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: Detroit, Feature Detroit, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Waterfront Development
Great Lakes Moment: A new vision for the former McLouth Steel site in Trenton

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.

For over two decades, when you drove by the former McLouth Steel Plant in Trenton, you could not help but slow down and stare.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/new-vision-waterfront-former-mclouth-steel-site-trenton/

John Hartig

On:
In: Collaboration, detroit river, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, water levels
High Water Levels On Tap This Winter As November Marks The Start Of A New Water Year

For most people, the new year is still a month away. For hydrologists and climate scientists, the new year has already started. The water year begins in November, to account for when water enters a system and begins accumulating.

Data from the last water year indicated record-breaking levels in the Great Lakes, and this year looks to be much of the same.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/high-water-levels-water-year-wdet-watch-party/

GLN Editor

On:
In: Gary Wilson, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Nestle, News, plastic, Water Withdrawals
Dismissed: Michigan advocates outraged by state’s bottled water decision

Water conservation advocacy groups in Michigan expressed outrage over the state’s recent dismissal of their appeal of the decision allowing Nestle Waters North America to increase the amount of groundwater it was withdrawing for bottled water.

Nestle received the greenlight for additional withdrawals in 2018 under the administration of former Gov.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/dismissed-michigan-advocates-outraged-by-bottled-water-decision/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: AP, belle isle, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Michigan, News, outdoor recreation, parks, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
Michigan agency recommends $5.4M for recreation projects

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Michigan officials have selected 14 community and state parks, trails and sports facilities to share $5.4 million in federal grants.

The state Department of Natural Resources said the money will come from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is supported by revenues from gas and oil development from the Gulf of Mexico.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/ap-michigan-agency-recreation-projects/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Collaboration, Drinking Water, flint, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
How does a $641 million Flint water settlement get to residents? Attorneys give answers

By Amy Diaz, Flint Beat, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

Flint, MI– Attorneys involved in the Flint Water Litigation provided an overview of the $641.25 million water settlement Nov. 23 on the City of Flint Facebook page.

This information session followed the proposal of a $20 million contribution to the settlement by the city’s insurer.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/641-million-flint-water-settlement-residents-attorneys/

Flint Beat

On:
In: enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, oil pipelines
Enbridge sues Michigan over Line 5 shutdown order

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/enbridge-sues-michigan-over-line-5-shutdown-order/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: Detroit, Drinking Water, Feature Detroit, Forever Chemicals Featured, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, PFAS, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan politicians ran on water problems. Activists want money for fixes.

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/michigan-politicians-water-problems-activists-fixes/

Bridge Michigan

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: enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Legal Translation: Environmental attorney explains the latest on Enbridge Line 5 news

With so many twists and turns in the Line 5 story, it’s hard to keep up with the legal filings and positions from Enbridge Energy Corp., various Michigan governmental agencies and groups trying to stop or keep the pipeline.

But in the following conversation, attorney Nick Schroeck, who is the director of the environmental law clinic at University of Detroit Mercy, and Great Lakes Now Program Director Sandra Svoboda have this update about the latest legal actions and a refresher about what the pipeline is all about.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/legal-translation-environmental-attorney-explains-latest-enbridge-line-5/

GLN Editor

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

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

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: AP, flint, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, lead pipes, Michigan, News, water
Flint water lawsuit settlement now totals about $641 million

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The proposed settlement of a lawsuit filed on behalf of residents of Flint, Michigan, who were harmed by lead-tainted water now totals about $641 million, officials revealed Tuesday.

The lawsuit was the result of workers following state environmental officials’ advice not to use anti-corrosive additives.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/ap-flint-water-lawsuit-settlement/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Climate change, infrastructure, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, water levels
As Great Lakes pummel Michigan, beach towns rush to set development rules

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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/great-lakes-pummel-michigan-beach-towns-development-rules/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: Collaboration, COVID-19, Latest News, Michigan, News, outdoor recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism
COVID-19 pushed people outdoors. Michigan’s ski industry is ready for them.

By Paula Gardner, Bridge Michigan, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

Doubling the size of a factory during a global pandemic may not fit a traditional business plan.

