Pollution

Growing pollution in the Baltic Sea has been making it unswimmable and contaminating fish. Now Russia has sealed a deal to put a pipeline beneath the Baltic -- with big international repercussions.

"Lead in paint, gasoline and drinking water is prohibited as dangerous for health and the environment. But the material is scattered in abundance outdoors when it comes to hunting grounds and firing ranges. Tons of lead from ammunition can accumulate on the ground over years and decades. No federal law addresses lead containment at outdoor shooting ranges operating around the country."

"The EPA wants YOU. Uncle Sam's chief environmental agency is launching a citizens' watchdog program to help track water pollution and waste disposal related to natural gas production from the Marcellus Shale."

Toxic coal-tar liquids from ancient gas-manufacturing plants have been creeping through the soil of the mid-Hudson Valley for more than a century. Cleanup projects may cost some $3 billion.

"In December, the Justice Department announced a settlement in one of the largest environmental bankruptcies in U.S. history. The American Smelting and Refining Company, known as Asarco, will pay a record $1.79 billion to settle claims for hazardous waste pollution at 80 sites in as many as 20 states."

"A drilling technique that is beginning to unlock staggering quantities of natural gas underneath Appalachia also yields a troubling byproduct: powerfully briny wastewater that can kill fish and give tap water a foul taste and odor."

Lake Alice "is one of many water bodies on campus that would be considered impaired under new limits on nutrients proposed earlier this month by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous can cause algal blooms that can be deadly for fish and hazardous to humans."

Millions of gallons of raw and partially treated sewage are spilling into San Francisco Bay in dozens of places.

"Thousands of eastern Coachella Valley residents live in areas that potentially contain hazardous levels of arsenic in their groundwater, a problem officials say could cost millions to remedy."

"General Motors and Delphi Corp. spent 60 years making door and trunk latches, seat-belt fasteners and other metal parts for cars and trucks before shutting the Franklin Township [OH[ factory in 2007."