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 Preshow Return to index of stories... |
Next on New Hampshire Outlook. Farewell from the state legislature as it leaves redistricting to the state supreme court. and. We continue a special week-long look at the Granite State's hidden hazards. In this program, we're looking at the gasoline additive MtBE. Is it contaminating your water supply? What can you do about it? |
| Hello Return to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Allison McNair. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Intro MTBE Return to index of stories... |
You can't see it, but you can smell it at high concentrations. MtBE is used in gasoline to help satisfy the state requirement for clean air standards, but it could be contaminating your water supply. All this week we're looking at Hidden Hazards in our environment. Tonight, producer Tai Freligh has more on the use of MtBE and what's being done to get it out of our gasoline and environment. |
| MTBE Return to index of stories... |
New Hampshire uses reformulated gasoline, which contains MtBE, or Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether. It helps promote cleaner combustion of gas and reduces emissions of harmful pollutants. MtBE is the primary oxygenate used in RFG and accounts for about 84% of RFG supplies nationwide. Studies have shown that reformulated gas cuts down on the amount of toxic air pollutants and ozone forming chemicals that come from motor cars. While proving a significant health benefit for air quality, MtBE has been found to pose a risk to water supplies. Because of the nature of MtBE, it's not broken down by the soil. So it passes directly through the ground and into the water. The number of contaminated water sources in the state has steadily gone up since the reformulated gas program was implemented. MAP GRAPHIC HERE w/ % CONTAM The Department of Environmental Service has found MtBE in over 180 public water sources, a sharp rise from 1995, in which only forty sites reported contamination. A few months ago, Well #2 at the Water Treatment Plant in Madbury was shut down for levels of MtBE exceeding state limits. MtBE 3 2:01:22 We'll do some additional sampling and testing. At this point we still have not found any source of MtBE. "So the well is still shut down?" And so the well is still shut down and will continue to be shut down until working with our consultants and working with the DES, when there's some level of comfort that it isn't an issue, that it's down below the drinking water standards it wouldn't be until after that that we'd start the well again. Common ways that water supplies can become contaminated are through leaking underground storage tanks or gas spills from small engine devices like lawnmowers, motorcycles, jet skis and motor boats. Several studies over the years, including one by the EPA, have suggested that MtBE is a potential health risk. And while studies on rats show that it can cause cancer in animals, no studies have shown that it causes cancer in humans. The potential effects of MtBE contamination in water will continue to be studied. Many people have been working to get MtBE eliminated from gasoline in New Hampshire. Governor Jeanne Shaheen last year issued an Executive Order directing state officials to petition the EPA for permission to opt-out of the federal Reformulated Gasoline program. Before the EPA acts, the state must show it has a strategy for cleaning the air once MTBE is removed from gas. In Washington, Senator Bob Smith authored legislation, known as the Federal Reformulated Fuels Act. MTBE 2 1:05:44 We ban MtBE in New Hampshire and the nation over four years. Phased out over four years. We put 400 million dollars in for the cleanup, that would include the wells that feed into Portsmouth.cut.1:06:30 But that 400 million would be nationwide and that would be used for situations like Portsmouth.cut.1:07:00 The oxygen mandate is now repealed. So we don't have to burn ethanol and now the refiners have other options. They can do higher grade gasoline, they can do iso-octane. And emissions standards are tightened as well so we don't backslide and you have cleaner air and cleaner water for New Hampshire. Two versions of the bill have passed the House and Senate and are now before committees of conference. A compromise is expected to be worked out. In the meantime, states like New Hampshire are working to implement their own plans for clean water and clean air. For NH Outlook, this is Tai Freligh. |
| Discussion Return to index of stories... |
So, what do we do in the short term about the water contamination? Fred McGarry with the Department of Environmental Services is here and John Meinhold from the New Hampshire Sierra Club. Questions for discussion: Say I'm a well owner, how do I know if my water has MtBE in it? What can I do to find out? What are ways that I can better protect myself against contamination? What are the standards for safe drinking water? Can you remove MtBE from water? When NH opted in to the RFG program, it chose MtBE as the oxygenate. What were the other choices and why was MtBE chosen? What happens to the manufacturers of MtBE if it's eliminated? How feasible do you think it is that NH can come up with a plan to maintain Clean Air Standards without MtBE? What would be involved? |
| hazard tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
Thursday we conclude our series on Hidden Hazards with a look at mercury pollution. And why some areas in the state have the highest concentration of contamination in the nation. |
