The Stream, December 18: Thousands of Gallons of Fuel Spill into Oregon’s North Santiam River
The Global Rundown
Tropical Storm Kai-Tak makes landfall in the Philippines, causing flooding and heavy rains. Hong Kong researchers work to develop a super-bacteria that can clean up the large amount of waste water produced by China’s textile industry. The U.S. and Mexico deliberate over the final part of the Colorado Basin’s new drought plan. An Oregon city remains without a key water source after fuel spilled into the North Santiam River on Friday. Scientists calculate that 127 billion tons of water fell on Texas when Hurricane Harvey struck in August.
“Customers are happy because clothes are even cheaper than a decade ago, and retailers can benefit from low costs. But the result is massive waste – and the brands will need to pay for it in the future.” –Felix Chung, a Hong Kong legislator, in reference to the 3 billion tons of waste water produced by the Chinese textile industry. To help combat the waste, scientists are looking for a super-bacteria that can clean up the discharge more efficiently. The Indian Express
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By The Numbers
1,800 Number of Filipino families displaced by Tropical Storm Kai-Tok, which made landfall on Saturday. Chest-deep water has been reported in some areas as flooding and heavy rains inundate the country. Al Jazeera
11,600 gallons Amount of fuel spilled into Oregon’s North Santiam River after a tanker truck crashed and exploded. The downstream city of Salem was forced to shut off its supply from the river, leaving the city without a key water source. Seattle Times
Science, Studies, And Reports
Based on the earth’s compression after the storm, scientists have inferred that Hurricane Harvey’s rainfall equaled 127 billion tons, or 34 trillion gallons. Researchers also believe that global warming from greenhouse gases amplified the storm’s heavy rainfall. NPR
On The Radar
In September, the United States and Mexico signed a landmark agreement determining how the two nations will prepare for and respond to drought in the Colorado River Basin. Progress on implementing the agreement has faltered, however, largely because the countries have yet to agree on a drought contingency plan. San Francisco Chronicle
Kayla Ritter is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, where she studied International Relations and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is currently based in Manton, Michigan. Kayla enjoys running, writing, and traveling. Contact Kayla Ritter
