"Beyond flooding and destruction, Hurricane Irene is likely to have caused less visible environmental damage by dumping sewage, pesticides and other contaminants into waterways along the East Coast, federal officials said.
High flows of water can also disturb sediment and make it settle out in new deposits that can clog oyster beds or require new dredging in shipping channels."
"Officials are just beginning to assess the condition of seven rivers, including the Hudson River in New York. The United States Geological Survey said it sent out crews beginning on Sunday to follow the path of the hurricane between Washington D.C. and Massachusetts and test for pesticides, bacteria and nutrients flushed into rivers by heavy rains."
Mireya Navarro reports for the New York Times' Green blog August 29, 2011.
SEE ALSO:
"Storm’s Worst Deluge Swamped the Mountains in the Northeast" (New York Times)
"After Irene, FEMA Facing a Disaster of Its Own — Funding" (Washington Post)
"Intensity of Hurricanes Still Bedevils Scientists" (New York Times)
"In Catskill Communities, Survivors Are Left With Little but Their Live" (New York Times)
"Irene's Death Toll Jumps as Towns Battle Floods" (AP)
"Hurricane Irene Blamed For More Deaths" (AP)
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