On:
In: Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, News Roundup PFAS, Ohio, Pennsylvania, PFAS, Policy, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Michigan works on transparency, 3M could cost the Minnesota public billions, study recruitment in Michigan

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/2021/10/pfas-study-michigan-wisconsin-minnesota-billions-transparency/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Collaboration, Indiana, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, wastewater
Missed Acid Delivery at Root of Midwest Plant Iron Discharge: US Steel Correspondence

By Enrique Saenz, Indiana Environmental Reporter

In a document sent to the state, U.S. Steel Corp. said a chain of events kicked off by a missed acid delivery to its Midwest Plant in Portage led to a large discharge of iron into a nearby waterway in late September.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/missed-acid-delivery-midwest-plant-iron-discharge/

Indiana Environmental Reporter

On:
In: Climate change, Collaboration, Indiana, infrastructure, Latest News, Municipalities, News
Nearly Two Dozen Communities Awarded State Water Infrastructure Fund Grants

By Enrique Saenz, Indiana Environmental Reporter

Hundreds of Indiana municipalities applied for millions of dollars of state and federal money to fund much-needed water infrastructure projects, but only a few made the first cut.

The Indiana Finance Authority selected 22 municipalities out of more than 500 that applied to receive $63 million in grants from the first round of State Water Infrastructure Fund program funding.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/communities-awarded-state-water-infrastructure-fund-grants/

Indiana Environmental Reporter

On:
In: Budget, Chicago, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, Indiana, indigenous communities, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Minnesota, News, News Roundup Drinking Water, Ohio, Ontario, Toronto, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Indiana iron spill, Michigan lead reduction plan, potential nuclear accident in Ontario

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and
towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to
everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

Keep up with drinking water-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/2021/10/drinking-water-indiana-iron-michigan-lead-nuclear-ontario/

Maya Sundaresan

On:
In: AP, Feature Homepage, Indiana, Lake Michigan, News, wastewater
NW Indiana water facility restarts after US Steel discharge

OGDEN DUNES, Ind. (AP) — A utility has restarted a northwest Indiana water treatment facility one week after idling it following a U.S. Steel plant’s discharge of iron-tainted wastewater into a Lake Michigan tributary.

Indiana American Water said it restarted its Ogden Dunes treatment facility Sunday after water sampling results confirmed the discharge did not impact its Lake Michigan water source.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/ap-indiana-water-facility-us-steel-discharge/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, Indiana, Lake Michigan, News
US Steel: Plant’s orange plume had elevated iron levels

PORTAGE, Ind. (AP) — U.S. Steel says a northwestern Indiana plant’s discharge of elevated levels of iron were the cause of an orange plume that entered a Lake Michigan tributary, prompting the closure of several nearby beaches and a water treatment facility.

Company spokeswoman Amanda Malkowski said in a statement late Monday that an analysis of the discharge from the U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/ap-us-steel-plant-orange-plume-elevated-iron/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Beaches, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Indiana, Lake Michigan, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
US Steel shuts down Indiana plant after wastewater discharge

PORTAGE, Ind. (AP) — U.S. Steel temporarily shuttered operations at a northwest Indiana plant Monday after it leaked an orange substance into a Lake Michigan tributary, prompting the closure of a water treatment facility and several nearby beaches.

The U.S. Steel Midwest plant in Portage has been idled as a precaution “after experiencing an upset condition with the finishing line wastewater treatment plant,” U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/ap-us-steel-indiana-plant-wastewater-discharge/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Budget, Climate change, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin
Bridge Over Warming Water: Grants fund fish habitat conservation projects around the Great Lakes

Rivers, streams and lakes are warming, casting a dark shadow on the future of coldwater fish in the Great Lakes region. To save them, state and federal agencies around the Great Lakes are investing millions in these fish.

