Pollution Coverage

At plastics treaty talks in Canada, sharp disagreements on whether to limit plastic production

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Nations made progress on a treaty to end plastic pollution, finishing the latest round of negotiations in Canada early Tuesday amid sharp disagreements about whether to put global limits on plastic production.

By JENNIFER McDERMOTT, Associated Press

EPA announces rules to curb power plant pollution

New rules will limit four types of power plant pollution in the US, including first-ever limits on carbon emissions for coal-fired plants.

New federal rules would require power plants to cut pollution

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing four new regulations Thursday that will cut pollution from power plants. Environmental organizations are applauding the move.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

New air quality report raises concerns about ozone pollution in Raleigh, Durham

The Raleigh-Durham metro area set a new best-ever level for year-round particle pollution, but levels of ozone smog increased. This is according to the American Lung Association's 2024 "State of the Air" report released on Wednesday.

WRAL staff

Triangle's air quality a mixed bag, ozone smog increases as particle pollution remains low

The American Lung Association released its "State of the Air" report Wednesday morning -- highlighting the air quality in the Triangle. The increased levels of ozone smog are raising some concerns.

In Depth with Dan: Examining the environmental impact of balloon releases

The town of Duck in the Outer Banks has unanimously passed an ordinance that bans anyone from doing a balloon release.

PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' Are Pervasive in Water Worldwide, Study Finds

They're in makeup, dental floss and menstrual products. They're in nonstick pans and takeout food wrappers. Same with rain jackets and firefighting equipment, as well as pesticides and artificial turf on sports fields.

Delger Erdenesanaa, New York Times

EPA sets strict emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks and buses in bid to fight climate change

The new standards will especially benefit an estimated 72 million people in the United States who live near freight routes used by trucks and other heavy vehicles and bear a disproportionate burden of dangerous air pollution, the agency said.

Planting, planning can help NC get to 'net zero' emissions

The United States and North Carolina have goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reach "net zero" by 2050. Here's what that really means.

How balloon releases affect the environment

Balloon releases are a common practice for remembering loved ones who have passed away, but they can cause environmental harm and harm wildlife.

Are balloon releases worth the environmental cost?

Balloon releases are a common practice for remembering loved ones who have passed away, but they can cause environmental harm and harm wildlife.

Dan Haggerty, WRAL anchor/reporter

Study links rise in air pollution to lower student test scores

Polluted air could be dragging down test scores for kids, according to a recent study of students in North Carolina.

Nearly Half the States Sue EPA Over New Limits on Deadly Pollution

Manufacturers and 24 states sued the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday over the Biden administration's decision to tighten limits on fine industrial particles, one of the most common and deadliest forms of air pollution.

Lisa Friedman, New York Times

Polluted Flowers Smell Less Sweet to Pollinators, Study Finds

The damage that air pollution can do is wide-ranging and well-known: The chemicals produced by human activities can trap heat in the atmosphere, change the chemistry of the oceans and harm human health in myriad ways.

Emily Anthes, New York Times

Trash from Fayetteville homeless encampment headed to the Cape Fear River

There are piles of trash underneath the Person Street Bridge near the Cape Fear River in Fayetteville. The city of Fayetteville is responsible for keeping the area clean.

Gilbert Baez, WRAL Fayetteville reporter

Cape Fear River polluted with trash from homeless encampment after heavy rain

The trash flowing into the Cape Fear River is being generated by a homeless encampment that's growing under the Person Street Bridge.

EPA proposes requirement to remove lead pipes from US water systems within 10 years

The US Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a rule that would require water systems across the country to replace millions of lead service lines within 10 years. The rule would accelerate progress toward the Biden administration goal of removing 100% of lead pipes; lead exposure is linked to significant health and developmental problems, especially for children. The EPA proposal said lines must be replaced within 10 years

Deidre McPhillips, CNN

UN says 'forever chemicals' in NC water violate human rights

The United Nations is taking action on forever chemical contamination in North Carolina, saying widespread pollution of the chemicals violates international human rights law.

U.N. appointed experts express concerns about Chemours

In a series of letters sent to the company and its parent company, Dupont, the group warned of "blatant human rights concerns," saying the company disregarded those in the area when they dumped forever chemicals into the Cape Fear River.

Air pollution from coal-fired plants is much more deadly than originally thought, study finds

(CNN) -- No pollution is good for anyone's health, but a new study found that scientists may have significantly underestimated just how deadly pollution from coal-fired plants can be. It also shows how tighter regulations can work.

By Jen Christensen, CNN

Cleanup begins at 2 hazardous waste sites, decades after contamination

Cristex Drum in Oxford and GHM Electronics in Roxboro are considered hazardous sites, and the EPA spent over $11 million to clean them up. WRAL climate change reporter Liz McLaughlin toured the sites on Monday to see what needs to happen.

Developer sued in Durham, accused of polluting Falls Lake

Sound Rivers is suing Mungo Homes for allegations the company is violating the Clean Water Act by polluting Martin Branch Creek with sediment. The creek flows into Falls Lake, a drinking water source. The developer is denying the allegations.

Lawsuit alleges developer is polluting Raleigh's drinking water

Sound Rivers is suing Mungo Homes for allegations the company is violating the Clean Water Act by polluting Martin Branch Creek with sediment. The creek flows into Falls Lake, a drinking water source. The developer is denying the allegations.

Shelle Jackson, WRAL reporter

Tests show lower levels of 1,4-dioxane in Pittsboro water supply

Pittsboro officials received additional test results Tuesday showing the concentration of an industrial chemical has dipped below the EPA's health advisory level and is decreasing. A discharge of 1,4-dioxane was released into the Haw River from a Burlington municipal wastewater treatment plant on Sept. 14.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL Climate Change Reporter

Toxic chemical found in Pittsboro drinking water

A release of a chemical called 1,4 dioxane happened in the Haw River near Burlington. Pittsboro, which is 30 miles away, uses the Haw River for its drinking water.