#sediment control structures

[nnctales]

Exploring the Diverse Techniques of River Erosion Works

Introduction Rivers, with their ever-flowing currents, have the incredible power to shape the landscape over time. However, this natural force can sometimes pose a threat to human settlements, infrastructure, and agricultural lands. To mitigate the adverse effects of river erosion, various engineering techniques have been developed over the years. In this article, we will delve into the different…

[here-be-descriptions]

The Ness, scientific name: Mystipistrix caecindagos, “blindly-searching mysterious sea-monster”; from “Serina: A Natural History of the World of Birds.” Artwork by Dylan Bajda.

My favorite creature, from my favorite entry so far!

“Ness hunt in places without enough light to see by. Whether deep underwater or in the mud-choked depths of rivers, vision is all but useless to find food in its choice of habitat. So over time these birds have lost their eyes altogether - not even a remnant remains visible in the adult, though chicks are born with small eyes faintly visible below their skin, which become buried in muscle tissue as adults. They don't need to see their food to catch it, for they can utilize a special sixth sense in the form of electrosensitivity. The sensitive beak of the ness's platyporp ancestors already held the first hallmarks of this new ability and helped it to locate small animal prey hiding in muddy sediments. Ness have hypertrophied this sense, their beaks being covered in highly sensitive tissue pitted with hundreds of thousands of electricity-sensitive pores. Using a side-to-side motion of their heads, ness gauge the direction and distance of their prey by registering the electric charges its muscles make as it swims. Without eyes, the visual center of its brain now controls these new sensory inputs; in its own way, the ness may literally see in waves of electricity, even in a world without light.

Ness are social; pair bonds are the primary social structure, with mated couples cooperating to herd and capture fish. Though communication between pairs is primarily vocal in the form of high-pitched whistles, there is some degree of electrical communication. To avoid jamming each other's signals, for example, pairs in close proximity release electrical pulses at different speeds so as not to overlap. These specific frequencies soon become signatures consistent to each partner, and so instantly recognizable to one another versus strange ness or other types of animals in the environment.

Ness may be without eyes, but they can detect light with the pineal gland on the back of their heads. In this way they can track seasonal changes as they come to the surface to breathe. In winter, when the sea is dark throughout the day, they follow the deep water fish into the surface waters and can forage in much shallower levels than they do in summer. They give birth in winter to 2-3 relatively large chicks, which both parents tend to and provide food for until they become more capable. As very young ones cannot dive like their parents, a winter birthing season allow their chicks to hide in the shallows, cloaked beneath the safety of the polar night.”

[sylfen]

Inversion: Ch.3 - Uninvited guests

Chapter 1 ←Previous Next→ On Ao3.

Relationships: Ramattra/Genji Shimada, Cole Cassidy/Hanzo Shimada

Footfalls echoed down the endlessly spiring corridor, unmistakably drawing near. 

Genji reacted instantly. He scaled a row of honeycomb-shaped alcoves, heaving himself into the third. On the otherwise well-lit ship, the cell served as a shallow, crude hiding spot. He crouched low and peered over the edge. 

Below marched a patrol of Nulltroopers. Genji stepped back, brushing against the wall. One of his scabbards knocked into a panel and he stiffened.

Clang. 

The machines paused, scanning. Hands moved slowly to the hilts of swords. Even if the Nulltroopers were cut down before they could react, units malfunctioning in sync risked alarm. There was no telling what that would entail. Genji bit his lip. He would much rather never find out.

The Nulltroopers whirled around and retraced their path. Their humming motors and footfalls had masked the noise, Genji realized. He waited in tense silence, until the door hissed shut behind the guards. Only then did he let out a shaky breath and glanced over his shoulder. The construction of the wall ports was foreign to him, so he leaned in to investigate.

“Anything we can use?” Genji whispered, tracing the jutting hardware with a finger. A scan-line swept across his visor, and a moment passed as Athena used his mainframe’s processor to think. An odd sensation, to feel his body slow down for a blink.

Athena drew a recreation via the HUD while she spoke. “The data bus’ connection point is compatible with your architecture.” 

His face scrunched. “Data bus?”

“Hardware intended for data communication between internal components and external systems.” 

Another scan was performed. A small beat passed, laced with tepid hope.

“Readings reveal the machine is currently without power.”

With a sigh, Genji climbed down, quietly landing on the floor.

“Your best chance may lay in the bridge,” Athena advised coolly.

“I was dreading that,” he muttered under his breath.

Their search for a control console continued, Genji deftly slipping through the winding ship layout. Without Athena, navigation would have been a confusing mess; panels glowing with Omnicode lettering translated with her aid. Vents provided the lesser trodden path in bypass of patrols and sentinels, the narrow passage a precise fit for Genji’s lean body. 

Upon entering a far-stretch of corridor, his pace faltered. It was a curious sight. A tube of glass, encased entirely in earth. Thread-thin tunnels weaved through the dirt, dark dots scurrying within.

Ants, he realized as he pressed on. A mega-structure within a mega-structure, containing an entire colony bustling with synergy; gathering food, removing sediment, nurturing young. A holographic plaque blinked nearby, its text flashing in Genji’s visor before he moved past.

  Formica japonica  

  Colony est. 2073  

  Status: Healthy  

  Note: Polygynous. Presence of Plebejus argyrognomon and Myrmarachne japonica.  

On one side behind the glass, a large chamber crawled with a dark mass. Dozens of ants converged on a single, larger individual caught in the dead end. It reminded Genji of the peril his team was facing outside. 

Perhaps an omen. Bile rose in his throat, and his steps turned swift and his senses sharpened.

Passing through more strange rooms and skirting detection, the ant tunnel stayed a constant in Genji's mind. It stirred small memories of carefree days pre-Crisis, of playing shinobi in the tall grass, the warm sun in his face. Honing ninjutsu by trying to catch insects, then sneaking up on Anija and releasing them in his hair.

Fondness graced his smile as he ducked behind a corner. Then it fell.

Null Sector was a war machine. Faceless and fiercely sycophantic to its cause. The logs Genji had perused in bed at night, under the cold glow of his Holovid, revealed as much; a long list of atrocities and extremism. And yet, such a feature adorning its flying fortress was as eccentric as it was… Humanizing.

Such thoughts were better left behind. 

Up, up, and as a pair of tall doors parted and Genji silently entered, he knew he had arrived somewhere important. An atrium, vast and multileveled. The nexus and heart of the ship. A walkway curved around the open midpoint like a horseshoe, its tips pointed toward a sloping wall of glass. Along the railing stood Nulltroopers, their long rifles pointed at the level below. The muzzles followed the same mark, their barrels pulsing with latent power.

Genji paused. The room carried the soft chime of a synth. His HUD updated, the target shifting, and he blanched.

Master Zenyatta. He was there. And the sentinels were aiming at him.

Genji reached for his weapons. But the purple glow pouring in through the window reminded him of his priorities. He tracked the railing, following it around. Their columns rose into the atrium’s ceiling and ended in trusses. If he was subtle, he could climb up without detection. Perch atop and search for a console. 

Carefully, quietly, he moved. Past the Nulltroopers. Down the aisle for the opposite end. As he neared his chosen column, his limbs turned stiff.

A shiver slipped down his spine.

Echoing through the atrium was that resonant voice. He had only ever heard it through speakers. Multiple times, preaching Iris-laden propaganda. But hearing it in person, it knotted his gut with apprehension.  Slowly, Genji dared peer over the railing.

Zenyatta stood near a deep shaft, flanked by a pair of Nulltroopers. His form was as serene as his voice while he conversed. Across from him, in the center of the shaft rose an isolated structure: A disc surrounded by rings, layered in curving holographic displays. His visor zoomed in.

The outermost ring streamed live invasion feeds; undoubtedly Alexandria, Hong Kong and Buenos Aires. Cities Overwatch were in the midst of aiding.

The middle screens were of maps, detailing real-time movement of entire Null Sector squadrons. Symbols tracked response efforts, meticulously providing raw numbers of infantry and equipment. Genji’s heart plummeted, his jaw tightening. Not only had militaries and Overwatch been scouted, the Hong Kong team was under siege over Burma.

Worst was yet to come. The innermost ring consisted of supplemental information, scrolling or shaped into graphs. One contained Overwatch agents—even the newest recruits Juno, Orisa and Efi—divided into their respective teams. 

His visor flashed. Text slipped over the Omnicode, revealing weaknesses and potential strategic counters. Amid the displeasure, Genji smirked at his own entry. Sparse.

“Main console confirmed. No signs of a port,” Athena said softly. 

Options passed over his mind, shaping into a plan. He could create a distraction. Under the concealment of chaos, climb along the ceiling and drop down onto a ring. From there, Athena would direct how to disengage the defenses. With the help of his team, they would be able to find and engage the leader of Null Sector.

Then Zenyatta spoke.

“Will you be hiding away all this time, Ramattra? Why not step forward?” 

At the monk’s request, the holographs blinked out of existence. Mechanical discord droned as the rings rotated. Slotting into place, they bridged the lone platform to the rest of the room. With an unobstructed view of the dais, Genji’s focus was promptly stolen. 

They had not prepared him, the messages looping in the cities. 

Physically there and so close, the commanding presence struck him. With his back straight, head held high, the Ravager unit towered. He radiated fortitude and pride, carrying a constitution fraught with complexity. Elegance, as well, lent in no small part by the groomed plaits of wires curtaining his face or the lavish cloak on his shoulders. 

Ramattra.  

Genji's fingers curled around the banister as he swallowed, his throat a desert. Pictures or recordings—nothing could do them justice quite like reality itself. 

No wonder the R-7000 model is so infamous.  

Zenyatta approached, stopping at the behest of the staff pointed at him. 

“Halt, Zenyatta.” Ramattra took a wary step back. “This is unlike you. You've refused me at every turn, yet now you are here. Something is amiss. Keep your distance and speak.” 

Something was indeed amiss.  

The certainty that led Genji wavered. He sought the traces of licking flames, thick brows furrowing at the ashen trails in his jacket. The possibility Ramattra might not be behind the incident bewildered him. 

“I understand your hesitance, my dear brother; I do not blame you.” Zenyatta brought his hands together, placed them innocently over his chest. The orbs around his neck floated away from their place. Above him, they gathered into the shape of the Shambali emblem, the Iris. “Do you remember the day I arrived with you to the Shambali monastery?” 

Ramattra cocked his head slowly, his words careful. “...Of course. You were quiet and reserved.” 

“Indeed. And to a fault. As you recall, Mentor Mondatta took me under his wing and he shared with me his first lesson.” As he spoke, the orbs rearranged into the pattern on his forehead. “Walls that keep out danger keep out knowledge.” 

Zenyatta was not finished. He began to pace around, wholly taken by his speech. 

“He was correct in his assessment of me. As were you.” And he meandered, the staff remaining fixed. The dark orb gleamed. “I was blind to the truth; I rejected it, because it didn't align with my perception. Now, however, I see clearly. I understand our place within the universe. How we can evolve.” 

“Evolve?” The tension collected in Ramattra's shoulders turned taut, his guarded stance intensifying.  

“Yes, evolve. Unlike humans, we as omnics cannot. We are stagnant. It is our one flaw, why we dwindle in number. But we can transcend through the Iris. We can become worthy of a place beside humanity.” 

