Ashley Ahearn

Army Corps To Congress: Climate Change Of Burning Coal Won't Be Considered

Ashley Ahearn — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:33:45 +0000

The federal agency in charge of approving Northwest coal export terminals delivered a setback for environmentalists, telling a congressional panel Tuesday morning that it will not be considering the area-wide effects of transporting coal, or the global impact of burning it in Asia.

Seattle’s Dirty River Offers Gift Of Green Jobs

Ashley Ahearn — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:11:20 +0000

In a classroom at South Seattle Community College 14 local residents shimmy into hazmat suits, waving their arms like Michelin men and women. They’re part of a program run by the EPA to train people who live near Superfund sites to qualify to work on the cleanup.

Government Report: Coal Companies Are Pocketing Millions At Taxpayers’ Expense

Ashley Ahearn and Bonnie Stewart — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 20:19:26 +0000

Coal mining companies are saving tens of millions of dollars that should be going into state and federal treasuries, according to a new report by the Inspector General at the US Department of Interior.

Environmental Groups Sue Railway Alleging Coal Dumping

Ashley Ahearn — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:18:14 +0000

A coalition of environmental groups in Washington and Oregon has sued BNSF Railway and several coal companies, alleging trains are dumping coal in violation of the Clean Water Act.

Taking Killer Whale Research To Pacific Northwest Classrooms

Ashley Ahearn — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:21:50 +0000

Scientists believe that lack of food, underwater noise and pollution have contributed to the decline of Puget Sound’s iconic killer whales. One man is taking the latest orca research into classrooms around the Northwest.

EPA’s Duwamish Cleanup Plan Draws Skepticism

Ashley Ahearn — Thu, 30 May 2013 17:45:24 +0000

The final hearing on Wednesday regarding a cleanup plan for one of the Northwest’s most polluted rivers brought out concerns that it doesn’t do enough to protect fish, wildlife and human health.

Crowdfunding Coal Science In Pacific Northwest

Ashley Ahearn — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:22:39 +0000

Crowdfunding campaigns are popular ways to raise money for fledgling businesses and independent projects — and now scientific research. As state and federal agencies begin the environmental review process for the largest coal export terminals on the West Coast, some scientists are turning to the public for help with research of their own.

Vanquishing Zombie Fishing Nets In Puget Sound

Ashley Ahearn — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:06:55 +0000

Doug Monk has been a commercial diver on the Olympic Peninsula for some 20 years, harvesting shellfish and sea cucumbers. But for the past decade, he’s been after a different harvest: ghost nets.

Underwater Earthquake Recordings Reveal Mysterious Whale Calls

Ashley Ahearn — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:45:15 +0000

The blue whale is believed to be the largest animal ever to exist. But nobody remembers number two. Fin whales are the second-largest animals on the planet, weighing in at around 80 tons.

Time To Speak Is Now On $305 Million Duwamish Cleanup Plan

Ashley Ahearn — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:44:54 +0000

A century’s worth of contamination in Seattle's only river is about to get a $305 million cleanup. Before finalizing a decision on the proposed plan, the Environmental Protection Agency is asking the public to weigh in.