The Stream, November 12, 2019: AP Investigation Identifies Hundreds of High-Hazard Dams Across United States

The Global Rundown

An investigation of dams in the United States identifies 1,688 structures as “high-hazard.” Deadly wildfires flare in parched New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. A new proposal by the U.S. EPA looks to limit the science used to determine public health regulations. The government of Thailand tells farmers not to grow off-season rice due to drought concerns. The court date nears for a dispute between Florida and Georgia over oysters in Apalachicola Bay. 

“These are like ticking bombs just sitting there, waiting for the wrong conditions to occur to cause catastrophic failure.” –Craig Fugate, a former administrator at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in reference to aging and unsafe dams across the United States. A two-year investigation by The Associated Press found 1,688 high-hazard dams in poor or unsatisfactory condition in 44 states and Puerto Rico. Researchers say the actual number of dangerous dams is likely much higher considering gaps in public records and dam safety ratings. Many of the dams are upstream from homes, businesses, and communities. AP

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By The Numbers

22 Provinces in Thailand that have been asked to not grow rice during the off-season due to below-average water supplies in the country. Officials say current reservoir levels hold enough water for consumption, but not for additional rice-growing. Reuters

Science, Studies, and Reports

New South Wales, Australia, declared a state of emergency on Monday due to “catastrophic” wildfires that have broken out over the past week. The fires, which are affecting the state of Queensland as well, have left three people dead and burned dozens of buildings. NPR

In context: In Australia, Echoes of Past, Glimpses of Future As Country Braces for Hot, Dry Summer.

On the Radar

A new draft proposal by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would force scientists to turn over all raw data before the EPA could evaluate the conclusions of academic studies. The agency says the new rule would foster transparency and allow independent verification of conclusions. Critics, however, say the proposal limits the science that can be used, and would hamper lawmaking related to clean air and water, as many of these laws rely on studies that include confidential personal health information. The New York Times

For decades, Florida and Georgia have quarrelled over sharing of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river system, which originates in Georgia and flows to the Florida panhandle. A 2013 lawsuit by Florida alleges that overuse of the river by Georgia restricted water flow, permanently devastating oyster fishing in Florida’s Apalachicola Bay, but Georgia says a limit on their water use could be detrimental to its farmers. Case special master Judge Paul Kelly recently heard arguments over the issue, and is preparing an opinion for the U.S. Supreme Court. U.S. News & World Report

Kayla Ritter

Kayla Ritter is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, where she studied International Relations and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is currently based in Manton, Michigan. Kayla enjoys running, writing, and traveling. Contact Kayla Ritter