More than half of the nation’s waterways are polluted with toxins like mercury and have been stripped of vegetation that protects them, according to a stark new report from the EPA. The first comprehensive survey looking the health of thousands of stream and river miles across the country found that 55 percent are in poor condition for aquatic life.

Seven U.S. Marines were killed and at least seven other people injured during a training exercise in western Nevada last night, Marine Corps officials announced today. The Marines, members of a ground combat unit based in Camp Lejeune, N.C., died in an explosion.

Chemicals used to treat drinking water for millions of Americans may raise the risk of cancer and lead to other unintended health hazards, according to a report released today by the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization.

In an issue with environmental, health and water rights ramifications, Concord, Mass. last week became the first U.S. city to ban the sale of individual-size bottled water. The state’s Attorney General approved amendments that the town made to its bylaws after a 403-364 vote by citizens.

 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson and Mexico’s Secretary for the Environment and Natural Resources Juan Elvira Quesada yesterday signed the Border 2020 U.S.-Mexico Environmental program agreement which wil laddress high priority environmental and public health problems in the 2,000 mile border region.