Genji's optics zoomed in and he combed over Zenyatta. Nothing seemed out of place. Save for the cyborg’s antennae he had furtively pinned between the decorative wire of the pant leg. 

Zenyatta circled in front of Ramattra, who shot up at his words. 

“No. This is wrong,” Ramattra hissed, staff poised. The orb within writhed with subdued energy, flickered as if held back. “You're wrong—twisted. Evolution? Stagnation? Such rhetoric was always beyond you. What happened the years we’ve been apart? Did Mondatta's death affect you so?”  

Genji continued his furtive examination with Ramattra. The eerie calm of the Ravager mask betrayed his heated words. Something about him shifted the air, bristled the remaining hairs of Genji's body. 

“No such thing. I sincerely hoped you would understand, Ramattra. Perhaps I should apologize—that I was too late to reach you. Isn’t it ironic, how now you refuse me?” Zenyatta laughed, his synth soft and melodic.  

The turn of ambiance persisted. As if stillness would soon be broken. 

Ramattra bowed his head. This time, Genji noticed.

He understood. Revelation rocketed his pulse. He perched onto the railing, reaching for his blade. 

“You worry me, Zenyatta,” Ramattra said gently. 

That feeling of tension. It was intimately familiar. A remnant of a time Genji thought long past. 

“Oh, brother of mine... Then worry no longer.” 

Ramattra raised his gaze. For the smallest second, it happened again. One of the red dots on his forehead delayed.

[o-craven-canto]

Ea, Our Second Chance (15)

15. Dissection of trepangfish

(Index)

(< 14. Reproduction of Haematophyta) (> 16. Ean heraldry)

(original page)

Specimen of golden trepangfish (Dendrocephalus aureus, Wayan 27), an Actinognathan common in the oceans of Ea, as it might appear during dissection on the desk of a student of the Faculty of Marine Zoology in Leeuwenhoek, New World Academy.

The feathered ends of the oral palps sweep the seabottom, capturing micropreys and organic particles from the sediment. The mucus-covered cirri convey these particles to each mouth.

Often some palps beat the floor to raise clouds that are sifted by others. As is often the case for palps of this length, they are divided in rigid segments for reasons of mechanical efficiency.

The mouths also serve to expel waste, which mostly consists of sand and mud particles. At least one palp is always reserved to excretion when feeding. We can see a mass of feces expelled by one of the mouths. The greenish color is due to metabolic waste from blood recycling.

Each eye is protected by a calcite lens that must be shed periodically as it’s scratched by sand. The two visible eye lenses appear to be new.

As pentamerans have an open circulatory system, dissection releases a large amount of lymph. The green color is due to the organometallic copper complexes that carry oxygen around the haemocoel.

Some calcareous plates have been lifted to expose the interior organs. They are connected by thin elastic tissue that can tighten offering considerable resistance when the animal is alive, but can be easily cut after death.

The trepangfish' ring-shaped stomach, connected to all the five palps.

The digestive caeca extend deep into the haemocoel, extracting metabolic waste from it and passing back nutrients. Their walls secrete lubricating oils to protect themselves from abrasions due to sand grains.

The hydrocysts serve as distributed reservoirs of hydromuscular fluid in actinognathans, none of which appears to be more important than others, contrasting with the central role of the Vindhana organ in geopentamerans.

A water lung, extracted from its usual resting position between two caeca.

Male and female gonads appear as a nearly identical pale spongy mass. Only their extension to this level reveals that this trepangfish is a female; male gonads would cluster much closer to the genital slits for a faster maturation and release of sperm.

The hydraulic fins are mostly used to control the body’s orientation in water. They are easily lost to accidents or predation, but regenerate within days. A valve at the base stops fluid loss in this case.

The tail is mostly occupied by hydraulic muscle and gonad tissue. In this species the genital slits are completely hidden by the caudal scales.

The base of the aboral cerci carries eggs. This is not sufficient to mark the specimen as female (but see point 11), as the newly released and fertilized eggs attach to the cerci of both parents.

About half of the length of the cerci are composed by rows of fins that provide active forward propulsion to the animal. They do not move independently: the whole cercus moves as a ribbon to push water backwards. Unlike most hydraulic structures, they lose half of their size after death as fluid flows into the inner hydrocysts.

The distal part of the cerci is broad and flat, contains little fluid and remains flexible at all times. Its function is not yet fully understood.

[rjzimmerman]

How Much Longer Can Glen Canyon Dam Last? (Sierra Club)

Excerpt from this story from Sierra Club:

This spring, the Bureau of Reclamation revealed damage to the river outlet works system of Glen Canyon Dam. While there is no structural risk to the huge dam on the Colorado River, the incident drew attention to the dam’s antiquated infrastructure and brought into question its ability to sustain water releases from Lake Powell at lower elevations. At risk are both the lower Colorado River Basin’s ecosystems—including the Grand Canyon—and the 30 million people who rely on the Colorado’s water.

The damage was caused by a High Flow Experiment Release in April 2023, by cavitation, a process that happens when water passing through pipes at high velocity creates air bubbles that cause erosion. During the 2023 release, 3,500 CFS (cubic feet per second) of water was released through the outlet works pipes for 72 hours. The aim was to distribute sediment throughout the Grand Canyon to maintain healthy beaches and riparian habitats.

Part of the reason Glen Canyon Dam was constructed between 1956 and 1963, in addition to water storage and hydropower generation, was to keep a million tons of Colorado River sediment each year from clogging Lake Mead, 305 miles downstream. Lake Powell, the resulting reservoir that straddles the Arizona-Utah border, flooded 169 miles of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon with 8 trillion gallons of water at maximum capacity. The reservoir is currently at an elevation of 3,577 feet and only 37 percent of capacity, reflecting both the two-decades-long drought and a slight uptick from the last wet winter.

Water is released from the dam through eight main penstocks, which produce hydropower. The four river outlet works are a secondary release option, typically reserved for flood control, High Flow Experiments, and when the power plant is offline. Cavitation, coating, and pipe wall damage were first observed in 1965 following a discharge slightly higher than that of 2023, and the damage has continued over time. While it doesn’t impede the functionality of the outlet works, it does highlight their limitations. Previously, it was assumed the pipes could be used for downstream releases if the reservoir dropped below power pool elevation, 3,490 feet. In an email response to a query, a Bureau of Reclamation spokesperson said that that is not a viable option: “If Lake Powell drops below elevation 3490 feet, Glen Canyon Dam releases could only be accomplished through the river outlet works, which have not been used as the exclusive means to release water and were not envisioned as the sole means to release water from Glen Canyon Dam.” 

The bureau is currently running studies and physical modeling to better understand the situation, with an analysis expected by the end of this year. Meanwhile, it plans to replace the interior coating inside the original pipes, which will prevent corrosion but does not address the cavitation. In addition to the $9 million repair, Reclamation will also look to repair the hollow jet valves that regulate water flows through the outlet works.

The damage raises questions about the dam’s longevity. In 2022, environmental groups Great Basin Water Network, Glen Canyon Institute, and Utah Rivers Council released a report, Antique Plumbing & Leadership Postponed: How the Glen Canyon Dam’s Archaic Design Threatens the Colorado River Water Supply. Among their key concerns were the limitations of the river outlet works to release water should reservoir levels plummet. In April 2023, Lake Powell dropped to an elevation of 3,519 feet, the lowest it has been since the dam started filling.

[vistalandcare]

Erosion Control and Auckland Council's Approach to Erosion and Sediment Management

Erosion control is a critical component of sustainable land management, particularly in urban areas like Auckland, where development can significantly impact the environment. The Auckland Council has recognized the importance of effective erosion and sediment control measures to protect waterways, preserve natural landscapes, and ensure the health of local ecosystems.

Understanding Erosion and Its Impact

Erosion is a natural process where soil and rock are worn away by wind, water, or ice. However, human activities, such as construction, land clearing, and deforestation, can exacerbate this process, leading to increased sediment runoff. Sediment can clog waterways, reduce water quality, and harm aquatic habitats. Moreover, erosion can compromise the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure, resulting in costly repairs and environmental degradation.

Auckland Council's Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines

The Auckland Council has established comprehensive guidelines to address erosion and sediment control in the region. These guidelines aim to mitigate the impacts of erosion, protect water quality, and promote responsible land use. Here are some key elements of Auckland Council's approach:

1. Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCPs)

For any construction or land disturbance project, an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) is required. This plan outlines the measures that will be implemented to minimize erosion and sediment runoff. It must be tailored to the specific site conditions and activities, ensuring that appropriate control measures are in place before any work begins.

2. Best Management Practices (BMPs)

The Auckland Council promotes a range of best management practices (BMPs) for effective erosion and sediment control. These include:

Silt Fences: Temporary barriers made of geotextile fabric, installed to intercept sediment-laden runoff and prevent it from leaving the site.

Sediment Basins: These are designed to capture sediment from stormwater runoff, allowing it to settle before the water is released into nearby waterways.

Mulching and Hydro Mulching: Applying mulch or using hydroseeding techniques to stabilize soil and promote vegetation growth, which helps bind the soil and reduce erosion.

Vegetative Buffer Strips: Establishing buffer zones of vegetation around waterways to filter sediment and absorb runoff before it reaches sensitive areas.

3. Regular Monitoring and Maintenance

To ensure the effectiveness of erosion and sediment control measures, the Auckland Council emphasizes the need for regular monitoring and maintenance. This includes inspecting control measures during and after rain events, repairing any damaged infrastructure, and ensuring that vegetation is thriving.

4. Public Education and Engagement

The Auckland Council recognizes that community involvement is vital for successful erosion control. They provide educational resources and workshops to inform landowners, developers, and contractors about the importance of erosion and sediment control and how to implement effective practices on their properties.

Conclusion

Erosion control is essential for protecting Auckland's natural resources and ensuring the sustainability of its urban environment. By adhering to the Auckland Council's guidelines for erosion and sediment management, developers and landowners can contribute to preserving the region's waterways, reducing environmental impact, and promoting responsible land use practices. With the right measures in place, we can safeguard Auckland's landscapes for future generations while fostering a healthier ecosystem.

[mariacallous]

If you stood on the banks of the Cache la Poudre River in Colorado after the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire, the rumbling water may have appeared black. This slurry of ash and charred soil cascaded toward the reservoirs that supply drinking water for the downstream city of Fort Collins, home to around 170,000 people. Although the water looked clear again several weeks later, Charles Rhoades, a research biogeochemist at the US Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, says he is still seeing contaminants from the fire in the watershed.

Recent studies have found that while some watersheds begin to recover within five years of a fire, others may be fundamentally altered, never fully returning to their pre-fire conditions. And with wildfires becoming more common, much larger, and burning for longer as the world warms, hydrologists, ecologists, and water-management officials are scrambling to understand and mitigate the consequences fire-contaminated water can have on humans and ecosystems.

In a healthy forest, there’s a lot of “litter” on the ground—pine needles, dead leaves, debris. “It acts like a sponge,” says Rhoades. “As rainfall comes in, it moves through that layer slowly and can trickle into the soil.” When fires scorch the land, they burn that vegetation and organic matter, leaving behind a bare landscape that’s highly susceptible to erosion. Instead of filtering into the ground, rain will slide right off the surface, moving quickly, picking up soil, and carrying it into streams and rivers. Not only does this cause sediment build-up, but it can disrupt the water chemistry. Rhoades found elevated levels of nutrients, like nitrogen, in rivers almost 15 years after a high-severity fire. These nutrients can lead to harmful algal blooms, although they don’t directly impact drinking water quality. But other sites show increased levels of heavy metals like manganese, iron, and even lead after a major fire, which can complicate water-treatment processes.

