Battle over Water Rights to Nile River

More African nations are demanding access to the Nile River, spurring a fight over water rights.

Historically only Egypt and the Sudan have rights to the water.

However the Nile runs through ten countries from its headwaters to the Mediterranean.

Upriver countries including Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda have signed a treaty declaring rights to the water.

Egypt, which depends on what water makes it down stream, is threatening taking legal action if its water rights are not upheld.

Environmental groups are concerned about the impact the increased demand on the river will have on wildlife.

The river feeds the Sudd wetland, which is the world’s largest inland wetland. It is home to large mammals like hippos and elephants and over 400 species of migrating birds.

Source: Treehugger

BP Detects Leak

BP has been directed to continue integrity testing for 24 hours after a possible underground leak was detected.

BP said Monday, the seepage, nearly 2 miles from its ruptured well, is natural and unrelated to the oil leak.

Oil Spill Response Director, Thad Allen, sent a letter to BP directing them to be extremely diligent about monitoring leaks and in reporting any findings to the government.

A small leak has also been detected near the top of BP’s cap. Allen says it doesn’t appear to be consequential

A spokesman for BP says they are testing two sets of bubbles rising from the top of the wellhead.

The spokesman says it’s possible the bubbles are nitrogen, which can form at the seabed atop deepwater wells, rather than natural gas.

BP has taken samples of both bubbles for testing and says they will communicate the results when the testing is complete.

Source: Today

Plastic Bag Ban in Oregon

A ban on single use plastic bags is gaining momentum in Oregon.

Portland Mayor, Sam Adams, has proposed a ban at grocery stores and retail pharmacies in the city.

The law would include a 5-cent charge on paper bags.

State lawmakers proposed similar legislation during February’s special session.

The mayor’s office says two thirds of Portlanders surveyed support a ban.

The California state Assembly approved a bill in June that would make California the first state in the nation to ban single-use plastic and paper bags from being handed out at grocery stores starting in 2012. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

California, Rhode Island, New York and Delaware have recently passed laws requiring stores to take back plastic bags and film for recycling.

Source: Environmental Leader