The costs to put out the smoldering St. Clair County landfill fire have risen to $2.8 million, the EPA says, and that number could still increase. The EPA can later attempt to recover those costs from the responsible parties through enforcement actions. ➡️
The landfill fire was first reported to local fire fighters on Nov. 25, Black Friday, and is still burning, at times blanketing the area in thick smoke around the Birmingham suburbs of Moody and Trussville.until the fire can be put out, and others have reported symptoms including headaches, coughing, red eyes and breathing problems.
The fire is located at the Environmental Landfill, Inc., which was largely unregulated by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management because the landfill was only supposed to accept green waste, such as fallen trees or other vegetation. However, ADEM inspectors and neighbors have reported finding materials such as tires, roof shingles, construction waste, electronics and other unauthorized materials at the site.
The agency is currently using heavy equipment to grade the site and bringing in cover dirt from outside sources. The EPA has set up air monitoring stations around the site that check constantly for the concentrations of particulate matter showing how thick the smoke is. In addition, the EPA says air samples are collected daily and sent to a laboratory for analysis of potentially harmful chemicals that might be in the smoke.If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Alabama Gov. Ivey announces opening of mental health crisis center in BirminghamAlabama Gov. Ivey announced Tuesday the opening of a mental health crisis center in Birmingham. This will be one of the six centers they will open to aid the state's service shortage.
Read more »
EPA extends public comment period on proposed $150 million Lower Passaic River cleanup pactThe substances included, among others, polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”), as well as mercury, copper, and lead, according to court documents.
Read more »
EPA plans to stop 6 power plants from dumping toxic coal ash into unlined ponds | CNNThe EPA announced it plans to stop six coal-fired power plants from continuing to dump coal ash -- a toxic byproduct of making coal-fired electricity -- into unlined ponds.
Read more »
Letter: EPA rule proposal would dramatically affect Uinta Basin and help slow climate changeAs I looked around at the participants at the rally for the Great Salt Lake on Jan. 14, I was excited to see so much passion and resolve to find solutions to an ecological disaster that will have devastating effects. When individuals understand the depth and severity of an issue, many will take a stand and fight for change.
Read more »
Column: Birmingham High's Henry Aslikyan is a Mighty Mouse on the wrestling mat“It’s a perfect example of skill and technique winning over size and strength.” Birmingham High's Henry Aslikyan is a 5-foot-2 freshman wrestling at 106 pounds. He's the heavy favorite in his weight class to win a City Section championship on Feb. 11.
Read more »