IVF could save the near-extinct northern rhino
Scientists say the successful pregnancy of a surrogate southern white rhino shows they can use IVF to preserve the more endangered and near-extinct northern white rhino sub-species. The embryo was created in vitro from the collected eggs and sperm and transferred to the surrogate mother in Ol P of Kenya
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on Friday issued a notice of violation to the operator of the Brunner Island Electric Power Station for two incidents that occurred last week, one of which led to a fish kill in the Susquehanna River.
The notice orders the plant operator to provide a written report “describing the cause of the noncompliance and a summary of the event” that led to the deaths of hundreds of fish near the East Manchester Township power station on Feb. 7.
The fish kill that occurred on Wednesday was the result of “fluctuations in the temperature of non-contact cooling water, an industrial wastewater, caused by the planned shutdown of power generation units,” according to the notice of violation.
Non-contact cooling water is water used for cooling that does not come into direct contact with any raw material, intermediate product, waste product, or finished product.
Taking the units offline could cause hot water flowing from the plant into the Susquehanna River to stop or decrease, causing the water temperature of a river channel to drop, which could kill fish, said Ted Evgeniadis, executive director of the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association .
“This happens all the time to them, and it needs to stop,” he said, referring to fish kills in the area.
The other breach occurred Tuesday when hydraulic oil leaked into the Susquehanna River during maintenance. The notice of violation did not state that the oil spill contributed to the fish kill.
MORE: Coroner rules youth’s death in York City a homicide; 16-year-old suspect heading to trial
MORE: Rain over the weekend will lead-in to a dry work week
MORE: A state task force changed York County’s status to a drought watch
Common river species such as channel catfish, small and large mouth bass and suckers were found dead in the water and along the shoreline, according to Mike Parker, director of communications for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
>> Please consider subscribing to support local journalism.
The Brunner Island Electric Power Station, located near York Haven, went online in 1961. Two other units went online in 1965 and 1969. The plant produces more than 1400 megawatts of electric power. It is owned by Talen Energy.
