Can Bacteria Accumulate in Pipes Due to COVID-19 Lockdowns?
As offices and places of business begin to reopen after months of closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, water quality experts are voicing concerns about the potential for disease-causing contaminants in pipes. The concern is that microorganisms and other impurities may have accumulated inside unused pipes in currently vacant buildings.
Without constant water flow, pipes can build up bacteria and parasites in standing water, leading to water contamination. Stagnant water also runs the risk of being contaminated by heavy metals being leached from pipes. Researchers and water quality officials are looking into ways to ensure that people can safely return to buildings that have sat unused during the lockdowns.
How Can a Building’s Plumbing System Cause Health Issues for Occupants?
Standing water can allow naturally occurring bacteria to grow to unhealthy, even dangerous levels. Plumbing pipes have the potential to cause similar exposure to breeding bacteria that can create serious respiratory ailments, such as Legionnaire’s disease, which causes a severe cough, fever, chest pains, and shortness of breath. Exposure to dangerous bacteria can happen when particles in the water become airborne in the fine mist produced by forceful plumbing fixtures that turn water into aerosol that can be inhaled.
How is the Issue of Bacteria in Pipes Complicated by Closures?
The lockdowns related to COVID-19 have caused many office buildings and businesses to remain unused for months. As the buildings stood empty, the functions of the plumbing systems were also halted. As a result, water in pipes has been sitting for an extended period of time, creating an environment for dangerous pathogens to grow.
Certain buildings are routinely closed for long stretches, such as on-campus dormitories and other school buildings that are left empty during school breaks. Maintenance crews and campus officials have protocols for reopening temporarily vacant buildings when students return; however, before the recent mandated lockdowns, many office buildings had not experienced a long-term closure. Therefore, it is possible that property owners or are unaware of the dangers that may be lurking in their building’s plumbing system. While there are standards for public water mains to be flushed and disinfected, that is not the case for the pipes inside privately owned buildings.
What Can Building Owners do to Eliminate Bacteria?
The best way to keep from having a problem with dangerous bacteria build-up in a building’s pipes is to routinely flush the system with water. Simply turn on the taps and let the water flow. Additionally, water testing should be implemented to ensure that water is safe.
As far as the practice of flushing pipes, the common approach after a period of sustained dormancy is to let the taps flow for five to 10 minutes. This amount of time is considered sufficient in homes and small offices, but larger buildings may require more attention.
As buildings reopen, water quality professionals are recommending that government and health officials put out a comprehensive set of recommendations for building owners and property managers to use to follow best practices to ensure the safety of the occupants of their buildings. Local authorities should establish guidelines that include flushing and disinfectant protocols based on the specific water treatment procedures in place in the area. If an owner fails to properly flush or maintain pipes, he or she may be held responsible for any illnesses that occupants develop.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Those Sickened by Water Contaminants
If you have become ill as a result of exposure to contaminated water, you may have a case against a property owner or entity for failing to properly maintain the water system. Our Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. have experience in these complex cases. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free case evaluation. Located in in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we represent clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
EPA Reverses the Regulation of Perchlorate Levels in Drinking Water
A recent reversal of an EPA regulation governing the amount of perchlorate levels in public drinking water has gained widespread attention. Many health and wellness consumer advocacy groups and respected environmental scientists have expressed concern that without the EPA’s oversight, water supplies could deliver excessive perchlorate to state residents around the country. Many fear that this water contamination will lead to health issues.
Studied for more than a decade, perchlorate has a record of potentially leading to long-term issues, including lowered I.Q. in children and hypothyroidism in adults. Many individuals who routinely drink water sourced from wells near perchlorate-producing military facilities or ordinary municipal water supplies are pushing for the administration to revert to prior limitations on the amount of perchlorate allowable in consumable water.
What Should I Know About Perchlorate?
The chemical, perchlorate, can occur in some natural settings and can also be man-made. It can be found in some fertilized soils, as well as potash. Its manufactured version is commonly associated with the creation of explosives, including fireworks, missiles, rocket fuel, and vehicle safety flares. Occasionally, perchlorate may be used to help create specific types of containers to store or transport dry materials.
