This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, March 9th, 2022.

Later in the program, we revisit a report from WFHB Correspondent Sade Ajishegiri on local protests over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, “Increasing Gas Mileage” on Better Beware - your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on WFHB. More following today’s feature.

But first, your Environmental News Brief:

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has announced a new plan that will reduce the negative effects of a waste oil recycling plant on the southside of Indianapolis. The plant, run by Metalworking Lubricants Co. had previously been cited as a creator of air pollution and being the source behind a foul smelling odor that lingers over the nearby residential areas. Neighbors reported natural gas smells and found that the air quality was so poor that people couldn’t spend time outside. Metalworking Lubricants had previously violated air pollution laws, and five operating tanks at the facility are reported to be directly pumping pollution into the air. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management plans to scrub the operating tanks in an effort to improve odor and reduce pollution.

Reports of toxic algae have increased over the last few years and have caused severe harm to midwestern pets and their families. For example, a couple visiting Lake Centralia in Illinois last summer with their pet golden retriever were shocked when, after drinking from the lake, their dog, Zeus, began vomiting and having seizures. Sadly, Zeus passed away while being driven to emergency veterinarian care. The couple also suffered from negative effects, including vomiting, severe liver damage, and gastrointestinal issues. Stories like Zeus’ have become more common as fertilizer runoff into lakes increases and temperatures become warmer due to climate change. The lake they were visiting was found to have high levels of the toxin called microcystin, at around 41,000 parts per billion. The US Environmental Protection Agency’s heath guideline is around 8 parts per billion. Midwestern states have historically not tested recreational water bodies often enough, due to a lack of funding. However, the U.S. EPA has pledged to send federal grants to state agencies that should allow them to test water bodies more.

Earlier this week, the United Nations Environmental Program announced a new resolution signed by over 170 nations that hopes to begin the process of stopping the world’s plastic pollution. The resolution, titled “End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument” hopes to be the first step towards an enforceable plan to end plastic waste. This is a result of the acknowledgement of the United Nations that plastic provides a lot of benefits to modern society, and manufacturers are highly unlikely to independently stop producing plastic at any time soon. The United Nations view this resolution as necessary to begin the transition away from single use plastics and reduce microplastic pollution.

Ellettsville Town Council

Photo courtesy of Elletsville.

At the Ellettsville Town council meeting on February 28th Fire Chief Mike Cornman shared an amendment to the Ellettsville Town Code to Clarify Paid Time off Payout Eligibility.

Council member Scott Oldham asked about why there is a wide disparity between the levels of payout.

Cornman responded.

Oldham still didn’t agree with the current payout eligibility and said it should be equitable across the board.

Town Manager Mike Farmer stepped in to try and explain the confusion about the amount of payout employees could receive.