Currently, the Great Lakes are home to coldwater fish like ciscoes, walleyes, suckers, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, chinook salmon and coho salmon.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/warming-water-grant-programs-fish-habitat-conservation/

Rachel Duckett

On:
In: AP, Beaches, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Indiana, National Parks, News
Indiana Dunes National Park eyes its 1st-ever entrance fees

CHESTERTON, Ind. (AP) — The National Park Service wants to charge entrance fees for the first time at the Indiana Dunes National Park, citing a dramatic increase in visitors in recent years and the need for more revenue for park maintenance.

The federal agency will hold an online public meeting on the proposed fees via Zoom on Wednesday, from 6 p.m.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/ap-indiana-dunes-national-park-entrance-fees/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Cleveland, Detroit, Drinking Water, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, flint, Forever Chemicals Featured, Illinois, Indiana, indigenous communities, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, PFAS
Drinking Water Roundup: Senate passes $1 trillion infrastructure bill, Canada reaches $8 billion settlement with First Nations

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • State moves toward phaseout of firefighting foam with harmful ‘forever chemicals’ – Chicago Sun Times

Illinois will take a first step toward reducing the use of firefighting foam containing harmful “forever chemicals” under a bill signed into law by Gov.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/drinking-water-senate-infrastructure-bill-canada-settlement-first-nations/

Rachel Duckett

On:
In: Drinking Water, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, News, News Roundup PFAS, Pennsylvania, PFAS, Policy, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Tech company develops PFAS-eliminating technology, PFAS Action Act heads to Senate, study finds PFAS in Arctic ice

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/2021/08/pfas-action-act-senate-study-arctic-ice/

Rachel Duckett

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Chicago, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Indiana, James Proffitt, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, outdoor recreation, Pennsylvania, Recreation and Tourism, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, sailing, Tourism, Wisconsin
Boating on a Budget: Get off land and onto the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are great for many reasons – their economic power, the lifestyle they provide millions of residents, as a getaway for tens of millions visitors and the livelihood it offers hundreds of thousands in lakes-related industries.

And then there’s the water. Summer sees the lakes filled with people soaking, swimming, skiing – and boating.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/boating-budget-great-lakes-recreation/

James Proffitt

On:
In: Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Duluth, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Feature Milwaukee, Feature-Chicago, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, History and Culture, Illinois, Indiana, indigenous communities, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New York, News, Niagara Falls, Ohio, Ontario, sturgeon, Toronto, Tourism, Wisconsin
See the Sturgeon: The many ways to see, touch and appreciate sturgeon around the region

When the Milwaukee River Lake Sturgeon Reintroduction Project began 16 years ago, success wasn’t immediately apparent.

Having a solid scientific foundation for the project wasn’t the problem: sturgeon were raised in the Milwaukee River so they would return there to spawn when the time came. The problem was that lake sturgeon don’t return to a river to spawn for around 15 years.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ways-see-touch-appreciate-sturgeon-great-lakes-region/

Noah Bock

On:
In: AP, Beaches, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Indiana, indiana dunes national park, News, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism
Indiana Dunes collecting visitors’ ideas for new services

CHESTERTON, Ind. (AP) — Officials at Indiana Dunes National Park want to hear from visitors as they develop a strategy to add services at the park, ranging from food or beverage sales to organized tours.

Two open houses are set for Thursday and Friday at the national park in northwestern Indiana.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-indiana-dunes-visitors-ideas-new-services/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Budget, Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Duluth, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Feature Milwaukee, Gary Wilson, Grand Rapids, Illinois, Indiana, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin
Investing in the Lakes: New bill could redirect tech money to neglected Great Lakes cities

As President Joe Biden tries to advance his high-profile legislative agenda in a sharply divided Congress, a low-profile bill that could help the Great Lakes region is progressing with bipartisan support.

If passed, it could finally help the region shake its Rust Belt image.

