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In Benton Harbor, residents’ complaints of lead-tainted water carry echoes

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/benton-harbor-residents-complaints-lead-tainted-water/

Bridge Michigan

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Intervention: Doctor who exposed Flint’s lead levels sees similarities in Benton Harbor water crisis

For Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, advocating for safe drinking water for Benton Harbor was an easy decision.

She called it a “duh” moment, a “choiceless choice.” Of course she would join a group of citizens and activists in requesting the U.S. EPA to use its emergency intervention authority in Benton Harbor, she said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/intervention-doctor-lead-levels-benton-harbor-water-crisis/

Gary Wilson

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In: AP, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Homepage, flooding, infrastructure, Michigan, News
Soil hauled from Detroit park as part of storm water project

By Corey Williams, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — Tons of soil is being removed from a westside Detroit park as part of a storm water retention project to reduce flooding in streets and basements during periods of heavy rainfall.

The project at Rouge Park is expected to capture nearly 100 million gallons of storm water each year, alleviating pressure on the city’s combined sewer system, Detroit Water and Sewerage Deputy Director and Chief Engineer Palencia Mobley said Wednesday.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/ap-detroit-rouge-park-storm-water-project/

The Associated Press

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City in Michigan urged to use bottled water due to lead risk

By Ed White, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — Michigan on Wednesday urged residents of Benton Harbor to use only bottled water for cooking and drinking, a major shift in response to the city’s elevated levels of lead.

The state recently said it would distribute free water and filters in the southwestern Michigan city.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/ap-benton-harbor-bottled-water-lead-risk/

The Associated Press

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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

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/drinking-water-indiana-iron-michigan-lead-nuclear-ontario/

Maya Sundaresan

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Hoping to avoid Enbridge Line 5 shutdown, Canada asks U.S. to negotiate

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/enbridge-line-5-shutdown-canada-us-negotiate/

Bridge Michigan

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In: Michigan, Recreation, State Parks

Trails that can accommodate strollers, wheelchairs with tank treads and baby changing stations in men’s bathrooms are part of a push to accommodate a surge of new visitors at Michigan state parks.

The post Michigan DNR expanding accessibility for more visitors first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/01/michigan-dnr-expanding-accessibility-for-more-visitors/

Guest Contributor

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In: AP, Budget, COVID-19, Drinking Water, infrastructure, Michigan
Whitmer signs bills to complete budget, hails bipartisanship

By David Eggert, Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday signed off on $55 billion in spending to complete the state budget, hailing the bipartisan bills as an example of finding common ground with Republicans despite partisan tension during the coronavirus pandemic.

“This budget shows that divided government doesn’t have to be dysfunctional government,” the Democrat said at Lansing Community College.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/ap-whitmer-budget-bipartisanship/

The Associated Press

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As Drought Grips American West, Irrigation Becomes Selling Point for Michigan

By Keith Schneider, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/drought-irrigation-michigan/

Circle of Blue

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Michigan sending water, filters to Benton Harbor due to lead

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The state of Michigan will provide bottled water and water filters in Benton Harbor, where tests have revealed elevated levels of lead, a spokesman said Wednesday.

The action comes less than two weeks after about 20 groups urged the Biden administration to immediately step in.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/ap-michigan-sending-water-filters-to-benton-harbor-due-to-lead/

The Associated Press

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Community Assistance: Report finds disparities in drinking water fund distribution

Drinking water systems in small and more diverse communities nationwide are less likely to receive state funding through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, according to a recent report.

Through the fund, the EPA awards grants to each state and the states add a 20% match, according to the agency.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/report-disparities-drinking-water-fund-distribution-inequity/

Taylor Haelterman

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In: AP, Detroit, Feature Detroit, infrastructure, Michigan, News
Long-duration storm drops 1-4 inches of rain on Detroit area

By Corey Williams, Associated Press

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. (AP) — Between an inch and 4 inches of rain fell on the Detroit area as of Wednesday morning during the latest batch of wet weather to roll through parts of Michigan and other Midwestern states.

The long duration of the storm, however, allowed rainfall runoff to enter storm drains, rivers and streams more slowly starting Tuesday afternoon, which helped the area avoid levels of flooding that submerged thousands of basements, dozens of streets and even freeways this summer.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/ap-long-duration-storm-rain-detroit-area/

The Associated Press

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DNR: Virus behind deaths of common carp on Detroit-area lake

LAKE ORION, Mich. (AP) — A virus is being blamed on the deaths of between 300 and 600 mostly adult common carp this summer in a Detroit-area lake.

