On:
In: Feature Homepage, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, PFAS
HBO Audience: John Oliver’s “Last Week Tonight” features the impact of PFAS on Michigan residents

Finding out their toddler had the highest-known level of PFAS in his blood of anyone in the United States was devastating to Seth and Tobyn McNaughton. The discovery that her well water was contaminated with those same industrial chemicals forced Sandy Wynn-Stelt to use water processed through a complicated pump in her basement that she’s nicknamed “Megatron.”

Both scenes were first part of Great Lakes Now’s Emmy-winning documentary “The Forever Chemicals” and are now featured in John Oliver’s “Last Week Tonight” program on HBO.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/pfas-great-lakes-now-last-week-tonight/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: birds, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, habitat, Habitat Restoration, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science
Side by Side: The biggest challenge for birds is cohabiting with humans

North America has 3 billion fewer birds today than five decades ago, according to a recent scientific study.

That loss equates to more than a quarter of the continent’s entire bird population, and the research documenting the decline has shown that it may be worse than first realized.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/north-america-bird-population-habitat/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: culture, diving, Feature Homepage, History and Culture, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, News Director's Pick-of-the-Week, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Sanctuaries: Two more National Marine Sanctuaries in the region see the finish line

Growing up in Alpena, Audrey Garant could not wait to leave her hometown in Michigan’s northeast Lower Peninsula. But years later, moving back, seeing the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center built and getting to experience it changed things for her.

“It’s my place to kind of disappear,” she said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/great-lakes-national-marine-sanctuaries/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Earth Day, Earth Week, Feature Homepage, History and Culture, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, outdoor recreation, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism
Earth Day 2021: What can you do and where?

The COVID-19 vaccine is still rolling out and making its way to people all around the world. How comfortable people feel about participating in events and group activities is extremely varied.

But that doesn’t have to stop anyone interested in taking part in Earth Day this year, whether they do it indoors, outdoors, around other people or alone.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/earth-day-2021-events-around-the-region/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Article, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Natasha Blakely, News, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, Shipping and Ports
Regional Thoughts: Some reactions from various Great Lakes leaders on President Biden’s infrastructure plan

President Joe Biden last week announced a massive $2 trillion infrastructure proposal, including how the money will be spent and plans to pay for it.

He spoke Wednesday at the training facility for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he began his presidential campaign two years ago.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/regional-thoughts-some-reactions-from-various-great-lakes-leaders-on-president-bidens-infrastructure-plan/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Michigan governor invokes defense bill, high levels in Minnesota landfills, business lobby sues Wisconsin DNR

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/michigan-governor-minnesota-landfills-wisconsin-business-dnr/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: canada, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, oil pipelines, Ontario, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Canada Speaks: In Enbridge Line 5 debate, Canadian representatives point to the impact on their economy

In the ongoing conflict over Line 5’s presence and future in Michigan, much of the debate has been between the Canadian energy company Enbridge, Inc. and the state of Michigan, or between Michigan environmentalists and Michigan businesses.

A recent joint committee session in the Michigan Senate heard from a third party: Canada.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/enbridge-line-5-debate-canadian-representatives-impact-economy/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Drinking Water, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Indiana introduces PFAS bills, Michigan citizens unhappy about 8-month disclosure delay

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/pfas-news-roundup-indiana-introduces-pfas-bills-michigan-citizens-unhappy-about-8-month-disclosure-delay/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Climate change, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, News, Ohio, Ontario, Wisconsin
Energy News Roundup: Q&A with energy secretary Granholm, Indiana enviromental bills struggle, Ontario rate payers prepare for hike

Keep up with energy-related developments in the Great Lakes area with Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.

In this edition: Environmentalists in Wisconsin sue EPA over regulation rollback favoring coal plants, bankruptcy plan for Ohio nuclear power company upheld by appeals court, Prairie Island tribe prepares for massive investment in renewable energy, and Ford Motors to invest millions for electric vehicle construction in southeast Michigan

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Indiana:

  • 75 environmental bills were filed this session; more than two-thirds of them are now dead – Indianapolis Star

When the 2021 legislative session began, more than 75 bills related to the environment had been filed in Indiana’s General Assembly.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/energy-news-indiana-bills-ontario-hike-line-5-oversight-panel/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, Collaboration, COVID-19, Drinking Water, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, News, septic systems, sewage, sewage infrastructure, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Rights vs. Regulations: When it comes to septic system codes, property rights remain a big barrier

