Byesville Rotary learns about new study on air and water quality

 Pictured: Rusty Roberts; and Chuck Fair, Byesville Rotary President.

The BBQ chair reported that the chicken BBQ went well. All 250 chickens sold and the club could have sold additional chickens. The next BBQ will be held September 24. Chuck Fair, club president, stated that after the September BBQ is completed, the club will begin fundraising for its annual Christmas food basket program.

Rusty Roberts spoke to club members about a new project to collect information about air and water quality in Guernsey County. Roberts will serve as a research assistant for Dr. Hayes a professor from the University of Cincinnati. Roberts pointed out that he worked with the University of Cincinnati on a previous project—CARES—to determine if children in Guernsey county were being exposed to industrial pollutants such as magnesium. The results of this project indicated that Guernsey County children were exposed to fewer pollutants than children in Marietta.

Roberts explained that the new study—funded by a grant—will analyze soil, air and water samples. Roberts stated that property owners near waste injection wells will be asked for permission to set up air collection canisters for a 24 hour period. The air samples will be tested for volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and particulate matter.

Additionally, surface and drinking water will be analyzed. Roberts stated that water test kits will be provided to local residents to be used to test home drinking water or well water. Future plans include taking soil samples for analysis.

Roberts indicated the goal of the study is to provide a base line measurement of current conditions in Guernsey County. After the test samples are analyzed, a report will be presented to the local community. The study sponsors do not believe that that the information produced by the study will uncover anything alarming in Guernsey County air, water or soil.

Roberts reported that part of the grant is reserved for education. The University of Cincinnati will provide staff and equipment to teach local students about the environment. The students will be involved in hands on activities involving learning about air and water quality in an academic setting.

Connect with Byesville Rotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283. The club meets 7:30 am, Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Walk-ins are welcome at the club’s meeting.