Scientists are preparing for one of the next challenges on Maui following the Lahaina fire. Recent reports suggest that not only has the water system been compromised in Lahaina, but that “the sheer scale of the damage could pose unprecedented threats to Maui’s diverse coastal ecosystem.”
The deadly Lahaina fire created a toxic environment that will likely affect water quality. Nature Journal reported scientists “fear that contaminated runoff (at Lahaina) will flow onto the island’s sensitive coral reefs.”
Maui’s reefs are essential to coastal life on the island, as well as tourism and the island’s economic well-being. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been involved in preventing ocean contamination. They are spraying a soil stabilizer to create a crust on the ashes, a process which is relatively new to fire contamination prevention and cleanup. The application of Soiltac will be done in concert with Maui County to help control dust from the fire.
Ash testing is just beginning at Lahaina, following testing done at Kula, the site of upcountry fires. At Kula, extremely high arsenic levels have already been […]
Full article: beatofhawaii.com
Coral reefs already face a litany of threats. Experts say storm runoff from the recent…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Xqa0B9r7Y8 Iowa water: Pulitzer Prize winner Art Cullen and award-winning cinematographer Jerry Risius have teamed…
Clean water is essential for life, yet millions of Americans unknowingly consume contaminants through their…
Human brains contain higher concentrations of microplastics than other organs, according to a new study, and the…
From the Office of the Governor: In anticipation of a multi-day, significant atmospheric river in Northern California,…
From Governor Newsom: Scientists, water managers, state leaders, and experts throughout the state are calling…