On:
In: Drinking Water, Groundwater Contamination, Indiana, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Toronto, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Ohio Resumes Water Shutoffs, Lead Exposure More Likely from Private Wells

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:

  • Andrews Residents Told Drinking Water Is Safe, But Issues Remain – Indiana Public Media

When its water supply was running low in May, Andrews tapped into an unused well but was forced to shut it down again after the town found high levels of cancer-causing chemical vinyl chloride left over from a factory now owned by Raytheon Technologies.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/drinking-water-ohio-shutoffs-lead-exposure-private-wells/

Emily Simroth

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Chicago, COVID-19, Duluth, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Tourism, Wisconsin
Outdoor Escape: Visitors flock to parks, beaches, lakes as states reopen

Great Lakes states and provinces have opened up their parks to overnight campers again now that COVID-19 closures have been lifted.

In March, national parks were closed in Canada, along with Ontario provincial parks. In the U.S., while parks remained open to visitors, facilities and many campgrounds were closed to the public.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/visitors-flock-parks-beaches-lakes-provinces-states-reopen/

Emily Simroth

On:
In: COVID-19, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, fracking, Ian Wendrow, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, lake erie, Latest News, News, nuclear, Ohio, oil pipelines, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Ohio pipeline, Indiana rejects rate increase

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

In this edition: 713-mile Rover Pipeline at center of legal dispute between Ohio EPA and Ohio Supreme Court; Hi-Crush Inc., frac sand company filing for bankruptcy after reporting negative revenue, defaulting on loans; and Indiana regulators reject utility rate increase request.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/great-lakes-energy-ohio-pipeline-wisconsin-fracking-indiana-regulators/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: Gary Wilson, Latest News, Michigan, Nestle, News, Ontario, Water Withdrawals
Unchanged Mission: Activists say a Nestle Great Lakes exit doesn’t resolve bottled water issue

Nestle might be selling its contentious Michigan bottled water brand, but water rights activists in the Great Lakes region aren’t so quick to let go of the issue.

Swiss-based Nestle recently announced it’s looking for buyers for its North America regional brands including Ice Mountain which has operated in Michigan since the early 2000’s.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/nestle-great-lakes-exit-bottled-water/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Collaboration, indigenous communities, Lake Superior, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin
Tribes, advocacy groups sue EPA over rule narrowing scope of federal waterway protections

By Enrique Saenz, Indiana Environmental Reporter

A group of native American tribes and labor and environmental groups filed suit to stop the implementation of a new federal rule that limits the scope of waterways under federal protection.

The Quinault Indian Nation, Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Pascua Yaqui Tribe filed suit in Washington state against the U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/tribes-advocacy-groups-sue-epa-federal-waterway-protections/

Indiana Environmental Reporter

On:
In: Collaboration, Groundwater Contamination, Indiana, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, Public Health, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Contaminated Ground: Indiana’s City of Mineral Water faces specter of health threats

By Beth Edwards, Indiana Environmental Reporter

Once known as the City of Mineral Water for the healing power of its spring-fed spas, Martinsville, Indiana, now faces the specter of health threats caused by the contamination of its water supply.

For the past 20 years, slow-moving groundwater plumes contaminated with potentially dangerous chemicals have seeped into the city’s municipal well field and drinking water plant.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/contaminated-indiana-water-health-threats/

Indiana Environmental Reporter

On:
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

On:
In: Climate change, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, flooding, infrastructure, John Hartig, Lake St. Clair, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Waterfront Development
Great Lakes Moment: Warmer, wetter, wilder

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

Scientists have predicted that warmer, wetter and wilder weather is coming and that this will be one of the greatest environmental challenges of the 21st Century.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/water-levels-climate-change-warmer-wetter-wilder/

John Hartig

On:
In: Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Gary Wilson, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Whitmer’s Dilemma: How to shut down Line 5, avoid a legal swamp and keep Northern Michigan happy

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer doesn’t need another crisis.

For six of her 18 months in office she’s been grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic that grips Michigan and shows few signs of abating. Then came a May rain deluge that contributed to the failure of an already dangerous dam that displaced 10,000 people.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/whitmer-michigan-dilemma-line-5-northern-michigan/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: COVID-19, epa, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS News Roundup: Potential COVID-19 connection, DOD bill, Michigan lakes and rivers with PFAS foam

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/2020/07/pfas-michigan-foam-pfas-covid-19/

Samantha Cantie

On:
In: Drinking Water, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Drinking Water News Roundup: Pennsylvania fracking oversight, lead plumbing standard, EPA water 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.

