Sunday, August 24, 2014

Earthquakes in California, Earthquakes and Volcanoes in Iceland

While the Bay are of California suffered a "rolling" 6.3 magnitude earthquake overnight, Iceland felt multiple earthquakes over 5.0.  The latter are among more than 1000 other earthquakes in Iceland this month, suggesting a possible eruption of the Bardarbunga volcano.  Yesterday Iceland issued an aviation red alert warning that an ash-emitting eruption may be imminent.


Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Rodd to Speak at August SPH Meeting - August 21

The August meeting of Sustainable Potomac Highlands will feature a report from an organization that is gathering the latest scientific information about the effects of climate change on our area.  The featured speaker at the meeting -- on Thursday August 21 (moved from August 14 because of the Fair) -- will be Thomas Rodd, director of the Allegheny Highlands Climate Change Impacts Initiative.

The Initiative, a project of the Friends of Blackwater, has dedicated itself to pursuing answers to such questions as:
  • In a warming world, what does the future hold for the region's agriculture, forestry, tourism and outdoor recreation economy?
  • What are the risks from changing weather patterns and extreme weather events?
  • What do people who care about the Highlands – including property owners and managers, visitors, businesses, civic leaders, professionals, educators, scientists, and local government -- need to know and consider, to best respond to the impacts of climate change?

The organization’s first conference, held in Blackwater Falls in June, drew more than 160 people from the region to hear a daylong presentation by 20 leading biologists, climatologists and other scientists on what is already happening, and what is expected to happen, in our region because of climate change.

Tom Rodd will speak about the conference, some of its surprising findings, and about the ongoing plans of the Initiative to find and share more scientific information on the major crisis of our time.

Mr. Rodd will speak at 7pm Thursday, August 21, at the Hampshire County Health Department Building in Augusta. Anyone who is interested is welcome to attend, the event is free and open to the public.

Sustainable Potomac Highlands this month observes the first anniversary of its organization to promote sustainable and resilient living in Hampshire County and nearby communities. It is affiliated with the Transition movement, which seeks to help people prepare for life in a post-climate change, post-peak oil world. More information can be found atwww.sustainablepotomachighlands.com.

Seeking future WV AmeriCorps Candidates

Alert Header for Constant Contact


WV AmeriCorps Programs 
Recruiting for September 2014
Did you know. . you can launch your career through AmeriCorps service? 
Projects vary from mentoring youth, promoting the arts, developing community gardens, or kick-starting main street development. Consider applying for an AmeriCorps position today. Slots are available throughout West Virginia for September 2014-2015 program year. 

Benefits include: Monthly living stipend, Segal Education Award, health insurance, student loan forbearance, career development, and more. 

Learn who is recruiting in your community click here. 

Friday, August 8, 2014

Fracking, Gas and Oil Activities in Hampshire County

Hampshire County, West Virginia Oil and Gas Activity

(Click the Well ID number to see landowner names and maps.)

Well ID Operator Name Spud Date Producing
47-027-00019       CRAB RUN GAS COMPANY 1965-07-24      No
47-027-00018      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      Yes
47-027-00015      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      Yes
47-027-00014      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO. 1964-06-20      No
47-027-00017      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      Yes
47-027-00016      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO. 1965-02-19      Yes
47-027-00011      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      Yes
47-027-00010      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      Yes
47-027-00013      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      No
47-027-00012      OPERATOR UNKNOWN 1963-09-02      No
47-027-00036      OPERATOR UNKNOWN      No
47-027-00034      CRAB RUN GAS COMPANY 1973-12-04      No
47-027-00032      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      Yes
47-027-00031      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      No
47-027-00030      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      Yes
47-027-00039      OPERATOR UNKNOWN      No
47-027-00038      EQT PRODUCTION COMPANY 1983-03-31      No
47-027-00004      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      Yes
47-027-00005      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO. 1955-01-30      Yes
47-027-00046      CARRIZO (MARCELLUS), LLC      No
47-027-00044      COLUMBIA GAS TRANSMISSION, LLC 2006-10-12      Yes
47-027-00045      CARRIZO (MARCELLUS), LLC 2009-10-23      No
47-027-00042      COLUMBIA GAS TRANSMISSION, LLC 2006-07-10      Yes
47-027-00043      COLUMBIA GAS TRANSMISSION, LLC      Yes
47-027-00040      OPERATOR UNKNOWN      No
47-027-00041      COLUMBIA GAS TRANSMISSION, LLC      Yes
47-027-00024      COLUMBIA GAS TRANSMISSION, LLC      Yes
47-027-00025      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      Yes
47-027-00026      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      Yes
47-027-00027      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO. 1970-05-14      No
47-027-00020      COLUMBIA NATURAL RESOURCES, LLC      No
47-027-00021      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      Yes
47-027-00022      COLUMBIA GAS TRANSMISSION, LLC      Yes
47-027-00023      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      No
47-027-00008      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      Yes
47-027-00009      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      Yes
47-027-00029      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      Yes
47-027-00002      OPERATOR UNKNOWN      No
47-027-00003      HAMPSHIRE GAS CO.      Yes
47-027-00001      OPERATOR UNKNOWN      No
47-027-00006      OXY USA, INC.      No
47-027-00007      OPERATOR UNKNOWN

Thursday, August 7, 2014

STEM in Agriculture: September 22 and 23 - Georgetown University


Integrating STEM Learning in Communities 
September 22-23, 2014
Georgetown University Hotel & Conference Center
3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007

Cost:
Individual - $360
Team of 3 or more people - $330 per perso
n

Deepening STEM Learning through Agriculture

Understanding the connection between science and agriculture is critical today and will become more so as we look ahead to the challenges related to feeding 9 billion people in 2050.

Agriscience encompasses everything from animal nutrition, plant fertilization and spacing, pest management, and handling of food and fiber products between farms and the consumers. How do we translate this tangible application to the classroom?

With the help of Murray State University and DelCastle Technical High School, the Harnessing the Power of Agriculture with STEM pathway takes an issues-based approach to understanding the ways agriscience deepens student understanding of STEM content using relevant, real-world examples.

Come engage in teaching and learning best practices that excite students and demonstrate the relevance of agriscience now and in the future. Problem-solving and inquiry-based activities provide a structure for learning and teaching content including: biofuels, crop management, biodiversity, conservation, nutrition, and genetics.

Join us at the Next Steps Institute!



EPA: Emergency Disinfection on Drinking Water

From EPA's Office of Water:

Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water


Use only water that has been properly disinfected for drinking, cooking, making any prepared drink, or for brushing teeth.


  1. Use bottled water that has not been exposed to flood waters if it is available.
  2. If you don't have bottled water, you should boil water to make it safe. Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for boiling. Boil the water for one minute, let it cool, and store it in clean containers with covers.
  3. If you can't boil water, you can disinfect it using household bleach. Bleach will kill some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms that may be in the water. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for disinfection. Add 1⁄8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach for each gallon of water, stir it well and let it stand for 30 minutes before you use it. Store disinfected water in clean containers with covers.
  4. If you have a well that has been flooded, the water should be tested and disinfected after flood waters recede. If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice.
U.S. federal agencies and the Red Cross recommend these same four steps to disinfect drinking water in an emergency. Please, read each tab below for important details about disinfection, how to choose a disinfection method, and 7 Steps to Emergency Drinking Water Disinfection.

Lots more below or at the EPA link.