| Intro Session Return to index of stories... |
Wednesday was veto day at the legislature, the day set aside for both the House and Senate to deal with bills vetoed by the governor. Those bills addressed issues including charter schools, education funding, and House and Senate plans for redistricting. As producer Richard Ager tells us, even though the governor is in Mexico on a trade mission, she got her way as every veto was sustained. |
| Session Ends Return to index of stories... |
Track: Party lines were in full view in both chambers today as lawmakers wrapped up the legislative session. Probably the most contentious issue was the governor's veto of the Republican redistricting plans for House and Senate seats. Soundup: tape 1 10:43;48 We were very close, but a House solution is better than a court solution to the House redistricting dilemma. And Mr. Speaker, if you believe as I believe this may be our last opportunity to do anything within our control, would you now vote yes to override the governor's veto. Track: With a 2/3 majority required to override a veto, the House Republicans fell 18 votes short, and redistricting will now go to the state Supreme Court, which had warned the legislature it would intervene to ensure a plan is in place for the election cycle. Bite: tape 3 13:02:14 We don't know what we're going to get. It's like reaching into a grab bag and seeing what you're going to pull out. The nice thing about the House plan was that all the considerations that were involved did look at commonalities of interest - they looked at school districts, topography, geography, demographics, and all those things that make a community a community. In addition to that, there is a partisan component where Republicans want to protect the current Republican seats and the Democrats want to protect the current Democrat seats and if you can make headway in either direction, go for it. Bite: tape 3 12:58;26 I think the Republicans did not want to negotiate with the Democrats as equals. I think it was a simple as that. Bite: tape 3 12;58:52 Rep. Pratt My suspicion is that the court will hold hearings - whether it has a master or how it wants to do it, I don't know - but they will hold hearings and look at the various plans before it, either accept or reject them on principle, and make a decision. And they will come up with a plan which the House will have to run under. Track: The Senate vote on redistricting - and every other bill - also proceeded along party lines, in spite of last-minute negotiations. Soundup: tape 1 11:19:31 "12 to 11." Bite: tape 2 12:34:05 We need to continue to talk. Yesterday, I think the Republicans addressed some of the concerns that the Democrats had expressed and also some of the concerns that were in the governor's veto message, but we just weren't able to get there. Bite: 12:40:18 I think it's unfortunate that - at the last minute in the last day or so, there have been some attempts at negotiation. I think it's unfortunate we waited 500 days before we started a real negotiation. Track: The uncertainty over redistricting hasn't stopped many House members from declaring their intent to run for the senate. Bite; tape 3 12:55:57 For me, I don't care where the districts fall. I'm just determined to go to the senate. I've got a message - I have a way to fix the problem, I know how to do it. Standup: tape 3 13:20;09 With the results being pretty clear in advance, debate on the vetoed bills didn't last long in either chamber. In the Senate, legislators took time to reflect on their service and to tell their colleagues about some important personal decisions. Bite: tape 2 12:00:50 The bible says for everything there is a season, a time to sow and a time to reap. Track: After 8 years in the Senate, Ned Gordon is moving on. His favorite memories include work on court reform, but he also has regrets - particularly on the legislature's failure to settle school funding. Bite: tape 2 12:04:37 I didn't get as far as I could have, or should have in terms of reworking some kind of education formula. This whole debate has brought back too many memories to me. I don't think we ever will get beyond that as long as we keep looking at individual towns and how they are going to be affected - and we don't get to a point where we look at how the state is going to be affected as a whole. Bite: tape 2 12:07;08 I just want to say thank you for giving me this opportunity. Track: Two other senators who are leaving the Senate to run for governor reflected on their years in the senate. Bite: tape 2 12:21:15 I have enjoyed every minute here - even those losing moments. I think we do great things in the Senate. Much more than the people realize. And so we won't get all the congratulations from the people we should - and I say that to all of you. But I will say to all of you - you get my congratulations for doing the work here. Bite: tape 2 12:17:34 We are a family. We cared about each other and we have cared when there has been pain. And we have had joy when there has been happiness. And so, again, I really hate goodbyes, and I'm not going to say goodbye. I'm going to say I'll see you in January, and thank you very much. Track: And so the 157th session of the NH Legislature has ended. For NH Outlook, I'm Richard Ager. |
| Tycom Relief Return to index of stories... |
