Environment & Science

Weeks after a dam was removed from the Bushkill Creek in Easton as part of a years-long effort to improve stream health, officials continue to restore its banks. A stabilization project will close the bridge for several hours on weekdays over the next couple weeks.

Norfolk Southern responded to an investigation inquiry into the July 5 freight train derailment near the Hill-to-Hill Bridge in Bethlehem, chalking it up to human error.

The city was awarded the grant through the WalkWorks program. Officials now have $35,000 and a year to create an Active Transportation Plan aimed at bolstering connectivity across the city.

Dr. Jana Houser specializes in radar analysis of tornadoes and the supercell thunderstorms that produce them. She recently served as a consultant on "Twisters."

Pluto is perfectly positioned in orbit this week. While it's too small for us to see even with a decent telescope, NASA has us covered.

Development has divided wildlife habitats across Pennsylvania, leading to more vehicle-animal collisions. A new report from the state Legislature argues reconnecting the pieces through wildlife corridors would help.

The National Scenic Visitors Center’s “Earthwalk Explorer” exhibit is at the Banana Factory Arts and Education Center, 25 W. Third St., Bethlehem. The traveling, tactile exhibit is centered around a 3D map of the northeastern United States and is in town all next week.

Keystone Cement Co. in East Allen Township is renewing its hazardous waste permit with the state Department of Environmental Protection. Part of the company's plan is to change how it transports waste, from trucks to rail.

Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio said a 93-year-old woman from Upper Macugie Township was pronounced dead in her home Thursday. It's the first heat-related death reported in the area.

Mosquitos carrying West Nile virus were recorded within city limits. Here's where officials are spraying Wednesday.

“It will feel more like a mid-to-late August day, with highs in the low to mid 80s under clear skies,” the weather service said in its latest forecast discussion, noting records could fall for climate stations across the region.

The Bethlehem Area School District is getting $2 million in federal rebates to buy 10 more electric school buses. Officials expect the buses to be in service next school year.

This week is a good one to spot the planets that are visible in the night sky, both in evenings and early mornings.

EPAWA meteorologist Bobby Martrich said, “While the milder outlooks that are out there have merit and support, it’s not as cut and dry as it seems and there can be some surprises, especially earlier in winter.”

Easton's Nurture Nature Center is hosting a free star party in Scott Park from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, offering use of their telescopes and the expertise of their staff to help budding stargazers.

Wildlands Conservancy, as well as other partners and stakeholders, on Tuesday marked the completion of restoration work on the Bushkill Creek at Lafayette College with a celebration and wildflower-planting.

Current conditions in the Lehigh Valley and throughout the region will support the spread of any fires that ignite, the National Weather Service warned Friday. Any fires that erupt could be difficult to control.

The commonwealth’s fourth fall foliage report was released Thursday. Here's the forecast for the coming week in Lehigh and Northampton counties.

State Sen. Lisa Boscola announced Palmer Township's Stormwater Authority has obtained a $3.8 million loan to improve drainage along Old Nazareth Road.

Infinera, a semiconductor company with a facility in Upper Macungie Township, inked a preliminary deal with the federal government to expand its production locally and in California. The agreement is part of a bipartisan effort to boost domestic production of essential high-tech resources to protect the national supply chain and create high-paying tech jobs.

The city is also set to receive $5.7 million in federal funds to reduce lead-based paint hazards.

Spray-Tek, 3010 Avenue B, was issued a malodor violation in mid-August. It is at least the second time Spray-Tek has been cited in the past two years. The DEP is reviewing the company's corrective action plan.