On its own, perchlorate does not present a threat to humans. However, it should not be imbibed or ingested. Otherwise, medical disruptions may happen.
How Does Perchlorate Enter the Human Body?
People do not drink or eat perchlorate on their own accord. Most perchlorate imbibing occurs when a person drinks contaminated water, such as from a local well or even from tap water. Perchlorate leeches into the soils and groundwater supplies, eventually making its way into homes and businesses.
Some food may contain perceptible doses of perchlorate, according to tests that occurred in the mid-2000s. In general, though, the wide majority people who present problems associated with consumption of perchlorate trace their issues to their drinking water rather than foods they are eating.
How Does Perchlorate Affect the Body?
A recent study from a top university has revealed that perchlorate stops the body’s ability to fully absorb and utilize iodide and iodine. Without iodine, the thyroid gland cannot send the proper hormonal signals throughout the body. Women who are pregnant or nursing often take iodide or iodine supplements to stimulate normal thyroid growth in their developing infants.
Perchlorate puts up a barrier to the thyroid. Researchers believe that when given the choice between perchlorate and iodine, the thyroid always chooses to take in the perchlorate. Consequently, people who drink water with higher than acceptable levels of perchlorate may wind up with thyroid issues. Whenever a part of the body cannot function efficiently, it negatively impacts other parts of the human system.
Should I Monitor my Perchlorate Consumption?
Anyone who drinks well water or public water has the right to know the contents of the water, including how much perchlorate it contains. Nevertheless, with the EPA no longer measuring perchlorate, consumers may have difficulty finding out exactly what they are putting into their bodies, and the bodies of their children.
Since perchlorate can disrupt development in fetuses and babies, pregnant women should be cautious about drinking water from the faucet. After giving birth, mothers who nurse are still at risk of passing excessive amounts of perchlorate through their breast milk to their newborn infants. Parents who choose to either mix formula with tap water or give their babies bottles of tap water may introduce perchlorate into their children’s diets.
Pregnant and nursing mothers are not the only consumers who should be careful about perchlorate. People with pre-existing thyroid conditions, especially hypothyroidism, may want to do whatever they can to avoid eating or drinking perchlorate.
What Are Potential Symptoms of Too Much Perchlorate?
Having too much perchlorate can stunt the thyroid’s effectiveness, leading to anything from lowered brainpower, to sluggish ability to process everything from food to information. Many patients who develop hypothyroidism notice they have dry skin, trouble remembering items, and have trouble maintaining a healthy weight.
In babies and small children, excessive levels of perchlorate may lead to physical developmental delays, and possibly cognitive delays, according to the results of studies performed on other mammals. It should be noted that perchlorate may also affect the kidneys, pulmonary system, nervous system, reproductive organs, and liver.
How Can I Avoid Perchlorate?
It can be tough to determine how much perchlorate is in a community’s drinking supply, particularly with an end to testing. For that reason, consumers worried about drinking perchlorate in their water may want to limit using water for any type of hydration or cooking. This may include not using tap water or well water for any recipes, including those that call for boiling ingredients in heated water. Heating does not reduce the level of perchlorate. Neither does freezing, so ice cubes made from tap or well water should also be avoided. However, perchlorate-rich water seems to be safe for non-edible uses, such as cleaning dishes, taking showers and baths, and laundering clothing.
The easiest way to take away the chances of drinking water with perchlorate is to keep bottled water on hand at all times. Drinking bottled, purified water from a reliable source can greatly reduce exposure to perchlorate.
What do I do if I am Exposed to Perchlorate?
If you feel that you have been exposed to water containing high levels of perchlorate, you can contact your physicians for a work-up. A simple blood test can determine if a patient suffers from hypothyroidism or another common symptom of overexposure to perchlorate. Parents who feel their children were exposed to perchlorate may want to contact their pediatricians.
People who believe that they have a strong link between a medical issue and drinking water with perchlorate can always contact an attorney who practices environmental law. Environmental lawyers focus their attention on bringing justice for individuals and families affected by environmental-related problems. Having evidence from a doctor can go a long way towards making a claim.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Stand Strong for Consumers Exposed to Unhealthy Levels of Perchlorate in Their Drinking Water
Are you having serious thyroid issues or other issues that could be related to drinking or eating perchlorate? If so, our Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. will evaluate your case and fight for your rights. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Understanding How Humans Are Exposed to Environmental Contaminants
Exposure to environmental contaminants can have serious health consequences for humans. For that reason, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with monitoring the impacts of such exposures on people.
