The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "environmental impact" ...
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Frac sand mining booms in Wisconsin
An ongoing series looking at the recent growth in Wisconsin’s sand mining industry to meet the increased demand from oil and gas drillers. The frac sand industry has created jobs and economic development in Western Wisconsin, but many residents worry that the industry is not properly regulated. Concerns remain about the impact of the mining on human and environmental health, transportation, and land use.
Tags: Sand mining; oil; gas; human health; environment; transportation; land use
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C-HIT: Toxic Laundry Emissions
Industrial laundries in New England have recently come under intense scrutiny by the EPA, ever since the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) found that volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) were being released at a facility in Waterbury, CT. According to Steve Rapp, Chief of the Air Technical Unit, EPA Region 1, the problem is widespread and significant. “The industrial laundries are grossly under-reporting their VOCs,” said Rapp. “It’s a total sleeper.” The problem stems from the process of laundering shop towels, which are often contaminated with toxic solvents. When improperly cleaned, the solvents are vaporized and emitted to the surrounding air. This article investigated this little-known source of air pollution, shedding light on the industry’s practices and its impact on air quality and public health.
Tags: Volatile organic compunds; VOC's; DEEP; air quality; public health
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"Hey, Green Spender"
Aldhous and McKenna analyzed data from two available databases to determine whether or not "environmentally conscious" purchasing and investment choices can create a "green economy." The reporters found that consumers are generally confused about a company's "green credentials" and the consequent environmental cost. The results from the investigation encourage companies to fully disclose "their environmental impacts."
Tags: Earthsense; Trucost; environmental impact; eco-friendly; Whole Foods; Viacom; TreeHugger
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Agent Orange: A Lethal Legacy
This investigation reveals the high costs and consequences of herbicides, such as Agent Orange, used by the US military during the Vietnam War. Not only are the veterans suffering from the consequences of herbicides, but also the children of these veterans. These children suffer from multiple cancers, birth defects, and other conditions. The conditions have increased the financial compensation for the US veterans and their families. Furthermore, the US government has neglected to discover the impact of these herbicides on health and environmental conditions.
Tags: US military; Vietnam War; US government; government; health; birth defects; defoliants; financial compensation; disability; veterans; families; US Department of Veterans Affairs
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Fly Ash: Coal-Fired Dilemma
This series of stories showed how a virtually unknown state environmental policy, blessed by the EPA, let developers sculpt an 18-hole golf course with 1.5 million tons of "fly ash," a contaminant-laden residue left from the burning of coal for electricity, posing a threat to the wells of adjacent homeowners. Fly ash contains heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury, which can pose environmental threats through air and water. Although the EPA has been studying the the environmental;ecological impacts of fly ash for decades, it has twice determined that it doesn't warrant classification as "hazardous waste." The result is that there are no national guidelines for fly ash disposal; regulation is left up to the states, resulting in a hodge-podge of policies.
Tags: environment; EPA; contaminant; coal industry; fly ash; testing; site assessment; homeowners
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"The Middle Kingdom's Dilemma" and "China's Pollution Revolution"
In this series, the author investigates "the emergence of a grassroots environmental movement in Communist China." In "The Middle Kingdom's Dilemma," the author reveals a plan by the State Council to divert an amount of water that is greater than the total volume of water from the Yangtze River. In "China's Pollution Revolution," Larson writes about a poluuting factory and its negative impact on nearby residents.
Tags: Communist China; grassroots environmental movement; water shortages; pollution; environmental laws; international
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The Holy Grail of Fuel Additives
WFAA looked into the state-supported diesel additive said to have the ability to cleanse the air and improve fuel mileage. Their investigation found that not only was the product's effectiveness overstated, but the additive, known as "Green Plus," was actually "nearly pure rubbing alcohol." Usually, high-grade isopropyl alcohol sells for $25 a gallon, but the Texas state government was being charged more than $600 a gallon by the California-based company that was selling this additive. When confronted, "The company ultimately acknowledged their product was essentially rubbing alcohol, but claimed the additive had a secret catalytic blend of virtually immeasurable amounts of trace metals, accounting for the higher cost." Tests by fuel emission testing labs "revealed the product had little or no impact on reducing diesel emissions." In addition, companies that gave testimonials about Green Plus admitted their claims were false. As a result, there was a federal investigation, and the Texas government eliminated Green Plus from its list of approved fuel additives.
Tags: Fuel additives; fuel; diesel fuel; rubbing alcohol; isopropyl alcohol; fuel emissions; fuel mileage; government environmental programs; environment
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California's Dirty Secret
The authors investigated environmental laws in California and Arizona that were making it possible for companies from CA to dump hazardous waste in AZ. The investigation also found that some of the dumping areas of hazardous waste were near to schools and day care centers. The authors also reviewed the developmental impact of hazardous waste in the environment can have on children.
Tags: Hazardous waste; environmental laws; dumping; schools; California; Arizona; developmental impact
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Are more mega-farms headed to this area? Economic benefits touted; neighbors cite environmental concerns
This three piece series examines the "mega-farm" phenomenon and the impact it could have on Hancock County, Ohio. Moser interviewed people who work on and live by mega-farms to predict the pros and cons of mega-farming in Hancock county.
Tags: farming; agriculture; commercial farms; environment; Ohio Department of Agriculture; dairy farms
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Losing Ground
The Express-News found that an obscure Texas law involving "vested rights" was allowing developers to do clear-cuts on forested lands and watersheds in defiance of city codes. These practices endanger the sometimes fragile environment of the scenic Texas hill country.
Tags: environmental impact; real estate; developers; land use; property rights