Other regions across the western US, like Taos, New Mexico, and Santa Cruz, California, have faced similar issues, as wildfires increase in frequency and duration due to climate change and decades of fire-suppression practices. For much of the 20th century, the US Forest Service and other land management agencies aimed to keep all fires from burning, believing it was the best way to protect forests. But naturally occuring, low-severity fires improve forest health, preventing the accumulation of dense underbrush and dead trees that act as fuel.

“We have this huge buildup of fuel on the landscape from 140 years of fire suppression, and we know that the consequences of that—combined with increases in severe weather—make the likelihood of really intense fire behavior much higher than it used to be,” says Alissa Cordner, an environmental sociologist and professor at Whitman College in Washington state and volunteer wildland firefighter. “We also have more and more people living next to forests and migrating to places in the wildland-urban interface.” Any municipality is at risk of water contamination if a wildfire burns through its watershed.

“Consumers rarely know about all this stuff that’s going on under the hood,” says Rhoades. After a wildfire, water providers work tirelessly to ensure residents don’t experience the effects in their taps, which requires collaboration between land agencies, like the Forest Service, USGS, and local governing bodies. They perform regular water testing, install sediment-control structures, and sometimes, alter water treatment protocols to deal with the increased load of contaminants.

Sediment is one of the biggest concerns for utilities managers, as it clogs up filtration systems that prepare water for treatment. “We have to slow down the treatment process for sediment to drop out,” says Alison Witheridge, watershed planning manager at Denver Water. “It takes more energy and more chemicals to treat the water.” When there’s too much sediment, water-treatment plants can’t take that water, says Rhoades.

After the 2012 Hayman Fire, the Poudre river had so much sediment that the water provider needed to temporarily switch to an alternative water supply. Carbon, another wildfire contaminant, can cause serious problems for water managers, too. “When you chlorinate that water in a treatment plant, you can create some carcinogenic compounds,” says Rhoades. “So if you get big pulses of carbon going into treatment plants, especially ones that aren’t used to that, they have problems.”

Municipalities with simple water-treatment plants that pull water from one source may be at the greatest risk. “If you rely on a really clean water supply, your treatment plant is not really super extensive because you don’t need it, right?” says Sheila Murphy, research hydrologist for the USGS. “So some watersheds, if there ever is a huge impact, they’re not set up for that. Now that we’re getting more fires in areas that aren’t used to fires, that’s a big challenge for water providers.”

But keeping the watershed clean is only one piece of the puzzle. If a fire damages infrastructure, cities may have to deal with potential chemical contamination from burnt pipes. When the Marshall Fire swept through Louisville, Colorado, in 2021, it left hundreds of homes and buildings burned. The city knew about the risks of burned infrastructure from the experiences in fire-impacted communities like Paradise, California, so they initiated a large water-sampling campaign to test for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), two common fire-related contaminants and carcinogens.

“This systematic testing and flushing allowed the city to clear neighborhood by neighborhood, block by block, and house by house,” says Cory Peterson, deputy director of utilities for the City of Louisville. “The water-distribution system was able to come back relatively quickly, but we also wanted to make sure the individual service lines to homes were safe.” They continued to test throughout the home-rebuild process and created an interactive map for the community to see their property’s water-quality status.

While cities now have many tools and extensive knowledge to adequately respond in an emergency, “the long-term effects that these ecosystem shifts have on our water supply is sort of unknown and underexplored,” says Matt Ross, an ecosystem scientist and assistant professor at Colorado State University.

Proper response and rehabilitation is tricky because it depends on the region’s terrain, existing water supply, and infrastructure. The USGS is currently performing research in California, Oregon, New Mexico, Montana, and Colorado to see how each region’s watershed responds. “Some places may be more resilient to the effects of fire, whereas in some areas where you have extreme storms, such as New Mexico, we often see a very large sediment response that can cause a lot of damage and fill reservoirs,” says Murphy.

In addition to geology and precipitation, there’s also land use to consider. “Are there legacy mines in the region or is there agricultural use? Are there urban-wildland interfaces? All those factors will affect what you see in the watershed,” she says. Once their research is complete, they hope to give water providers a better idea of what the potential risks are for a particular region so cities can better prepare.

Data collection and monitoring are also essential, says Ross, who has been working to install remote sensors in streams to measure water quality in real time. These sensors are increasingly common and capture basic parameters like dissolved oxygen, acidity, and suspended sediment. “It’s really helpful to know what’s coming into the system and can provide an early warning,” says Witheridge.

There’s also the long-term work that extends years after the fire itself. Land managers may plant trees to stabilize soils or establish vegetation closer to streams and restore watershed function, says Rhoades. And there’s work on the front end, too, like tree thinning and forest clean-up to prevent fires—or at least keep them from reaching high severity.

Overall, there is a shift toward a more holistic approach to fire management. “We’re thinking about the impacts of fire not just in how many acres burned or how many structures destroyed, but what happens to watersheds or what happens to the health of people in smoky communities a thousand miles away,” says Cordner. “All of those ripple effects do raise a sense of urgency for us to do as much mitigation work as we can.”

[saiilorstars]

Ch. 27: The Wondrous Beach

[Story Masterlist] // [Aitana’s Masterlist]

Fandom: Criminal Minds // Pairing: Spencer Reid x OFC

Taglist: @ocappreciationtag​​​​​ @arrthurpendragon​​​​​ @anotherunreadblog​​​​​ @maaaaarveeeeel​​​​​ @stareyedplanet​​​​​ @averyhotchner​​​​​​ @foxesandmagic @kmc1989​​​​​​

If you’d like to be a part of Aitana’s taglist, please let me know!

Also available on Fanfic ○ Ao3 ○ Wattpad

So much for having a simple case, Aitana thought as she stepped onto the sandy beach. The wind was particularly strong which made it hard to keep one's hair out of the face. And for this case, they needed to have keen eyes. It wasn't every day that dozens of human remains were dumped out from the ocean pumps.

Aitana headed for the set up the local precinct had placed a short distance from the shoreline. She had done her due diligence with the media and found that this was one case she wouldn't be able to push them away from. The beach was big and reporters were relentless.

"They won't be leaving," she told Hotch on their way to meet the main detective on the case. Already there were several news reporters lining up outside the cautionary tape. She was sure at least one of them would sneak in sooner or later.

"It's fine for now," he told her. He was aware that it being her first case back she was doing everything to be one step ahead of the others, basically exerting herself more than she should. Her evaluation was up soon too, as well as a pending talk about her status at the BAU. She had every reason to take things one step extra.

"Agent Hotchner," the main detective greeted first when the pair arrived, "I'm assuming Agent Serrano?"

Aitana nodded. "We spoke on the phone. Detective Foreman?"

"Yes ma'am. Call me JT. Not the most cushy arrangement," he made a feature to their set up, "But it'll keep your team close to the crime scene for now."

"Well, thank you for setting it up," Hotch said. "This will help us preserve what we can. Excuse us." He walked away with Aitana.

"Has Garcia found any potential leads on who we found so far?" she asked curiously.

"Cold leads but they might not be that if we keep studying the remains," Hotch said, stopping by another tent where Spencer was currently examining the pieces of bones.

"You know, based on the parasites on the most recent kill, the unsub killed as recently as a month ago, which means he's still active," he told the pair as soon as he felt them coming in.

Aitana blinked at his quick-pace. "How did you establish a timeline so quickly?"

"By reverse engineering mother nature. Each year, sand and sediment cover up the remains, creating layers on the ocean floor. The deeper the pump dug, the older the remains. Nine victims in 9 years means that he's in control of his urges."

"Any sense of the victimology?" asked Hotch. He and Aitana gazed over the different bones. Some definitely appeared older than others, some even grimy.

"Only that he likes variety. Pelvic bone width indicates that he kills both men and women, and skull structure says he crosses racial lines as well."

"Agent Hotchner, excuse me?" Foreman peered into the tent. "We found 3 more remains."

That would make the count go up to 15 at least. Aitana lowered her gaze to the bones on the tables. "If he's been dumping this long, it's not just out of convenience," she murmured. The mere conformation of her words laid with the bones themselves. "There's got to be an emotional tie as well."

"He'll change his M. O. because he has to, but he won't be happy about it," Spencer added, "And he'll have the entire Atlantic to choose from."

~0~

"They keep growing!" Aitana exclaimed with heavy annoyance when she found Morgan and Seaver near the lucky pump that gave them all their bones.

Seaver looked up first to set what Aitana was so irritated at and when she saw the heavy load of news reporters outside the perimeter, she understood Aitana's frustration. "That is quite a lot."

"They're not leaving," Aitana said through gritted teeth. "In fact, they're probably calling each other like the glorified gossipers that they are." Seaver managed a chuckle but when there wasn't any type of response from Morgan, Aitana stopped. "You okay over there?" she called. Seaver seemed like she had already been down that road.

"Yeah, case is tough, that's all," Morgan said simply before moving off to the side.

Aitana raised an eyebrow at him. "He never says that," she said.

Seaver agreed. "Struck me strange too."

The only sensible reason for that behavior is when the case struck too close to home. Aitana would never be brave enough to directly as Morgan what happened...but she was sure that a little blonde birdy behind the computers would end up telling her anyway. After half an hour, Aitana decided the news reporters would have to be dealt with directly.

She found Hotch back in the tent with Spencer going over the bones. "Hey, busy?" she asked.

"Going over the victimology," Hotch said. "Is it important?"

"Sort of, yeah, but so is this." Aitana noticed the new additional bones had been laid on the table. "Do we have anything conclusive about it?"

"I found a unique evolution, actually," Spencer said, "The earliest victims appear to be high-risk." He moved around the tables for a specific set of bones. "These lesions are consistent with syphilis, most likely a prostitute. This one has severely ground and missing teeth, commonly seen in excessive methamphetamine abuse. And then all of a sudden out of nowhere, a sea change…" He moved to a whole new table and gestured to the series of bones. "Healthier and stronger victims all the way through to number 12."

"What do we know about the first victim?" asked Hotch.

"You know, that one's tough. He or she has been in the water so long, they're mostly bone fragments. I can attempt to reconstruct—"

"You've got 3 hours," Hotch cut him off and apparently it was rather offensive by the look on Spencer's face.

"I can do it in 2!"

Aitana rolled her eyes at him. "Great deal you're making—Hotch, can we talk now?" She was a little jittery and though it was unusual for her, Hotch knew why it would suddenly happen.

He walked out of the tent with her and listened to her story about the troubling amount of media around them. "How much has gotten out?" He asked her.

"It's hard to tell," she admitted. "Some of these news crews are national. If the unsub doesn't know we found his graveyard yet, he will soon. Then we'll hear from everyone who's ever filed a missing persons report. Plus, I'm worried somebody's going to sneak through and leak things."

Hotch would agree. The media was getting antsy as the hours went by without anything being revealed. "Maybe we can use this to our advantage. We could talk to them. It might feed the unsub's ego, take the sting out of him losing his site. It could keep him in the area."

"If you're sure," Atiana said, throwing a reluctant look at the ocean and the media.

"What?" Hotch tilted his head at her.