In this edition: Minnesota DNR decides water quality study is not needed for irrigation well, Saranac Lake drinking water has elevated sodium levels, New York will receive $22 million from EPA for water infrastructure projects, Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency holds public meeting to answer questions about 20-year clean water plan, Penn State webinar provides water management assistance for those on private water supplies, Pennsylvania grand jury finds state environmental and health departments did not properly oversee fracking industry, Ontario government seeks public comment on groundwater withdrawal proposal, Thunder Bay City Council approves loan program for private replacement of lead service lines, national plumbing standard revised to require greater protections from lead leaching, EPA decides not to set drinking water standards for chemical found in rocket fuel, and Environmental Working Group study finds nitrate contamination in thousands of communities is getting worse.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/drinking-water-fracking-pennsylvania-lead-epa-water-infrastructure/

Emily Simroth

On:
In: beaver island, COVID-19, lake erie, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, put-in-bay, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism, washington island, Wisconsin
Hope and Resilience: Great Lakes islanders continue to adapt to COVID-19 conditions

Angel Welke and her husband Paul own and operate Island Airways, the committed aviation service provider for Beaver Island. As such, the Welkes run the air ambulance that serves the island, which is located in the northern part of Lake Michigan and is home to about 600 year-round residents. When the island had a possible COVID-19 patient earlier this year, it was Paul Welke piloting the air ambulance. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/great-lakes-islanders-adapt-covid-19/

Samantha Cantie

On:
In: Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Fish, Birds and Animals, flint, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Lake St. Clair, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Ontario, PFAS, rouge river, St. Clair River, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Roller Coaster: Michigan’s long history with environmental contamination

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine you are on a roller coaster ascending the first and highest hill on the ride. You hear the click, click, click as the car slowly climbs to the top and you start getting excited, even nervous, the closer you get to the peak.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/michigan-history-environmental-contamination/

John Hartig

On:
In: Chicago, Climate change, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature-Chicago, Ian Wendrow, Illinois, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ontario, renewable energy
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Lake Huron nuclear waste storage plan dropped, renewable energy in Midland

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

In this edition: Ontario Power Generation formally withdraws its application to construct a repository for nuclear waste near Lake Huron; Illinois looks to construct offshore energy wind turbines but faces resistance; University of Minnesota may expand viability of geothermal energy in Midwest; and flood-ravaged Midland, Michigan, coming around on renewable energy.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/energy-nuclear-huron-renewables-midland-wind-geothermal/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: invasive species, James Proffitt, Latest News, News
Least Wanted: Potential Great Lakes invasive species are little known but still a big problem

In May, the self-cloning marbled crayfish clawed Michigan and regional headlines by officially becoming an outlaw. And even though the little bugger—a popular species for aquarium aficionados—hasn’t committed any offenses in Michigan yet, wildlife authorities are hoping to stay one step ahead of the critters.

And the same goes for many others.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/great-lakes-aquatic-invasive-species-list/

James Proffitt

On:
In: Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, PFAS, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Michigan collects 30k gallons foam, New York burning restrictions, Wisconsin leads 22-state coalition

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-amazon-lawsuit-epa-michigan-wisconsin/

Samantha Cantie

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, charter boats, COVID-19, Gary Wilson, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Ontario, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, shipping, Shipping and Ports, Tourism, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
COVID-19 Comeback: Great Lakes businesses and scientists bounce back

In March, COVID-19 brought the Great Lakes economy and society in general to a grinding halt.

Three months later, it’s not yet business as usual and challenges remain.

That’s the consensus of a group of Great Lakes industries and scientific researchers Great Lakes Now first spoke with in April.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/covid-19-great-lakes-shipping-charter-boats-research/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Groundwater Contamination, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, legislation, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, u.s. epa, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Regulatory Rollbacks: Loss of federal water protections impacts Great Lakes region

The Trump administration has made a habit of rolling back federal environmental protections over the past few years.