An investigation has confirmed that the koi herpesvirus caused the fish kill in Lake Orion, Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources said Friday.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/ap-dnr-virus-deaths-common-carp-detroit-area-lake/

The Associated Press

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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.

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Great Lakes Now

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

Rachel Duckett

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In: Collaboration, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, great lakes echo, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Traverse City
FishPass stays off November ballot, will be decided in appeals court

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

By Max Copeland, Great Lakes Echo

The fate of Traverse City, Michigan’s FishPass project will be decided in court. That’s after city commissioners decided not to put the question before voters in November.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/fishpass-november-ballot-appeals-court/

Great Lakes Echo

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Rising Waters: Great Lakes lighthouse keepers fight to preserve history in the face of climate change

One evening in the late 1800s, a lighthouse keeper named John Herman was drinking, as he usually did, when he decided to play a prank on his assistant. Herman locked the assistant in the lantern room and left him there. 

When the assistant managed to get out of the room, he found himself all alone in the lighthouse.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/rising-waters-great-lakes-lighthouses-climate-change/

Rachel Duckett

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In: AP, Climate change, Forests and Plants, isle royale, Michigan, News
Fire on Michigan’s remote Isle Royale 15 percent contained

ISLE ROYAL, Mich. (AP) — A wildfire on Michigan’s remote Isle Royale has been about 15% percent contained and crews have saved some historic cabins from encroaching flames, an official said Wednesday.

The fire began Aug. 10, apparently sparked by a lightning strike on the drought-stricken wilderness island, said Liz Valencia, a spokeswoman for Isle Royale National Park.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/ap-fire-michigan-isle-royale-15-percent-contained/

The Associated Press

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Trails, camps closed on Isle Royale after wildfire expands

ISLE ROYAL, Mich. (AP) — A wildfire that’s burned about 200 acres on Michigan’s remote Isle Royale has prompted the National Park Service to close some trails and campground areas on the wilderness island.

The park service said Sunday on the Isle Royale National Park’s Facebook page that the closures were necessary “to maintain public health and safety” after the fire on the Lake Superior island’s east end expanded over the weekend amid lingering drought conditions.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/ap-trails-camps-closed-isle-royale-wildfire/

The Associated Press

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Illinois woman swims across iconic Michigan lake twice

ALDEN, Mich. (AP) — A medical student from Illinois has swum across one of Michigan’s largest inland lakes — twice — to raise money and awareness about diabetes.

Marian Cardwell accomplished the 35-mile feat at Torch Lake in Antrim County after dropping a plan to swim across Lake Michigan from Chicago to Grand Haven, the Traverse City Record-Eagle reported.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/ap-illinois-woman-swims-michigan-torch-lake-twice/

The Associated Press

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Program aims to capture storm drain debris headed to lake

ROSEVILLE, Mich. (AP) — A new program in Macomb County aims to reduce the amount of trash that reaches Lake St. Clair from a storm drain.

A steel bulkhead and a boom have been installed at the outlet of the sewer to capture floating debris before it enters the lake, the Macomb County Public Works office said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/ap-program-storm-drain-debris-lake-st-clair/

The Associated Press

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Grayling Revival: Researchers hope to reintroduce a once-abundant native fish

Every year, Nicole and Tom Watson take a trip to Alaska. Like the typical tourist, they enjoy fly fishing and experiencing the untamed wilderness, yet their visit is no ordinary vacation. Among their duffel bags and backpacks, there’s a special piece of carry-on luggage: a carefully sealed container of fish eggs.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/grayling-revival-researchers-native-fish/

Noah Bock

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In: AP, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Michigan, News
Census: Big population drops in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

By Corey Williams, Associated Press

Figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau showed some of Michigan’s largest percentage population losses were in the state’s Upper Peninsula, while three of the state’s four most populous counties gained people.

The U.P. for years has struggled through job losses tied to downturns in the manufacturing and mining industries.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/ap-census-population-drops-michigan-upper-peninsula/

The Associated Press

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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.

