The Stream, April 2: Duke Energy Told to Excavate Coal Ash Pits in North Carolina

The Global Rundown

North Carolina’s environmental agency tells Duke Energy to excavate all its coal ash in order to cut water contamination risks. The first cholera death is reported in Mozambique following Cyclone Idai. Great Lakes Michigan and Huron are expected to rise by almost a foot this summer. Another round of heavy rain hammers the midwestern United States, raising Mississippi River water levels. Angry Venezuelans plan protests over water and power shortages.

“We’ll see each other in the streets tomorrow. We will not hide from the dictator.” –Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader, in reference to protests in Caracas. On Sunday, residents of the capital city set up burning barricades and called for a restoration of electricity and water, which have been intermittent for months. More demonstrations are planned as President Nicolas Maduro looks to begin power rationing. Reuters

In context: HotSpots H2O: Worst-Ever Power Outage Deepens Venezuela Water Insecurity.

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By The Numbers

6 Operational coal-burning plants in North Carolina, owned by Duke Energy Corp., that were ordered to excavate their coal ash dumps in order to prevent water contamination. Coal ash contains pollutants like mercury, lead, and arsenic, and has been known to leach into groundwater. The New York Times

8 trillion gallons Amount of water that is expected to flow into Great Lakes Michigan and Huron this summer, leading to a rise of nearly a foot. All of the Great Lakes are expected to have above-average water levels in coming months. MLive

Science, Studies, And Reports

Cholera cases have topped 500 and the first death has been reported in Beira, Mozambique, in the wake of Cyclone Idai. The disaster left more than 700 people dead and displaced an estimated 1.85 million in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Reuters

On The Radar

Another rainstorm deluged the midwestern U.S. over the weekend, causing the Mississippi River to rise. Several fields and roadways have been swamped, although the flooding is not as severe as the March floods along the Missouri River. The New York Times

In context: Historic Missouri River Flood Damages Water Infrastructure.

Kayla Ritter

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