#Safety and Environmental Protection

[babysfirstpentagram]

Symbols of Protection

Here is a very small list of symbols that either mean protection or bring protection. Please let me know if you would like me to elaborate on any of the mentioned symbols or if you have any questions on other symbols.

Symbols of Protection

Triquetra: 

Celtic

This is also called a Celtic Triple Knot. 

Thors Hammer:

Norse

Said to bring strength and honor to the wearer. 

Helm of Awe

Norse

Protection, courage, and strength

Mistletoe

Norse 

Said to protect against Evil Spirits (and witches lol)

Ankh

Egyptian

Given to loved ones to protect their life

Bind Rune

Norse

To bind evil and to protect yourself

Celtic Shield Knot

Celtic

Ward of evils and to weave protection together

Pentagrams

Greek

Uses the five elements (earth, air, water, fire, spirit) to protect the wearer

Eye of Horus

Egyptian

Symbolizes healing, protection, and authority.

[notwiselybuttoowell]

A new and starkly different vision for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been outlined by the Trump administration – one that involves mass staff cuts, an influx of industry lobbyists and, unusually, the promotion of artificial intelligence as a key agency priority.

A set of five “pillars” issued by new EPA administrator, Lee Zeldin, to guide the agency, set up under President Richard Nixon in 1970 to protect US public health and the environment, does include one referencing “clean land, air and water for every American”.

But the other four priorities move into areas beyond the traditional mission of the EPA, such as bolstering “American energy dominance”, a pledge to speed up the approvals of new projects such as oil and gas drilling, a focus on ensuring “a great comeback of the auto industry” and a promise to “make the United States the Artificial Intelligence capital of the world”.

The new set of priorities come amid tumult at the EPA, where more than 1,000 members of staff have been told they face being immediately fired. Career staff who oversee the enforcement of pollution laws and hazardous waste cleanup have already been reportedly demoted, with Donald Trump stacking the agency with a new cohort of former industry lobbyists who have spent their careers attacking protections covering everything from water quality to greenhouse gas emissions to toxic chemicals.

[In an interview with Breitbart] the former Republican member of Congress, who predicted Trump’s term would be “the greatest four years in American history”, did not mention the climate crisis or communities burdened by pollution in his list of priorities. He has, however renamed the agency’s Gulf of Mexico division to the Gulf of America division, following Trump’s attempt to rebrand the body of water.

“There has been talk through the years about how the world was imminently about to end because of climate change, and in the name of that threat there was a push to do some crazy things,” Zeldin told Breitbart, adding that predictions of climate change ending the world had “come and gone”.

In fact, previous projections of global heating have proved to be largely accurate, with some models even underestimating the record-breaking heat that the world is now experiencing. The north pole is currently 20C hotter than its long-term average, with recent research showing Greenland’s vast ice sheet is cracking up faster than expected, further accelerating sea level rise.

“This is just the beginning of the Trump administration’s mission to traumatize the EPA,” said Jeremy Symons, senior adviser to the Environmental Protection Network, an organization of former EPA staff. “The wealthy corporate polluters close to Trump won’t be satisfied until he tears the place down and put polluters in control.

“The Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act were not written to advance AI, they were put in place to protect our air and water. That seems to have fallen off the list of priorities of the Trump administration. If your child carries an inhaler, where do you see them in this agenda? If you drink water from lead pipes, where are you in this agenda?”

This is a truncated version of the first half of the linked article, it is worth it to read the whole thing, which includes more detailed information on attempts to push out personnel.

[nationalportauthority]

NPA’s Commitment to Oil Spill Prevention

The National Port Authority (NPA) of Liberia remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring maritime safety and environmental protection. With the commissioning of the Port State Coordination Department at the Freeport of Monrovia, the NPA is taking proactive steps to enhance port oversight, improve compliance with international maritime standards, and minimize environmental risks. A crucial aspect of these efforts includes strengthening marine services in Bushrod Island Liberia, to guarantee that all port activities adhere to strict safety measures. By implementing advanced monitoring mechanisms, the NPA aims to mitigate the risks associated with hazardous cargo handling, ensuring a safer marine environment.