The legislation is the U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/legislation-investment-tech-research-great-lakes-cities/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, COVID-19, Feature Homepage, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Ontario, outdoor recreation, parks, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism
Second Spike: Great Lakes parks anticipate increased visitation this summer

Parks around the Great Lakes are expecting a spike in visitation this season as the United States and Canada continue to distribute COVID-19 vaccines. 

At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the park campgrounds and backpacking sites are booked for the summer after a record 1.2 million visitors last year.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/great-lakes-parks-increased-visitation-summer/

Rachel Duckett

On:
In: Chicago, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, News Roundup Drinking Water, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin
Drinking Water Roundup: Lead pipes in Illinois and Minnesota, rare one-person grand jury used in Flint water criminal case, increased Line 3 pumping

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • A new Illinois law will replace lead water pipes; Moline will begin construction this summer – WQAD 8

MOLINE, Ill.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/lead-pipes-illinois-minnesota-grand-jury-flint-water-line-3/

Rachel Duckett

On:
In: Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, Illinois, Indiana, invasive species, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Citizen Science Opportunities: How can you get involved in scientific research?

For some, getting to contribute to scientific research might sound like a far-fetched possibility.

Jason Frenzel, stewardship coordinator at the Huron River Watershed Council, is one of the countless people working to change that assumption.

The HRWC is one of many organizations in the Great Lakes region that offer people, most with little prior scientific training, the opportunity to participate in science.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/citizen-science-opportunities/

Noah Bock

On:
In: Chicago, Cleveland, Feature Cleveland, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, New York, News, Ohio, PFAS, Research, Research, Data and Technology
Raining PFAS: Amount of PFAS found is outpacing legacy contaminants

A decades-long monitoring project in the Great Lakes basin has started checking for PFAS in rain. It’s finding the forever chemicals across the basin in large amounts.

Those numbers aren’t published yet, but PFAS are showing up in concentrations higher than legacy contaminants like mercury, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and pesticides.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/raining-pfas-outpacing-legacy-contaminants/

Andrew Blok

On:
In: Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Ontario, renewable energy
Energy News Roundup: Illinois Senate votes on energy plan, Enbridge protests in Minnesota, Solar-Panel factory in Ohio

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Lawmakers headed back to Springfield for votes on an elected Chicago school board and an energy package that includes bailout for nuclear plants – Chicago Tribune

State lawmakers will return to Springfield next week to take up two controversial issues that stalled in the final hours of the spring session: a statewide energy package and an elected Chicago school board.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/energy-illinois-senate-energy-plan-enbridge-protests-minnesota-solar-ohio/

Rachel Duckett

On:
In: AP, erosion, Indiana, Lake Michigan, lake michigann, News
Boulders in place to protect lakefront at Indiana Dunes Park

PORTAGE, Ind. (AP) — The National Park Service says the Portage Lakefront at Indiana Dunes National Park has reopened after a project to install boulders to protect the pavilion and assure safer access to the shoreline.

It says the joint effort by the City of Portage and the Park Service involved the installation of more than 1,000 tons of boulders needed to protect the lakefront and the Riverwalk from erosion.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/ap-boulders-lakefront-indiana-dunes-lake-michigan/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Drinking Water, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin
Drinking Water Roundup: 3M sues Michigan, hackers infiltrate Pennsylvania water systems, millions invested in Illinois and Ohio

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Illinois American Water Investing over $2.7 Million in Pontiac Water System – Business Wire

Illinois American Water is investing over $2.7 million to upgrade the Pontiac area water system.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/drinking-water-michigan-hackers-pennsylvania-water-systems-illinois-ohio/

Rachel Duckett

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, Collaboration, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, green infrastructure, Indiana, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Green Infrastructure: Cities around the Great Lakes plan for a changing future

Rain gardens, bioretention features, adaptable parks and more are popping up all around the region.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/green-infrastructure-great-lakes-climate-future/

Andrew Blok

On:
In: AP, Feature Homepage, Indiana, News, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands
Controversial Indiana environmental bills inch near passage

By Casey Smith, Associated Press/Report for America

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Lawmakers approved two environmental bills Tuesday that critics say could damage the state’s ecosystems by scaling back current policy affecting water, energy and other resources.