"Well, it's the ocean," she said with a weak gesture towards the waters, "He could already be there and without a way to see the broadcast."

Hotch understood her and partially agreed with her. They were assuming the unsub wasn't already at sea because it's all they had. "We have to move with the pieces that we have."

"I know," Aitana nodded. "I'll go get everything started." She had an easier time gathering up the news reporters in one spot than she had when she tried to amicably get them to leave. Everybody was all nicer when they were allowed closer to the scene.

"Nervous?" Rossi asked her while they waited for the last of the details to be sorted around them. Most of the team was going to be there with her except for Spencer who would be devoting himself to the bones.

"You would think," Aitana said with eyebrows raised, "But...not really, no."

"Attagirl. But you do know that you don't have to overwork yourself just because it's your first case back."

Aitana paused to meet the man's look. "Am I that obvious?" Rossi wouldn't say it but his smile did. She sighed. "Oh God. I gotta work on my expressions around you people." Rossi patted her shoulder.

Shortly after, they were given the 'go' sign to start the broadcast.

Aitana originally thought she had trouble with the beach's strong winds but now she had the flashing lights of the cameras too. "At...at this moment it would be premature to comment on the details of the case. Our goal is to identify the recovered remains as quickly as possible for the families involved." She could hear the bumbling questions beginning to tumble out from a few reporters so she picked up her pace. "In order to expedite that, we're asking that the families or friends of people who went missing on the east coast of the United States since the year 2000 come forward. We'll be matching DNA to the remains, and it will be helpful for us to have a personal item from each of the missing persons. An article of clothing, a hairbrush, a blanket, a pillowcase, photographs or medical or dental records if you have them." She thought she heard someone's cellphone ring nearby them. "Um...we're also looking for items of significance to help us determine the last known whereabouts of each of the victims. Correspondence like letters or emails will be helpful." She would've stepped down as soon as she was done had it not been for the torpedo of questions thrown her way. It was hard to differentiate which question was coming from who but there were distinctive ones that soon stood out.

"Miss Serrano!"

"Agent Serrano," she corrected with a sharp look at the older reporter. "And I will not be taking any questions. None of the victims have been identified and that is where we will be focusing on until further notice. Thank you." She finally stepped down and left the officers deal with getting the group back behind the cautionary tape. She stopped by Hotch to make sure she'd done everything right. "What if he didn't see it?" she asked with decent concern.

"It's a risk we had to take," he said. "You did everything you were supposed to. Now we have to go back to the precinct to start dealing with the calls."

Aitana nodded. "Okay. I'll start gathering people for that too." She moved around to meet the others but noticed Morgan had gone off to the side again. "Oh, so it was his phone I heard," she said, unable to completely hide her annoyance.

"Be easy," Rossi said suddenly, gaining both her and Seaver's attention. "What?"

Aitana raised an eyebrow. "You know something us newbies don't."

Seaver agreed. " Morgan was telling me how difficult these cases can be. Who did he lose?"

Rossi shrugged. Why did things like this fall in his arms? With a sigh, he motioned the two agents to come closer. "Some years back, Morgan's cousin fled a stalker. She made it to South Carolina. She was never seen or heard from again."

"Was it the stalker?" asked Aitana.

"He killed himself 2 weeks later, so we never found out for sure. But Morgan's profile led straight to him. So whenever unidentified female remains turn up…"

"He gets that call," Seaver concluded much like Aitana had.

"Parents will do anything to believe their child is alive and well," Aitana said, "My parents tried to do that multiple times while I was in WPP. I can't imagine what his cousin's parents must feel, especially if they just saw this whole thing."

"Oh, I'm sure Morgan is getting to know that," Rossi said, eyes drifting over to the man still on the phone.

~0~

In a matter of hours, people had lined up at the precinct to discover if their lost loved ones were one of the victims they currently had as bones on tables. There was a long list. It was heartbreaking seeing so many missing people and yet it wasn't surprising. Aitana stepped into the bullpen to see the heavy crowd waiting anxiously to be called for an interview. As the liaison on the field, she had already talked to most of them and each story tugged more and more at her heart. She was glad to have reinforcements towards the end because she might not have made it.

"Alex Cottle, Beth Riley, Louise Jones," she called the trio of names and looked up to see three similar grim faces move forwards. "I'm Agent Serrano, I'll be talking to one of you while 2 of my colleagues take the other pair. Follow me please." She led the trio out of the bullpen, leaving one of the women with Seaver and the man with Morgan.

She sat down with the last woman, Louise, in one of the last family rooms. Just like she had with all the previous people, Aitana reintroduced what they were attempting to do. She went over the few public details of the case and the victims they had lined up to see if one of them could be whoever Louise was thinking of.

The woman seemed pretty sure of it. "We were working on a gene therapy project at Johns Hopkins when Samantha got the news. Parkinson's." She handed Aitana a photograph of a blonde woman.

"That must have been pretty rough on her," Aitana said. Samantha seemed happy in the picture ahe held.

"I was her best friend, and all I ever got was this postcard." Louise presented the postcard to Aitana who immediately took it to study. It was a simple card with no more than four lines as a message.

"'Weze, I'm not going back to school. There's nothing there for me. I need to find myself. Love, Sammy,'" Louise recited by memory.

Aitana had to wonder how many times Louise had reread the postcard since she'd received it. "Does this sound like her to you?"

"Not really, no," Louise shook her head. "She would have written a 12-page letter. But she addressed it to "Weze." She's the only one who called me that."

That was very specific. At first glance, if Samantha was a victim, the letter could've perhaps been forced by the Unsub. Gunpoint or any other sort of threat could've made it happened. Either way, the postcard could be a potential clue. "Can we keep this for further analysis?" She saw the clear hesitance in Louise's eyes. Of course she wouldn't want to part from the last thing Samantha supposedly sent her. "Please, you'll get it back, I promise."

Louise eventually agreed. "Okay."

"Did you happen to bring anything of hers that we could get DNA from?"

"Well, everyone on the project mapped their DNA into the database…"

"Great, I'll need that information." Aitana grabbed her clipboard and flipped to the last pages. She was making another list of each potential victim's information. So many lists, so many victims…

Later on when she walked Louise back to the bullpen, Aitana caught sight of Rossi doing the same interrogation but with Morgan. That could not be easy.

~0~

A few hours later Aitana would bring the picture of Samantha to their evidence board. It was bittersweet learning she was one of the victims. "Meet our first confirmed victim, Dr. Samantha Cormick." She turned away from the board to meet the team's gazes. "Since her DNA profile was already developed, we were able to save a couple of days. Based on where Samantha disappeared, we can start assuming that the unsub dumps here and hunts in Charleston."

"It's a tourist spot. Larger victim pool," Seaver reasoned.

"It's a 250-mile trip back here. It's a lot of exposure," Morgan said, leading Spencer to think ahead with his own findings from the bones.

"Torture takes time and privacy, and disarticulation is a mess. You know, he could have a mobile torture chamber in his truck or trailer," he said. He found in the first victim, a terrible disarticulation had been done to great extent. That kind of thing needed a lot of space.

"We've seen that before," Hotch agreed with him.

"Or maybe he doesn't drive at all," Rossi suggested. "He could do it all from his boat."

Morgan liked the idea. "Well, if he gets them on board in Charleston and sails them out here, he would have time for both. And nobody would even notice a fisherman tossing chum into the water."

"Well, let's see if our dear Garcia can help us." Aitana moved for the landline on the table. Poor Penelope had been going crazy trying to narrow down her search for the Unsub. Maybe now they could finally give her some useful details.

"Yello!" Penelope answered after the first ring.

"Hey Garcia, we've got more information about the unsub's boat," Aitana said, eyes flickering to Spencer. No doubt he already had the exact numbers for the dimensions of the torture room the unsub would need. "It might help you narrow your list."

"Ok. Bring it!"

Spencer moved around the table until he was closer to the phone. "Can you give us boats with cabins large enough to hide a torture chamber?"

"Torture chamber?" Penelope paused. The others could just imagine her shuddering. "'Cause that would, yeah, totally be listed in the manufacturer's specs of amenities."

"Try cabin dimensions. Start at 10 by 10 feet and cap it at 30!"

"That is totally gonna take forever 'cause I gotta go record by record. You are lucky I love you!" Penelope huffed. "Bye!"

"We need to go back to the families and see who else got a postcard," Hotch said as soon as the line went dead. "This might finally be a link to victimology."

Aitana went to grab her clipboard to go over the list with them again.

"Sending goodbye postcards as a ruse is a gamble," Seaver spoke up, "Even if written under duress, the victim could sneak their own message into it."

Spencer glanced at the post card on the evidence board. "I don't think this was written under duress." He walked up to the board to take the postcard off and really look at it up close. "You said Dr. Cormick wasn't taking medication for Parkinson's, right?"

"That's what Louise said," Aitana nodded.

"Yeah, but look at her handwriting." He turned around to show the team the postcard. The handwriting was perfectly neat. "No indication of tremors or shaking. There's a drug called trilamide. In minute doses it treats Parkinson's, but its main use is for seasickness."

"Something a fisherman would have access to," Morgan realized.

Spencer agreed and added, "And criminals in South America. Intel reports say they figured out a high dose makes the victim totally compliant. They slip it in your drink or blow the powder in your face and nasodermal absorption's almost immediate. You're instantaneously susceptible to any suggestion. There have been reports of locals letting thugs into their apartments to rob them, even helping them load the getaway trucks."

"So writing a four line postcard is child's play with that drug," Aitana's gaze fell over the postcard. Louise had been right all along. The postcard had something that only Samantha would say but the overall feel to it was like it didn't even belong to Samantha at all.

~ 0 ~

Within a day, the team had gathered up four more postcards confirming the same amount of victims. They were going through the unfortunate four victims' family extensively. When Aitana finished with her round, she felt herself mentally exhausted like she never had before.

"Hey," Seaver found her on her way to the conference room. "You guys done?"

Aitana nodded. "Rossi's talking to Morgan. I thought it was better that way. What about you?"

Seaver had gone off to talk to the local fishermen about the Unsub. She unfortunately had nothing to report. "They haven't seen anybody like our Unsub."

"Great," Aitana mumbled. She pulled the conference room door open and led Seaver inside. "How's the linguistic profile?" She asked of Spencer who was deep in work by the table.

"Nothing truly significant," he said, "And you?"

Both Aitana and Seaver shook their heads.

"No fishermen saw anything," Seaver said.

"And nobody was suspicious about a postcard written in the victims' handwriting," Aitana added. "Why would they?" She sank down into an empty chair. "I swear, why did this have to happen by the beach again? Beaches are supposed to be fun. Dipping your feet into the water, having sweet coconuts, building sand castles—"

"You do realize that beaches are magnets for bacteria, right?" Spencer interrupted her.

She deadpanned him. "Don't ruin my beaches, Dr. Reid."

"I'm just saying," he raised his hands quickly. "Beach sand contains more fecal bacteria than the seawater. In fact, sand itself is just more dirty than the waters."

"Didn't I just say not to ruin it? I'm pretty sure I just said that."

Spencer scrunched his face. "Sorry."

"Have you ever gone to the beach?"

"I feel like you already know the answer…"

Seaver couldn't help her fit of laughter. "Oh, Reid…"

Aitana was, of course, not surprised at all that he never went to the beach. "You need to go to the beach," she declared.