Learn More: https://www.npaliberia.org/npas-commitment-to-oil-spill-prevention

[recsspecs]

The law is rarely uncontroversial. While lawyers and politicians habitually venerate its merits, reformers bewail its inadequacies, and sceptics refute the law’s often self-righteous espousal of justice, liberty, and the rule of law. Few, however, would deny that, in most societies, law has become a significant instrument for progress and improvement in our social, political, moral, and economic life. Think of the transformation that legal rules have wrought in respect of numerous aspects of our lives that were once considered personal: the promotion of sexual and racial equality, safety at work and play, healthier food, candour in commerce, and a host of other admirable aspirations. Laws to protect human rights, the environment, and our personal security have mushroomed. Nothing seems beyond the reach of the long arm of the law. This boom in the law-making business renders it impractical both for citizens to become acquainted with its myriad rules, and for the authorities to enforce them.

Raymond Wacks Law A Very Short Introduction

[thousandhandbrightskycannon]

I want the Clean Water Act to be strengthened, not weakened.

Give the EPA more power to regulate water quality, not less.

I also want the FDA to keep regulating food etc.

[delicatelysublimeforester]

Living in Harmony with Moose: Safe Encounters and the Name the Moose Contest

[cylexplastics]

Is PTFE lined hose safe?

In chemical, food processing, medical and many industrial fields, the safety and reliability of the piping system are crucial. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) lined hose is widely used in these fields due to its excellent corrosion resistance and chemical stability. However, the safety of PTFE lined hose, especially its long-term safety and potential impact on the environment, has always been the…

[pomeraniandancer]

The only thing I'd add to this is that I don't think cats are the largest invasive species in the world...that dubious prize goes to the humans.

I've been seeing a lot of Discourse around outdoor cats that talks past one of the biggest problems addressing community cats/outdoor working cats so I thought I'd chime in with my two cents.

Many arguments I see just... don't think about the cats at all? Or don't consider the logistics of actually addressing the feral cat problem in a humane way. It's always about how outdoor cats shouldn't be outdoors, which is neither realistic nor helpful.

I used to volunteer at an municipal animal shelter in the USA that had a TNR program (Trap, Neuter, Return) and also adopted out community cats to local farms and businesses. Here's my side of the story.

"Your cat doesn't need to be outside" -- Yes, correct. Your domesticated (non-feral) house cat does not need to go outside at all. They can have a fully actualized life safely indoors. When I see this argument, proponents of indoor only cats are correct in most or all their arguments regarding this.

"Outdoor cats are the largest invasive species in the world, and decimate bird populations." -- This is also correct, and part of the reason why you can help by bringing your house cat indoors. Cats are the largest invasive species. Spay and Neuter your cats, bring them inside, and socialize them so they don't become feral.

"TNR doesn't work." -- False. Whether we like it or not, feral cats exist. We have two methods by which we can address the feral cat population -- decimating them (humanely euthanizing the whole colony) or TNR. For a long time, euthanasia was the preferred way to address the feral cat problem. Afterall, if the cats aren't there, doesn't that save the local wildlife population?

Except that we found, studying these colonies, that when a colony is wiped out, the cats of another colony will spread into their territory and continue to have kittens and the population of feral cats is neither controlled nor diminished.

Hence, TNR. What we found performing TNR on cat colonies was that this controlled the population of the colonies, allowing them to stay in their territory, which kept other colonies from spreading (especially colonies we hadn't performed TNR on yet). We at the shelter felt this was the most humane way to control the feral cat population and safely deflate their existence without dealing with the population blooms that euthanasia caused.

"What about kittens?" -- Kittens from these colonies were brought into the shelter, socialized, and fostered out until they could be adopted. Some of these semi-feral kittens needed special homes to be adopted into, but this was the best quality of life for these cats.