When an environmental incident occurs, it can taint the surrounding air and land, or cause water contamination that the EPA must respond to. The EPA also monitors those who were exposed to the contaminants to evaluate how the exposure affects their health.
Environmental contamination incidents may involve physical pollutants, biological agents, radiological poisons, or chemicals, such as pesticides.
When accidents taint the environment, the danger is most obvious, but environmental dangers can be present in seemingly harmless and commonplace settings where people work and play.
The testing performed to keep track of such exposures goes a long way towards keeping researchers informed about hazardous contaminants and how it poses dangers to humans.
How is Contaminant Exposure Measured?
The EPA measures and monitors contamination levels that result from an exposure to environmental contaminants by attempting to obtain readings in the environment, and at the point of contact with a human subject, and by testing the subject to determine the contaminant levels present in the body. There are four main ways to obtain these measurements, which include:
- Environmental measurements: The EPA measures or estimates concentrations of contaminants present in the air, water, and land. The collection of this data gives the agency an indication of how much of a contaminant is in the environment but does not specify how much of it encounters people.
- Exposure models: The EPA uses exposure models, which use environmental contaminant concentration levels along with information on personal work habits and life routines to estimate the amount of exposure. Factors include how much time an individual spends outdoors and activities. These factors can indicate how individuals are exposed in certain environments, and it helps to identify the contaminates.
- Personal monitoring devices: Often used to identify workplace exposures, the use of a personal monitoring device allows a user to go about the activities of a normal day while the device collects data on encountered contaminants.
Biomonitoring: Biomonitoring is performed on the person who was exposed, this determines the level of contaminants in the body and its health effects. The biomarkers in the body are commonly found in the blood or urine, though it can also be measured in other samples, such as exhaled air, hair, nails, stool, breast milk, or biopsied tissue. These tests can identify environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants that accumulate in the body.
If an individual is exposed to a contaminant and becomes ill, he or she may be able to file an environmental toxic tort claim with an experienced lawyer.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent People Exposed to Environmental Contaminants
If you were exposed to toxins while working or living near a site that has environmental contamination, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. have the experience to go after those responsible for your injury or illness. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
EPA Awards Grant to Identify Lead in Water
The safety of Delaware’s drinking water is always a concern, especially in schools and child care facilities. As of recently, the citizens of Delaware can rest assured that their water safety is being taken care of. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the Delaware Department of Education $209,000 for lead testing in drinking water. This grant will assist with identifying sources of lead in drinking water in schools and child care buildings to prevent hazardous water contamination.
Protecting children from exposure to lead is the reason why this grant was offered and accepted. The health of our children is always of utmost concern, and we need to protect them from the dangers of lead and other toxic chemicals.
Health Effects of Lead Exposure
Lead is extremely dangerous to human health, even at low exposure levels. Once lead gets into the body, it can accumulate over time and cause chronic health problems. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires the EPA to determine the level of contaminants in water that is acceptable before causing adverse health effects. The EPA has determined that the amount of acceptable lead in water is at zero percent due to its overly toxic qualities.
Young children, infants, and fetuses are the most vulnerable to lead and may develop physical and behavioral effects if exposure occurs. A small amount of lead exposure to an adult may not cause too much harm. Lead exposure to a child can induce damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, cause learning disabilities, height impairments, and impair the function of blood cells.
For adults, lead is also harmful and can produce cardiovascular effects, increased blood pressure, hypertension, decreased kidney function, and reproduction problems. Lead exposure can also negatively affect pregnant woman and the growth of the fetus.
Other signs and symptoms of lead exposure:
- Constipation
- Slowed body growth
- Hearing problems
- Anemia
- Low appetite
- Low energy
- Difficulty sleeping
- Aggressive behavior
- Pain in the abdomen
How Does Lead Get Into Drinking Water?