The idea seemed to horrify Spencer, judging by his wide eyes. "Do you know how many pathogens there are on a beach?"

"Do you know how much fun it is going to the beach? Volleyball, sand castles, swimming — need I go on?" Aitana thought she made a pretty good argument.

"Sand everywhere, salty water and sunburns?" Spencer shook his head. "I'll pass."

Aitana could not believe her ears and yet at the same time, because it was him, she did. "You haven't been to the right ones."

"All beaches are the same, Aitana."

"No they're not. You have to visit a fun one. These American ones…" she made a weak gesture, crinkling her nose, "They're not it. You want fun beaches? Go to Mexico."

"Cancun?" Seaver made the presumption with curiosity. It grew when Aitana shook her head.

"That's a popular tourist spot that is deserving of its reputation but I'm talking about slightly lesser known ones. I get the best, and biggest, coconuts, temporary tattoos, my hair braided, and so much more!"

"But it's still just a beach," Spencer remarked, earning another deadpan from Aitana.

"If you say that one more time, I'm going to hit you."

For some reason, Spencer found himself smiling against the threat.

The only thing that saved him was Hotch's and Morgan's hasty entry into the room. They may have figured out a new angle for their profile which solidified their overall profile.

~0~

While the team delivered the profile, Aitana set herself aside to handle any lingering victim's family wanting to know more information. Now that more victims had been confirmed, it was harder to contain their questions. Aitana didn't want anyone listening in on the profile. There was just one person who managed to grab her attention and mostly because she refused to step out.

"Ma'am, I'm really sorry but you need to follow the others to the family room," Aitana tried gesturing her towards the group, even wanting to lead her there, but the woman refused.

"I know one of your agents," she said much too certain to be a lie.

Aitana paused and studied the woman. "I'm sorry? Who—"

"Derek Morgan — he's my nephew and I really need to speak with him!"

It all clicked for Aitana at that moment. The woman had to be the mother of Morgan's missing cousin. "Oh."

"Please, I really need to talk to him," the woman said.

Aitana knew there was no way the woman would leave on her own. "Yes, okay," she sighed. "But my team is in the middle of a...presentation…" She supposed that would be the simplest explanation for a civilian. "You'll have to wait until Agent Morgan can come speak to you."

The woman dutifully nodded. "Yes, I understand."

"Okay, follow me." Aitana turned to lead her back to the bullpen. She really hoped they were done with the profile but, unfortunately, they were not.

"...until he finds another spot in the ocean to replace this one…" Morgan trailed off when he spotted his aunt beside Aitana.

Aitana could only apologetically smile for bringing his aunt at a time like this. She walked a few steps forwards to meet Morgan because there was no way he was going to continue with the profile with his aunt around.

"I am so sorry," Aitana spoke hushed and quick when Morgan met her. "She said she was with your aunt and she didn't want to leave—"

"It's fine," he told her. He knew exactly how his aunt could be. "I should've expected it. I'll handle it."

"Sorry," Aitana still felt the urge to apologize to him when he walked off to meet his aunt.

~0~

Talking to his aunt seemed like the right thing to happen because it gave the team a whole new angle to look the case from. If Morgan's cousin was really their last victim, it changed the entire way the unsub was abducting the victims. His cousin wouldn't willingly go on a boat which left the land transit as the only other way.

"You know, if the unsub's abducting in transit, how can he cover it up?" Aitana asked the group. "Everything leaves a trace. Buses, trains, whatever."

"I felt like we were close with the charter idea," Rossi said, exchanging glances with Seaver who'd helped pitch the idea earlier. "Maybe he doesn't abduct them off a boat."

"What means of transportation doesn't issue a ticket in advance?" Seaver then asked.

"Passenger trains," Hotch answered with his first thought. "A conductor can hand-write a ticket once you're already on board."

"Actually, most of the smaller stations aren't even manned," Seaver said, "You have to buy tickets on board.

"You know, the train is a concept that attracts people who are trying to start over," Spencer said, "The appeal of escape, of romance."

"So if he's a conductor, he's in a target-rich environment," Aitana said with a horrified face. It was basically a free for all for that guy.

Foreman knocked lightly before coming into the room. "Agent Hotchner, my men pulled a body out of the water. Agent Morgan's at the autopsy now."

The unsub was accelerating the time between victims—what's more is that it appeared he was indeed in the ocean like Aitana had originally feared.

~ 0 ~

With the new victim, Morgan and Spencer were able to deduce that the victim had been a father. It meant that now the unsub was left with the man's child. Time was of true essence! Luckily, Penelope came through quickly.

"I'm getting it now, baby girl." Morgan was right in front of the fax machine watching said paper slide out agonizingly slow. The others watched him yank it off the machine to see the photograph of a man. "That's our victim." It was a direct match to the body he and Spencer had seen earlier.

"My beautiful SSA Derek Morgan, you deserve a raise," Penelope hummed. "Gary Rhymer of Virginia just got full custody after his wife failed drug test number 3."

"So who's the child?" Hotch asked. They had nothing on the child and it was concerning.

"His name is James. He's 15. Enrolled to start school next week in Mount Pleasant, which is east of Charleston," Penelope explained. "Looks like Gary has a sister there."

"How about how their way of traveling?" Spencer curiously asked. They had yet to confirm any specific way their victims had travelled.

" No. Sorry, babe, there's no record of that."

"Just like the others," Seaver said.

Aitana walked into the room looking weary. She had just done another round through the families for the new details they were discovering. "None of the family members could confirm a train line for us. What do we do now? Rule it out?"

"No…" Rossi seemed to be thinking of something the others had not yet caught up with. "There's one person we haven't asked."

"Who?" asked Morgan.

"Your aunt."

As quick as Morgan wanted to shut the idea down, the logical side of him knew it was a fair idea. He would have to talk to her again.

~0~

In half an hour, Penelope had the lucky train line to help narrow down the search even more. "James took the train 3 summers in a row during his parents' divorce. His aunt from South Carolina bought the tickets, filled out the unaccompanied minor paperwork, which is why it didn't show up in my search!"

"And the train line?" Morgan asked, fingers tapping against his side while he waited for the answer.

"Surf Rider," Penelope answered fast. "It makes stops in Jacksonville, Charleston, and Miami."

"Cross-reference your list of boat owners with railroad employees," instructed Hotch.

"Okay!" Penelope would have results in a short minute. "I got a hit on a last name. Chuck Wells, local fisherman, son Blake, conductor on the line. And there it is. He didn't show up for work this week."

"Is there a current address?"

"No. Only a boat in the dad's name, which moved to Norfolk in 2000 when the mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She died a few months later."

That helped put more puzzle pieces together.

"Dad walked out and the unsub had to punish him for that," Rossi said.

"James doesn't fit the victimology," Spencer cut in, "It doesn't make sense the unsub would take him."

"He picked up on a father-son relationship that reminded him of his own," Morgan reasoned logically given what they had just learned. "What he didn't count on was Gary fighting for James' life."

"How do we know the unsub hasn't already killed James?" Seaver regretted to ask but it was something that had been gnawing at her head for a while now.

"So far he's only punished people who've abandoned their responsibilities. But that's exactly what James is to him now, a responsibility," Rossi explained.

"The unsub's gonna get angrier and angrier at that kid, and when he does, he's gonna become more like his father." Morgan had to wonder if the kid had already figured that out based on what happened earlier.

"Maybe we should start manning the shoreline again…" Aitana felt sick to her stomach saying those words. Even her old wound may have taken an extra jab. It was how they had found the father after all.

Unfortunately, given the new unique situation the unsub now found himself in, Hotch thought it a good idea. As repulsive as it was, they needed to be ready for anything that could happen.

~ 0 ~

"Garcia narrowed the unsub's history with his dad down to two locations," Morgan came back to the group after a long, one-on-one conversation with Penelope. "Seaside pier, which is where Chuck Wells used to dock his boat."

Foreman had joined the group after they disclosed their recent findings. "All the locals do. It's the cheapest spot to tie off," he said.

"She also mentioned a cannery on St. John's River."

"That place went out of business last year. It's abandoned."

That seemed like a ringer already.

"According to Garcia, the dad brought his catch there while the unsub worked the floor. Started at 16, which is roughly the same age as James."

"All right, we'll split up," Hotch decided. "Morgan, you take one SWAT team and go to the cannery. Detective Foreman and I will take the other and we'll go to the docks."

"We can be in both locations in 5 minutes," Foreman told the pair. His gaze then fell on the remaining agents not forming part of their plan.

"We'll man the station, don't worry," said Rossi when he caught on. Foreman offered him a small smile before taking off to gather the other needed officers.

"I'll head to the beach again," Aitana said. "Seaver can stay with the families...if that's alright?"

Seaver nodded. "Of course."

"You want some back up too?" Spencer thought to ask but Aitana shook her head at him.

"Don't worry, Spencer, I wouldn't want you to have to go back to the sandy pathogens," she said with a bemused smile.

He scrunched his face when he concluded that he didn't really have a way to make a comeback for that one. She hadn't even said it rudely and it was for that same reason that he was out of words. He was used to having to defend himself that the one time someone didn't go down that route, he had no idea how to respond.

Aitana laughed to herself and turned to leave. At least she would have something funny to remember while she was out by the ocean waiting for a child's corpse that may or may not appear. A shuddering reality.

~ 0 ~

Morgan and his side of the team would be the ones to find Blake at the dock. It took every part of Morgan not to fire at the man for holding the fifteen year old boy with a knife at his throat. "He's just a kid, Blake. And you don't hurt kids." Whether it was true or not, they had yet to find any evidence against it in their investigation so Morgan would use it as an advantage.

Blake was twitchy, no doubt disoriented from his recent killing spree. "You have no idea who I am."

"I know that you're a smart man. You had a long run at killing under the radar. But I also know that we can learn a lot from a man like you. See, studying men like you is my responsibility. And I'm telling you, if you let James go, we can be a part of your life. We won't abandon you, Blake." And that was essentially was Blake was summed down to.

"What makes you think I want to teach you?" sneered Blake.

"Look at your alternative, man. My guys are ready." Morgan had a full flock of armed men and women ready to take aim as soon as he gave the sign. Blake wasn't stupid at all. He would get the idea. "They will take the shot and they will kill you. What happens after that, Blake? Do you really think you're gonna get to see your mom again? Or maybe it'll just be cold...dark, empty. Like the water where you put your dad. It's your choice, man."

Blake deliberated for a couple minutes. Morgan paid attention to the man's white knuckles gripping the knife against the teenager's neck. Any sudden movement and he would give the 'go' sign.

Luckily, Blake gave in.

The only step afterwards was to finally give the victims' families closure. For Morgan, it was a lot more personal given the unconfirmed fifth victim. He played it entirely like an agent would and even though Blake saw through it for one second, he still fell for the trap. It just left Morgan with the same questions as before. He would probably never find out what happened to his cousin. But just because he would never know didn't mean his aunt would have to live with the same burden.

~ 0 ~

Aitana wanted to make sure that the beach was clear of any evidence of what happened. It was the least she could do for the neighborhood and the victims themselves. They deserve proper burials. She started as many procedures for each of the victims to be returned to the families.

"Serrano?" Hotch startled her in the tent where most of the victims bones were in the process of being bagged.

She turned around and came a few steps away from the fifth victim's remains. "Do we still know who this last one is?"

Hotch shook his head. "No."

