Lately, there have been many news stories dealing with microbeads. I have even received questions about what we are doing about them, so I thought I would learn a little more about them.

Microbeads are tiny plastic (polyethylene) items about the size of a ballpoint pen tip, that many companies have added to body scrubs, cosmetics, soaps, toothpaste -- essentially hundreds of products, to create an exfoliating sensation for users

Microbeads are designed to wash down drains, but have added to the increased microplastic debris littering the Earth's oceans and many freshwater lakes. Due to their size, plastic microbeads are difficult to clean up on a large scale and are not something our waste-water treatment plants were built to handle.

Some species of marine life mistake the small plastic particles for food, and scientists are currently examining how microplastics are affecting marine life once ingested and whether those chemicals can be transferred to humans if people consume these marine species later on. Microbeads are one of many types of microplastics scientists found in the gut content of the marine wildlife. Some scientists are calling for a complete ban on microbeads and say that public support for the effort is also growing. Companies such as Unilever and Johnson & Johnson have pledged to phase out the use of microbeads in their personal care products.

In June 2014, the state of Illinois became the first state to ban the production, manufacture and sale of products that contain plastic microbeads. California, Connecticut, New Jersey and Colorado have implemented regulations or bans on the plastic products as well. Since major manufacturers are already removing microbeads from their products and some states already have bans on micorbeads, it is just a matter of time before microbeads will no longer be used. It will not be economically feasible for manufacturers to produce one product for states that ban microbeads and another product for states that still allow them. It looks like this problem is being solved.

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Quote of the Week

"Today I have grown taller from walking with the trees."

~ Karle Wilson Baker

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EPA Takes Steps To Improve Water Quality Of Illinois River

Pollution Online

October 1, 2015

Recently, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making available the Illinois River Watershed Modeling Program which resulted from several years of collaboration with local stakeholders, states and tribes in both Ark. and Okla. The Modeling Program will assist in the development of water pollution controls needed to meet water quality standards throughout the watershed and relies on two highly specialized computer models. The Modeling Program will help identify potential pollution control measures designed to improve water quality in the watershed by reducing phosphorus from sources in both Okla. and Ark.

The Modeling Program is designed to reproduce conditions within the Illinois River watershed. In doing so, the model can be used to forecast different pollution control options and evaluate each option or combination of options ability to improve water quality in the watershed. EPA has completed its internal calibration and validation of both model's operating systems, and has completed an independent peer review of the Modeling Program. EPA will first work with our state and tribal partners to review the Modeling Program and underlying computer models. EPA will then hold a public meeting to review the Modeling Program and underlying computer models, discuss next steps, and receive comments from all stakeholders.

To learn more, Click: HERE

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In Des Moines, Nitrates Exacerbating Infrastructure Crisis

Pollution Online

October 2, 2015

Des Moines is in the midst of an intense struggle to mitigate nitrates in its water, and the effort may require hefty infrastructure upgrades. If the problems persist, the city "will have to spend $150 million to build a nitrate-removal plant to replace the aging tanks and outdated technology currently in use. Officials worry that on a hot summer day during peak demand, the utility will be unable to treat enough water, forcing a temporary shutdown that would require customers to use bottled water. The existing nitrate-removal system can treat only about 10 million gallons a day, a fraction of what the region needs," according to the Associated Press. The city is attempting to address some of its problems in the courts.

"The water agency has taken the unprecedented step of suing three major Iowa farming counties in federal court to try to limit the farm discharges. But the litigation provoked an intense backlash from Iowa's powerful agricultural industry, which argues that farmers are already taking voluntary measures to address the problem. A trial is set for next year," the report said. Bill Stowe, CEO and general manager of Des Moines Water Works, explained the challenges the utility is facing. "We're reaching the end of the life cycle of some of the most critical assets we've got," he said, per the report. "[Des Moines had] a downtown treatment plant that was built in the 1940s, long before nitrates, which can harm infants, became a pressing concern. He said the industry is getting 'all kinds of these warning alarms that we haven't heard before.'"

To read more, Click: HERE.

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Got water? Time of sale septic inspections can protect water quality: Part 1

Michigan State University

October 6, 2015

Michigan's freshwater resources are incredible assets that are unmatched on a global stage. The state's water strategy, Sustaining Michigan Water Heritage, A Strategy for the Next Generation, identifies nine broad goals and 62 recommendations to protect water resources and enhance the state economy based on those resources. Goal two of the water strategy is that "Michigan's water resources are clean and safe." The first two key recommendations in the goal are to "Protect drinking and source water from contamination and spills" and "Pass a statewide sanitary code and inspection requirements." Many Michigan residents would agree that water is Michigan's greatest asset. While all residents of the state have the opportunity to help protect water resources, some residents have the potential for more impacts on water resources based on water use and property ownership. In rural environments that are not served by sanitary sewer and municipal water, residential and commercial septic systems and water supply wells can be a threat to surface and groundwater, and public health, if not adequately installed, maintained, and retired.

Failing septic system with surfacing raw sewage.

Septic systems do not last forever. In fact, the average age of septic systems that fail is around 20-25 years. Failing septic systems contribute pathogens to waterways including parasites, bacteria, and viruses that can cause communicable diseases through direct or indirect body contact or ingestion, and also contribute phosphorus, a nutrient that can cause excessive aquatic plant and algae growth and depletion of dissolved oxygen in surface waters, see What's the Point and Non-Point in Water Quality?. As the recommendation in the water strategy makes clear, there is no statewide law requiring evaluation and maintenance of existing systems. Typically, septic systems are only evaluated at the time of permitting or during major building additions.

To read more, Click HERE

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