"What about cats that get missed during TNR?" -- We would return to the colony several times over a period of several years to perform TNR on the same colony. We mark cats that have been neutered by clipping their ear (this is done humanely, but is the most reliable way to tell if a cat has been neutered so the poor thing doesn't have to have surgery 3-4 times in their life). Also, during the TNR process the cats would be vaccinated to ensure disease did not spread from the colony (i.e. rabies). Still, even getting 60% of the colony TNR'd would dramatically reduce the number of kittens being added to the colony each year. This controlled the population by allowing the territory to naturally deflate in size over time, buying us time to address the larger feral cat problem.

"What if the colony was in an unsafe location?" -- There were two ways we addressed unsafe colony locations -- remember, we know that when the colony is removed, a new colony will move into its place, so we tried not to move the colony unless we really felt the cats or the public was unsafe -- one was to move the whole colony to a new location. Preferably someplace like a warehouse where we have an agreement with the owners of the warehouse. Some of the cats were even relocated to shelter grounds as our community cats. If the colony was small enough we would bring them into our Feral Cats room and adopt them out as community cats.

"What is a community cat?" -- The way the program worked, was that anyone who needed a working cat could apply to the program. These were often rural farmers or businesses with warehouses that needed rodent protection. We trained the farmers and businesses on how to acclimatize the cats to their new home, and as part of the agreement, they had to care for the cats (veterinary care, vaccinations, food and water). This gave businesses and farms an alternative to expensive and environmentally unfriendly rodent control, and also gave these feral cats good places to live out their natural lives.

"Can't you just adopt out feral cats?" -- No. Cats that have not been socialized around humans as kittens, or who have several generations of feral cat in them could not interact with humans in a way that did not cause them undue stress. This was not a humane way to handle feral cats. However, when a cat was brought into the feral cat room, they would be monitored for up to a week. If the cat displayed signs of being semi-social or fully social (hanging out outside of their den, allowing staff to pet them, showing interest in staff in the room), then we would either move the cat into the adoption room or place them in foster to be socialized before adoption. Feral cats who displayed signs of being able to live full and healthy lives with human companions were NOT adopted out as community cats. We also observed this behavior during TNRs and would do the same for those cats too.

"But aren't cats bad hunters?" -- Compared to other species, cats are not the most effective form of rodent control. This is true. However, you have to understand that feral cats exist. There is no "undo" button we can push to stop them from existing. We have to deal with the problem we have right now, which is to safely and humanely decrease the number of feral cats in our communities. And yes, we do that by using cats as rodent control in the community.

"What can I do?" -- Stop saying community cats shouldn't exist. That's not helpful and doesn't solve the problem we have. Bring your cat indoors. Spay and neuter your cats. Adopt from shelters. Volunteer with a TNR team. Support TNR efforts in your community. Recognize that those of us actively dealing with the community/feral problem are trying to do what is in the best interest of our communities and the animals we love. We aren't sitting over here saying these cats should exist -- a feral cat will not have the same quality of life as one that is indoors with a family -- but we have to address the problem in practical terms. We don't have the moral high ground to just do nothing while pontificating solutions that have no basis in actuality.

And yes, it's okay to celebrate community cats. If your local farm has a couple of working cats, that means that farm is helping participate in the safe deflation of the feral cat population. Don't shame a farm or business for using community cats. We're all doing the best we can to solve the problem that we have.

[nationallawreview]

EPA Administrator Zeldin Announces Five Pillar Initiative to Guide EPA; What Does It Mean for OCSPP?

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin on February 4, 2025, announced the “Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative” (PGAC Initiative). It consists of five pillars and is intended to serve as a roadmap to guide EPA’s actions under Administrator Zeldin. The five pillars are: Clean Air, Land, and Water for Every American; Restore American Energy…

[neverlandnightingale]

Hey do y'all remember several years ago when we were all freaking out about net neutrality being overturned? Well despite net neutrality's win in 2024, a federal court just overturned it.

For those who aren't aware, net neutrality is the simple principle that companies like Verizon and Comcast should treat all web traffic equally – not pick and choose based on who is willing to pay more or who they like best. Big Tech companies obviously don’t like that – which is why they spent millions lobbying against it over the years.

Now, these megacorporations will be able to seize control back over our Internet. The likely result? Throttled access to streaming services, monopolistic pricing that cuts out competition, and a slower, walled off, and less free Internet for all of us.