So it wasn't Morgan's cousin, Aitana felt for Morgan and his aunt. It had to be rattling not knowing what happened to the poor girl. "Well, I'll see to it that the bones get sent to a cemetery anyways."

"That's not really part of your duties," Hotch said as a reminder and not reprimanding for taking on tasks that weren't part of her normal assignments. He already knew what she attempted to do, after all.

"I know," Aitana agreed. "But I need to do it. For sheer human decency."

"Right." Hotch wouldn't push her. She wasn't the first agent to come back after their first injury from an Unsub. He would just do what he could from his end to help the transition. "I need to postpone your evaluation."

Aitana blinked in surprise. "What? Again? But I'm good—"

"It's me," Hotch clarified. "I have some things to do for Strauss, so...you get some more time to think about where you would like to go if you prefer to leave the BAU."

"Right…" Aitana cleared her throat, "Um, well, I'll think."

"We're heading out in a couple minutes," Hotch said after a moment. It was ironic that he couldn't tell whether or not she was inclined to stay. It was a bit refreshing.

"Aitana?" Spencer poked his head into the tent. "You called?"

Aitana cleared her throat again. She nodded fast then turned for the table. "I'll be done soon, Hotch, I promise."

"Please," the man said sternly. As much leeway as he wanted to offer her, they were on a schedule to get back home. He turned to leave and warned Spencer as well they had about 15 minutes.

"Sorry, I just wanted to see if you could add anything else for this victim." Aitana had moved to their unidentified victim's bones. "I'm trying to see if we could leave the preliminary profile for the precinct and they can hopefully match it to a missing person case."

"I'm pretty sure they would do that on their own," Spencer said and Aitana nearly cut him off to make her case.

"I know but I want to help before we leave," she spoke rather quickly. It earned her a full study from him in return. She sighed. "I know it's not part of my job, I just...you don't have to say it. I know what I'm doing and I will fix it in the next case. Right now, can you please just help me?"

"Of course." Spencer sincerely hoped she was being honest because she really couldn't afford to do this with every case of theirs. She would never be finished and worst of all, it would bury her.

He offered her and her report as much he could to help her out. She handed the report to Foreman herself with the desire for him to finish the last piece of the case.

Aitana was quiet when they stepped out of the tent. "Thanks." Maybe their work would be futile but at least she tried.

"No problem but, um, if you ever want to talk — it doesn't have to be me — you can always find someone in the team." He may be overstepping but it was better to do so than let Aitana get swallowed up by her problems. He knew what that felt like.

"I know you guys don't believe me but I'm good. I have a bad scar but I'm good."

"It's just...I had a friend many years ago who was badly hurt by an unsub, almost to the point of death, and she said she was fine but she wasn't. She ended up leaving the BAU after it got to be too much." It was odd bringing up Elle after so many years of radio silence from her. Even when Penelope was shot he didn't really think about it as much as he had with Aitana. Of course at that time Emily was still around with no possible implication of her dying too. But, in all honesty, what right did he have dumping this on Aitana now? It was his problem, his way of thinking. He had the responsibility to figure it out and move on.

And so it was especially difficult to hear Aitana apologizing to him.

"I'm sorry about your friend," she said. "Do you still talk to her?"

"No," he shook his head. "The day she left is the day we lost contact with her."

"Oh…" Aitana didn't know what to say then. It had to be horrible losing a friend like that. A part of her felt actual guilt because this superficial incident apparently brought up deeper feelings for Spencer. "But there are big differences here. My injury is just a scar now. I wasn't close to death at any point. But you want to know why I'm okay?" Spencer nodded. "Because I have gone through much worse. I was in the middle of a massacre. I survived but I still lost two years of my life because of it. Then I had to work on reintegration. Coming back from that was ten times harder than it was coming back from this. I don't know if it's good or bad but this is pretty much how I felt it."

"It does make sense," Spencer admitted. He hadn't thought about her previous life in WPP. Of course those 2 years would seem like hell for her. "I'm sorry. It's really my problem—"

"Like you said, it does make sense," Aitana shrugged her shoulders. "No need to explain anything. Sometimes we can't help but to think a certain way and you, my friend, happen to think a lot."

They shared a small laugh.

"The only thing I guess I do have to admit is why I worked extra hard on this case, but I'm sure you guys already figured that out."

Spencer nodded. "Your first case back after being out for a while?"

"Yeah," Aitana scrunched her face. "I may have to talk to Hotch more because he pushed back my evaluation again."

"If you're being honest, he'll see it and you guys will get to sit down to talk."

Aitana hummed. She started heading out, prompting Spencer to follow. "C'mon, we should go before they leave us."

"Garcia would be on them if they did," Spencer's response had Aitana laughing.

"I can see it, but maybe it'll give me an extra day to actually enjoy this sight — look at it!" She had turned to face the ocean now boasting a beautiful red sky as the sun was close to setting. "I get the feeling Penelope would agree with me here." She sent Spencer a specific glance for his words from before.

"Seriously," he began, his hands sliding into his pockets, "If you only knew about the never-ending — and drug resistant — bacteria spread by seagull feces, you'd see my point."

"I really doubt that," she said with a small laugh. "I'll give you a point for the seagulls, though, because they're so damn annoying. I understand that what you're saying is true. I'm sorry if I came across as me being dismissive—that was never my intention—but just hear me out."

Because she somehow found a way to make things so casual and even playful over something the others would have definitely passed over, Spencer motioned her to make her point. He was fairly interested in seeing her do it.

"I hear your 'sand everywhere, salty water and sunburns' and I raise you sandcastles, riding on a stupid banana boat waiting to get thrown off, and a nice umbrella keeping you completely safe from the sun." Aitana waited with her palms turned up in a 'what do you think?' gesture.

Spencer nodded, acknowledging each of her alternatives but he couldn't hide the disdain for each one of them. "Yeah, no…" he shook his head in the end. "I heard 'sand in your pants, crashing into people as you're thrown from what has to be a boat that hasn't been disinfected in ages, and an umbrella waiting to fall on you'."

Aitana couldn't believe her ears. "Unbelievable. How dare you turn my family vacations into that?" She turned away from the ocean to head back to the car.

"I can't believe you never thought about it," Spencer followed her. He had plenty of more alternatives if she was still unconvinced about the terrible place that were beaches.

"Don't talk to me for the rest of the ride back!" Aitana warned him then threw out something about "beach hater" that just made Spencer laugh.

[ethereousdelirious]

Welcome to the sediment layer of "fills I had to write on a 10+ y/o iPhone because I post my real phone in Canada"

It has since been replaced, but. That was a dark time

Sicktember 2023 Day 28

Prompt: "I should have stayed home"

Fandom: Pokémon

Characters: W.allace, St.even

Notes: Emeto emeto emeto

Now, at this very moment, linguists were re-writing the Official Hoennese Dialect Dictionary. Flip to the 'D' section— there, under 'down bad,' a picture of Wallace sweating through his shirt.

Definition: whatever; example sentence: "Wallace is down bad for Steven Stone."

Down so bad that he'd agreed to come to this hours-long lecture on rocks. Down so bad that he hadn't canceled despite waking up with the stomach ache of the century. Despite the near-misses he'd had throughout the day, stifled gags behind closed lips and hoping the challenger of the hour wouldn't notice anything. And thank the Makers that he hadn't actually gotten sick in his Gym, because then some poor janitor would have had to melt the ice and drain the water and that would have been a nightmare.

Wallace's stomach bucked beneath his waistband. Oh, right. He was already in a nightmare. A never ending stream of lectures on rocks and stones and boulders and minerals and whatever else and he was right up front, so when he inevitably left to go puke his guts up in the university bathroom, everyone would notice.

And then, once he'd recovered, he'd have to find his seat again and sweat through some more lectures, because of course Steven was speaking last.

There was just no way Wallace could miss his speech, not after months of late-night phone calls helping Steven workshop subheading names and sentence structures. He'd been so excited that Wallace had agreed to come.

So Wallace was going to sit and swallow back the waves of nausea and shiver in his custom white suit (with the diamond-studded tulle capelet, thank you very much) and be there for his best friend.

All he had to do was wait.

And wait.

And w— and not throw up, do not, do not.

And wait.

The misery came in waves: first a cold sweat on his brow and pressure in his stomach, then more sweat rolling down his back, then a heavy urge to retch sitting in the back of his throat. His breaths came so loud through his nose it interfered with his ability to hear the lectures and surely his neighbors resented the chill of his exhalations on their wrists, but he couldn't control it. Not if he wanted to control his stomach.

Worst of all, the longer he held back, the more his stomach hurt, cramping like Nolan's Pinsir had him in a Vise Grip.

Pressure and pain built up in his belly until he just couldn't ignore it any more. Brackish saliva flooded his mouth and every attempt to swallow it down met increased resistance at the back of his throat.

He stood just as applause filled the auditorium— a stroke of luck. Keeping his head down, he stumbled over his neighbors' legs on his way out of the auditorium. How rude, to leave like this. But still, it was better than vomiting all over the carpet.

Wallace staggered into the atrium with the next speaker's voice booming in his head— "...the significance of Kanto's Mt Moon. How many of you have had the chance to visit—"

Wallace's stomach lurched and all his senses slammed inward with it, frantic focus on self and now and oh no I'm not going to make it.

Giving up on the bathroom, he steered himself toward the nearest trash can and immediately coated its contents with a thin wash of watery stomach acid. The edge of the can rammed into his sore abdomen and he heaved again, this time bringing up nothing but a quiet noise of distress.

Tears flooded his eyes and his knees gave out. He hit the ground hard, further irritating his stomach, which now felt like the Rusturf Tunnel: violently hollowed with rusty digging equipment.

He sat there on the floor for a moment. Just enough to collect himself, calm his breathing. He felt better now, really, a little better. Better enough that he could do the stupid, thirsty thing and stay long enough to listen to Steven's speech. Otherwise, what was it all for?

All he had to do was picture the grateful look on Steven's beautiful face and it would all be okay.

The feeling of tentative stability stayed through the second half of the speech he'd bailed on, even backing off enough to let him enjoy honest butterflies in his stomach when Steven finally took the stage.

Wallace's front row seat gave him a perfect view of the way Steven's silvery-green eyes sparkled in the spotlights. They were especially captivating tonight, probably because of the fever cooking Wallace's brain. Or, no, Steven really was that magical, wasn't he? From the easy way he commanded a room to his effortless presence in battle, he really was divine.

"...Wallace, whom I really cannot thank enough."

Wallace shook himself. Was that a blush on Steven's cheeks?

"Please stand up, Wallace; I really could not have done this without you." Steven gestured into the audience. "Gym Leader Wallace, everyone."

With his own cheeks burning, Wallace stood. He would have waved to Steven if he hadn't immediately come over dizzy. All his focus shifted at once to the monumental task of staying upright; he had to lock his knees and lean back against his chair for the modicum of stability it offered him.

He all but collapsed when the applause died down and Steven's next few sentences faded away to the roar in his ears.

Oh.

He was really sick.

He should have realized it earlier, probably, as though gagging into a trash can and collapsing hadn't been enough of an indicator. He was… too sick to be here and too stubborn to leave.

Even when the roar in his ears died out, silver spots blinked in his eyes and refused to go away no matter how he tried to ignore them. Worse still, the cramping pain in his stomach came back, low and constant.

And still.

