Journalist, artist Kate Woods dies in car accident.
She also pushed the EPA to clean up an abandoned mercury mine in New Idria that polluted local waterways.
She is listed as a mariachi pioneer on the mariachi website, mujeresenelmariachi.com: “Woods started playing violin when she was 10 years old.
She was recruited into the half-Anglo/half-Mexican mariachi called Mariachi Atzlán.
For the next 11 years, Kate went on to perform with many different mariachi groups throughout the greater San Francisco Bay area, including Mariachi Azteca, Mariachi Los Caltecas and Mariachi Los Monarcos.
She was known for her intelligence, razor-sharp wit, sense of humor, and random acts of kindness to strangers.
As a reporter and columnist with The Pinnacle newspaper from the late 1990s until it was sold in 2005, she covered local politics, the environment and wrote a popular weekly column titled “Report From the Badlands” a satirical look at San Benito County politics through the eyes of the “Mayor of New Idria” also known as Orange the Cat, named after the orange water contaminated by an abandoned mercury mine in New Idria.
“There will never be another Kate Woods.
Kate Woods was a fierce protector of San Benito County,” said Rick Rivas.
She became senior writer for the Pinnacle weekly based in Hollister CA from 1997 to 2006, specializing in award-winning articles on politics, the environment, science, scandals, and additionally wrote a popular political satire column (these columns were later compiled and published in Kate’s landmark 2012 memoir, Quicksilver Chronicles).

CBI to probe illegally set up cloth dyeing units in Mustafabad.
Following the reports, the Delhi High Court on Friday asked the CBI to conduct a probe to find out the names of officials who gave licences to run industrial units in residential areas where carcinogenic by-products are causing ground water pollution.
A bench of acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C. Hari Shankar decided to order an inquiry after it found out that the Delhi Police have failed in performing their duty and has been a mute spectator to such activities.
A CBI inquiry was necessary as one person had died due to discharge of carcinogenic chemicals by cloth dyeing units in Mustafabad locality of northeast Delhi, said the court.As reported by Millennium Post on May 15, the genesis of the abnormal rate of cancer was due to toxic chemicals used by the denim dyeing units operating illegally, in Mustafabad locality of North East Delhi.
"As long people are alive in that area, it is alright.
But people have died, that too poor people," said the bench.
It queried the authorities after taking cognisance of a news report about the discharge of carcinogenic chemicals by cloth dyeing units in Mustafabad locality of northeast Delhi.
According to the residents, they are elated with the news of CBI probe to curb the epidemic of carcinogenic chemical via cloth dyeing units.
Shiv Vihar, where most of the illegal colouring units are located, has a population of over 80,000 people.
According to its residents, it is among the ‘most backward’ places in Delhi; the area is also among the 90 minority districts identified by the UPA government.

City Manager Andy Hall explained that the Sheriff’s Department is currently negotiating a contract with the city and asking for increases.
“It’s simply unsustainable with the revenue in our community..The Sheriffs offer a menu of services they can provide to the residents of our community.
Hall suggested changing to the menu of services the Sheriffs provide.
Councilman Robert Patton expressed concern.
It would be sad if we were in the news about public safety,” he said.
Bradley said that with the implementation of a third party ticketing system, and a 90 percent collection rate, things are looking better for revenue in that department.
Mayor Serge Dedina expressed concern.
“We have to make sure we’re not targeting residents in blue collar neighborhoods to get revenue for the city,” he said.
Spriggs also suggested the city needs to look at traffic and parking when looking at economic development.
Councilman Ed Spriggs reminded the audience to attend the June 1 International Boundary Water Commission meeting at the Estuary Visitors Center at 6:30 p.m. Spriggs had asked to pull the item from the consent calendar on the resolution for continuing the state of emergency regarding the cross border pollution.

Trump Budget Slashes Funds to Help Rural America Keep Farm Pollution Out of Drinking Water.
WASHINGTON – Rural Americans were key to President Trump’s election, but the president’s proposed budget would reward their support by allowing more animal waste, toxic pesticides and fertilizer pollution in their drinking water, said EWG.
“President Trump has put a dirty-water bullseye on the backs of the very same voters who swept him into office,” said Craig Cox, senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources at EWG.
“If the president’s plan to cut programs that protect clean drinking water in farm country becomes law, his most ardent supporters will see even more manure, pesticides and nitrates fouling their drinking water sources than they do now.” Recent image from a Nebraska rest stop.
Trump’s budget proposal seeks to eliminate or slash federal funding for a number of vital programs that help states and rural communities deal with water pollution, much of which comes from polluted runoff from corn and soybean fields and factory farms.
One water protection program targeted for elimination is the Environmental Protection Agency’s 319 grant program for nonpoint source pollution.
EPA estimates that its nonpoint source pollution program has “partially or fully restored 674 water bodies” in the U.S.
Success stories of this initiative abound for virtually every state in the country, including Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio and Michigan.
In Iowa alone, there are 124 nonpoint source pollution projects that are either ongoing or completed.
Exposure to nitrates in drinking water has been linked to higher rates of thyroid, bladder and ovarian cancer, and can lead to so-called blue baby syndrome, which can be fatal to infants under 6 months old.