But Shaggy’s Copper Country Skis is based in Northern Michigan, where it’s making a product that helps to define the winter economy for the ski-maker’s home in Boyne City and across the region.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/covid-19-outdoor-recreation-michigan-ski-industry/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, oil pipelines
Q&A: What Michigan’s move to shut down Enbridge Line 5 means

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/michigan-shut-down-enbridge-line-5-means/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, The States
Michigan governor seeks shutdown of Great Lakes oil pipeline

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took legal action Friday to shut down a pipeline that carries oil beneath a channel that links two of the Great Lakes.

Whitmer’s office notified the Canadian company that it was revoking an easement granted in 1953 to extend a roughly 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) section of the pipeline through the Straits of Mackinac.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/ap-michigan-governor-seeks-shutdown-line-5-great-lakes-oil-pipeline/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Energy, Ian Wendrow, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Wisconsin groups sue EPA, Ohio’s ongoing nuclear power bankruptcy saga

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:

Michigan:

  • Ford EV investments in southeast Michigan and Missouri to add hundreds of jobs – Detroit News

Ford Motor Company will invest hundreds of millions of dollars in southeast Michigan and Missouri to expand its electric vehicle assembly process and develop EV parts, which is projected to add or retain several hundred jobs in both states.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/great-lakes-energy-news-wisconsin-coal-ohio-nuclear/

Ian Wendrow

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: Advocacy, animals, AP, Fish, Birds and Animals, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin, wolves
Groups fight to keep gray wolf protections for most of US

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Wildlife advocates and environmental groups have announced that they are challenging the removal of federal protections for gray wolves across most of the U.S.

Two coalitions of groups filed formal notices over the past several days that they plan to sue the U.S. Interior Department in federal court unless protections are restored.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/ap-groups-gray-wolf-protections/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, culture, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Lake Superior, Michigan, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, shipwrecks
Church to honor 45th anniversary of Fitzgerald shipwreck

DETROIT (AP) — Mariners’ Church of Detroit will observe the 45th anniversary Sunday of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald during its yearly memorial service for those who have died in Great Lakes shipwrecks.

The event will be live-streamed on Facebook for the first time, said the Rev.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/ap-church-anniversary-fitzgerald-shipwreck/

The Associated Press

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

Leelanau County, Michigan
CCO Meeting
Wednesday, December 2, from 1-2:30pm ET
For information on attending this meeting please send your name and local address to Edgar.Patino@ogilvy.com and you will be provided with information on joining the meeting.

Open House:
To be scheduled.

Mackinac County, Michigan
CCO Meeting
Thursday, December 3, from 1-2:30pm
For information on attending this meeting please send your name and local address to Edgar.Patino@ogilvy.com and you will be provided with information on joining the meeting.

Open House:
To be scheduled.

Original Article

Great Lakes Coastal Flood Study

Great Lakes Coastal Flood Study

https://www.greatlakescoast.org/2020/11/05/lake-michigan-community-consultation-officers-meeting-and-open-house-for-leelanau-county-and-mackinac-county-michigan/

Great Lakes Coast

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

Alcona County, Michigan
CCO Meeting
November 9, from 1-2:30pm ET
For information on attending this meeting please send your name and local address to Edgar.Patino@ogilvy.com and you will be provided with information on joining the meeting.

Open House:
To be scheduled.

Alpena County, Michigan
CCO Meeting
November 10, from 1-2:30pm ET
For information on attending this meeting please send your name and local address to Edgar.Patino@ogilvy.com and you will be provided with information on joining the meeting.

Open House:
To be scheduled.

Cheboygan County, Michigan
CCO Meeting
November 10, from 3-4:30pm ET
For information on attending this meeting please send your name and local address to Edgar.Patino@ogilvy.com and you will be provided with information on joining the meeting.

Open House:
To be scheduled.