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Great Lakes Now

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

Rachel Duckett

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Policy
Michigan Democratic lawmakers propose $5 billion plan to deal with climate change-caused flooding

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/michigan-lawmakers-plan-climate-change-flooding/

Michigan Radio

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In: Detroit, Drinking Water, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News
Industry Woes: Water industry struggles with both competitive hiring and retiring workforce

The national struggle to fill open jobs has added to existing concerns of replacing the large number of soon-to-be retirees for employers in the water industry.

More than 90% of the chambers of commerce across the nation report worker shortages holding back their economies, according to the United States Chamber of Commerce.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/water-industry-struggles-competitive-hiring-retiring-workforce/

Taylor Haelterman

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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

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/pfas-action-act-senate-study-arctic-ice/

Rachel Duckett

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News, outdoor recreation, Recreation and Tourism
Paddle Battle: International canoe race brings families together

“I bet you can’t paddle to the lake!”

According to Phil Weiler, the AuSable River Canoe Marathon was born with those words and a friendly wager.

It’s now been 73 years since the inaugural canoe race, and what was once a friendly competition between a group of friends has become an international event, drawing professional canoe marathon paddlers from across North America.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/international-canoe-race-michigan/

Noah Bock

On:
In: AP, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Michigan, News
State investigating common carp deaths in Michigan lake

LAKE ORION, Mich. (AP) — State officials are investigating the deaths of hundreds of adult common carp at an Oakland County lake.

Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources said between 250 and 500 of the fish have been found dead since mid-July in Lake Orion, northwest of Detroit. Area residents reported the dead fish to the state agency.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/ap-state-investigating-common-carp-deaths-michigan/

The Associated Press

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Michigan making exceptions to weather-related swim ban

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (AP) — Surfers, kite boarders and water boarders would be exempt from a proposed Michigan policy that would bar people from swimming at state beaches when waves are more than 8 feet high.

The Department of Natural Resources wants to reduce the risk of drowning in the Great Lakes.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/ap-michigan-exceptions-weather-swim-ban/

The Associated Press

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In: Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, history, History and Culture, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, sugar island
Great Lakes Moment: Sugar Island is getting an ecological makeover

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.

Sugar Island sits like a gemstone on a jeweled necklace of islands surrounding the southern end of Grosse Ile – the largest island in the Detroit River.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/sugar-island-history-habitat-restoration/

John Hartig

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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.

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Great Lakes Now

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

James Proffitt

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In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Feature Homepage, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines
Enbridge removes anchor from Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac

ST. IGNACE, Mich. (AP) — Enbridge said Monday it had retrieved an anchor that broke away from a maintenance vessel while on the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac.

The mishap occurred last Wednesday as a contractor for the pipeline company was doing seasonal work on the underwater section of Line 5, an oil line that runs between Superior, Wisconsin, and Sarnia, Ontario.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-enbridge-anchor-michigan-straits-mackinac/

The Associated Press

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Some Chicagoans Wary of Lead Pipe Replacement

By Laura Gersony, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/chicago-wary-lead-pipe-replacement/

Circle of Blue

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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.

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

Noah Bock

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In: Drinking Water, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Grand Rapids, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, News Roundup PFAS, Ontario, Pennsylvania, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: EPA approved PFAS use for fracking, $20M for Ontario airport cleanup, PFAS Action Act set for House vote

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/2021/07/pfas-epa-fracking-ontario-cleanup-action-act-house/

Noah Bock

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In: Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, mussels, News, science
I Speak for the Fish: Mussel memory, the race to save an endangered species

I was recently reminded of the summer I spent working a gold dredge on a remote creek in Michigan’s thumb. For eight hours each day, I knelt in waist-deep water sorting a steady flow of material moving along a two-foot-wide conveyor belt.

I was looking for treasure but not of the golden variety – our team was after an endangered freshwater mussel.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/fish-mussel-memory-endangered-species/

Kathy Johnson

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Great Lakes surfers to Michigan: Don’t close beaches during rough waves

By Makayla Coffee, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/great-lakes-surfers-michigan-beaches-rough-waves/

Bridge Michigan

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People ignore drowning warnings, so Michigan may close Great Lakes beaches

By Makayla Coffee, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/drowning-warnings-michigan-great-lakes-beaches/

Bridge Michigan

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‘Some crumbs’: Critics urge rejection of $641M Flint deal

By Ed White, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — A federal judge listened Tuesday to Flint residents who were victims of the city’s lead-contaminated water, a step in determining whether she should sign off on a $641 million deal that would settle claims against the state of Michigan.

