: climate change is worsening. In the face of this uncertain future, Virginia ski resorts are working hard to still provide snow in varying conditions.
-
Across Virginia, most customer saw increases last year. Appalachian Power customers were hit with not just one, but two rate increases, which also collided with a brutal cold spell in December.
-
Heavy rain events bring mud, landslides, and anxiety for people who live in flood-prone areas, including those who are next to former coal mines.45 years after federal legislation passed to force coal companies to reclaim the land, numerous sites from before 1977 continue to wreak havoc on the landscape. A law passed in 1977 was supposed to force companies to reclaim land. But much of the damage before the 70s still hasn’t been repaired.
-
A climate change lawsuit on behalf of 13 young people in Virginia was dismissed in September, but lawyers and plaintiffs say, they will appeal that decision.
-
Scientists predict that flooding events will become more common, due to climate change, and communities in Appalachia are particularly vulnerable. The small town of Pulaski, in the New River Valley, is responding, by creating a plan to withstand the worst impacts of flooding.
-
Virginia is sitting on one of the largest uranium deposits in the country. Plus, the recent interest in an old gold deposit in Buckingham County is reopening old discussions about commercial mining operations in Virginia.
-
Scientists have discovered how to genetically modify chestnut trees to withstand the disease and are awaiting approval from federal regulators.
-
The EPA recently awarded Virginia millions of dollars for towns and cities to replace lead water lines, but many older homes also contain lead paint.