There are many ways that lead can get into our drinking water. The main way is through plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, but lead can also enter drinking water through lead pipes, faucets, and water fixtures. There are a number of factors that can further increase the amount of lead in the water including:
- Chemistry of the water
- Types and amounts of minerals in the water
- Amount of lead the water comes in contact with
- Temperature of the water
- Amount of wear and corrosion in the pipes
- How long the water stays dormant in the pipes
Steps to Take to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water
There are two main ways that you can protect lead from getting into your drinking water. The first option is to learn more about where you water comes from. The EPA requires all community water systems to prepare an annual water quality report for their customers by July 1.
After reading up on your water system, have your water tested. Since you are unable to see, taste, or smell lead in water, the most beneficial way to protect yourself is to get your water tested by a certified laboratory.
Delaware Water Contamination Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Clients Harmed by Lead Exposure
Exposure to lead in drinking water is extremely dangerous and fatal if digested in high amounts. Our Delaware water contamination lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. fight for the health and safety of our clients. If you have been exposed to lead, contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free case consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we represent clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Differences Between Bottled Water and Tap Water
Our society has vast knowledge about plastic waste and water contamination, so it may seem like a more ethical choice to get rid of bottled water and favor tap water. However, is tap water really the safest choice? When deciding whether to use primarily bottled or tap water in your home, it is important to consider the strengths and weaknesses of both options.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bottled Water
Convenience: Bottled water is more convenient in a major way, it is easily portable. However, in other ways, it is not all that convenient. Often, you have to carry heavy cases of water from the grocery store, and then carry it into your house. Also, you must find space to store and refrigerate it. If your community recycles, which is often the case, you need to do that as well.
Cost: Depending on the type and brand of water, a gallon of bottled water can cost up to $9.50. That is nearly 2,000 times the cost of tap water, three times the national average for a gallon of milk, and four times the cost of regular grade gasoline.
Environmental impact: Although our society has improved recycling, plastic water bottles still find pollute landfills and oceans. Plastic waste is consumed by sea life, and it can also affect us when we consume fish.
Taste: Research shows most people cannot tell the difference between bottled and tap water, which is sensible, because many bottled waters are filtered tap water.
Positives and Negatives of Drinking Tap Water
Convenience: Obviously, there is nothing more convenient than getting a drink of water from the tap in your kitchen at home. Of course, it is readily available in restaurants and other locations, and it can also be found at public water fountains.
Cost: Tap water costs an insignificant amount compared to the price of bottled water. If you want additional home and sink filtration systems, factor in those costs as well.
Environmental impact: A 2018 study found that tap water has lower carbon emissions than bottled water. It also requires less energy and has an overall smaller impact on the environment in terms of ozone depletion and other factors.
Taste: Controlled blind taste tests consistently confirm that most people cannot tell the difference between bottled and tap water. If your water tastes abnormal, it might just have a higher mineral content.
Safety: The CDC reports that drinking water in this country is some of the safest water in the world. Food & Water Watch, a non-profit organization, confirms that tap water in this country is often tested more than bottled water. This surprising statistic should keep you at ease if you decide to consume tap water at home.
Delaware Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Clients Harmed by Water Contamination
The federal Safe Drinking Water Act requires water companies to inform the public of potential hazards in their water. If you have a concern about the safety of your water or any other environmental hazard, contact one of our Delaware environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. immediately. We are not afraid to take on the big companies whose reckless oversights caused toxic exposure.
If you wish to schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we represent clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Delaware’s Clean Water Trust
Governor Carney has introduced the 2020 Clean Water Bill in an effort to ensure that all Delaware residents have access to clean drinking water. The proposed legislation would also establish the Clean Water Trust, which would receive $50 million in funding from Delaware’s 2021 Bond Bill. The funds are specifically earmarked for projects that would support efforts to improve the quality of Delaware’s water supply and waterways. Proponents of the bill anticipate that it will improve water quality throughout the state, especially in rural communities with wells and septic systems.
Effects of Contaminated Water
Water contamination can lead to serious health problems, including gastrointestinal illnesses, cancer, and neurological disorders. Contaminated water not only affects drinking water but also waterways, as well as the local flora and fauna. Therefore, even though someone does not drink contaminated water, they still may become sick from consuming fish that lived in the water. Although several federal and state laws exist to prevent water contamination, it remains a critical health concern in Delaware.
