Covanta
In 2010 the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) launched a Drug Take Back program, and for one of the first times the public had a way to dispose their unwanted meds other than flushing them or tossing them in the trash to infiltrate waterways and landfills. But the federal program was just a one-day event, held once a year. Ten years later, even though nearly four billion prescriptions are issued annually, including 153 million opioids, options for safe and environmental drug disposal are still limited, though they have grown exponentially in a fairly short time - this past October the DEA collected over one million pounds from 4,500 locations nationwide.
Dutchess Woman Caught Trying to Sell Endangered Animal Skin
A Hudson Valley woman was nailed after the DEC says she attempted to sell an endangered animal skin online.
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation announced that they have seized a leopard skin that was being illegally sold online. The DEC says they discovered an ad for a genuine leopard skin that was posted online in October. An investigator responded to the ad, inquiring more about the sale and offering to meet the seller in person.
According to authorities, Kimberly Sauer of Beacon was selling the leopard hide for $1,400. When the DEC agent arrived he asked about the authenticity of the item It s then when Sauer reportedly assured the officer that it was genuine. Another DEC agent waiting nearby responded to the illicit sale and seized the animal skin.
USA TODAY
Welcome to Climate Point, your weekly guide to climate, energy and environment news from around the Golden State and the country. In Palm Springs, Calif., I’m Mark Olalde.
President Trump finally conceded after a mob of his supporters overran the U.S. Capitol. Georgia continued its blue shift, electing two Democratic senators and handing control over Congress upper branch to the Democratic Party by a razor-thin margin. The Alaska National Wildlife Refuge was opened for oil drilling in a lease sale that saw a pitiful turnout. COVID-19 continued surging to unfathomable heights.
And we re one week into 2021.
New UVM Research Vessel Under Construction
The University of Vermont (UVM) plans to replace its aging research boat with a hybrid electric “model of seaworthy sustainability”. The quiet, low-emission vessel will be able to run on electric power for two hours and be used as a floating classroom and laboratory for lake education and science. Click here to read more on the UVM website.
Update on the Invasive Zebra Mussel
First discovered in the southern part of Lake Champlain in 1993, zebra mussels are now found throughout the lake in shallow water areas. Juvenile and adult zebra mussels attach to any hard surface including native freshwater mussels, the lake’s most imperiled taxa. The Lake Champlain Committee is working with Michael Lew-Smith of Arrowwood Environmental to document the impacts of the invasive zebra mussels on native mussel populations as a first step in the conservation strategy. Learn more about zebra mussel impacts from Michael and fellow biologist Mark Fe