Transforming Appalachian streams: A tale of turning acid-mine pollution into beauty

In Appalachian Ohio, an innovative project transforms harmful mine drainage into valuable commercial products, revitalizing local ecosystems.

Kate Morgan reports for Vox.


In short:

  • An Ohio project is converting acid mine drainage into commercial pigments, rejuvenating local waterways.
  • This initiative creates jobs, supports local communities, and promotes environmental recovery.
  • The approach could be a model for similar ecological restoration efforts in Appalachia and beyond.

Key quote:

“Clean water is a right for every person and every creature on the planet. Thinking about this through an environmental justice lens, there’s no reason people should have orange streams running through their backyard.”

— Michelle Shively MacIver, Director of Project Development at True Pigments.

Why this matters:

This project exemplifies innovative environmental remediation, crucial for revitalizing ecologically damaged areas. It demonstrates how local initiatives can make a significant impact in addressing national environmental challenges and improving health outcomes.

About the author(s):

EHN Curators
EHN Curators
Articles curated and summarized by the Environmental Health News' curation team. Some AI-based tools helped produce this text, with human oversight, fact checking and editing.

You Might Also Like

Recent

Top environmental health news from around the world.

Environmental Health News

Your support of EHN, a newsroom powered by Environmental Health Sciences, drives science into public discussions. When you support our work, you support impactful journalism. It all improves the health of our communities. Thank you!

donate