With warming temperatures, fluctuating water levels and a series of extreme storms, Lake Superior is undergoing dramatic alterations amid climate change.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/michigan-regulations-septic-system-codes-property-rights/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Budget, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, Pennsylvania, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Quebec, Traverse City, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Pennsylvania water utility sues 3M, Dupont, Michigan officials waited 8 months to warn residents

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/pfas-news-pennsylvania-utillity-michigan-officials-wait/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Drinking Water, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, Nestle, News, Ontario, Water Withdrawals
Nestlé Exit: North American bottled water brands sold to investment firm

The years-long saga surrounding Nestlé and its Michigan groundwater withdrawals comes to an end – in a way – as Nestlé withdraws from the situation, selling its North American water brands to another corporation.

Nestlé announced this week that it unloaded a number of U.S. and Canadian brands, including Poland Spring Brand 100% Natural Spring Water, Ice Mountain Brand 100% Natural Spring Water and Pure Life.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/nestle-north-america-bottled-water-brands-sold-investment-firm/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: biden administration, Drinking Water, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Minnesota sets new PFAS blueprint, Biden EPA dumps PFAS assessment over ‘political interference’

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/pfas-minnesota-biden-epa-regulations/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Drinking Water, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Illinois, indigenous communities, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Traverse City, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: PFAS found in Indigenous household wells, Wisconsin experimental treatment fails, WDNR fish concerns

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/pfas-michigan-indigenous-wisconsin-fish-dnr-legislation/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines
Michigan approves Great Lakes oil pipeline tunnel permits

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Michigan’s environmental agency said Friday it has approved construction of an underground tunnel to house a replacement for a controversial oil pipeline in a channel linking two of the Great Lakes.

The decision, a victory for Enbridge Inc., comes as the Canadian company resists Democratic Gov.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/ap-michigan-approves-great-lakes-oil-pipeline-tunnel-permits/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, oil pipelines
EGLE Permits: Michigan agency approves permits needed for Enbridge tunnel project

The Enbridge Line 5 tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac today got another step closer to being built.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced its approval of the permits that Enbridge is required to have to build the replacement tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/egle-approves-permits-enbridge-line-5-tunnel/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: COVID-19, economy, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, shipping, Shipping and Ports
Stalled Ships: Shipping industry looks to infrastructure investments to boost demand

The Great Lakes’ iconic freighters remained common sights on the waters – that much didn’t change during pandemic. But, like many industries, shipping was hit hard by COVID-19. That feels especially salient when shipping is such an integral piece of the Great Lakes economy.

As of September 2020, iron ore cargoes were “down 27% from last year at this time,” James Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers’ Association and representative of Ohio on the Great Lakes Commission, said in an interview with Great Lakes Now.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/shipping-industry-infrastructure-investments/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, COVID-19, economy, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, outdoor recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Tourism
COVID-19 Concerns: Economic recovery plagues the minds of many in the Great Lakes region

With COVID-19 vaccines rolling out, many people are shifting their worries to the economy and how to recover from the state that it has been left in – with numerous local and regional industries gutted after this past summer.

“Until we start working together and work together to make sure that we keep the pandemic down while the vaccine is coming in, we’re not going to be able to rebuild this economy for quite some time,” John Dickert of the Alliance for Regional Development in a Great Lakes Now interview.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/covid-19-concerns-economic-recovery-plagues/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: enforcement, epa, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, pollution, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Lack of Enforcement: Less compliance with environmental laws means more pollution in the lakes

The long-term impact of the Trump administration on the Great Lakes environment remains a big question – particularly when President Donald Trump was still rolling back environmental protections in the last few months of his term.

Over the length of his term, Trump rolled back a number of rules and regulations, and enforcement of the ones that remained dropped.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/lack-enforcement-compliance-environmental-laws-more-pollution/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Budget, Habitat Restoration, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Your Federal Tax Dollars: How they are funding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

Images related to Great Lakes Restoration Initiative projects are powerful and well-known: jumping Asian carp, overflowing sewage and pollution flowing into waterways and lakes, invasive mussels clogging water infrastructure and blanketing shipwrecks.

