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The article discusses the historical significance of three natural materials - papyrus, beeswax, and buffalo - in ancient Egypt, medieval Europe, and Native American tribes, respectively. Papyrus was used for various purposes, including paper, mats, and boats, in ancient Egypt. Beeswax was utilized for candles, sewing, and sealing letters in medieval Europe. Buffalo provided materials for clothing, tools, and toys for Native American tribes. Each material played a crucial role in the daily lives of these cultures, showcasing their resourcefulness and creativity. [Extracted from the article]

A new alluvial quarry has been established in Marlborough to provide construction companies with a reliable supply of gravel, aggregate, and sand for rebuilding after the Seddon and Kaikoura earthquakes. The quarry, owned by the CMT Group, operates for three to four months during the spring and summer and has the capacity to extract 20,000 cubic meters of alluvial aggregate per year. The acquisition of the quarry strengthens CMT's civil construction capabilities and ensures a secure supply of materials for their projects. The quarry primarily produces screened aggregate for building and construction projects, with some used for road construction and maintenance. The site will be restored to grazing farmland once the quarry's lease ends in 20 years. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Deer & Deer Hunting discusses the strategy of hunting deer from a canoe in remote areas. The author describes their experience of paddling down a river and encountering deer at close range. They explain that using a canoe allows hunters to approach deer without alarming them, as deer are not accustomed to danger coming from the water. The article also provides tips on choosing the right canoe for hunting and offers advice on when and how to hunt from a canoe. The author emphasizes the importance of being prepared and safe while canoe hunting. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Hobby Farms discusses the use of medicinal herbs to address issues with the musculoskeletal system, such as muscle aches and bone pain. The article highlights several herbs that can be effective in treating these ailments, including boneset, horsetail, Solomon's seal, teasel, goldenseal, mullein, and comfrey. It emphasizes the importance of using these herbs under the guidance of a trained herbalist or health practitioner, as some of them can be potent and may have side effects. The article also acknowledges that while herbs can be beneficial, they should be used in conjunction with modern medical remedies for optimal healing. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Horse & Rider magazine provides tips and advice for individuals interested in horse packing and camping. The authors, Thomas Clover and Allison Parker, who are experienced horse owners, showmen, outfitters, and wilderness medics, share their expertise on preparing horses for adventure, packing, and handling emergencies. The article emphasizes the importance of proper preparation, including ensuring that horses are comfortable on the trail and familiar with stock-retention skills. It also discusses the principles of "leave no trace" and offers guidance on selecting appropriate camping sites in both front and backcountry settings. The article concludes with recommendations for essential gear and a first-aid kit. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "ROOTS" in Deer & Deer Hunting discusses the author's personal experiences and connection to a specific hunting spot in southwestern Wisconsin. The author reflects on hunting with their father as a child and later returning to the same area with their own sons. They describe the process of finding a new hunting spot and the excitement of setting up stands. The article also includes accounts of successful deer hunts in the area. Overall, the author emphasizes the importance of roots and the deep connection between hunters and their hunting grounds. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the presence of Yellow-fruited Sedge in the City of Ottawa. The sedge family, known for its diverse species, poses identification challenges for naturalists. Yellow-fruited Sedge is often confused with Fox Sedge, but it has been reported in Ottawa several times. The distribution of Yellow-fruited Sedge in Ottawa was previously unknown, making its presence in the region intriguing. The article provides information on how to distinguish Yellow-fruited Sedge from Fox Sedge based on phenology and fruit characteristics. The rarity of Yellow-fruited Sedge in the described habitats suggests the possibility of undiscovered populations in other areas of the city. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the recognition of ten golf course architects as "Sustainable Golf Champions" by the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation. These architects have been acknowledged for their design solutions that prioritize the environment, operational efficiencies, and local communities. Each architect has taken steps to raise awareness of global issues and find effective, sustainable solutions for golf course sites and their immediate environments. The honorees include architects such as Andy Haggar, Bruce Charlton, Cynthia Dye McGarey, and Martin Ebert, among others. The article also provides specific examples of sustainable projects undertaken by some of these architects, including reducing soil erosion and flash flooding, restoring native habitats, and sourcing materials locally. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "WILD AND NOT TOO SCENIC: A HERMIT IN THE OUTHOUSE" recounts the author's experience of getting locked out of his car while camping at Knife Edge Campground on the banks of the Lochsa River in Idaho. The author, Carver Stellmon, shares the humorous and awkward moments he faced while waiting for help, including interacting with an elderly man and a police officer. Eventually, locksmiths arrived and helped him retrieve his pants from the locked car. The article provides an entertaining and light-hearted account of the author's misadventure. [Extracted from the article]