More than a dozen people without lawyers signed up to speak, all in opposition.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-critics-urge-rejection-flint-settlement-deal/

The Associated Press

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Researchers find relationship between invasive zebra mussels, toxic algae

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

By McKoy Scribner, Great Lakes Echo

Scientists from the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station first noticed an invasive population of zebra mussels in Gull Lake in the mid-1990s. Afterwards, unexpected harmful algal blooms started appearing.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/researchers-invasive-zebra-mussels-toxic-algae/

Great Lakes Echo

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Scientists: Pup births hopeful sign for Isle Royale wolves

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Wolf pups have been spotted again on Isle Royale, a hopeful sign in the effort to rebuild the predator species’ population at the U.S. national park, scientists said Monday.

It’s unknown how many gray wolves roam the island chain in northwestern Lake Superior.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-scientists-births-isle-royale-wolves/

The Associated Press

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In: Budget, Chicago, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News Roundup Drinking Water, Ohio, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Drinking Water Roundup: Biden administration invests millions in rural water, treatment plant uses ultraviolet, lead pipe removal in Flint

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.

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Illinois:

  • Discolored water, manganese in Carlinville a recurring problem – WICS

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (WICS) — High levels of Manganese in the city of Carlinville’s water is causing the water to turn brown, stain clothes, and more.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/drinking-water-biden-rural-infrastructure-lead-pipe/

Rachel Duckett

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In: Budget, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, News Roundup Energy, Ohio, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Energy News Roundup: US invests in wave energy, Celebrities urge Biden to stop Line 3, Company seeks damages for Keystone XL cancellation

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

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Illinois:

  • Illinois coal plants are closing even as fossil fuel objections stall energy bill again – Energy News Network

In a surprise announcement last Thursday, NRG said it would close its Waukegan and Romeoville coal plants, but the community impacts are unclear as “just transition” provisions remain held up in state energy bill negotiations.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/energy-investments-biden-line-3-keystone-xl-cancellation/

Noah Bock

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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.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Gary Wilson

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In: Commercial Fishing, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, invasive species, lake erie, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Wisconsin
Low but Stable: Yellow perch populations in Great Lakes’ bays and open waters

On first attempt to reach Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Research Biologist David Fielder, he wasn’t monitoring fish populations or water quality. He was busy with a perch basket lunch.

The yellow perch is a staple of Great Lakes commercial and recreational fishing, and Friday fish fries.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/yellow-perch-low-populations-wisconsin-michigan-fishing/

John McCracken

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In: Budget, COVID-19, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, outdoor recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism
Great Lakes Trails: Relief funds spark new investments into outdoor recreation

With a rebounding economy and plenty of federal relief funds, states across the country are finding themselves with extra money to spend.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer yesterday announced a proposal to spend $150 million of relief funds from the American Rescue Plan on state and local parks and trails.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/great-lakes-trails-new-planned-recreation/

Noah Bock

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In: CCO Meeting, FEMA Region 5, Lake Michigan, Michigan, Open House, Presentations, Public Meetings

Delta County, Michigan
CCO Meeting – CCO Meeting Presentation [.pdf]
Monday, June 28, 2021
The CCO meeting was held online.


Original Article

Great Lakes Coastal Flood Study

Great Lakes Coastal Flood Study

https://www.greatlakescoast.org/2021/07/06/lake-michigan-community-consultation-officers-meeting-and-open-house-for-delta-county-michigan/

Great Lakes Coast

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In: AP, Detroit, Feature Detroit, infrastructure, Michigan, News
Water authority: Pumping stations did not fail during storm

By Corey Williams, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — Two water pumping stations in Detroit experienced power-related problems but did not fail during a heavy rainstorm last week that left basements, streets and even freeways flooded, the head of a regional water and wastewater agency said Friday.

Great Lakes Water Authority Chief Executive Sue McCormick told reporters that due to an electrical service issue only three of six pumps at one station were able to be brought online, while a power outage at a second station slowed efforts to turn three of its pumps on as the rain poured.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-detroit-water-authority-pumping-stations-storm/

The Associated Press

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In: Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, pollution
Great Lakes Moment: Ecosystem restoration needs more environmental justice

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.

In southwest Detroit, evidence of environmental injustice can be found nearly everywhere, and communities of color and low wealth feel that polluting companies and government officials are not doing enough to address many long-standing environmental problems.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ecosystem-restoration-environmental-justice-southwest-detroit/

John Hartig