Category Archives: Environment

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Two Local Mothers Work To Keep A Community From Losing Hope

Pictured above: Dawn Chapman (Left) and Karen Nickel, co-founders of Just Moms STL. Picture provided by Just Moms STL.

Pictured above: Dawn Chapman (Left) and Karen Nickel, co-founders of Just Moms STL. Picture provided by Just Moms STL.

Don Corrigan interviews Dawn Chapman and Karen Nickel, co-founders of Just Moms STL, in this edition of “Behind The Editor’s Curtain.” The duo shares their insight, research, perspectives, updates, and history about the issues surrounding the West Lake Landfill and their struggle to protect their kids, their family, and their community.

“The hardest thing is not getting people to action, but getting people not to lose hope,” Just Moms STL said. “The bureaucracy in this issue is huge and it’s so disgusting that people lose heart and say that nobody is going to come in and save us.”

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Corrigan’s Insight: Media’s Coverage Of The West Lake Landfill Issues

 

Don Corrigan’s new article in the Gateway Journalism Review has hit the newsstand!

A podcast featuring  Dawn Chapman and Karen Nickel, the founders of Just Moms STL, will be posted on Environmental Echo soon – be sure to check back for this exciting interview by Don Corrigan.

Corrigan’s article is entitled, “Media Cover — And Uncover — Environmental Problems in St. Louis.”  The article takes a close look at news media coverage of the dangers of radioactive waste at the West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton, Missouri, west of Lambert International Airport for St. Louis.

Corrigan spent time with Just Moms STL as part of his study and the community group’s interactions with the news media. Corrigan found that national coverage of the contaminated site has often exceeded the amount of local media attention to what some scientists view as a potential radioactive threat to a large area of the St. Louis region.

To read the article CLICK HERE.

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Nearly Four Decades of Protecting Missouri’s Natural Resources

Above: Angel Kruzen (left), Ken Midkiff (center), and Tom Kruzen (right). Photo provided by Tom Kurzen.

Above: Angel Kruzen (left), Ken Midkiff (center), and Tom Kruzen (right). Photo provided by Tom Kruzen.

Don Corrigan talks with Tom Kruzen, recipient of the 2015 Lewis C. Green Environmental Service Award, in this edition of “Behind the Editors Curtain.” Kruzen shares some of his experiences about working to protect Missouri’s natural resources for nearly four decades.

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The Meramec Coal-Fired Power Plant Continues To Cause Concern

Meramec Coal-Burning Power Plant. Photo: South County Times

Meramec Coal-Burning Power Plant. Photo: South County Times

Don Corrigan’s new South County Times article covers the continued concern over pollution from the Meramec coal-burning power plant, which is scheduled to close in 2022.

To read the article CLICK HERE.

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Franciscan Sisters: On The Path To Sustainability

Sister Renita Brummer (left) and Sister Norma Pimentel. All photos provided by Sister Renita Brummer.

Sister Renita Brummer (left) and Sister Norma Pimentel. All photos provided by Sister Renita Brummer.

In this edition of “Behind the Editor’s Curtain” with Don Corrigan, the spotlight is on  involvement by the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in local environmental issues and their thoughts about the recent visit by Pope Francis to the U.S.

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The Problem With Plastic

hand-1030565_1920In this edition of Don Corrigan’s “Behind The Editor’s Curtain,” he explores the issue of plastic pollution and legislation that could decide who can regulate the use of plastic bags – State or local officials?

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ROCKY FALLS: TRASH INTERVENES WITH BEAUTY

Don Corrigan at Rocky Falls. Photo by Emery Styron

Don Corrigan at Rocky Falls. Photo by Emery Styron

Outdoor/nature research sometimes must be interrupted by efforts to preserve the environment, such was the case on my recent float trip to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. On the August day my research was taking place, several empty plastic water bottles were discarded and left in the crevices of the boulders of Rocky Falls. It’s not that big of a hassle to clean up after others, but it’s disappointing to see a natural place of such beauty disrespected.

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Corrigan’s Corner Recap: Make a Bigger Difference Interfaith Event August 2015

 

Don Corrigan at the event: "Make a Bigger Difference: Environmental Action for Your Life, Your Community, and Your House of Worship." Photo: Holly Shanks

Don Corrigan speaking at the event, “Make a Bigger Difference: Environmental Action for Your Life, Your Community, and Your House of Worship.” Photo: Holly Shanks

 

I was invited to be the keynote speaker at an interfaith event this week. The event, “Make a Bigger Difference: Environmental Action for Your Life, Your Community, and Your House of Worship” had a great audience. They were engaged and asked some insightful and interesting questions.

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QUIET: NATURE RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

Don Corrigan takes a moment to rest in one of his favorite places. Photo provided by Emery Styron.

Don Corrigan takes a moment to rest in one of his favorite places. Photo provided by Emery Styron.

 

By Don Corrigan

August is a good time to do a little nature research in the watershed of the Jacks Fork and Current River watersheds. So, I headed out to one of my favorite areas located between Round Spring and Two Rivers on the Current River in the Mark Twain National Forest.

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“Beach Break”

Emery Styron (left), past publisher of River Hills Traveler, and Don Corrigan, editor of Webster-Kirkwood Times Inc. Photo provided by Emery Styron

Emery Styron (left), past publisher of River Hills Traveler, and Don Corrigan, editor of Webster-Kirkwood Times Inc. Photo provided by Emery Styron

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emery Styron (left), past publisher of River Hills Traveler, and Don Corrigan, editor of Webster-Kirkwood Times Inc., take time for a break on an August float trip on the Current River in the Mark Twain National Forest.

This “beach break” was between Jerk Tail landing and Two Rivers. Lots of talk in the river area about the new state park off Highway 19 and the impact it may have on river recreational traffic and the local economy.

Stay tuned for future installments and more pictures of Emery and Don’s great river trip adventure.