This article offers a comprehensive overview of career options in the field of geoscience. Geology, which encompasses various disciplines such as volcanology and mineralogy, is the study of Earth as a whole. Different academic degrees, including BS, MS, and PhD, provide specialized training for geologists. The article highlights job opportunities in areas such as the US Geological Survey, geophysical surveys, geographic mapping, and environmental geology. It also explores career paths in mining, gemology, academia, research, and science journalism, among others. The article emphasizes the importance of pursuing a job that one is passionate about and provides employment statistics, salaries, and job growth rates in the geoscience field. [Extracted from the article]

The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) is set to divert the Swat River at the Mohmand Dam, which is currently under construction. Wapda Chairman Engr Lt-Gen (retd) Sajjad Ghani recently visited the dam site to inspect the progress of the project. Construction work is ongoing at 12 different sites, and the chairman received a briefing on various aspects of the project, including the diversion scheme, concreting, and slope stabilization. The meeting also covered support works at the power house, excavation at the irrigation tunnels, and construction of structures across the irrigation canals. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the role of storytelling in the regeneration of the River Irk in Manchester. The river, once a vital part of the city's industrial growth, had become neglected and forgotten. However, a new regeneration scheme called the Victoria North program aims to reposition the river as the center of new neighborhoods being constructed in the city. The program includes community engagement and storytelling workshops to uncover the history of the river and develop connections that will influence its future regeneration. The workshops have been successful in engaging a diverse group of residents and generating ideas for the future of the river. The work produced in the workshops will be used to inform the regeneration plans and ensure that the hopes and ambitions of the community are incorporated. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the author's personal journey of purchasing land for hunting and the significance of habitat improvement in determining the hunting experience. The author expresses their delight and fulfillment in creating and enhancing wildlife habitats. They also acknowledge the potential challenges and conflicts that can arise when hunting on others' properties. The article underscores the author's deep appreciation for nature and the satisfaction derived from habitat improvement projects. It emphasizes the crucial role of habitat in hunting and provides practical advice on creating successful wildlife plantings. The author shares their own experiences with planting trees and shrubs, highlighting the importance of water and timing during the process. They also recommend specific tree and shrub species that can thrive in challenging growing conditions. The article encourages readers to prioritize habitat improvement and offers resources for obtaining seedlings and financial assistance. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the techniques and considerations for trapping fishers, highlighting the challenges and preferences of these elusive creatures. Topics discussed include the significance of location in fisher trapping, the use of cage traps and foothold traps, and specific strategies for setting up natural cubbies and running-pole foothold sets.

The author shares his sighting of a population of the Big Bluet Enallagma durum during an odonatological canoe excursion on Lake Champlain, near the mouth of Pike River in Missisquoi Bay in Canada in August 2023. Information is provided on the size of the Big Bluet and the first sighting of an adult Big Bluet in Vermont in 2014. He tells his observations on the presence of Tule Bluet, Eastern Forktail, Familiar Bluet, Orange Bluet and Marsh Bliet, and the preferred habitat of Big Bluets.