The Middle Route Project of the south to North Water Diversion Project will work with local governments to carry out water pollution emergency drills.
The traffic accident is caused by simulation with leakage of hazardous chemicals into the canal water pollution incident, and launched the emergency response and disposal of the water diversion project is the transport unit for the first time with the local government to carry out joint prevention and control emergency drills.
During the emergency drill site, a chemical tank for water falling is hoisted by a crane and cooled by water spraying.
The water pollution incident, middle construction authority belongs to the high element management office, Hebei branch of the relevant three level of operation and management mechanism respectively launched the emergency plan, immediately report the emergency office of the local government of Hebei Province, set up an emergency command, combined with the local government to carry out emergency rescue and disposal work.
During the emergency drill site, water quality monitoring personnel sampled the polluted waters.
Exercise aimed at improving water diversion project operation management units and the masses along the risk consciousness, test the emergency plan operability, practicability and cohesion effectiveness, comprehensive training and training management team, effectively promote the building authority and the local government to establish joint control mechanism of South-to-North Water Transfer Project, coordination and disposal unexpected events, improve the ability of South-to-North Water Transfer Project emergency disposal.
Water quality monitoring personnel on-site detection of water, the results are reported at any time.
Linkage, and the seat of the government emergency system seamless docking, joint defense joint control, to achieve joint response, coordinated operations; the whole line to carry out joint linkage linkage, to prevent secondary disasters, and ensure project safety.
South to North Water Diversion Central Construction Bureau deputy director Liu Xianliang said in an interview with reporters, the exercise process is actual combat process, test the feasibility and availability of the plan.
In addition, through exercises, South China north to coordinate the establishment of local governments coordination, communication and linkage mechanism to promote the coordination of South North Water Diversion local governments to prevent risk normalization.

Market Focus: Moo Moo Express Car Wash building 12th location.
Moo Moo Express Car Wash ‘moo-ving’ to Marysville, Ohio MARYSVILLE, Ohio — Moo Moo Express Car Wash announced that construction has started on its 12th Central Ohio location, according to a press release.
Moo Moo Express effectively washes vehicles with under 20 gallons of fresh water — less than the typical home washing machine, and drastically less than the 120 gallons of water typically used when washing at home or at older carwash facilities, the release added.
Crew Carwash raises over $54,000 for Riley Children’s Foundation INDIANAPOLIS — Crew Carwash announced that it is donating $54,884 to Riley Children’s Foundation, thanks to the generous donations of its customers, according to a press release.
In its inaugural fundraiser for Riley Children’s Foundation in 2016, Crew raised $31,563 to help fund the recruitment of leading experts to provide mothers and babies comprehensive care at Riley, the release stated; today, Riley has eight maternal-fetal medicine specialists.
A check presentation with Crew and Riley executives was held at Riley Children’s Hospital at Indiana University Health on May 24th, the release concluded.
Speedy Clean Car Wash now offering touch-free system MERRIMAN VALLEY, Ohio — According to www.akron.com, the Speedy Clean Car Wash at 1521 Akron-Peninsula Road will soon be renamed Valley Car Wash after it finishes undergoing renovations.
Tidal Wave Luxury Car Wash hosts grand opening CHESTERFIELD VALLEY, Mo.
It held its grand opening on May 20th, the article noted, where it offered free washes and prizes.
From soft wraps, rinse water, every aspect has been thought out in detail.” Wash prices start at $7, the article noted.

Environmental Protection Officer (Water Quality Modelling) (Waste and Water Stream).
Job Description Environmental Protection Officer (Water Quality Modelling) (Waste and Water Stream) Location: Appointments Section, Environmental Protection Department, 12/F Guardian House, 32 Oi Kwan Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong An Environmental Protection Officer (Water Quality Modelling) (Waste and Water Stream) is mainly deployed to – (a) develop, review, maintain and apply mathematical water quality and hydrodynamic models; (b) develop and manage geographic information system on hydrology, water quality and pollution inventory; (c) evaluate and apply mathematical methods and statistical techniques in water quality and hydrologic data analyses; (d) plan and implement water quality and hydrodynamic modelling studies, investigations and surveys; (e) give advice on waste management and land or water pollution issues, and provide professional input to project assessment with regard to water quality and hydrodynamic modelling; (f) manage departmental computer facilities; (g) assist in the preparation of policy and legislative proposals and in the development of codes of practice, guidelines, procedures, standards, objectives and strategies in relation to the control of land or water pollution, and waste management and disposal; (h) plan and implement land or water pollution studies, control schemes and projects, and investigations and surveys; and (i) assist through various means, such as the preparation and presentation of educational and publicity materials, in conveying waste management and water quality management policies and strategies to the public, and to various community representatives.
Entry Requirements Candidates should have – (a) (i) a Hong Kong First or Second Class honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering subject, and three years’ post-graduate experience at an appropriate level of responsibility relevant to waste management or water pollution, with at least one year relevant to water quality and hydrodynamic modelling; or (ii) Corporate Membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers of a relevant discipline (see Note (1)) elected after 5 December 1975, or equivalent, and three years’ training or experience at an appropriate level of responsibility relevant to waste management or water pollution, with at least one year relevant to water quality and hydrodynamic modelling (not necessarily obtained after Membership); (b) a pass result in the Aptitude Test (AT) in the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE); and (c) met the language proficiency requirements of Level 2 in the two language papers [Use of Chinese (UC) and Use of English (UE)] in the CRE, or equivalent (See Note (2)).
Enquiry Address Appointments Section, Environmental Protection Department, 12/F Guardian House, 32 Oi Kwan Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong Enquiry Telephone 3521 0875 Master Pay Scale Point 27 (HK$49,445 per month) to Master Pay Scale Point 44 (HK$99,205 per month) Advertising Date 26/05/2017 Closing Date(dd/mm/yyyy) 09/06/2017 23:59:00