A measure seeking to remove protections from Indiana’s already diminished wetlands would eliminate a 2003 law that requires the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to issue permits in a state-regulated wetland and end enforcement proceedings against landowners allegedly violating current law.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/ap-controversial-indiana-environmental-bills-near-passage/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Indiana, indigenous communities, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Ontario Indigenous lawsuit over water dispute, 50,000 sign up for Flint settlement, Ohio infrastructure loans

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Indiana:

  • Indiana Lawmakers Amend Environment Bills as Deadlines Near – Chicago Tribune

Dozens of amendments to bills affecting Indiana environmental policy have sparked debate among lawmakers as the Legislature enters its final stretch of the session.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/drinking-water-ontario-dispute-flint-settlement-ohio-infrastructure/

Grace Dempsey

On:
In: Collaboration, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Indiana, Latest News, News, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands
Local Governments, Organizations Ask Indiana Legislators to Consider Alternatives to Bill Repealing State Wetland Protections

By Enrique Saenz, Indiana Environmental Reporter

More than 60 organizations, including local governments, environmental and conservation groups and water management agencies, sent a letter to Indiana state legislators, asking them to consider policy changes instead of supporting a bill seeking to remove all state protections for Indiana wetlands.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/local-governments-environmental-organizations-indiana-legislators-state-wetland-protections/

Indiana Environmental Reporter

On:
In: Chicago, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Lead, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: New York water standards deferrals, microplastics in Pennsylvania

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Brain-damaging Lead Found in Tap Water From Most Illinois Communities During the Past 6 Years – Chicago Tribune

More than 8 of every 10 Illinoisans live in a community where brain-damaging lead was found in the tap water of at least one home during the past six years, a new Chicago Tribune analysis found.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/drinking-water-news-new-york-microplastics-pennsylvania/

Grace Dempsey

On:
In: Chicago, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Lead, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: New York water standards deferrals, microplastics in Pennsylvania

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Brain-damaging Lead Found in Tap Water From Most Illinois Communities During the Past 6 Years – Chicago Tribune

More than 8 of every 10 Illinoisans live in a community where brain-damaging lead was found in the tap water of at least one home during the past six years, a new Chicago Tribune analysis found.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/drinking-water-news-new-york-microplastics-pennsylvania/

Grace Dempsey

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: AP, biden administration, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Indiana, Latest News, News, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Indiana lawmakers debate environmental regulation, rollbacks

By Casey Smith, Associated Press/Report for America Writer

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — As Indiana lawmakers debate dozens of bills addressing environmental matters, tensions are flaring over whether the state should adopt greener initiatives or step back current policy affecting water, energy and other resources.

While some measures in the General Assembly could bring reductions to Indiana’s carbon emissions and make stricter penalties for polluters, others would spur regulatory rollbacks that environmental advocates say could have long-lasting and damaging effects.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/ap-indiana-lawmakers-debate-environmental-regulation-rollbacks/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Drinking Water, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, Indiana, infrastructure, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Water Withdrawals, waukesha, Wisconsin
Drinking Water Roundup: Dispute between two Waukeshas over Lake Michigan diversion, Ontario infrastructure grants

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Joliet Under Boil Advisory After Water Main Breaks – WGN9 TV

A series of water main breaks in Joliet this week prompted a boil water order in case of cross contamination during repairs.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/drinking-water-waukesha-lake-michigan-groundwater-contamination-ontario/

Grace Dempsey

On:
In: Chicago, Drinking Water, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Indiana, infrastructure, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Water Withdrawals
Drinking Water News Roundup: Joliet picks Chicago, Minnesota road salt, Ohio EPA loans

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Joliet Council Picks Chicago, Not Hammond, to Supply City’s Drinking Water –  Northwest Indiana Times

The city council in Joliet, Illinois has chosen Chicago to be its next water source, despite efforts by Hammond officials to persuade them otherwise.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/chicago-lake-michigan-minnesota-road-salt/

Grace Dempsey

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: AP, Indiana, infrastructure, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
12 Indiana communities getting water infrastructure grants

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Twelve rural Indiana communities will share more than $8 million in federal grants to improve their water systems.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced the grants Thursday.

