SE (AL AR FL GA KY LA MS NC PR SC TN)

(AL AR FL GA KY LA MS NC PR SC TN)

Septic Systems Often Hide Neglected Local Stories

Millions of Americans rely on their own onsite wastewater treatment, commonly known as septic systems. And many of those systems are connected to private wells. But unless they are properly sited, designed, built and maintained, they can contaminate drinking water, bringing dangerous waterborne illnesses. The latest TipSheet explains how to turn this often ignored issue into a local story.

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#SEJSpotlight: Mark Schleifstein, Environment Reporter, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate | NOLA.com

Meet SEJ member Mark Schleifstein! Mark is part of a four-reporter team — supported by SEJ's Fund for Environmental Journalism with funding from the Walton Family Foundation — covering the environment for The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate | NOLA.com. He covers coastal restoration, levees, hurricanes, climate change and the oil and gas and petrochemical industries.

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"Largest Federal Utility Chooses Gas, Undermining Biden’s Climate Goals"

"The nation’s largest federally owned utility plans to invest more than $3.5 billion in new gas-burning electric plants, despite President Biden’s commitment to swiftly move away from fossil fuels and eliminate greenhouse gases from the power sector in a little more than a decade."

Source: NYTimes, 03/18/2022

EPA Chief Tours Failing Sewage Systems In Alabama Black Belt

"On the eve of the Selma Jubilee, commemorating the “Bloody Sunday” march that helped catalyze support for the Voting Rights Act 57 years ago, the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency toured Alabama’s Black Belt to witness a different kind of struggle: the battle for clean water and basic sanitation."

Source: Birmingham News, 03/07/2022
February 12, 2024

DEADLINE: Esserman-Knight Journalism Awards

These annual awards celebrate and encourage outstanding investigative and public service reporting in South Florida and to foster a community that cares deeply about local news. $10,000 first prize, $5,000 second prize, and honorable mentions at $1,000. Nominations due Feb 12, 2024.

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"Chicken Frenzy: A State Awash in Hog Farms Faces a Poultry Boom"

"Long home to industrial hog facilities, North Carolina has seen a huge increase in large-scale poultry farms, with more than 1,000 added in 2020 alone. The state scarcely regulates the poultry industry and its waste, which threatens waters in low-wealth communities of color."

Source: YaleE360, 02/28/2022

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