How the Delaware Clean Water Trust Will Improve Water Quality
According to the language of the proposed Clean Water Bill, many of the state’s waters do not meet water quality standards pertaining to their designated uses, such as drinking, swimming, or supporting aquatic life.
Residents with contaminated wells and septic systems from stormwater runoff are at risk of getting sick from continuous exposure to the contaminated water. The executive director of the Delaware Rural Water Association emphasizes the importance of the Clean Water Trust for these communities which may not have adequate resources to support their infrastructure needs or maintain compliance with relevant laws.
The bill’s supporters note that the Clean Water Trust will further help Delawareans by:
- Cleaning up contaminated water.
- Improving the quality of waterways used for fishing and recreation.
- Improving wastewater treatment.
- Protecting jobs in agriculture and tourism.
- Repairing failing sewer pipes and systems.
- Updating infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff.
Funds from Delaware’s Clean Water Trust will be used for projects that promote these objectives and will be overseen by an Oversight Committee. In deciding how to allocate funds, the Committee will receive recommendations from the Water Infrastructure Advisory Council, the county Conservation Districts, relevant experts from Cabinet agencies, and the general public.
Compensation for Illnesses Caused by Groundwater Contamination
Those who become ill from consuming contaminated groundwater may be entitled to compensation for their injuries from the companies or government entities who violated federal law pertaining to environmental toxins, such as the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Those who suspect that their groundwater is contaminated should seek medical attention, report it to the EPA, and contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Delaware Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Those Injured by Contaminated Groundwater
If you were harmed due to contaminated drinking water, contact one of our Delaware environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. immediately. We will fight to get you the maximum compensation from those responsible for your toxic exposure-related illness. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445. From our offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Toxins in Drinking Water
Common chemicals found in many products may be poisoning our drinking water. Specific chemicals that have been used since the 1950s are still a threat to our healthy, clean, and safe water supplies. Yet, the toxins are still allowed to be used while studies continue to link its detrimental effects on humans.
These common chemicals are linked to health problems, but they are still found nearly everywhere in our modern lives. In a society that values convenience and often undermines the invisible costs of consumer-industry innovation, people often find themselves enamored by handy consumer products without knowing its potential health hazards. In many cases, information about the potential dangers of these products are obscured by enticing claims about the product or dismissal of its safety risks.
What are PFAS?
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in consumer products and industry applications that show up in many aspects of daily life. Products that contain PFAS include:
- Non-stick cookware
- Food packing materials
- Stain-resistant carpets
- Cleaners
- Paint, varnish, and sealants
- Materials resistant to water, fire, and heat
Exposure Dangers
Products containing PFAS chemicals have been linked to adverse effects in humans who have been exposed to the substances. Such harmful effects include:
- Hormonal interference
- Heightened cholesterol levels
- Female fertility issues
- Immune system impacts
- Increased risk of some cancers
PFAS Dangers Linger
These manmade substances do not breakdown easily. These toxins are remarkably pervasive throughout our environment in the air, soil, and water. They can be found in fish and wildlife as well as in people throughout the world; these chemicals are not easily eliminated from our bodies or our environment.
Exposure Risk Is Widespread
Wind and rain can carry PFAS particles and contaminate a wide area. Most human exposures come from eating or drinking goods that contains PFAS toxins. People who work in facilities that produce PFAS products have a greater risk of exposure as higher levels of PFAS are present in their workspaces. Accordingly, these employees have been shown to have higher levels of PFAS in their blood.
Residents who live nearby these facilities may be more likely to be exposed to PFAS in their community drinking water.
Actions to Take
To mitigate your risk from PFAS exposure, ask your local health department about PFAS levels in your community drinking water. If the level is unacceptable, water contamination may be present, and it is best to use an alternative source. If possible, try to limit your consumption of the contaminated water.