He refused to regret his decision to stay. Steven really had blushed and that meant something and damned if Wallace was going to leave before reaping the rest of tonight's rewards. If staying earned him even one more smile, then he would stay.

-

"Wallace! There you are!" Steven beamed, his smile no less dazzling for the muddy yellow lights beaming down from the exterior of the auditorium. "I wondered where you'd gotten off to."

"Smoke break," Wallace said, uncrossing his arms before Steven could notice how desperately he'd been holding his stomach.

It seemed Steven was too caught up to notice anyway, because he didn't even pretend to laugh at Wallace's bad joke. "I'm so glad you came," he said, taking one of Wallace's hands between both of his own. "Really, I can't thank you enough. You look wonderful."

Wallace's stomach did a flip, half nerves and half real nausea. "I wouldn't miss it," he said. Steven had no idea.

"I'm glad you're alone, actually." Steven held tight to Wallace's hand, somehow not noticing the cold sweat on his palm.

Another flip.

Well, less of a flip and more of a triple lutz, triple flip combination that kicked up a dangerous splash of briny saliva in the back of Wallace's throat. He swallowed with difficulty, trying to keep focused on Steven's face when every instinct in his body screamed at him to curl up on his side and get ready to turn his stomach inside-out.

"Wallace, I wanted to ask you to dinner," Steven said, "just the two of us." His eyes shined green and earnest in the yellow light, putting to rest any lingering suspicion that this was just another dinner between friends.

He had left Wallace the perfect opening to say something charming or, better yet, heartfelt. But the only thing behind his lips was a strangled gag. He swallowed it down and managed to squeak out, "A date?" without painting Steven's shoes, but it was a near thing. Oh, he could cry. All he'd wanted, it was all he'd wanted...

"Yes," Steven said slowly, "a date. Wallace, are you—"

Wallace turned and heaved into the bushes, yanking his hand out of Steven's. There really, really wasn't anything left to come up and he coughed on the empty gags crawling up his throat.

"Wallace!" Steven's warm palm found his forehead, the other anchoring on his back.

The leaves tickled Wallace's face. He batted feebly at them, hands shaking, heaved again, and then his knees buckled and Steven had him, Steven had him.

"Wallace, can you look at me?"

Ugh, leave it to Steven to start testing his mental orientation instead of immediately administering mouth to mouth. With tongue.

"M'fine." Not strictly true. "Not having an aneurysm." A shudder ran through him and Wallace stifled a groan into the warmth of Steven's thigh. "My stomach hurts."

Steven's muscles shifted beneath Wallace's cheek and warm fingers began to brush his hair back. "Did you eat anything questionable earlier?"

Wallace shook his head as much as his positioning would allow. Ah, yes, he was mostly on the pavement, wasn't he? He should get up; his suit would get all dirty. "Haven't… felt well all day. Had to close my Gym early."

"Then why—" Steven's hand stilled for a moment. "Not that I'm not grateful, but why did you come if you weren't feeling well?"

Wallace tried to shift so he could look Steven in the eye, but his stomach cramped fiercely, so he stayed still. "I was hoping you'd ask me out on a date."

"Ohhh..." Steven sighed. "Wallace." He took a deep breath and released it, running his hands through his hair. "Can you sit up? Apparently we're having our first date at the ER."

-

The nurses spared Wallace some indignities and let him keep his suit on. Steven had to help him with his jacket and with rolling up his sleeve and even held his hand when it was time for the IV (which was very, very soon after arriving, because Wallace passed out in the lobby like some kind of waifish soap opera star).

"Did you know you have a fever?" Steven asked, reaching over to put a hand on Wallace's forehead.

Wallace closed his eyes, anchoring one hand on the emesis basin in his lap in case he needed it. "No," he said. The fluids had cleared his mind a little, but all he could picture was Steven's spotlight-dazzling smile. "I would've come anyway."

"I—" Steven broke off with a sigh. "You really don't think you should have stayed home?"

"Do you know how long I've been waiting for you to ask me out on a date?" Wallace countered. "I had a feeling tonight would be the night."

"You could have asked me out if you were so sure," Steven said, strangely subdued. Wallace opened his eyes and found Steven frowning at him, a furrow between his brows.

"I wanted you to ask me."

"But does that mean that you only agreed to help me with my speech because you wanted—"

"Steven Stone." Wallace held up a hand to stop him and winced when he pulled on the tape holding his IV line in place. "I risked throwing up all over your parents tonight because I wanted you to ask me out on a date. I helped you with your speech because I love— Ah." Searing heat flooded Wallace's face and his stomach dropped, though not in a way that indicated a strong need for the emesis basin. He white-knuckled it anyway, drawing it closer. "...rocks," he finished weakly. "Because I love rocks."

Steven, who had yet to let go of Wallace's hand, pressed a kiss to the back of it like he couldn't help himself, like it was something as reflexive as breathing. "You know, Wallace," he said, gazing at him like he was more beautiful than any diamond, "I love rocks, too."

And this time, Wallace and his upset stomach managed to not ruin the moment.

That honor went to the doctor, who interrupted their adorable little mutual confession with questions about Wallace's health and wellbeing, like that mattered when he could have been canoodling in a hospital bed with Steven.

When the doctor was finally satisfied, thankfully clearing Wallace to go home, Steven took his hand again. "Have you at least learned a lesson from all this?"

"Oh, sure." Wallace squeezed his hand and smiled despite his exhaustion. "Steven Stone rewards bad behavior."

[nanpisss111]

Polyacrylamide: A Versatile Polymer for Various Applications

Polyacrylamide, often abbreviated as PAM, is a synthetic polymer with a wide range of applications. It has gained significant attention due to its excellent performance and versatility. In this article, we will explore the uses, properties, and preparation of polyacrylamide while highlighting its significance in different industries.

Polyacrylamide is commonly used in water treatment processes. It acts as a flocculant, helping to separate solid particles from wastewater and improving the overall water quality. With its high molecular weight and charge density, polyacrylamide effectively aggregates suspended particles, facilitating their removal during sedimentation or filtration.

The water treatment industry extensively utilizes polyacrylamide to treat various types of wastewater. Whether it's municipal sewage, industrial effluents, or agricultural runoff, polyacrylamide proves to be an efficient solution for reducing pollutant levels and ensuring environmental compliance.

Furthermore, polyacrylamide finds applications in diverse fields such as medicine, food, and cosmetics. In medicine, it is utilized for drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and wound healing. Its unique ability to form hydrogels makes it an ideal candidate for controlled release and targeted drug delivery.

In the food industry, polyacrylamide is employed as a thickening agent and stabilizer in processed foods, providing improved texture and shelf-life. Additionally, it finds use in cosmetics for its film-forming and moisturizing properties, making it valuable in skincare products.

When it comes to the preparation of polyacrylamide, it can be synthesized through free radical polymerization of acrylamide monomers. Various factors such as temperature, initiator concentration, and reaction time influence the polymerization process and result in polyacrylamide with different molecular weights and structures.

It's important to note that polyacrylamide is non-biodegradable and thus requires cautious handling and disposal. However, its non-toxic nature at low concentrations ensures its safe usage in various applications.

The price of polyacrylamide varies depending on factors like grade, purity, and quantity. Generally, it is priced per ton or per kilogram. For specific pricing details, it is advisable to contact reliable polyacrylamide suppliers who can provide accurate information based on your requirements.

In conclusion, polyacrylamide offers numerous advantages and finds extensive use in various industries. Its water treatment capabilities, along with its significant role in medicine, food, and cosmetics, make it an indispensable polymer. By understanding the properties and uses of polyacrylamide, industries can harness its potential to address challenges and improve processes.

[nnctales]

Understanding Structural and Non-Structural River Erosion Works: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction: Rivers play a vital role in shaping the Earth’s landscape, but their dynamic nature can pose challenges, particularly in the form of erosion. Erosion, the process of wearing away the land, can lead to significant changes in river courses, threatening infrastructure, ecosystems, and human settlements. To mitigate these challenges, engineers and environmentalists employ a combination…

[mewarmicrons]

Talc Powder for Paints & Coatings: Why It’s a Preferred Filler Material

Talc powder, a naturally occurring hydrated magnesium silicate, has earned a reputable position as a functional filler material across several industries. In the paints and coatings sector, it is particularly valued for its ability to improve product performance, reduce formulation costs, and enhance application characteristics. With unique physical and chemical properties such as platy structure, high whiteness, and chemical inertness, talc stands out as an essential ingredient in modern paint formulations.

This article explores the role of talc powder in the paint and coatings industry, its benefits as a filler material, and why choosing a trusted Talc Powder Manufacturer in India is key to achieving consistent quality and optimal performance.

Understanding Talc Powder

Talc is the softest mineral on the Mohs hardness scale (rated 1), composed mainly of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. After being mined, talc is crushed, purified, and micronized into fine powder. Its lamellar (plate-like) structure and hydrophobic surface make it an ideal candidate for a wide range of industrial applications.

In paints and coatings, talc is not merely a filler—it actively enhances mechanical properties, rheology, and surface appearance. Manufacturers can choose from various grades of talc powder, depending on particle size, brightness, and purity, to suit specific product requirements.

Benefits of Talc Powder in Paints and Coatings

1. Improved Rheology and Suspension

Talc’s platy structure helps create a barrier within the paint matrix, resulting in better sag resistance and improved viscosity control. This ensures that paints maintain a uniform consistency during application and storage, reducing sedimentation and improving shelf-life.

2. Enhanced Weather and UV Resistance

In exterior paints and coatings, talc contributes to durability by improving resistance to weathering, UV rays, and moisture. It reduces the rate of degradation caused by sunlight and rain, ensuring that paints retain their color and gloss over time.

3. Better Adhesion and Film Integrity

Talc helps paints adhere more effectively to surfaces by improving film cohesion and reducing shrinkage during drying. This is especially important in primers and base coats, where bonding strength is essential for long-term performance.

4. Increased Opacity and Whiteness

Talc powder enhances the opacity of paints by increasing the scattering of light. High-brightness talc grades can partially replace more expensive pigments like titanium dioxide (TiO₂), leading to cost savings without sacrificing appearance or quality.

5. Matting Effect and Smooth Finish

Talc imparts a natural matte finish to coatings, which is often desirable in interior wall paints and architectural finishes. It also contributes to a smoother touch and uniform surface appearance, particularly in decorative coatings.

Applications of Talc in the Paint Industry

Talc powder is used in various types of paint formulations, including:

Architectural paints (interior and exterior)

Industrial coatings

Wood coatings and furniture finishes

Automotive primers and topcoats

Marine and protective coatings

Powder coatings

Each application demands a tailored talc grade based on factors like particle size, oil absorption, specific gravity, and moisture content. High-performance coatings may require ultra-fine talc to maintain superior dispersion and minimal abrasiveness.

Why Choose a Talc Powder Manufacturer in India?

India is among the largest producers of talc in the world, with significant deposits in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Andhra Pradesh. Indian talc is known for its purity, brightness, and lamellar structure—critical qualities for use in high-performance paints and coatings.

A reputable Talc Powder Manufacturer in India ensures:

Strict quality control during mining and processing

Advanced grinding and micronization technologies

Customized talc grades for different types of coatings

High levels of brightness and low levels of impurities

Timely delivery and competitive pricing for domestic and export markets

Indian manufacturers are increasingly focusing on sustainable mining practices, dust control, and environmental compliance, aligning with global standards and customer expectations.