Dairy production and water go hand in hand. On the one hand, water underpins most requirements for a productive dairy farm. The quality and availability of water are limiting factors that can fundamentally affect growth and revenue. On the other hand, dairy farming has the potential to significantly impact water resources that negatively impact ecosystem health and long-term sustainability. The use of riparian buffer zones is internationally recognised as one effective method for reducing many of the impacts associated with dairy farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Those big-woods deer were unlike any whitetails I had hunted elsewhere - especially the almost predictable Midwest deer - but they opened my eyes to how preconceived perceptions hinder your best efforts. A couple of years ago, my wife and I moved to northern Idaho, which is a real sleeper region for trophy whitetails. Anyone who has trailed a wounded deer through tangled second-growth understands that deer slip effortlessly through heavy vegetation. OPEN-MINDED APPROACH With a better understanding of the terrain and area deer patterns, I abandoned almost all those original stand sites the next season. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Natural History discusses the great blue heron, a large bird found in North America. Despite its size, the heron is relatively lightweight and can be found in wetlands across its range. The heron is a solitary predator, using its long legs and powerful beak to catch a variety of prey, including fish, frogs, and small mammals. The article includes a firsthand account of a photographer witnessing a heron hunting and attempting to catch a large carp. Although the heron was ultimately unsuccessful, the encounter was described as an "epic struggle" and a privileged experience. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Wood Magazine features Ted Stephens's basement workshop, which he designed as part of his new home in central Iowa. The 635-square foot shop includes French doors that open onto a riverbank and walnut trees, providing easy access for supplies and finished projects. The shop is not insulated, which is Ted's one regret, but it features a 9' ceiling for maneuvering long boards. Power comes from dedicated circuits in the main house panel, and the shop is heated and cooled by the house HVAC system. Ted uses an overhead dust filter and a 1-hp dust collector to manage sawdust, and he has mounted heavy-duty casters on his equipment for easy mobility. Overall, Ted's workshop is a well-organized and efficient space that maximizes both interior and exterior views. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Practical Caravan provides a 48-hour itinerary for exploring the town of Windsor. The town is known for its famous castle, picturesque streets, and riverside eateries. The itinerary includes visiting Windsor Castle, taking a scenic walk along the Long Walk, exploring the town of Eton, and enjoying the gardens of Windsor Great Park. The article also suggests dining options and provides information on upcoming cultural events in the area. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the author's collection of five boats and their different attributes. The author explains that each boat serves a specific purpose, such as navigating a narrow and tidal river or sailing in locations without a slipway. The boats mentioned include a Drascombe Dabber, an Emsworth Lugger, Tideway dinghies, and a Lune Pilot. The author emphasizes that owning multiple boats allows for greater flexibility and the ability to sail in various conditions. The article concludes by acknowledging that owning multiple boats may be seen as excessive, but it is a common passion among boating enthusiasts. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the importance of teaching children about stream dynamics and the impact of human activities on water quality. It suggests using a model stream to engage students in hands-on learning experiences. The article describes a successful model stream implemented at the Kingfisher Environmental Interpretive Centre in British Columbia, where students build a village along the banks of the stream and learn about floods, erosion, and the habitat needs of salmon. The article also provides guidance on how to create a model stream and suggests resources for further study. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "TOP OF THE LEADERBOARD!" highlights the spectacular events and achievements of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Lady Gaga made a grand entrance, emerging from a plume of pink feathers, while Dawn Fraser waved to the crowds. Kaylee McKeown set a new Olympic record in the women's 100m backstroke, and the Australian Olympic team celebrated the opening ceremony with smiles. Ariarne Titmus and Mollie O'Callaghan proudly displayed their medals after competing in the 200m freestyle, and Simone Biles became the most decorated US Olympic gymnast of all time. The article is accompanied by several colorful photos. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on photographing winding rivers from aerial perspectives using drones. Topics include utilizing local knowledge and satellite imagery to find picturesque river locations, strategies for emphasizing river features such as curves and reflections, and considerations for adjusting composition based on environmental elements like tidal changes and riverbank features.