Though it is not routine, a simple blood test can determine the level of PFAS in your body. Having PFAS in your blood does not necessarily mean you will get sick.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Those Harmed by PFAS
If you suspect that you have developed a health condition as a result of an environmental exposure, you may be able to collect damages from those responsible. Our skilled Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. will help you fight for fair compensation from those responsible for your exposure-related illness. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 to set up a free consultation. With locations in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we also serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Delaware Launches Investigation Into Wastewater Plant
Officials in Delaware are investigating equipment malfunctions at the Lewes Wastewater Treatment Plant. The malfunction caused sewage and other pollutants to pour into a local waterway, leading to water contamination.
On Dec. 18, 2019, a leak allowed partially treated wastewater to pour into the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal for ten hours. Weeks later, problems surfaced with the equipment that was installed to treat issue, leading to a second leak that lasted two hours before repair crews could control the situation.
Thankfully, the drinking water supply was not affected by the leaks, but officials are concerned about potential environmental and economic impacts. Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources announced a joint investigation with the Lewes Board of Public Works and the city government to determine exactly what happened.
Equipment Trouble Led to Contamination
Evidently, the original leak stemmed from equipment failure that led to contaminated treatment membranes. These membranes are meant to filter wastewater. Following the ten-day repair project, the membranes were replaced and treatment resumed. However, it became clear that the water pressure threatened the stability of the new membranes. In response, plant officials spoke with the membrane manufacturers and came up with new procedures to address the strain on the membranes.
This required a two-hour repair to take place on Jan. 2, 2020. While the issue was being handled, plant operators were forced to allow untreated water to bypass the filters and flow into the waterway. While the plant was dealing with repairs, residents and businesses were asked to limit water usage, including shower time, toilet flushing, laundry, and dish washing. The fixes seem to be successful, and no further bypass operations are expected. Likewise, residents and area businesses have resumed normal water usage.
Lewes-Rehoboth Canal
Effluent flows from the Lewes plant made its way into the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal that flows into the Delaware Bay. It was determined that Rehoboth Bay was unaffected from the plant bypass incident. Studies by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control had previously established that waterflows move away from the state’s inland bays. This includes Indian River Bay, Little Assawoman Bay, and Rehoboth Bay.
Health, Environmental, and Economic impacts
A warning was announced to local shellfish harvesters, stating that they had to close harvesting operations in the lower Delaware Bay. The closure affected operations from the Mispillion River Inlet to The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park, as well as waters towards the New Jersey border.
The closure is in place for three weeks following the leak, provided that discharge tests remains at acceptable levels. These standards are set by the United States Food and Drug Administration guidelines. This closure highlights risks to public health and the environment.
Delaware Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Those Harmed by Water Pollution
If you have been exposed to polluted water, you may be eligible to collect damages for your illness. When waterways are contaminated, individuals are exposed to toxic and infectious substances. Our Delaware environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can assist you with your case. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we also serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Groundwater Contamination Relief
Water is a precious resource. In the United States, more than half of the nation’s population relies on groundwater for drinking water. Groundwater refers to water under the Earth’s surface that is replenished by rainwater, streams, rivers, and lakes. If groundwater supplies are contaminated, affected homeowners and residents are suddenly without a safe water source.
Groundwater contamination occurs from numerous industrial and agricultural sources. This includes illegal waste dumping, atmospheric contaminants, road treatments, chemical waste, and animal waste products. Therefore, contamination of groundwater represents a significant human health and environmental hazard. Long-term effects from contamination can affect populations and ecosystems.
Types of Contamination and Relief
Groundwater is stored in aquifers underground and groundwater levels can vary depending on rainfall or drought conditions. This water source is for human consumption. It also supports the ecosystems of lakes and rivers, sustaining vegetation and wildlife. In parts of Delaware, watershed threatens the Chesapeake Bay. Prior to the industrial age, groundwater was a pure and uncontaminated water source. In the 21st century, threats to groundwater are myriad; contamination can stem from industrial operations, agriculture waste, landfills, spills, road salt treatments, and several other ground contaminants.
