Federal data maps pesticide contamination across municipalities
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New data from the Federal Office and the WWF has identified the municipalities where pesticide breakdown products have most heavily contaminated the groundwater. The maps provide the first local view of a problem that has historically been discussed as a national abstraction.
In Appenzell Innerrhoden, a 65-year-old farmer has begun operating the region’s first wind turbine; he did not apply for a permit, stating he has no interest in generating electricity for others to profit from. Elsewhere, residents near the Oeschinensee are considering charging tourists an access fee, arguing that locals should not be the only ones paying for the landscape's upkeep.
The race for the Federal Council has narrowed following Natalie Rickli’s withdrawal, leaving the Romande branch of the UDC to back Céline Amaudruz. Meanwhile, journalists at Tamedia’s German-speaking newsrooms are protesting the layoff of 41 staff members.