There is good news for two hundred-and-fifty laid off Tycom workers. The federal government is sending half-a-million-dollars in assistance. The Labor Department grant is designed to help former employees with new job training and job searches. The training is for people who - because of their specialized electronics skills - may not have many job options. |
| UNH No Smoke Return to index of stories... |
A big step in cutting down on smoking at college. The University of New Hampshire is banning smoking in its buildings and vehicles. The new rule will also pertain to public areas such as building areas, A-T-Ms, and bus stops. U-N-H is also banning tobacco ads and the sale of cigarettes on campus. |
| DCMS - brain Return to index of stories... |
Doctors are gaining new insights into brain disorders like Multiple Sclerosis. All spring, Dartmouth Community Medical School has sponsored lectures in Hanover. The sold out series entitled "What's On your Mind" focuses on the brain and its function. Doctor William F. Hickey talks about the brain inflamed. |
| tag brain Return to index of stories... |
We are streaming the lecture series in its entirety on our website. You can view the presentations 24 hours a day at www-dot-nhptv-dot-org. |
| Seal Pupping Return to index of stories... |
It's seal pupping season in New England. That means that many seals will be coming out of the water and onto beaches and rocks. They will birth and care for their pups or shed old hair. Just don't approach them- you could get jail time or fines for harrassing seals. |
| Intro Mt. Washington Return to index of stories... |
While the seals are getting out to the beaches, it may be a bit early for us to get out the shorts and suntan lotion. Nicole Plette of the Mount Washington Observatory has our forecast. |
| Mt. Washington Return to index of stories... |
Mount Washington Observatory\Wednesday on the Summit\Mostly clear with drifting snow followed by blowing snow\Visibility: 80 miles\Winds: NW averaging 33 MPH\High: 32 Thursday\North\Mostly sunny\High: Upper 70s\Winds: SW at 10 to 15 MPH\ Thursday\South\Sunny\High: 80s\Winds: SW at 10 to 15 MPH\ |
| Intro Comm Calendar Return to index of stories... |
What your weekend plans? How about attending a crafts fair or learning some military history? As you'll see in this week's community calendar, there are lots opportunities to get out and about over the holiday weekend. |
| Tomorrow Return to index of stories... |
On the next New Hampshire Outlook - Thursday we conclude our series on Hidden Hazards with a look at mercury pollution. And why some areas in the state have the highest concentration of contamination in the nation. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of our program. For all of us here at New Hampshire Public Television, I'm Ally McNair. Thanks for joining us. We'll see you next time on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| founders Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Public Service of New Hampshire Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust Putnam Foundation Stratford Foundation |
| WEB PROMO Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Some of the highest levels of mercury found anywhere in the country are right here in New Hampshire. We find out why and what is being done about it tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| key: health / health care Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:5/22/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 4:49 In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included a report on MTbE and it's affect on health. PRODUCER/REPORTER:Tai Freligh NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Fred McGarry\Dept. of Environmental Services David Allen\Deputy Director, Portsmouth Public Works Senator Bob Smith\R - New Hampshire |
| key: health / health care Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:5/22/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 10:37 In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included a discussion on MTbE and it's affect on health. PRODUCER/REPORTER:Allison McNair NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Fred McGarry\Department of Environmental Services Dr. John Meinhold\Chair, Clean Water Committee\NH Sierra Club |
| key: state politics / government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:5/22/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 5:05 In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included a report on veto day at the state legislature. Those bills addressed issues including charter schools, education funding, and House and Senate plans for redistricting. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Mike Whalley\Deputy Speaker Rep. David Scanlan\House Majority Leader Rep. John Pratt\D - Walpole Sen. Arthur Klemm\Senate President Sen. Clifford Below\D - District 5 \Rep. Frank Saparetto\R - Derry Sen. Ned Gordon\R - District 2Sen. Mark Fernald\D - District 11 Sen. Mark Fernald\ Candidate for Governor \Sen. Bev Hollingworth\D - District 23 Sen. Bev Hollingworth\ Candidate for Governor |
| website Return to index of stories... |
For information on our program, and links to our guests and interviews, log on to our web site at nhptv.org. You can see and hear streaming video of our broadcasts. If you've got a story idea or comment on our program, we want your feedback. Call us at 800-639-2721. |
| Tonight 10:00 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. the gasoline additive that was meant to clear our air , but is now polluting our water supplies. M-T-B-E - Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Outlook. |