“These grants are vital to Indiana’s economic success as these projects should improve the quality of life in these rural communities,” Crouch said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/ap-12-indiana-communities-water-infrastructure-grants/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Agriculture, Chicago, contaminated groundwater, Drinking Water, Feature-Chicago, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, Indiana, indigenous communities, infrastructure, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Water Withdrawals, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Joliet water supply, contaminated water, support for Wisconsin farmers and water quality

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Chicago Competing With Hammond To Supply Joliet With Drinking Water From Lake Michigan – CBS Chicago

The aquifer that supplies Chicago suburb Joliet’s drinking water is expected to dry up by 2030.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/water-withdrawal-contaminated-farmers-water-quality/

Grace Dempsey

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: Climate change, Drinking Water, Groundwater Contamination, Indiana, indigenous communities, infrastructure, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Water Withdrawals, waukesha, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Indiana utilities plan for climate change, Waukesha pipeline construction begins

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Indiana:

  • ‘Will We Have Water When We Need It?’: How Indiana Utilities Are Preparing for Climate Change – Indiana Star

Just 150 miles from Lake Michigan, utility planners are worried about finding enough water to supply a growing Indianapolis because of climate change.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/drinking-water-climate-change-lead-first-nations-waukesha-pipeline/

Grace Dempsey

On:
In: Drinking Water, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, flint, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, Indiana, indigenous communities, Latest News, Lead, line 3, Michigan, Minnesota, News, oil pipelines, Ontario, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Wisconsin sets caps for 22 contaminants, lead pipes more likely in POC communities

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • People of Color in Illinois More Likely to Live in Communities with Lead Pipes – WBEZ.org Chicago NPR

Research has long shown that pollution often disproportionately affects low income — especially Black and brown — communities.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/drinking-water-wisconsin-contaminants-lead-pipes/

Grace Dempsey

On:
In: Gary Wilson, Illinois, Indiana, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
COVID-19 Compliance: Agencies grapple with environmental protection in the COVID-19 era

How do you protect water quality, public health and the environment when much of society comes to a near full stop with no notice?

That was the dilemma for regulatory agencies in March when the realities of the COVID-19 virus caused businesses and schools to close, factories to cease or drastically modify operations, travel to be restricted and office workers to scramble to set up makeshift workspaces in their homes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/covid-19-compliance-agencies-environmental-protection/

Gary Wilson

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: Drinking Water, Illinois, Indiana, indigenous communities, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, New York, News, Ontario, Quebec, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Illinois lead issues, Michigan citizen reporting, Canada First Nations water access

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Sycamore, Illinois, Residents Sue City for Toxic Tap Water That Sickens Residents – Businesswire

Residents of Sycamore, Illinois, have filed a class-action lawsuit against the city of Sycamore, alleging that it knowingly failed to maintain its water supply and ignored problems with its corrosion control treatment.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/drinking-water-news-lead-illinois-michigan-first-nations/

Grace Dempsey

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Cleveland, Climate change, COVID-19, Feature Cleveland, Indiana, Latest News, News, Ohio, Ontario, outdoor recreation, parks, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism, Wisconsin
Summertime Spike: Great Lakes parks a source of balm and vexation for many during COVID-19

Great Lakes parks have always been popular among outdoor enthusiasts. This summer, however, pandemic-weary residents on both sides of the border flocked to them – many for the first time – just as services such as campsites, visitors’ centers, washrooms and interpretive programs were closed to help contain COVID-19.