According to The New York Times, 100 environmental rules have been reversed since President Donald Trump took office. Among those rules are thirteen changes or proposed changes that directly impact the Great Lakes, other regional waterways and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/regulatory-rollbacks-federal-water-protections-great-lakes-region/

Emily Simroth

On:
In: forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Sandra Svoboda, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Emmy Winner: “The Forever Chemicals” takes documentary prize

It’s still a pandemic, so we didn’t get to attend a gala – in fact I was still in filthy workout clothes when I got the news on Saturday night.

But I can’t imagine it was any less thrilling for any of us on the Great Lakes Now team that produced “The Forever Chemicals” when we all learned we won a Michigan Emmy in the Health/Science – Program/Special category for “The Forever Chemicals,” which premiered 15 months ago on Detroit Public TV.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/emmy-pfas-forever-chemicals-documentary-prize/

Sandra Svoboda

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Lorraine Boissoneault, Mining, Minnesota, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, technology, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Conflicted Over Copper: Technological advances clash with environmental concerns in Twin Metals case

This is the third in a three-part series that will explore the history of Lake Superior and the Boundary waters, the communities affected by two proposed copper mines, the arguments in favor and against the mines, and what the mines might mean for the future of the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/twin-metals-copper-mine-minnesota/

Lorraine Boissoneault

On:
In: Agriculture, Drinking Water, Feature Milwaukee, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Milwaukee, Minnesota, News, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Well contamination, Montreal distributing lead filters, water protection project grants awarded

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 in the region.

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/2020/06/drinking-water-news-roundup-contamination-runoff-grants-lead/

Emily Simroth

On:
In: Budget, dams, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Indiana, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
Dam Investment: How does Michigan stack up against Great Lakes peers?

Michigan’s dam safety program has been under intense scrutiny since the epic failure in Midland in May displaced 10,000 people.

Multiple lawsuits have ensued between Michigan, dam owner Boyce Hydro and citizens impacted by the failure, with each claiming the failure was someone else’s fault.

But a spotlight was put on Michigan dam regulators after it was revealed that the state’s 1,100 dams are monitored by a staff of two plus a supervisor, all with a meager budget of just $348,000, most of which is dedicated to salaries.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/dam-investment-michigan-other-states/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Collaboration, great lakes echo, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Midland, News
NASA images show impact of Midland County flooding

This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.

NASA’s Earth Observatory worked up this cool comparison to show the impact of the recent dam bursting in Midland.

The images above were captured by Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8 and show the Tittabawassee River on May 20, 2020 (right), compared to June 3, 2019 (left).

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/nasa-images-impact-midland-flooding/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Ian Wendrow, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 3, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Ontario, Shipping and Ports, Toronto
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Hydrogen-from-nuclear plants, coal tar and diesel fuel barge beached, Line 3 in Minnesota

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

In this edition: Federal grant launches pilot program for nuclear plants to produce hydrogen for fuel cells; Canadian barge loaded with fuel, coal tar runs aground near where Lake Superior meets Soo Locks and Lake Huron; Minnesota regulators approve new contested case hearing over Enbridge Line 3 permit, delaying project; and First Nations and university educators in Ontario demand halt to further mining exploration during pandemic.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/great-lakes-energy-line-3-indigenous-mining-nuclear/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: Equity and Environmental Justice, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Superior, Latest News, Lorraine Boissoneault, Mining, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Conflicted Over Copper: PolyMet copper-nickel mine has been trapped in litigation

This is the second in a three-part series that will explore the history of Lake Superior and the Boundary waters, the communities affected by two proposed copper mines, the arguments in favor and against the mines, and what the mines might mean for the future of the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/polymet-copper-nickel-mine-litigation-indigenous-environmental-groups/

Lorraine Boissoneault

On:
In: enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines
Court: Michigan Great Lakes tunnel deal constitutional

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that legislators did not violate the state constitution by allowing construction of an oil pipeline tunnel beneath a channel linking two of the Great Lakes, clearing the way for the project to proceed unless another court intervenes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/ap-court-michigan-great-lakes-tunnel-enbridge-line-5/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Gary Wilson, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News
Legal Responsibility: Michigan lawsuit blames dam owner for Midland dam failure

The state of Michigan on Tuesday put blame for the May dam failure that flooded Midland, Michigan, and displaced 10,000 people squarely on the dam’s owner, Boyce Hydro.

