Earthfix Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

A Dispute Is Brewing Over Mercury Air Pollution In Columbia River Gorge

By Courtney Flatt August 24, 2018

A view of the Columbia River Gorge. CREDIT: GORD MCKENNA/FLICKR-CREATIVE COMMONS

Two hazardous waste companies operating along the Columbia River are arguing over mercury pollution getting into the air. One company, TD*X, is accusing the other, Chemical Waste Management, of releasing mercury into the air. The report goes on to say regulators aren’t requiring strong pollution controls.Read More

Four Years After Carlton Complex Devastated Okanogan County, What Have We Learned?

By Ashley Ahearn August 17, 2018

In this July 24, 2014, the remains of structures that were destroyed by wildfires near Pateros, Wash. The Carlton Complex fire was the largest in Washington State history. CREDIT: AP IMAGES/TED S. WARREN

For people living in the “wildland-urban interface,” wildfire risk is the new normal, and the risk is increasing as more people move into places where cul-de-sac meets forest or sagebrush. Read More

How Conservationists Are Using AI And Big Data To Aid Wildlife

By NWPB News August 15, 2018

A whale shark. Big data and AI allows scientists to rapidly comb through thousands of photos and identify individuals using the skin patterning behind the gills and any scars they might have. CREDIT: SIMON J. PIERCE/COURTESY WILD ME

A Portland-based organization has developed a digital tool called Wildbook that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to expedite wildlife identification.Read More