An annual report out this week shows air quality in North Carolina and other southeastern states is continuing to improve. Federal and state laws have made the difference, but there’s concern lawmakers may try to weaken those rules. The 18th annual State of the Air report from the American Lung Association shows ozone and particle … More Report says laws have helped improve region’s air
There was a strange sight in Davidson a few weeks ago – workers in white suits mowing lawns. It’s part of a $3 million asbestos cleanup by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at about 20 homes and other properties around an old mill. The asbestos came from the old Carolina Asbestos factory, which operated nearby from … More Mowing lawns in white suits, as Davidson asbestos cleanup gets underway |WFAE
N.C. Division of Public Health announcement The Health Assessment, Consultation and Education Program within the N.C. Division of Public Health will hold a community meeting to provide asbestos-related health education Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, from 4-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Davidson United Presbyterian Church, 116 Depot St., Davidson.
An update on that Davidson asbestos site I’ve been following for WFAE: Contractors have finished installing a plastic liner, fresh earth and a fiber mat over an asbestos site at the Metrolina Warehouse at 301 Depot St. Last fall, runoff was discovered flowing from a slope behind the old mill, off Sloan Street in Davidson.
Despite the Trump administration’s freeze on new Environmental Protection Agency contracts, a federal cleanup of asbestos found at homes in Davidson remains on track. Meanwhile, state officials say work will start next week to cap asbestos that spilled near an old factory in the neighborhood. Here’s my latest story at WFAE, with details on next week’s … More Work begins Mon. on asbestos site; EPA cleanups still on track | WFAE
I’ve been spending time in recent weeks talking to people about the Metrolina Warehouse in Davidson, which lies between downtown and the West Side. A new redevelopment plan – a four-story building with 183 apartments – is farther along than any in the 24 years since I’ve lived in Davidson. But there’s still the problem … More Davidson mill redevelopment unearths asbestos, old tensions | WFAE
Luna was spectacular this evening, wasn’t she? A full moon on the first day of summer. (David Boraks photo) … More Photo: Solstice Moon
On Davidson Town Day May 7, I had a chance to take the town’s ELF for a spin. That’s E-L-F for electric, light and fun, three words that describe the three-wheeled vehicles made by Organic Transit in Durham. These sleek, recumbent bicycles — the kind you sit down to ride – come with pedals, handlebars and … More Trying out an ELF, a solar battery assisted bicycle | WFAE
Tesla wants to sell electric cars from its showroom in Matthews. But dealers have exercised their right under state law to challenge its dealer application. They duked it out at a 2-day hearing in Matthews this week. There’s a lot at stake here. Here’s my coverage on WFAE, including comments from environmentalist/race car driver Leilani … More With Model 3 on the way, Tesla faces a roadblock from other dealers | WFAE
Early environmentalists had some clout. A century ago, state lawmakers designated Mount Mitchell as North Carolina’s first state park. That came after citizens and officials grew worried about increased logging near the peak. Since then, the state park system has grown to 75 protected parks, lakes, beaches, and other natural areas. In my latest feature … More Mt. Mitchell was just the start for NC parks, now 100 years old | WFAE
David Boraks 