Original Article

Great Lakes Coastal Flood Study

Great Lakes Coastal Flood Study

https://www.greatlakescoast.org/2020/11/05/lake-huron-community-consultation-officers-meeting-and-open-house-for-alcona-county-alpena-county-and-cheboygan-county-michigan/

Great Lakes Coast

On:
In: culture, Detroit, Feature Detroit, indigenous communities, John Hartig, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, News, Ontario, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
Great Lakes Moment: Sacred Land of the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation

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.

Metropolitan Detroit sits on the traditional territory of the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/great-lakes-moment-wyandot-anderdon-nation-six-points/

John Hartig

On:
In: animals, AP, Fish, Birds and Animals, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, recreational hunting, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin, wolves
Trump officials end gray wolf protections across most of US

By Matthew Brown, John Flesher and Jim Mone, Associated Press Writer

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — Trump administration officials on Thursday stripped Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in most of the U.S., ending longstanding federal safeguards and putting states and tribes in charge of overseeing the predators.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-trump-officials-end-gray-wolf-protections-across-us/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Grand Rapids, infrastructure, Lead, Michigan, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Grand Rapids selected for lead pipe replacement grant

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A western Michigan city has been selected to receive a $5.1 million federal water infrastructure improvement grant to help pay for lead service line replacement.

The funding also will support public engagement in Grand Rapids on the risks of lead in drinking water, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-grand-rapids-lead-pipe-replacement-grant/

The Associated Press

On:
In: 2020 election, AP, Detroit, Environmental Justice, epa, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, flint, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Minority communities question election-year push by EPA

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Theresa Landrum lives in southwest Detroit, where residents complain frequently about dirty air. Tree-shaded neighborhoods with schools, churches and parks lie on either side of an interstate highway and in the shadow of a sprawling oil refinery that belches soot and fumes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-minority-communities-question-election-year-push-epa/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines
Judge: Michigan agency can evaluate Great Lakes tunnel plan

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Public Service Commission has some authority over Enbridge’s plans to build an oil pipeline tunnel beneath the channel that connects two of the Great Lakes, a state administrative law judge ruled Friday.

The agency can evaluate the need for the project and whether it would be designed, constructed and operated safely, Judge Dennis W.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-judge-michigan-line-5-tunnel-plan/

The Associated Press

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

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

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: 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: Collaboration, COVID-19, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Another casualty of COVID: testing for lead poisoning in Michigan

By Robin Erb, Bridge Michigan, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/covid-testing-lead-poisoning-michigan/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: Collaboration, Energy, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Mining, News, parks, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, The States
Michigan proposal’s reliance on fossil fuel money splits environmentalists

By Tom Perkins, Energy News Network, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

Michigan environmental groups are at odds over a ballot measure that aims to boost spending on state park improvements using funding from fossil fuel extraction.

The state already relies on mining, oil and gas royalties to fund its park system. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/michigan-fossil-fuel-money-environmentalists/

Energy News Network

On:
In: Collaboration, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, oil pipelines, straits of mackinac
New House bills would make anchor strikes in the Straits of Mackinac a felony

By Will Callan, 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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/house-bills-anchor-strikes-straits-of-mackinac-felony/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: AP, Fatbergs, infrastructure, Michigan, News, Water quality
Wipes flushed in toilets cause big waste spill in Michigan small town

BEULAH, Mich. (AP) — Small town, big mess.

Baby wipes clogged the wastewater system in Beulah in northern Michigan, causing a backup of 10,000 gallons of human waste from a manhole, the Traverse City Record-Eagle reported.

The spill was on the grounds of the village’s wastewater treatment plant.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-wipes-flushed-big-waste-spill-michigan-small-town/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Collaboration, Drinking Water, flint, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Ontario, pipes, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Legionella and other dangerous pathogens still lurk in U.S. drinking water

By Lynne Peeples, Ensia, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

Before her 73-year-old mom contracted Legionnaires’ disease at a nursing home earlier this year, Monique Barlow knew little about the deadly pneumonia and the waterborne pathogen that causes it.

