Alright I'll break this down the best I can as a non-expert. The burn was on 2/6. The pollution that it put in the air has come and went. Sounds like areas to the north east of us had some acid rain as a result, though I don't know how much of that is confirmed. Acid rain isn't good but it's common for our area.
The biggest concern right now is for the soil close to EP and the water. The Issues with the water are that the contaminants can make their way into the aquifer and drain into waterways. Apparently chemicals can stay in an aquifer for a long time and can contaminate well water. That's why it's so important that people in that area get their water tested, and might need to for a while. The contaminants that are draining into waterways will make their way into the Ohio river which is taking it away from Pittsburgh toward the Mississippi. Communities down river from EP that source their water from the Ohio river will need to monitor the levels to ensure the water is safe. So far though the contaminants seem to be diluted to safe levels. Either way, Pittsburgh isn't affected.
Again, not an expert. Just someone following the news closely.
TheJon210 t1_j98nj6l wrote
Reply to Pollution worries in the Emsworth/West View area? by [deleted]
Alright I'll break this down the best I can as a non-expert. The burn was on 2/6. The pollution that it put in the air has come and went. Sounds like areas to the north east of us had some acid rain as a result, though I don't know how much of that is confirmed. Acid rain isn't good but it's common for our area.
The biggest concern right now is for the soil close to EP and the water. The Issues with the water are that the contaminants can make their way into the aquifer and drain into waterways. Apparently chemicals can stay in an aquifer for a long time and can contaminate well water. That's why it's so important that people in that area get their water tested, and might need to for a while. The contaminants that are draining into waterways will make their way into the Ohio river which is taking it away from Pittsburgh toward the Mississippi. Communities down river from EP that source their water from the Ohio river will need to monitor the levels to ensure the water is safe. So far though the contaminants seem to be diluted to safe levels. Either way, Pittsburgh isn't affected.
Again, not an expert. Just someone following the news closely.