Sophia Schmidt covers the environment for WHYY’s PlanPhilly. Before coming to Philadelphia in 2021, Sophia reported on her home state of Delaware for Delaware Public Media and produced interviews for NPR’s “Weekend Edition.” Sophia was a 2021 Metcalf Fellow.
More from the Contributor
At a packed town hall, City Councilmember Jeffery Young proposed replacing the library with a mixed-use building. It didn’t go well.
1 year ago
Listen 1:24South Camden residents demand change from EMR after scrapyard fire
“There have been way too many fires at EMR,” one neighbor said. “Nothing’s been done.”
1 year ago
Listen 1:18“Their actions caused the … 4-story building to be fully engulfed in flames,” one first responder wrote in a report obtained by WHYY News.
1 year ago
Philadelphians push the city to do more to plant and protect trees
One possible challenge: Officials say a $12 million federal grant to help implement the Philly Tree Plan is frozen.
1 year ago
Listen 1:00‘It’s hellish now’: EMR fire leaves Camden residents worried about health and contamination
Neighbors reported difficulty breathing, headaches and lingering odors in the aftermath of the massive blaze.
1 year ago
Listen 1:11‘This has to stop’: Philadelphians push City Council for more illegal dumping prevention
Residents say they are tired of repeatedly cleaning up their communities. They urged the city to invest in education and enforcement.
1 year ago
Listen 1:02In a recording obtained by WHYY, a Camden County official said it was “by the grace of God” neighboring sewage treatment operations were spared.
1 year ago
Cyanide found in Tookany Creek after SPS Technologies fire in Jenkintown
The creek is not used for drinking water, and officials say no other source of drinking water has been affected.
1 year ago
Camden metal recycler whose fire caused evacuations had a history of violations
Friday’s scrapyard fire caused roughly 100 people to evacuate their homes. It wasn’t EMR’s first.
1 year ago
Officials say the air is safe near the Jenkintown SPS fire. Residents remain on edge
Residents say officials should have communicated in “real-time” and released details about air monitoring and chemicals at the plant sooner.
1 year ago
Listen 1:01West Philly Tool Library lets you ‘test-drive’ a gas-less cooktop before taking the plunge
Induction stoves are healthier and more efficient than gas, but they can be pricey. This tool offers an affordable way to try them out.
1 year ago
Listen 1:49Philly children are exposed to dangerous lead more often than in other cities, analysis finds
An analysis by Drexel researchers found the highest-risk cities had higher rates of poverty, a higher percent of Black residents and more old homes.
1 year ago
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