And unfortunately, rulings like this will only get more common now that the Supreme Court has overturned the “Chevron deference” – giving judges, rather than qualified public servants, a blank check to toss out protections like net neutrality, environmental safeguards, or food safety standards.

When Trump’s FCC repealed net neutrality back in 2017, they gave big corporations total control over our Internet – putting free and open access at risk.

Internet providers responded by exploiting their newfound power to speed up certain websites, and slow down – or even block – others. They failed to provide crucial Internet infrastructure in rural areas, low-income communities, and communities of color. They even slashed firefighters’ Internet access during severe wildfires.

But over 126,000 people spoke out and we were able to reinstate net neutrality – until now.

The time has come again to take action: please sign this petition from Common Cause so we can reinstate net neutrality.

[vistalandcare]

Essential Guide to Silt Fence Installation and Siltation Control for Erosion Prevention

Silt fences are one of the most widely used tools in the construction and landscaping industries for controlling soil erosion and preventing sediment runoff into nearby water sources. Installing a silt fence correctly is essential for ensuring that these fences perform as designed, providing effective siltation control and protecting the environment.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of silt fence installation, explain the importance of siltation control, and offer best practices for maintaining these erosion barriers.

What is a Silt Fence?

A silt fence is a temporary barrier made from geotextile fabric that is used to filter out sediments from water runoff, particularly on construction sites or other land-disturbing activities. The fabric acts as a filtration system, allowing water to pass through while capturing silt and other debris. This helps prevent soil erosion, water pollution, and protects downstream water quality.

Silt fences are commonly used during:

Construction projects where soil is disturbed.

Landscaping and site grading projects.

Land reclamation projects and stormwater management.

The Importance of Siltation Control

Siltation control is a vital aspect of erosion management. When heavy rains or storms cause the soil to be washed away, the loose dirt (or silt) can flow into nearby streams, rivers, and other bodies of water, leading to a number of environmental problems:

Water Pollution: Silt and sediment can contaminate water sources, affecting aquatic life and the quality of drinking water.

Soil Erosion: Erosion can strip away valuable topsoil, making it difficult for vegetation to grow and reducing soil fertility.

Habitat Disruption: The accumulation of silt in waterways can block fish migration, smother habitats, and disrupt the local ecosystem.

By implementing proper siltation control measures like silt fences, you can reduce the risk of these negative environmental impacts.

How to Install a Silt Fence Correctly

Silt fence installation involves several key steps to ensure that the barrier is effective in trapping sediment and preventing erosion. Below is a step-by-step guide to proper silt fence installation.

1. Site Assessment and Planning

Before beginning installation, it's essential to conduct a site assessment. Identify the areas where water runoff is likely to occur and where silt may be washed away. Additionally, the location of the silt fence should be along a natural or planned flow path for water. It’s crucial that the silt fence does not block access to any drainage systems or cause unintended pooling of water.

2. Obtain Necessary Permits

In some regions, the installation of silt fences may require permits or approvals, particularly if the project impacts stormwater runoff or local waterways. Be sure to consult local regulations and obtain all required permits before proceeding.

3. Mark the Fence Location

Once you’ve identified where to install the silt fence, mark the location along the water flow path where the fence will be installed. The silt fence should be positioned so that it intercepts the flow of water, directing it through the fabric while trapping sediment.

4. Dig a Trench

A trench should be dug along the marked location to ensure that the silt fence fabric is buried securely into the ground. The trench should be at least 4 to 6 inches deep, ensuring that the bottom of the fabric is anchored to prevent water from flowing underneath.

5. Install the Fence Posts

Install vertical posts at regular intervals along the trench, generally about 6 to 10 feet apart. These posts will support the silt fence fabric and should be driven deep enough into the ground to provide stability. Wooden or steel posts are commonly used, and they should be durable enough to withstand the forces of water flow.