Michigan filed a lawsuit this week against Boyce Hydro seeking compensation, civil fines and damages that the state contends are the responsibility of the dam owner.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/legal-responsibility-michigan-lawsuit-midland-dam-failure/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: invasive species, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, News, Science, Technology, Research, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
State of the Lakes: Great Lakes stable, but rollbacks of protection will soon bite

The overall condition of the Great Lakes has been assessed as “fair and unchanging” in the 2019 State of the Great Lakes joint report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Environmental and Climate Change Canada, published on June 3.

The lakes were assessed on nine indicators of ecosystem health as part of the 2012 Great Lakes Quality Agreement between the United States and Canada.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/state-great-lakes-stable-rollbacks-protection/

Brian Owens

On:
In: Buffalo, Collaboration, COVID-19, Hamilton, Latest News, New York, News, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Toronto, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Shuttered Canada-US border highlights different approaches to the pandemic – and differences between the 2 countries

By Daniel Baldwin Hess, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York and Alex Bitterman, Alfred State College of Technology, The State University of New York, The Conversation

 is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.

The United States and Canada have long enjoyed a stable relationship.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/shuttered-canada-us-border-highlights-different-approaches-to-the-pandemic-and-differences-between-the-2-countries/

The Conversation

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Gary Abud Jr., Great Lakes, Great Lakes Learning, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, News
Great Lakes Learning: Take to the lakes without a boat

As the author of Great Lakes Now’s Collection of Lesson Plans, educational consultant Gary Abud Jr. is now providing more support for parents, teachers and caregivers who want to incorporate Great Lakes learning into their time with children and students. His series of writings can be found HERE along with the lesson plans and a Virtual Field Trip.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/great-lakes-learning-lakes-no-boat/

Gary Abud Jr.

On:
In: Cruise Ships, Gary Abud Jr., Great Lakes, Great Lakes Learning, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
Great Lakes Learning: Take a cruise and learn about the lakes

As the author of Great Lakes Now’s Collection of Lesson Plans, educational consultant Gary Abud Jr. is now providing more support for parents, teachers and caregivers who want to incorporate Great Lakes learning into their time with children and students. His series of writings can be found HERE along with the lesson plans and a Virtual Field Trip.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/great-lakes-learning-cruises/

Gary Abud Jr.

On:
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: Gary Abud Jr., Great Lakes, Great Lakes Learning, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, News
Great Lakes Learning: Water levels, currents and boating speed limits

As the author of Great Lakes Now’s Collection of Lesson Plans, educational consultant Gary Abud Jr. is now providing more support for parents, teachers and caregivers who want to incorporate Great Lakes learning into their time with children and students. His series of writings can be found HERE along with the lesson plans and a Virtual Field Trip.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/great-lakes-learning-water-levels-currents-boating-speed-limits/

Gary Abud Jr.

On:
In: COVID-19, Cruise Ships, cruises, Great Lakes, Ian Wendrow, Latest News, News, ports, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Shipping and Ports, Tourism
COVID-19 Cruise Cut: Great Lakes cruise season postpones trips until 2021

Once left ambiguously up in the air, the rest of the 2020 cruising season in the Great Lakes has been officially postponed until 2021, due largely to preventative measures taken by both American and Canadian ports restricting cruise ship docking to halt the spread of COVID-19. 

When one of the largest players in the Great Lakes cruising industry, Victory Cruises, announced it would be cancelling its 2020 itinerary at the end of May, it became much more likely that others would follow suit.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/covid-19-cruise-great-lakes-season-2021/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: Groundwater Contamination, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Superior, Latest News, Lorraine Boissoneault, Mining, Minnesota, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Conflicted Over Copper: How the Mining Industry Developed Around Lake Superior

This is the first in a three-part series that will explore the history of Lake Superior and the Boundary waters, the communities affected by two proposed copper mines, the arguments in favor and against the mines, and what the mines might mean for the future of the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/copper-mining-history-lake-superior-minnesota/

Lorraine Boissoneault

On:
In: Chicago, Climate change, COVID-19, Feature-Chicago, Gary Wilson, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, News
Green Reset: COVID-19 offers opportunity for lighter environmental impact

Out of the tragedy that is COVID-19 can come opportunities to improve our lives, our workspace and our environment.

That includes softening the impact we have on natural habitat.