But with its hundreds of millions of federal dollars, the initiative is helping to prevent non-native species from invading, support clean up, restore habitat and more.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/federal-tax-dollars-funding-great-lakes-restoration-initiative/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: biden administration, Climate change, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Crisis Response: President Biden has already kickstarted the country’s new approach to climate change

Water levels are swinging from one extreme to another. The Great Lakes are looking at an iceless, warm winter. Severe storms are hitting more frequently.

Climate change has been a contentious issue for the Great Lakes region – and the rest of the nation – as people debate the severity, impacts and need for action.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/crisis-response-president-biden-approach-climate-change/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Drinking Water, Duluth, epa, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Food, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Lake Superior, Latest News, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, News, Ohio, PFAS, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: PFAS in Lake Superior smelt, McDonalds drops PFAS packaging, White House weakened EPA guidelines

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/pfas-news-lake-superior-smelt-wisconsin-settlement-mcdonalds-epa/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: belle isle, COVID-19, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Lake Ontario, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News
Lake Ontario: Big catch escapes again

This is part of a series in which the Great Lakes Now staff looks back on 2020.

At this time last year, this humble news director made big claims regarding making a visit to Lake Ontario to complete the full list of “Great Lakes I’ve visited.”

Unfortunately, Lake Ontario remains an achievement I have yet to collect.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/lake-ontario-big-catch-escapes-again/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: forever chemicals, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, Pennsylvania, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: PFAS exposure may affect COVID vaccine, NY bans PFAS in food packaging

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/pfas-news-roundup-michigan-new-york-wisconsin/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Books, Books, Authors, Art and Music, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Duluth, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Feature Milwaukee, Feature-Chicago, Food, Grand Rapids, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, shopping, small business, Toronto, Traverse City, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Gift Guide 2020: Remember that road trip, boat ride, microbrew or sweatshirt you should’ve bought with this list

Want to give your loved ones a holiday gift that connects to that summer trip up north or the fall color tour you took together? 

Or maybe you have a trip planned for after the COVID-19 vaccines have been distributed and want to give them something to remind them they have something to look forward to. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/great-lakes-gift-guide-2020-list/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Algae Blooms, Asian carp, Climate change, harmful algal blooms, indigenous communities, invasive species, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, toxic algae
Public Concern: Climate change, runoff and chemicals at the forefront of people’s worries about the Great Lakes

NOTE: The report will formally be presented in English at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 10. A French session will follow at 3:30 p.m. For more details about how you can watch or ask questions, click here.

Public concern about climate change is escalating in the Great Lakes region, according to a new report issued by a binational group that manages and protects the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/public-concern-climate-change-runoff-chemicals-ijc/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, Climate change, Collaboration, harmful algal blooms, indigenous communities, invasive species, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, science, toxic algae, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
“Saving the Great Lakes”: National Geographic December issue explores the lakes and their struggles

A familiar view for many who live and play around the Great Lakes graces the current cover of National Geographic – a stormy sunset over Lake Michigan, seen from the sandy beaches of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The feature story of the magazine’s December 2020 issue puts a spotlight on the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/saving-great-lakes-national-geographic-december-issue-struggles/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: COVID-19, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Traverse City, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Michigan health study, Wisconsin deer and fish, possible impact on COVID-19 vaccine

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/pfas-news-roundup-michigan-wisconsin-study-vaccine/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: canada, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, forever chemicals, Groundwater Contamination, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, Ontario, PFAS, Research, Research, Data and Technology, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: PFOS in fish, Wisconsin standards in dispute, lacking regulations in Canada

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/pfas-news-fish-wisconsin-canada/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Age of Nature, Age of Nature - Featured, Collaboration, Latest News, News
The Age of Nature: Series finale ends with hope

In the first two episodes of “The Age of Nature,” the successes and fragility of environmental restoration took viewers around the world.

The final episode continues that thematic exploration as it takes viewers to some of the furthest and oldest reaches of the planet.

HERE is a map of all the locations with descriptions of the segments.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/age-of-nature-great-lakes-now-hope/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, PFAS, Traverse City, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS News Roundup: Huron River contamination levels drop, New York PFAS cleanup could be delayed

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/pfas-huron-river-michigan-new-york/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Age of Nature, Age of Nature - Featured, Collaboration, News
The Age of Nature: Building understanding of the complexity of restoration efforts

If Episode One of the PBS series “The Age of Nature” introduced some environmental and economic successes, Episode Two shows us how fragile such efforts are.