Fire broke out in engine room of product tanker Zircone in the Gulf of Riga.
Fire broke out in engine room of product tanker Zircone in the Gulf of Riga.
The accident occurred shortly after vessel left port of Riga in Latvia with cargo of 7,000 tons of diesel oil.
The crew started firefighting in attempt to rescue the ship and extinguish the flames.
The Master did not requested evacuation of the crew and after half day the flames were put under control.
The disabled vessel was towed back to Riga Shipyard for further repairs and special survey.
The local authorities will follow investigation for the source of the fire.
Fortunately during the accident there were no injured people and no water pollution.
The troubled tanker was under monitoring by the local authorities and tugs and Coast Guard patrol boats were sent at the scene.
The general cargo ship San Rafael suffered cargo shift and lost several container in Atlantic Ocean during a voyage from Namibe (Angola) to Vigo (Spai…

There is a need to take all possible measures to prevent JK’s environment and ecology getting polluted on a large scale.Coordinator, Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell, Tassaduq Mufti today said this during his meeting with senior officers of J&K State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) to discuss issues pertaining to pollution.
During the meeting, many concerns related to increasing pollution level in the environment were discussed in length including pollution caused by cement factories, brick kilns and stone crushers, pollution of water bodies by untreated sewage, untreated solid waste, status of Bio-Medical Waste Disposal, Solid Waste Management, impact of ban on plastic carry bags, Electronic Waste disposal, containment of drinking water sources by pesticides and waste of Sewage treatment plants, implementation of noise pollution code in sensitive areas, infrastructure put in place for water, air quality monitoring and others.
Members from civil society also raised various concerns to draw the attention of the government towards putting a check on activities leads to increase pollution level in the environment.
Terming Environment Pollution a threat to human as well as other living beings, Tassaduq Mufti asked the State Pollution Control Board (PCB) to work effectively and efficiently for eliminating industrial pollution, air pollution, water pollution and the over pollution in the ambience.
While discussing the issue of pollution caused by cement factories and brick kilns, officers of PCB informed the meeting that guidelines have been already issued to install on-line Continuous (24×7) Monitoring Devices for better monitoring.
Issue of brick kilns being operated illegally and contributing in releasing emissions in the air was discussed.
Further they said that the District Magistrate has conferred with the power to shut down the operations of brick kilns running illegally.
Tassaduq Mufti asked the PCB to provide inputs so that a mechanism can be put in place to check establishment of illegal brick kilns.
Discussing the issue of containment of water sources by Sewage treatment plant waste and other means, Tassaduq Mufti asked the concerned officers to take all necessary measures to save these water bodies from getting polluted.
PCB officers informed the meeting that monitoring of water quality is being done on regular basis and reports are being sent to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

April 2017: NSW Land and Environment Court ordered Council to pay $175,000 for sewage spill Hawkesbury City Council (HC Council) owns and operates a sewage treatment plant in New South Wales and holds an environment protection licence (EPL) for the premises in respect of sewage treatment.
HC Council employees carried out maintenance work of certain plant and equipment including reinstalling parts.
HC Council pleaded guilty to each offence.
Justice Pain noted that the incidents were in the moderate to high end of the low range of objective seriousness and resulted from obvious deficiencies in HC Council’s operating systems, particularly the absence of maintenance checks.
More spills in NSW The EPA has a number of options when determining to regulate a breach of the POEO Act.
For example, it may issue a penalty notice, enter into an enforceable undertaking with the offender or, for more serious offences, like the HC Council example, prosecute.
Penalty notice offences A penalty notice for pollution of waters can attract a penalty of up to $15,000 (for a corporation) for each offence.
This includes undertaking physical works and plant upgrades as well as improving environmental compliance systems, including updating practices and procedures and undertaking employee training; and Financial contributions to an environmental project.
Thames Water was charged with 14 offences involving discharge of untreated sewage into the River Thames from four sewage treatment works and a large sewage pumping station.
Thames Water pleaded guilty to all offences and was fined over 20 million GBP.