6. Attach the Fabric

The geotextile fabric should be rolled out along the length of the trench and attached to the posts. The fabric should be installed tightly, without sagging, to ensure that it can effectively trap silt. Secure the fabric to the posts using staples, ties, or fasteners designed for this purpose. Be sure to bury the bottom edge of the fabric in the trench to create a complete seal and prevent soil from washing underneath the fence.

7. Backfill and Compact the Trench

Once the fabric is in place, backfill the trench with the soil removed during the digging process. Compact the soil to secure the fabric and prevent water from flowing around the edges of the fence.

8. Inspect and Maintain the Fence

Silt fences must be regularly inspected to ensure they remain intact and effective. After heavy rainfall or storm events, check for any tears, damage, or areas where the fence may have been displaced. It is important to maintain the fence throughout the duration of the construction project or land disturbance.

Best Practices for Silt Fence Maintenance

Proper maintenance is crucial for the continued effectiveness of silt fences. Here are some best practices to ensure your silt fence continues to perform optimally:

Regular Inspections: Inspect the fence regularly, particularly after rainfall. Check for areas of wear or damage and ensure that the fabric is not clogged with sediment.

Sediment Removal: If the silt fence has collected too much sediment, it may become ineffective. Remove excess sediment before it builds up to more than half the height of the fence.

Repairs: If the fabric is torn or posts are leaning, repair the fence promptly. A damaged silt fence will not provide the necessary protection from erosion.

Proper Disposal: When a silt fence is no longer needed, remove it carefully and dispose of the fabric and any accumulated sediment in an environmentally responsible manner.

When to Use Silt Fences

Silt fences should be used in any situation where erosion control is needed, including:

Construction sites: When clearing land, grading, or excavating soil.

Agricultural projects: To prevent soil loss during planting or harvesting.

Road building projects: Where dirt is disturbed, and runoff could flow into nearby water sources.

Landscaping: To prevent erosion during heavy rains, especially in hilly or sloped areas.

Alternatives to Silt Fencing

While silt fences are highly effective, other erosion control methods can be used in conjunction with or as alternatives to silt fences, including:

Erosion control blankets: Made from biodegradable materials, these blankets help prevent erosion by protecting the soil surface while allowing vegetation to grow.

Sediment ponds: These are large ponds or basins designed to capture sediment and prevent it from flowing into nearby water sources.

Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch to the soil can help reduce the impact of water runoff and prevent erosion.

Conclusion

Silt fence installation is an essential practice for controlling erosion and preventing sedimentation in water bodies. Whether you're involved in construction, landscaping, or agricultural projects, implementing a well-designed siltation control system is key to protecting the environment and ensuring that your site remains compliant with local regulations.

By following proper installation and maintenance practices, you can ensure that your silt fence performs optimally, minimizing the risk of soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat disruption. In areas with high rainfall or disturbed soils, the installation of silt fences is a simple yet effective solution for maintaining a clean, sustainable landscape.

[tornadoquest]

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For April 26 - May 3, 2025 #science #weather #climate #climatechange #drought #tornado

Greetings to all and thanks for visiting. It’s been an active severe weather week across much of the USA and with May now upon us, the most active month for tornado activity has arrived. Your tornado safety information will be posted again this week along with a reminder on lightning and flash flood safety. As usual, there are several thought provoking science reads along with the updated US…

[farmerstrend]

Kenya’s New Strategy to Eliminate Harmful Pesticides from the Market

Kenya’s new plan to phase out harmful pesticides aims to create a safer agriculture sector, protect public health, and promote sustainable farming practices. Discover how Kenya is taking action to withdraw dangerous pesticides from the market, ensuring safer food production and environmental protection. Kenya develops a comprehensive strategy to eliminate toxic pesticides, prioritizing the safety…

[techdriveplay]

The Shocking Truth About Sunscreen: Why Reef-Safe Sunscreen Is a Traveler’s Must-Have

Ecotourism may be a new trend, but it mustn’t be a passing one. When planning an ocean destination vacation, few people consider it their responsibility to maintain that beauty for future generations. With one tiny change to the packing list, beach-goers can help protect our oceans and reduce the loss of coral reefs. The secret isn’t taking a reusable water bottle instead of a disposable one. It…