And like last week, Great Lakes Now will bring stories, videos and watch parties to better understand what similar efforts are – and are not – happening in the Great Lakes region.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/age-of-nature-understanding-complexity-restoration-efforts/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Age of Nature, Age of Nature - Featured, Collaboration, News
The Age of Nature: Humanity’s relationship with nature in the Great Lakes region and beyond

The relationship between humanity and nature is the overarching theme of “The Age of Nature,” a new PBS documentary series airing over the month of October. In it, the producers seek to answer questions about what the modern issues affecting nature are and what humans are doing about them.

Throughout this month as “The Age of Nature” airs, Great Lakes Now will bring audiences stories, videos and watch parties to better understand how issues covered in “The Age of Nature” relate specifically to the Great Lakes region.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/age-of-nature-humanity-great-lakes-region/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, PFAS, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Landfills, Wisconsin action plan, AGs urge congress to be tough on PFAS

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/pfas-news-landfills-wisconsin-action-plan-congress/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Art, Books, Authors, Art and Music, COVID-19, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Green Bay, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, microplastics, Natasha Blakely, News, plastic, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, south haven, Wisconsin
Trash Fish: Marine debris becomes sculptures at Great Lakes aquariums and museums

An array of more than 80 marine-debris-turned-art works will be making another Great Lakes stop, adding a lake sturgeon sculpture when it’s installed at a Wisconsin site next year.

Made entirely of plastic trash, these larger-than-life figures have realistic designs. They come as part of the traveling exhibit, Washed Ashore, which aims to educate people about plastic pollution.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/trash-fish-marine-debris-sculptures-great-lakes-aquariums-museums/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: epa, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Water quality
Citizen Excellence: Sandy Wynn-Stelt receives EPA award for efforts to combat PFAS

Sandy Wynn-Stelt, a resident of Belmont, Michigan, known for her fight against Wolverine World Wide and PFAS, earned the 2020 Citizen Excellence in Community Involvement Award from the U.S. EPA.

Wynn-Stelt is featured in Great Lakes Now’s documentary, “The Forever Chemicals,” which brought audiences the story of her journey as she discovered the extent of the PFAS contamination in her private well and in her community.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/citizen-excellence-sandy-wynn-stelt-receives-epa-award-for-efforts-to-combat-pfas/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, PFAS, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, The States, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: PFAS puts pregnancies at risk, Nestle and La Croix among waters with elevated PFAS

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/pfas-news-roundup-pfas-puts-pregnancies-at-risk-nestle-and-la-croix-among-waters-with-elevated-pfas/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Chicago, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, museums, Natasha Blakely, News, science, Science, Technology, Research
One Old, One New: Teen project finds meteorite fragments in Lake Michigan

The teenagers and scientists searching for the 2017 meteorite in Lake Michigan found more than they had been looking for, representatives from the team reported yesterday.

In a live update on the Adler Planetarium’s YouTube channel, students and researchers shared two major finds from The Aquarius Project’s years-long attempt to find the meteorite: a sample that could be from that meteorite and a sample from a meteorite much, much older.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/aquarius-project-findings-update-meteorite-fragments-lake-michigan/

Natasha Blakely

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In: animals, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Fish, Birds and Animals, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, oil pipelines, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Turtles vs. Oil: Great Lakes Now producer talks ecosystems, life on the water and covering the lakes

After a stint as an intern for Great Lakes Now, Kathy Johnson is shining a light on the Kalamazoo River oil spill 10 years ago and the subsequent turtle recovery efforts with her first fully produced segment for Great Lakes Now.

Like many journalists working in the Great Lakes region covering stories about the Great Lakes, Kathy Johnson’s roots begin in the region.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/great-lakes-producer-ecosystems-life-water-covering-lakes/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Drinking Water, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, PFAS, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS Progress: Michigan continues legislative push for more action against PFAS

Michigan is at the forefront of states in the U.S. when it comes to taking action against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, a group of manmade chemicals found in a wide range of consumer products as well as firefighting foam.

On Monday, Michigan’s new statewide PFAS maximum contaminant levels took effect, and they are currently among the most comprehensive and strict standards in the country in limiting the amount of PFAS in drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/pfas-michigan-legislative-push-action/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Fish, Birds and Animals, invasive species, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, Science, Technology, Research, sea lamprey, zebra mussels
Quiz: What Great Lakes invasive species are you?