Mountaire Farms Lawsuit in Delaware
For homeowners in Delaware, a recent lawsuit may bring relief to those affected from the agricultural groundwater contamination that impacted over 750 plaintiffs. In the Delaware case, communities’ water was affected by Mountaire Farms, a large-scale poultry producer that slaughters and processes about 2 million chickens per week. The complaint alleges that Mountaire Farm’s wastewater treatment plant failed to adequately treat wastewater and sludge. The wastewater contained chicken parts that included fecal matter, blood, and carcasses. The company sprayed the waste on nearly a thousand acres of farm fields. Findings showed that the waste contained extremely high levels of nutrients that violated state environmental regulations. Mountaire Farms and the affected plaintiffs entered negotiations to settle the case.
Claims of Chemicals Start a Groundwater Lawsuit
Also in Delaware, a class action suit against chemical giants 3M, E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. is underway. Claims that a chemical used to manufacture non-stick items has degraded the groundwater. Ingesting contaminated water can have serious effects on human health. Some of these effects includes birth defects, developmental delays, and cancers.
It is important to determine causes of groundwater contamination when residents, business owners, or municipalities are impacted. In agriculture industries in Delaware, potential contamination can occur from the process of slaughtering animals and biologic byproducts. Chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers can also contribute to groundwater contamination. Analyzing contamination requires environmental experts familiar with state and federal regulations. Plaintiffs should not attempt a lawsuit without a skilled environmental lawyer on their side.
Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Groundwater Contamination Victims
If you or someone you know was subjected to groundwater contamination, you may be eligible for compensation. Our dedicated Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. protect victims suffering from environmental contamination and will fight to defend your rights. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation about your claim. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we also serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
EPA Weakens Rules Governing Toxic Water Pollution
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced new regulations and extended deadlines for compliance with mandates affecting coal companies. The new regulations are part of the Trump administration’s efforts to create reasonable regulations on the coal industry, which has been identified as a dying industry. Geothermal and nuclear power have significantly affected the use of coal as an energy source, resulting in a huge reduction in jobs.
Coal mining was at its peak in the early 1900s with more than 800,000 workers. In 2006, that number was down to an estimated 50,000 workers. By relaxing current Obama-era regulations on the coal industry, the Trump administration is hoping to regenerate the use of coal as an efficient and safe form of energy.
What are the Changes in the Coal Ash Regulations?
Coal ash is a solid waste material containing lead, arsenic, and mercury. Unlined coal ash ponds run the risk of contaminating water supplies with toxic metals. Serious health risks are associated with these metals. There are two significant changes in the rules governing coal ash ponds and wastewater, which include:
- Extended Deadline for Closing Unlined Ash Ponds: Rules imposed by the Obama administration in 2015 mandated that all unlined coal ash ponds comply or be shut down by 2018. The new, extended deadline allows affected coal companies to remain open until at least 2020. Coal companies can also apply for an extension that would give them another five years to remain open.
- Changes to Limits on Pollutants in Coal Wastewater Discharged from Coal Plants: New technology has made it possible for coal companies to remove toxic materials, such as arsenic, lead, and mercury from its wastewater. The new regulations are expected to save coal plants an estimated $175 million in compliance costs. A voluntary incentive program will likely result in the removal of over one million pounds of toxic waste each year.
What are the Pros and Cons of the New Coal Regulations?
While utility and coal industries are in favor of the new regulations, many environmental advocates are expressing concerns.
Cons of the New Regulations:
- Extended deadlines for compliance with coal ash ponds could increase the risk for contaminated drinking water for millions of people.
- Toxic elements, such as mercury, lead, and arsenic leaking into the water supplies from unlined coal ash ponds could increase risks for cancer and other toxic diseases.
- Extended deadlines will keep unlined coal ash ponds open for up to eight years, significantly increasing the level of toxicity in water supplies.
- Not all coal companies are likely to comply with the voluntary use of technology to remove toxic elements from the water.
Pros of the New Regulations:
- Coal companies will now have a more realistic timeline for retrofitting unlined coal ash ponds.
- Requests for extensions could give coal companies as long as eight years to secure funding to implement safe wastewater storage.
- Relaxed deadlines encourage quality attention to upgrades and modifications.
- Keeping coal companies open for extended time reduces unemployment and poverty levels.
Delaware Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Provide Counsel for Compliance with EPA Regulations
If you need legal counsel for compliance with new EPA regulations on coal, call the Delaware environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.