SIGN OUR PETITION AT CHANGE.ORG << CLICK HERE TO SIGN
The concern lies with Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and other harmful microplastics that could potentially leach into the water from the floating solar farm. PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been linked to adverse health effects such as liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, hormone suppression, and cancer (Environmental Protection Agency). Microplastics can also carry harmful bacteria and release toxic substances when they break down.
We've seen what happened in Flint, Michigan when their water supply was contaminated - we refuse to let our South County communities become another cautionary tale. We demand extensive evaluation and a thorough environmental impact report before any further steps are taken towards implementing this project.
Our drinking water should not be compromised for green energy production. There must be safer alternatives that do not put our health at risk. We urge local authorities to reconsider this proposal and prioritize the well-being of their constituents over short-term gains.
Please sign this petition if you believe in protecting our most vital resource - clean drinking water - from potential contamination.
NEED TO KNOW
The EPA’s new 'forever chemicals' rule
For the first time, the Environmental Protection Agency has established national limits on PFAS, also called “forever chemicals,” in drinking water.
What it means: Water utilities will have to monitor and reduce PFAS in their systems. The EPA estimates the new limits will prevent thousands of deaths and illnesses linked to the chemicals. [NBC News]
Why it matters: PFAS are in everyday items, including nonstick cookware, and don’t fully break down in the body. A study last year found them in nearly half the nation’s tap water. [New York Times]
What else: The new limits come after the EPA said yesterday that more than 200 chemical plants nationwide would have to reduce toxic air emissions that put nearby communities at higher risk of cancer. [Texas Tribune]
This list contains PFAS, Healdsburg, CA array, and two new ones… Noria Energy admission of plastic degradation due to sunlight exposure (#7) and concern about the bird ecosystem (#8.)
Information Sources
Forever chemicals’: Water supply throughout California will exceed new national limits, KPBS 4/11//24 https://www.kpbs.org/news/health/2024/04/11/forever-chemicals-water-supplies-california-exceed-new-national-limits
US EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, 3/16/22 Letter https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-03/letter-to-fluorinated-hdpe-industry_03-16-22_signed.pdf
EPA Research Project: Nanoclay Reinforced Recycled HDPE to Replace PVC and PE Water Pipe Materials https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract_id/11131/report/0
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Update, US Department of Energy (DOE) https://www.energy.gov/pfas/pfas-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances
White Pines Renewables Completes Larges Floating Solar Farm in US. 3/3/21 https://whitepinerenewables.com/white-pine-renewables-completes-largest-floating-solar-farm-in-the-u-s/
Floating Solar System, Healdsburg, CA. https://whitepinerenewables.com/projects/
BASF installs floating solar unit at its US production facility. 4/6/23 https://www.offshore-energy.biz/basf-installs-floating-solar-unit-at-its-us-production-facility/
Solar project location near lake draws alarm. 2/3/22 https://www.producer.com/news/solar-project-location-near-lake-draws-alarm-2/
The Hazards of Bird Droppings
Bird droppings pose a significant threat due to their highly acidic nature. Birds, adapted for flight efficiency, have minimal water in their bodies, resulting in concentrated waste. Comprised mainly of uric acid, the white paste serves both digestive and urinary functions. This concentrated waste, coupled with birds' high metabolism, leads to sizable quantities of droppings.
Without proper bird control measures, droppings accumulate rapidly, exacerbating the issue. Large roosts, commonly found on roofs, eaves, trees, and solar panels, contribute to the problem. Prompt action is necessary upon spotting the initial splatters to safeguard homes or businesses, and in our case, our drinking water supply, from the destructive impact of bird droppings.
And they want to put this on our drinking water supply?!