That’s the view of veteran Great Lakes executive Cameron Davis who says, like businesses in big cities that are assessing their space needs, we should pause and assess our impact on the environment.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/green-reset-covid-19-offers-opportunity-for-lighter-environmental-impact/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: birds, Cleveland, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Cleveland, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, wind energy
Lake Erie Wind Farm: Siting board conditions might kill project

A $126 million, 20.7-megawatt wind turbine project on Lake Erie has the go-ahead from state regulators after years of halting progress.

If construction is completed, the six-turbine Icebreaker Wind farm in Lake Erie, 8 miles northwest of Cleveland, would be the first offshore freshwater site in the U.S.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/lake-erie-wind-farm-icebreaker-board-conditions/

James Proffitt

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In: detroit river, Habitat Restoration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Latest News, News, pollution, Region, Research, Research, Data and Technology, restoration, Science, Technology, Research, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Waterfront Development
Great Lakes Moment: Investing in pollution prevention and restoration pays off

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

A new study on cleaning up Great Lakes pollution hotspots published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research finds that investing in pollution prevention and restoration pays off in the long run.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/pollution-prevention-restoration-study/

John Hartig

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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.

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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: Gary Abud Jr., Great Lakes, Great Lakes Learning, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, News
Great Lakes Learning: Which is the best of the 5 Great Lakes?

As the author of Great Lakes Now’s Collection of Lesson Plans, educational consultant Gary Abud Jr. is now providing more support for parents, teachers and caregivers who want to incorporate Great Lakes learning into their time with children and students. His series of writings can be found HERE along with the lesson plans and a Virtual Field Trip.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/great-lakes-learning-best-of-the-5/

Gary Abud Jr.

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In: flooding, infrastructure, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, museums, News
Rescuing History: Museum experts across Michigan race to save the Midland archive

For three long days, Terri Trotter – president and CEO of the Midland Center for the Arts – waited anxiously for floodwaters to recede far enough that a team of experts could assess the damages at Heritage Park and the Doan Center in downtown Midland, Michigan.

The Midland County Historical Society Doan Center located in Heritage Park houses a research library and archive comprised of thousands of historical documents and photographs, Trotter said.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/rescuing-history-museum-michigan-midland-flooding/

Kathy Johnson

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In: coal, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Ian Wendrow, Illinois, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Solar, wind, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Ohio wind power in Lake Erie, solar projects stall in Illinois, major Wisconsin coal plant to close

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

In this edition: Wind farm project in Lake Erie approved by regulators with potentially major handicap, Minnesota legislature approves first-of-its-kind renewable energy project for Prairie Island Indian Community, COVID-19 choking solar power projects in Illinois, and Wisconsin’s Alliant Energy to close 400MW coal plant.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/great-lakes-energy-news-ohio-wisconsin-minnesota-illinois/

Ian Wendrow

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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.

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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.

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Great Lakes Now

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

Natasha Blakely

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In: enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Gary Wilson, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Michigan, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, Water Withdrawals
Pollution, Permits: Enbridge, Michigan grapple with Line 5 tunnel project

The controversial project to replace the existing 67-year-old Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac with a pipeline in a tunnel under the straits remains an issue between Enbridge Energy and the state of Michigan.

A new point of contention in the project is a new permit that would allow Enbridge to withdraw water from the Great Lakes and discharge wastewater.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/pollution-permits-enbridge-michigan-line-5-tunnel-project/

Gary Wilson

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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.

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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.

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Great Lakes Now

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

Natasha Blakely

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In: AP, Dioxins, flood, Groundwater Contamination, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, News, pollution, Protect, Superfund, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Flood raises fears of pollution at Michigan toxic waste site

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — It took seven years to settle on a plan for cleansing two rivers and floodplains polluted with dioxins from a Dow Chemical Co. plant in central Michigan. The work itself has lasted nearly twice as long, with plenty still to do.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-michigan-flood-pollution-dioxins-superfund-site/

The Associated Press

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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.

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Great Lakes Now

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

Natasha Blakely

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In: Climate change, Collaboration, COVID-19, flooding, infrastructure, Latest News, natural disasters, News
Is America prepared to handle natural disasters during the COVID-19 pandemic?

By Ari Kelo, theRising

This story originally appeared in theRising and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.

From lengthened hurricane seasons to deadly bushfires, the natural disasters symptomatic of climate change are becoming more and more pronounced each year.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/america-prepared-natural-disasters-covid-19-coronavirus/

theRising