Yellowstone National Park's Biscuit Basin has been closed for the summer after a geyser eruption, causing visitors to flee but resulting in no injuries. Puerto Rico has passed a law banning hair discrimination, which is seen as a victory for campaigners fighting for fair treatment of people with different hairstyles. Venezuela's recent presidential election, in which Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner, has been met with protests and skepticism about the fairness of the election process. Data centers in Ireland have consumed more electricity than all the homes in towns and cities combined, raising concerns about the country's ability to meet climate targets. France's railway network was attacked just hours before the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, causing disruptions and damage that were quickly repaired. A Carpathian lynx named Chapo, who repeatedly tried to escape from his enclosure, has been released into a forest in Saxony. Rescuers are working to save victims of mudslides in Ethiopia, with over 250 people dead and many more missing. Switzerland has implemented new rules to protect plants from tourists who may inadvertently damage them while trying to take photos. Malaysia has crowned its 17th king, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, in an official ceremony at the National Palace. A platypus conservation center has opened at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Australia, providing a research facility to study and increase the population of platypuses. [Extracted from the article]

This article tells the story of Austen Henry Layard, a lawyer who intended to travel from London to Ceylon but ended up in Iraq. In 1839, Layard and his friend Edward Mitford decided to travel overland instead of by sea, but they eventually split up in Tehran. Layard returned to Baghdad and convinced the British Ambassador to allow him to excavate a mound he had seen in Iraq. His discoveries, including huge winged bulls from the Assyrian Empire, made the British Museum famous. Layard spent five years on his archaeological work before returning to England and pursuing a career in politics. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Voiceworks provides a poetic account of Sennedjem, a nineteenth-dynasty artisan who lived in Set Maat, a workmen's village near the Valley of the Kings. Set Maat was a place where stonecutters, scribes, and sculptors resided, creating tombs for the kings. The village was not known for its beauty, with high walls and a distant water source, but artisans like Sennedjem would occasionally stay in a camp above the valley, witnessing the beauty of the Nile, temples, and nature. The article also reflects on the artisans' ability to build their own tombs and contemplates the experience of existing between the living and the dead. The author, Alexander Atreya, is a writer who draws inspiration from Southeast Asian folklore, mythmaking, and anticolonialism. [Extracted from the article]

This article from PhotoPlus recounts the author's experience photographing the Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley, France. The author describes the challenges of travel photography and the unexpected change in weather that forced them to race against the setting sun to capture the château. They discuss their camera settings and techniques used to capture the architectural and lighting spectacle of the château, including reflections in the water. The author expresses their delight in being able to capture a collection of photos of Chambord in just two visits. [Extracted from the article]

Last year's floods in Vermont caused significant damage to farms along the Winooski River. The Conant family, who have been farming for six generations, experienced reduced crop yields and had to travel long distances to obtain feed for their animals. The floods also led to stream bank erosion and the accumulation of sand in fields. The Conants are now considering permanent stabilization measures to protect their fields from future flooding. A survey conducted by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets found that the floods caused over $16 million in damage and affected 27,350 acres of farmland. Many farmers did not have crop or livestock insurance to cover their losses. [Extracted from the article]

Demonstrations, Workshops & Master Painters of the World WATERCOLOR A roll of masking tape is not the most exciting piece of painting equipment. Background Continuity This painting of birch trees needs a continuous background that appears to flow behind the trees. PHOTO (COLOR): After the background has dried and the tape removed, the painting can be worked over with ink, rigger lines and some tinted ultramarine gouache to bring out the character of the trunks. [Extracted from the article]

The article informs the builder and architect involved in this project have extensive experience in building beautiful homes. It highlight the architectural practice has been in operation for over 40 years, and Hoogervorst Builders' Nick Hoogervorst learned the skills and crafts of house building from his father Roland, which are often lost in modern building training. It mentions the homeowners also appreciated good architecture and building and grew up in the area.

