Source: Braidwood Times

After many years of planning and just over 12 months of construction, the new $3m Braidwood water treatment plant is nearing completion. Over the past few weeks, the principal contractor has been putting the finishing touches to the works and has been running the facility ‘off line’ as part of its own testing processes.

Source: Smithsonian.com

Last January, air pollution reached new levels of toxicity in China. Just how bad did things get? According to the Chinese Air Quality Index (AQI), measurements of particulate matter in the air reached more than 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter the northeastern part of country. That probably doesn’t mean anything to you without context though, so here it is: anything above 300 is considered “hazardous” and citizens are warned that they “may experience more serious health effects.” For even more context, consider that the U.S. AQI only goes up to 500. Air quality in China is a constant concern and while the recent toxic cloud has dissipated for now, a number of businesses are creating new ways to battle pollution at every scale – from personal designer face masks to inflatable architecture.

Source: The Moulton Advertiser  

Water Department Superintendent Greg Dutton has his fingers crossed that the problem with the taste and smell of Moulton's water has been corrected.

Source: Mountain View VOICE    by Daniel DeBolt

TCE vapors reach unacceptable levels; efforts to remedy it in progress

Source: Duluth News Tribune    By: John Myers

Coal-fired power plants in Minnesota have cut the amount of mercury they send through smokestacks by more than half in the last 15 years as the state tried to reduce its residents’ exposure to the toxic metal.

Source: Pittsburgh Business Times      Paul J. Gough

Calgon Carbon Corp. has received a $16 million to $22 million contract to supply activated carbon for mercury removal at coal-fired power plants.

Source: EIN NEWS

Mold and environmental consultants in the USA and Asia announce the new use of advanced equipment for the safe and effective killing and removal of mold, volatile organic compound problems, and bacterial infestations.

Source: Business Wire

Calgon Carbon Corporation (NYSE: CCC) reported that the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) announced today that the antidumping order on imports of steam activated carbon imported into the U.S. from China will remain in effect for at least five years.

Source: Philippine Information Agency      By Carlo P. Gonzaga

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is looking at creating a 150-hectare coconut industrial complex that would include all the essential support facilities for the coconut industry, according to its Coconut Industrial Development Plan.

Source: The Nation

Haycarb PLC, the Hayleys Group’s global activated carbon manufacturer last week said it had increased its activated carbon manufacturing capacity by 2,500 MT in the third quarter ended December 31, 2012 with the acquisition of a second plant in Thailand. According to Haycarb PLC Managing Director Rajitha Kariyawasam, the firm will pursue strategy initiatives to expand capacity in new locations in Indonesia coupled with continued emphasis on value addition projects in Sri Lanka.