Damned Dams

Dams have been supplying water and controlling floods for hundreds of years. But what happens with they fail?

In 1889, the Johnstown dam in Pennsylvania broke, killing over 2,200 people. Above is an illustration of the break and a picture of the devastation. Currently, roughly 5% (or 4,400) of dams in the US are considered safety hazards.  Fixing these dams would cost billions of dollars, money that we don't have. Therefore, in order to deal with these comprised dams, officials have reduced holding levels and developed evacuation plans.. After the Gulf oil spill, I'm not convinced these interim measures are enough. A huge unexpected storm (the result of climate change, of course) could open the floodgates.

From an environmental standpoint, the construction of dams was a horrible idea. They disturb essential habitat and block paths for fish like salmon, which swim up river to reproduce. They disrupt natural erosion and sedimentation cycles, destroy wetlands, and alter temperature regimes.

However, dams made place for cities to flourish, and if they were to break, thousands of lives would be at risk. Also, the billions of gallons of water released from a break would not only carry an enormous amount of debris and sediment but also accumulated lead, mercury,  PCBs, nitrogen, and (guess what.) invasive species. The environmental consequences could be devastating to areas downstream, and a return to the ecosystems of old may be impossible. However, it has been shown that dam removal can help restore wetlands, temperatures, and salmon pathways.

So, do we remove the dams? Do we wait for something to happen? Or, do we fix them?

Eyes are Opening to the Potential of Sludge

Sludge from wastewater treatment plants is often dried and landfilled. But why? It's carbon rich. It's nutrient rich. It holds endless possibility. Finally, New York City is giving it a chance.

By allowing acetogenic and methanogenic microbes to digest the sludge, biogas (methane+CO2) is produced

What are some things sludge is good for?

FERTILIZER: sludge has high levels of nitrates, phosphates, and sulfates, which are essential for crop growth. Billions of dollars are spent on these types of fertilizers every year. Note: Direct application of sludge to fields can cause contamination of ground and surface waters.

ENERGY: Through anaerobic digestion (see diagram), sludge can be converted to methane gas. Energy can also be obtained by incineration.

ALGAE/BACTERIA: Biological mechanisms of obtaining useful products, such as energy, often require the nutrients that sludge provides.

Herb Gardens and Farmers' Markets

Earlier this summer, I went to one of Evanston’s several farmers’ markets and bought a basil plant. It served me beautifully for three long months, supplying me with loads of delicious fresh basil for omelettes, pastas, stirfries, and more.

However, basil doesn’t last through the summer, not usually at least. It's an annual plant so by season's end, the plant will die. Luckily, there are ways to extend the life of your basil, namely by constantly trimming the ends. In doing so, you prevent the basil from reaching maturity and going to seed (when the leaves won’t taste as good). I thought I was doing a good job, but time has started to get the best of my basil plant. After my last pesto, this is all that was left:

The current condition of my basil plant: yellow tinged but growing.

My friend, Sam, revitalized his droopy basil plant by fertilizing it. I think I’m going to try that too.

At $5 a plant vs. $1/oz. of packaged basil, my little project has probably saved me around $15.  The best part about my basil is that the slightest breeze from my window sends a wonderful, herby aroma through my apartment. My point: raising herb plants is a great idea. Why?

They:

•        are sustainable- No more packaging waste. I may be reaching, but they also suck up carbon dioxide from the air.
•        save you money
•        smell great
• inspire you to cook, which stops you from eating packaged processed food

I was a first-timer this year, and I’m never going back. I promise you that if you start, you won’t either. Money back guarantee. Besides basil, other great herbs include rosemary, parsley, mint, sage, thyme, chives, and tarragon. If you have an herb in mind, just figure out what it needs, and get to it.

As a note, farmers’ market season is ending so get cheap produce while you still can!

For all of you Evanstonions, here’s the low down:

Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market
Dates/Time: Saturdays, May 8 - November 6, 2010 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Intersection of University Place and Oak Ave.

West End Market
Dates: Saturdays, June 5 - Oct. 30, 2010
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Intersection of Church St. and Dodge Ave. (ETHS parking lot)

For people in Chicago, check this website out.

For everyone else, Google has your back.