Bathymetric and velocimetric data were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Transportation, near 15 bridges at 10 highway crossings of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers near Washington, Louisiana, and St. Louis, Missouri, on August 3-10, 2020. A multibeam echosounder mapping system was used to obtain channel-bed elevations for river reaches about 1,640 to 1,970 feet longitudinally and generally extending laterally across the active channel from bank to bank during moderate flood-flow conditions. These surveys provided channel geometry and hydraulic conditions at the time of the surveys and provided characteristics of scour holes that may be useful in developing predictive guidelines or equations for computing potential scour depth. These data also may be useful to the Missouri Department of Transportation as a low to moderate flood-flow assessment of the bridges for stability and integrity issues with respect to bridge scour during floods. Bathymetric data were collected around every in-channel pier. Scour holes were present at most piers for which bathymetry could be obtained, except those on banks or surrounded by riprap. All the bridge sites in this study were previously surveyed and documented in previous studies, including the two new bridge structures at Louisiana and Washington (structures A8141 and A8504, sites 22 and 32, respectively). Comparisons between bathymetric surfaces from the previous surveys and those of the current (2020) study do not indicate any consistent correlation in channel-bed elevations with streamflow conditions. The comparisons of the 2020 surveys to two previous surveys at the new bridge structure A8141 at Washington (site 22) resulted in net erosion of the channel bed in both comparisons, despite the 2020 streamflow being less than either previous survey. Alternatively, there was a net gain of sediment at new bridge structure A8504 at Louisiana (site 32) between 2014 and 2020, which was the most substantial increase in the surveys detailed in this report; substantially less flow in 2020 than in 2014 or changes to the channel and spur dikes near the bridge may have contributed to the observed sediment gain. Pier size, nose shape, and skew to approach flow had a substantial effect on the size of the scour hole observed at a given pier. Larger and deeper scour holes were present at piers with wide or blunt noses caused by exposed footings, seal courses, or caissons. When a pier was skewed to primary approach flow, the scour hole was generally deeper and larger than at a similar pier without skew; however, the shape of the scour hole near skewed piers in this study generally was longer and deeper on the leeward side, contrary to the general shape of scour holes for skewed piers. However, this phenomenon has been observed historically at these sites, and likely is exacerbated by debris rafts or other turbulence-inducing features near the atypical scour holes. A substantial scour hole was observed near pier 11 of structure A6500 (site 33), which was deeper than in the 2016 survey. The scour holes observed at pier 17 of structure L0561 (site 25) and piers 3 and 4 of structure A1500 (site 34) also were slightly deeper and wider in 2020 than in 2016. At new bridge structures A8141 at Washington (site 22) and A8504 at Louisiana (site 32), the smaller cross-sectional area and configuration of the piers of the new bridges resulted in substantially less scour than with the wider old piers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The U.S. Geological Survey and University of Wisconsin-Green Bay collected hydrologic and water-quality data to assess the effectiveness of agricultural conservation management practice (CMP) implementation at mainstem Plum Creek and west Plum Creek in northeastern Wisconsin. These two subbasins cover 88 percent of the Plum Creek Basin (Hydrologic Unit Code 12), which is a subbasin of the lower Fox River Basin. A published total maximum daily load report for the lower Fox River Basin rated Plum Creek as one of the greatest contributors of total suspended solids (TSS) and total phosphorus (TP) draining into the lower Fox River. To reduce TSS and TP exports from Plum Creek, additional cropland conservation practices and watercourse protections were applied between 2012 and 2020. To detect water-quality trends, data were collected during 2010 to 2020 at mainstem Plum Creek and 2013 to 2020 at west Plum Creek. The project used two methods to evaluate CMP effectiveness. The first method focused on evaluating water-quality changes between initial and post-CMP implementation periods during rain- or snowmelt-induced runoff events (hereafter referred to as "events"). In this approach randomforest models were developed to account for environmental factors which influence water quality. Model residuals from the two time periods were compared to determine the significance of water-quality changes associated with CMP implementation for mainstem and west Plum Creek Basins. The second method used a Weighted Regressions on Time, Discharge, and Season time-series approach to examine changes in water quality during the entire study period in mainstem Plum Creek. Results from both methods indicated there were minimal water-quality changes in TSS concentrations and flow-normalized delivery during runoff events during the 10-year period from 2010 to 2020; however, TP concentrations during low streamflow (less than 3 cubic feet per second [ft³/s]) may have decreased. The lack of observed improvement may be attributable to any of the following: variability in weather and hydrologic conditions, insufficient post-treatment data, additional cropland being converted to corn production, above average rainfall, streambank degradation, acute and legacy sources of phosphorus from farm fields, excessive/vulnerable manure applications and spills, and point-source discharges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the effectiveness of riparian zones in retaining phosphorus to prevent harmful algal blooms in freshwater ecosystems. Researchers conducted a field study to measure phosphorus concentrations in a shallow riparian aquifer and found that high concentrations of phosphorus were infrequent and short-lived, with no dominant controlling factor. The complexity of phosphorus behavior in riparian groundwater highlights the need for caution when assessing the impacts on stream water quality. The findings aim to provide scientists and managers with more informed conclusions on the effectiveness of riparian zones in reducing pollutants. [Extracted from the article]

