🌱 Save The Spotted Turtle, Piping Plover + New Landfill Goals + PFAS

Hi all. It's me, Paula Constance, your host of the Manchester Daily — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in our community today. Let's have at it...

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First, today's weather:

Warmer; an afternoon shower. High: 69 Low: 54.

Here are the top stories in Manchester today:

1. It's nesting season for many of New Hampshire's endangered species, including seven kinds of endangered turtles, like the spotted turtle, and the Piping Plover, a small sea bird nesting on the soft sands of Hampton and Seabrook beaches. Female turtles are vulnerable slowly traveling up to a mile away from ponds and marshes in the spring to lay their eggs, wildlife officials said. Piping Plovers are nesting in beach sand that has been roped off by New Hampshire Fish and Game officials on two New Hampshire beaches, and their chicks will need protection from beachgoers, dogs, and other dangers the first 30 days after they hatch. If you'd like to volunteer to help monitor newborn Piping Plovers, contact Brendan Clifford at 603-271-0463. Read more about this story and how you can help: (Subscription / The Union Leader)
2. Bravo, New Hampshire! The Department of Environmental Services announced seven new goals to reduce waste in a draft presentation to the state's Solid Waste Working Group on May 27. The seven new goals are: 1) reducing the amount of solid waste; 2) reducing the toxicity of solid waste; 3) diverting residential, commercial, and industrial solid waste from landfills; 4) making sure there is enough landfill capacity for New Hampshire-generated waste; 5) developing markets for diverted waste; 6) more solid waste infrastructure to support federal climate change goals; and 7) ensuring the state’s policies and regulations support environmental justice initiatives. You can read more about this story here: (InDepthNH)
3. At the May 27 Department of Environmental Service meeting outlining the Solid Waste Working Group draft plan, lawmakers heard a presentation about long-lasting PFAS chemicals by Dr. Stephen Zemba, project director for the engineering firm Sanborn, Head & Associates Inc., of Concord. Dr. Zemba explained that PFAS chemicals accumulating in solid waste landfills present "challenges for human health." Private and public drinking supplies have tested positive for PFAS contamination in the state, but Zemba noted that landfills also have "much higher" concentrations of PFAS chemicals from sources like fast food wrappers, coated paper products, makeup, carpeting, and clothing that "end up in landfills." There is an ongoing debate about how well the chemicals can be destroyed by incineration, he said, adding, "The industry is looking at how to contain them in landfills." You can read more about this story here: (InDepthNH)
4. Help save lives by donating blood! On Friday, June 3, WMUR and Quirk Auto Dealers are hosting a blood drive to help with "one of the worst blood shortages in over a decade." A complimentary lunch is offered by the Common Man Deli, with treats from the award-wining Queen City Cupcakes, said Rachel Victer, event organizer and public relations manager for Quirk Auto Dealers. Register online and find locations near you to give blood here: (Manchester Information)

Today in Manchester:

• Author Event with Adam J. Mead — Greater Manchester Chamber. (5:30 p.m.)

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That's it for today! I'll see you again soon.

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a freelance writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Manchester Daily? Contact me at manchester-nh@patch.com