Monthly Archives: May 2011

Coal and Climate.

Posted on May 24, 2011 by

Today brave activists in Chicago have blocked coal barges and scaled smoke stacks to force Midwest Generation to bring cleaner air to the region.  Good luck and be safe.  Ya’ll are awesome. Also Bill McKibben “cautions” against drawing conclusions between … Continue reading →

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Dangerous silt left behind as the 2011 Ohio and Mississippi floods recede.

Posted on May 18, 2011 by

With strong western winds came sunshine. The last of the season’s snow had melted and those along the shore prepared for spring. Chainsaws cleared driftwood from the shoreline. The smell of burning wood and fresh manure wafted out onto the … Continue reading →

Posted in Flood of 2011, Pollution, The Lower Mississippi River, The Ohio River, Uncategorized, Water | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Paused by floodwaters on the lower Ohio River. Ledbetter, KY–Mile 931.

Posted on May 12, 2011 by

Reflections on my first stormy night back in Pittsburgh. May 5, 2011 Ankle-deep alfalfa crushed beneath my boots and parted as I pulled my boat out of the muddy water. The scent of manure, trampled vegetation, and water hung in … Continue reading →

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Flooding along the lower Ohio River–2011

Posted on May 7, 2011 by

Still, silent, and brown the river spread out across the horizon.  It hung over rooftops and roadways–swirled around young green leaves on tress normally 30 feet above the surface.  The hum of twin outboard engines resounded in the distance. The … Continue reading →

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Inspecting the levee.

Posted on May 5, 2011 by

Late last night I walked a drainage ditch with my headlamp inspecting areas where water from the Ohio was boiling slowly into town.  Overhead stars shone brightly, and the cool north wind blew dust off the levee and moist air … Continue reading →

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