The spike in summertime numbers was doubly challenging this year as the lakes’ record-high water levels have washed away some beaches and trails.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/summertime-spike-great-lakes-parks-covid-19/

Sharon Oosthoek

On:
In: COVID-19, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, Indiana, indigenous communities, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Drinking Water News Roundup: Illinois COVID-19 shutoff protections, Ontario First Nation evacuation

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Illinois Activists Push for Stronger COVID-19 Utility Shut-Off Protections as Winter Nears – The Intercept

In March, the Illinois Commerce Commission announced an emergency moratorium on utility shut-offs to protect customers during the COVID-19 health crisis, but most major Illinois providers resumed service disconnections by late summer.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/drinking-water-illinois-covid-19-coronavirus-ontario/

Grace Dempsey

On:
In: Asian carp, Collaboration, Illinois, Indiana, invasive species, Latest News, Michigan, News
Carp Advance: Real and potential impacts of invasive fish throughout the Midwest

Since their introduction years ago, invasive Asian carp have infested rivers and lakes around the United States.

But they’ve been kept out of the Great Lakes — so far.

Some steps have been taken to protect the lakes system, but many believe that more effective policies — and more substantial barriers — are needed to keep the fish from spreading and to reduce the numbers where they’re already established.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/carp-impacts-invasive-fish-midwest/

GLN Editor

On:
In: accessibility, AP, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Indiana, indiana dunes national park, Lake Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
All-terrain wheelchairs added at Indiana Dunes State Park

CHESTERTON, Ind. (AP) — Three new all-terrain wheelchairs have been added for guest use at Indiana Dunes State Park.

The park in Northwest Indiana says the chairs were purchased by the Friends of Indiana Dunes. Two of the chairs are designed for use on trails, and one chair is designed for use on the Lake Michigan beach.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-all-terrain-wheelchairs-indiana-dunes-state-park/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Drinking Water, groundwater, Groundwater Contamination, Indiana, indigenous communities, Latest News, Lead, News, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Wisconsin wells contaminated by sewage, First Nations boil advisories, lead pipes

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Indiana:

  • EPA Installing Monitors to Investigate City’s Tainted Water Plume – Kokomo Tribune

The Environmental Protection Agency is set to install six groundwater monitoring wells to investigate the contaminated water plume beneath much of Kokomo.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/drinking-water-wisconsin-wells-septic-first-nations-lead-pipes/

Grace Dempsey

On:
In: carbon, Climate change, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Science, Technology, Research, The States, Wisconsin
Great Aspirations: Great Lakes states grapple with climate change and carbon

In June 2017, when President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris Climate Accords, three states had an immediate reaction and plan.

New York, California and Washington announced formation of the United States Climate Alliance calling it a “coalition that will convene U.S. states committed to upholding the Paris Climate Agreement and taking aggressive action on climate change.”

With that action, New York led Great Lakes states in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, establish clean energy plans and fund initiatives to meet carbon reduction goals.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/great-lakes-states-climate-change-carbon/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Indiana, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Ontario, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
C+: Western Lake Erie receives mediocre score on new report card

Lake Erie’s Western Basin didn’t do well on its first big test: a report card produced by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.

The report card gave it a mediocre score, an overall C+, based on a various factors regarding the lake’s condition. The watershed surrounding western Lake Erie scored a C.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/western-lake-erie-mediocre-score-report-card/

James Proffitt

On:
In: AP, Illinois, Indiana, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
Lake Michigan drownings surge to new high in 2020

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Drownings in Lake Michigan have reached record levels with at least 53 people dead so far this year, according to a water safety advocacy group.

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, a nonprofit that tracks Great Lakes drownings, said that compares with 48 drownings in 2019 and 42 in 2018.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-lake-michigan-drownings-new-high-2020/

The Associated Press