In a recent article from India Together, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Manoj Tiwari criticized the Aam Aadmi Party for attempting to shift blame for pollution in Delhi, stating that such tactics will not help them win the upcoming Assembly elections. Tiwari accused the AAP government of failing to effectively tackle pollution despite having a significant budget for it. He also highlighted the BJP's plans to clean the Yamuna river and improve air quality in Delhi if elected to power. The article emphasizes the ongoing political debate over pollution in Delhi, which poses health challenges for residents, especially during the winter months. [Extracted from the article]

The Nationalist Congress Party (SP) concluded its 66-day long 'Shiv Swarajya Yatra' after covering 19 districts in Maharashtra, spanning 7,365 km. Led by NCP (SP) State President Jayant R. Patil, the Yatra aimed to address issues such as law-and-order concerns, women's safety, unemployment, and agricultural challenges. The Yatra culminated in a large public rally in Sangli, marking the beginning of the party's campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections, with prominent leaders like Sharad Pawar and Amol R. Kolhe participating. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides a list of New Jersey's top economic development premier lenders. The list includes various banks and their contact information, such as Bank of America, The Bank of Princeton, Blue Foundry Bank, Century Savings Bank, Columbia Bank, ConnectOne Bank, Cross River Bank, First Commerce Bank, The First National Bank of Elmer, Fulton Bank, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Kearny Bank, M&T Bank, Manasquan Bank, Newfield National Bank, Northfield Bank, OceanFirst Bank, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co., PNC Bank, Provident Bank, Santander Bank N.A., Sturdy Savings Bank, TD Bank N.A., and TriState Capital Bank. The document also includes some additional information about mergers and leadership changes within certain banks. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the work of biogeochemist Jacqueline Gerson, who studies how toxic contaminants, particularly mercury, flow through the environment. Gerson focuses on the impact of small-scale and artisanal gold mining in Peru's Madre de Dios region, where deforestation and the release of mercury into the air are significant consequences of these mining activities. Gerson's research aims to understand the fate of these contaminants in order to better manage and reduce the risks they pose to people. Her work has found that mercury levels are highest in areas closest to the mining, but the dense forest canopy in pristine areas like the Los Amigos Biological Concession can also accumulate and wash mercury to the ground. Gerson is also committed to making STEM fields more inclusive and has coauthored an article on demystifying the graduate school application process. [Extracted from the article]

This article highlights three heartwarming stories of individuals who went above and beyond to help others. In Nysa, Poland, thousands of residents, including the city's professional volleyball team, formed a human chain to prevent the Nysa Klodzka River from overflowing during Storm Boris. In California, a couple was reunited with their missing cat, Rayne Beau, 61 days after he disappeared during a camping trip in Yellowstone National Park. Lastly, a UPS driver in Georgia saved the life of a woman who had suffered a brain bleed by calling 911 and providing comfort until emergency services arrived. These stories showcase the kindness and compassion of individuals in different parts of the world. [Extracted from the article]

Preliminary results from sampling commissioned by the Waikato Regional Council have found that the high iron content in sediment from an historic mine in the Karangahake Gorge did not exceed drinking water and ecological protection guidelines for fresh water. The investigation also found no clear evidence of culpability for the discharge of sediment into the river, other than it being the result of mining activities over 100 years ago. The sediment, which contains high levels of arsenic, poses a human health risk if ingested and has settled in parts of the Nohopane Stream and Ohinemuri River. The Council urges people to avoid contact with the sediment. [Extracted from the article]