Great Lakes Now is hosting a live chat about invasive species with the Belle Isle Conservancy on Friday, Aug. 7. Check out the event page here for more details.

Since the 1800s, at least 25 non-native fish species – like the sea lamprey, zebra mussel or round goby – have entered the Great Lakes, changing the Great Lakes ecosystem in a variety of ways.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/invasive-species-quiz-great-lakes/

Natasha Blakely

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In: COVID-19, Detroit, Fatbergs, Feature Detroit, Illinois, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, sewers, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Slow Legislation: Flushable wipes become an issue in court and in law

Fatbergs — massive buildups of wipes and hygiene products congealed with greases and oils — make for a cringe-worthy topic. And the damage they cause to sewer systems can be a huge amount of trouble for the people in charge of those sewer systems.

That includes Candice Miller, the Public Works Commissioner in southeast Michigan’s Macomb County.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/legislation-flushable-wipes-court-law-fatberg/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Duluth, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, PFAS, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Hunting and fishing restrictions expanded, Duluth water safe, attorneys general urge stricter action

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/pfas-hunting-fishing-michigan-duluth-water-epa/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: animals, aquariums, birds, Chicago, COVID-19, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature-Chicago, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Illinois, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, museums, Natasha Blakely, News, Ontario, Tourism
Animal Quiz: What Great Lakes aquarium animal are you in quarantine?

The animals at various aquariums are dealing with their own COVID-19 lockdown struggles as they adjust to new routines, new procedures and a distinct lack of the public, and each animal handles it a little differently.

Thanks to Great Lakes aquariums like Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, the Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing in Brockville, Ontario, and Belle Isle Conservancy in Detroit, the public can get a peek at the various things staff are doing to keep the animals happy and entertained.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/animal-quiz-great-lakes-aquarium-animal-covid-19-quarantine/

Natasha Blakely

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In: animals, Chicago, COVID-19, Feature-Chicago, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Illinois, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, News, penguins, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, shedd aquarium, Tourism
Day in the Life: How are Shedd Aquarium’s animals coping in the absence of visitors?

Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is one of the more popular, well-known aquariums around the country with 2 million visitors every year.

But the COVID-19 pandemic has closed it to the public, which is a big change for the penguins, whales, fish and other creatures that live in the Shedd’s various habitats.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/covid-19-shedd-aquarium-visitors/

Natasha Blakely

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In: COVID-19, Detroit, Feature Detroit, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, museums, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism
COVID-19 Connection: Pandemic provides an opportunity for fish and insects to bond

There are cockroaches roaming the aquarium at the Belle Isle Conservancy.

But don’t worry, they’re supposed to be there.

Unlike the smaller, more common roaches you might find in a dirty or old building, these cockroaches are Madagascar hissing cockroaches, who have their own exhibit at the conservancy and were given a chance to say hello to some fish while the aquarium is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/covid-19-belle-isle-fish-and-insects-visitors/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: animals, COVID-19, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, News, Ontario, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism
Huge Interest: Aquatarium finds its feet during COVID-19 with virtual engagement

Masks or no, the otters at the Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing in Brockville, Ontario, know exactly who’s in their den space.

“They really recognize us more by our smell and our boots,” said Jennipher Carter, senior aquarist at the Aquatarium. For the otters at least, adjusting to their caretakers all wearing masks didn’t take long.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ontario-aquatarium-covid-19-virtual-engagement/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Climate change, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, pollution, Research, Data and Technology, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
More Than Dow: Chemicals, contaminants and untreated sewage all washed out by Midland dam breaks

A lot of focus has been placed on Dow Chemical Company—which is headquartered in Midland, Michigan—after two dams breached and flooded many areas around Midland County including near a Superfund site.

Dow stated in a press release Thursday that there were “no reported product releases” and though the floodwaters entered an on-site brine pond used for groundwater remediation, “material from the brine pond does not create any risk to residents or the environment.”

But while there might not be new contamination issues to deal with, much of the progress on the cleanup of Dow’s last chemical contamination might be lost.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/chemicals-contaminants-untreated-sewage-midland-dam-breaks/

Natasha Blakely

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In: epa, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: EPA says limits will take more than a year, Navy halts shipments to burn plant

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/pfas-epa-limits-new-york-burn-plant-wisconsin/

Natasha Blakely