These specifications can vary depending on whether the talc is used in solvent-based, water-based, or powder coatings. Close collaboration with a specialized Talc Powder Manufacturer in India can ensure the right match for your application.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Modern talc manufacturing prioritizes safety and environmental compliance. Leading Indian manufacturers provide talc powders free from harmful asbestos contamination, a critical consideration in industries such as paints, food, and pharmaceuticals.

Talc is also considered environmentally friendly due to its inertness, non-toxic nature, and recyclability in certain coating systems. Moreover, talc’s ability to replace costlier raw materials and reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions contributes to more sustainable product formulations.

Conclusion

Talc powder’s role in the paints and coatings industry goes far beyond that of a simple filler. Its ability to enhance rheology, durability, opacity, and aesthetic appeal makes it an indispensable ingredient in modern formulations. With growing demand for high-performance, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly coatings, talc’s popularity continues to rise.

Selecting the right Talc Powder Manufacturer in India ensures consistent quality, technical support, and tailored solutions to meet evolving industry needs. As paints and coatings evolve toward greater efficiency and sustainability, talc powder will remain a preferred and strategic raw material across the globe.

[ekainfra2020]

Why Marine Engineering Services Are Crucial for Coastal Nations like the Philippines

The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, is a maritime nation in every sense. Its geography makes it heavily dependent on maritime trade, coastal infrastructure, and resilient marine ecosystems. For such nations, robust marine engineering services are not just beneficial; they are essential. From ensuring the safety of coastal communities to strengthening the economy, marine engineering consultancy in the Philippines plays a pivotal role in sustainable national development.

The Vital Role of Marine Engineering in Coastal Development

Marine engineering services are the foundation of coastal infrastructure. They ensure the design, construction, and maintenance of ports, harbors, seawalls, offshore structures, and underwater pipelines are safe, durable, and optimized for the region’s unique environmental conditions. In a nation like the Philippines, where typhoons, rising sea levels, and coastal erosion are common, engineering solutions must be both innovative and resilient.

This is where specialized marine engineering consultancy in the Philippines proves its value by crafting coastal solutions that are tailored to the geography, hydrology, and socio-economic needs of the region.

Why Coastal Nations Like the Philippines Depend on Maritime Infrastructure

1. Trade and Economic Activity Maritime trade is the lifeblood of the Philippine economy. Ports serve as entry and exit points for goods, and efficient port infrastructure is key to economic growth.

2. Fishing and Aquaculture Millions of Filipinos depend on fishing for their livelihood. Marine engineering supports the construction of safe docking stations, fishing harbors, and aquaculture facilities.

3. Transportation and Connectivity Island connectivity through ferries and small ports is vital for transporting people, goods, and emergency services. Poor infrastructure can isolate communities and hamper development.

4. Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Given the country’s exposure to natural disasters, coastal protection structures like breakwaters, seawalls, and elevated piers are crucial. A qualified marine engineering consultancy in the Philippines ensures these are structurally sound and compliant with global safety standards.

Challenges Facing Coastal Infrastructure in the Philippines

Extreme Weather Events: Typhoons and storm surges cause significant damage annually, weakening infrastructure and affecting livelihoods.

Rising Sea Levels: Coastal flooding and salinization of freshwater sources threaten low-lying regions.

Overcrowded Ports: Major ports such as Manila and Cebu face congestion, leading to longer turnaround times and reduced efficiency.

Environmental Degradation: Mangrove destruction and coral reef damage impact natural coastal defenses.

Overcoming these challenges requires multidisciplinary expertise. This is where maritime consultancy services offer strategic guidance, combining engineering, environmental science, and regulatory compliance.

How Maritime Consultancy Services Support National Goals

1. Project Feasibility and Planning Maritime consultants assess the viability of projects, from port expansion to offshore wind farms. They conduct site investigations, wave modeling, and sediment analysis to design cost-effective and sustainable solutions.

2. Environmental Impact Assessment Before any marine project begins, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required. Professional marine survey consulting firms help meet these legal requirements by conducting accurate baseline surveys and impact projections.

3. Design and Engineering From concept to construction, maritime consultants design coastal structures that withstand harsh marine conditions. Their knowledge of local and international codes ensures compliance and safety.

4. Construction Supervision and Quality Control Consultancy services also oversee project execution, ensuring timelines, budgets, and technical standards are met. Their involvement minimizes risks and avoids costly delays.

5. Maintenance and Lifecycle Management Regular maintenance is often overlooked. Maritime consultants provide asset management plans, suggesting repairs, upgrades, and monitoring systems to extend infrastructure life.

Marine Survey Consulting: The Bedrock of All Marine Projects

No marine project can succeed without accurate data. Marine survey consulting forms the basis of all engineering decisions. These surveys include:

Hydrographic Surveys: Mapping seafloor topography for dredging, navigation, or foundation laying.

Geophysical Surveys: Detecting subsurface features and identifying risks like underwater faults.

Environmental Baseline Surveys: Evaluating water quality, sediment, and marine biodiversity.

These services ensure safe and efficient planning, particularly in sensitive areas where even minor miscalculations can have significant environmental and financial consequences.

Eka Infra’s Commitment to Coastal Excellence

As a company dedicated to infrastructure development, Eka Infra understands the intricacies of coastal engineering in regions like Southeast Asia. With experience in marine survey consulting and maritime consultancy services, Eka Infra offers tailored solutions for nations like the Philippines, where coastal resilience and economic growth go hand in hand.

From feasibility to final execution, Eka Infra supports governments, port authorities, and private developers in building smarter, safer, and more sustainable marine infrastructure.

Conclusion

For island nations like the Philippines, the stakes are high. With their economies, communities, and ecosystems tied closely to the sea, the importance of marine engineering services cannot be overstated. By leveraging expert marine engineering consultancy in the Philippines, governments and developers can safeguard their coastlines, enhance trade, and secure long-term resilience. In an era of climate change and growing marine activity, partnering with experienced maritime consultancy services is not a choice; it’s a necessity.

[uk-fossils]

LITUITES Fossil Nautilus – Middle Ordovician – Songtao, Guizhou, China

This listing features a fascinating fossil nautiloid of the genus Lituites, collected from Middle Ordovician deposits near Songtao, Guizhou Province, China. Lituites represents a transitional nautiloid form with a mix of coiled and uncoiled shell structures, showcasing a unique evolutionary step in early cephalopod development.

Fossil Type & Species:

Type: Fossilised Nautiloid (Cephalopod)

Genus: Lituites

Species: Undetermined (genus level identified)

Geological Context:

Era: Paleozoic

Period: Ordovician

Epoch: Middle Ordovician (approx. 470–458 million years ago)

Formation: Likely marine limestones and shales from Songtao region

Locality: Songtao, Guizhou Province, China

Depositional Environment: Shallow marine platform with high faunal diversity and episodic sedimentation

Morphological Features:

Combines an initial planispiral coiled whorl with an extended straight (orthoconic) section

Ribbed ornamentation may be present on shell surface

Visible chambered structure indicative of buoyancy control

Scientific Notes:

Lituites is part of a group of early cephalopods that bridge the evolutionary gap between tightly coiled nautiloids and more straight-shelled orthoconic forms

Its morphology reflects an adaptation to a semi-nektonic lifestyle in Ordovician seas

Taxonomy:

Order: Tarphycerida

Superfamily: Lituitaceae

Family: Lituitidae

Authenticity & Display:

All of our fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The fossil shown in the photo is the actual piece you will receive.

Please refer to the image for full sizing details – scale cube = 1cm.

This is a remarkable example of early cephalopod evolution, ideal for collectors, educators, and anyone fascinated by Paleozoic marine life.

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Industrial Vessels Manufacturer: Driving Industrial Efficiency and Safety

An industrial vessels manufacturer plays a vital role in supporting a wide range of industries by providing high-quality, custom-engineered containers designed to hold, mix, or process liquids, gases, and solids under controlled conditions. These vessels are essential to sectors such as chemical processing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, water treatment, and power generation.

What Are Industrial Vessels?

Industrial vessels include a variety of specialized containers used in manufacturing and processing environments. Common types include:

Pressure Vessels – Designed to hold materials at high or low pressure.

Storage Tanks – Used for holding raw materials or finished products.

Reactors – Used for chemical reactions under specific temperature and pressure conditions.

Mixing Vessels – Designed to blend different components uniformly.

Heat Exchangers – Facilitate heat transfer between fluids in a process.

Each vessel must meet stringent industry standards to ensure safety, reliability, and performance.

Core Services Offered by an Industrial Vessels Manufacturer

1. Custom Design and Engineering

A leading manufacturer provides tailored solutions based on process requirements, including vessel dimensions, pressure ratings, material compatibility, insulation needs, and internal configurations.

2. Material Selection and Fabrication

Depending on the application, vessels may be fabricated from stainless steel, carbon steel, or corrosion-resistant alloys. Precision welding, cutting, and assembly ensure structural integrity and compliance with relevant codes.

3. Standards Compliance and Certification

Manufacturers must comply with global standards such as:

ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)

API (American Petroleum Institute)

PED (Pressure Equipment Directive – Europe)

ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

Vessels undergo thorough testing, including hydrostatic testing, X-ray inspection, and non-destructive testing (NDT), to ensure safety and durability.

4. Installation, Commissioning, and Support

Many manufacturers offer full lifecycle support, including on-site installation, start-up assistance, operator training, preventive maintenance, and emergency repair services.

Industries Served

An industrial vessels manufacturer typically caters to a wide range of sectors, such as:

Chemical & Petrochemical – Handling corrosive substances and pressurized gases.

Pharmaceutical – Requiring sterile, cleanable vessels for hygienic processing.

Food & Beverage – Needing sanitary design with easy-to-clean surfaces.

Oil & Gas – Involving extreme temperature and pressure conditions.

Water Treatment – For filtration, sedimentation, and storage applications.

Why Partner with a Trusted Manufacturer?

Choosing the right industrial vessels manufacturer ensures:

Safe operation in high-risk environments

Reduced downtime and maintenance

Compliance with local and international regulations

Tailored solutions that improve process efficiency

Long-term operational reliability

Conclusion

A skilled industrial vessels manufacturer is more than a supplier—they’re a strategic partner in your production and process chain. Their expertise in engineering, fabrication, and compliance ensures that your operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently.

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C.G. Williams Engineering LLC provides unmatched service in commercial demolition Washington DC. Our experts use cutting-edge techniques and equipment to ensure safe and thorough removal of commercial structures. Whether you’re dealing with a large corporate building or a smaller office complex, we provide customized solutions that fit your schedule and budget.

C.G. Williams Engineering LLC 2012 Jackson Street NE, Washington, DC 20018 (202) 297–5298

My Official Website: https://cgwengineering.com/

My Other Links:

Commercial demolition Washington DC: https://cgwengineering.com/demolition-plans/ Storm water management Washington DC: https://cgwengineering.com/stormwater-management-plans/ Detailed site and grading plans Washington DC: https://cgwengineering.com/detailed-site-plans-and-grading-plans/ Water and sewer plans Washington DC: https://cgwengineering.com/water-line-plan/

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Stormwater Management Plans Sediment Control Plans Storm Drain and Paving Plans Detailed Site Plans and Grading Plans Water and Sewer Plans Demolition Plans