“Until then, I didn’t give it much thought,” says Barlow.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/legionella-dangerous-pathogens-drinking-water/

Ensia

On:
In: Climate change, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Ian Wendrow, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Michigan clean energy transition, pilot hydrogen production plant, Ohio nuclear bankruptcy ruling

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

In this edition: Michigan environmental justice advocates claim state can’t wait to 2050 for clean energy, Minnesota nuclear power plant to construct pilot facility to produce hydrogen energy, and Ohio nuclear energy company faces dangerous court motion from environmental groups.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/great-lakes-energy-clean-energy-michigan-ohio-nuclear/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: AP, culture, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, history, indigenous communities, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, straits of mackinac
Ancient stone patterns in Straits of Mackinac add new wrinkle to Line 5 pipeline debate

MACKINAW CITY, Mich. (AP) — Images from an underwater vehicle seem to reveal stone patterns on the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac in northern Michigan, possible evidence of Native American artifacts from thousands of years ago, a newspaper reported.

A group of amateur explorers raised money to look at Enbridge Inc.’s oil pipeline on the lake bottom.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-ancient-stone-patterns-straits-mackinac-line-5-pipeline/

The Associated Press

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.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

GLN Editor

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In: animals, Collaboration, deer, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Hunting, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Minnesota, News, PFAS, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Wisconsin
Hunters need to avoid contaminated game

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

By Eric Freedman, Capital News Service

To keep healthy this fall, deer hunters have more to worry about than just COVID-19 and the flu.

On the beware list: a group of chemicals known as PFAS and lead from ammunition.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/hunters-contaminated-game-pfas-lead/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Collaboration, COVID-19, Detroit, Drinking Water, Feature Detroit, Latest News, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Michigan Allocates $20 Million to Relieve Customer Water Debts

By Brett Walton, 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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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/michigan-20-million-customer-water-debts/

Circle of Blue

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, flint, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Lead, lead pipes, Michigan, News
Judge: Flint must check water lines in newer neighborhoods

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A judge on Tuesday ordered Flint to check for lead or galvanized steel water lines in neighborhoods built since the 1990s, despite the city’s belief that the homes have copper pipes.

Flint is in the homestretch of digging down to water lines at more than 20,000 properties and replacing them if necessary, the result of a deal that settled a lawsuit by residents and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-judge-flint-water-lines-newer-neighborhoods/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Collaboration, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News
EGLE fines company $60,000 over 2019 Detroit dock collapse

By Sarah Cwiek, 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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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/egle-fines-2019-detroit-dock-collapse/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Chicago, Cleveland, Collaboration, Detroit, Drinking Water, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, Municipalities, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, philadelphia, utilities, water affordability
Lack of Utility Data Obscures Customer Water Debt Problems

By Brett Walton, 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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/utility-data-customer-water-debt-problems/

Circle of Blue

On:
In: fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, infrastructure, Latest News, Lorraine Boissoneault, Michigan, New York, News, Traverse City
Dams Across the Great Lakes: End of the line for aging infrastructure?

After nearly a century of generating hydroelectric power on the St. Regis River in upstate New York, the Hogansburg Dam came down in December 2016. Fish who could now swim freely along the river weren’t the only ones celebrating. The end of the dam also marked the first time a tribal nation led the decommissioning process for a federal dam.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/dams-great-lakes-aging-infrastructure/

Lorraine Boissoneault

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

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

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Collaboration, COVID-19, Drinking Water, Latest News, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, water, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
House Democrats Ask CDC to Halt Water Shutoffs during the Pandemic

By Brett Walton, 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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/house-democrats-cdc-halt-water-shutoffs-pandemic/

Circle of Blue

On:
In: AP, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS
Michigan PFAS activist has cancer, says she’s not surprised

BELMONT, Mich. (AP) — A woman who was honored by the federal government for her environmental activism in western Michigan has been diagnosed with cancer.

Sandy Wynn-Stelt told WOOD-TV that her thyroid and lymph nodes were removed last week. She has lived for more than 30 years across from a Kent County site where Wolverine Worldwide dumped PFAS-tainted sludge.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-michigan-pfas-activist-cancer/

The Associated Press

On:
In: fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Kathy Johnson, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Pennsylvania, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, shipwreck, shipwrecks, Wisconsin
Shipwreck Life: How fish and other aquatic species utilize Great Lakes shipwrecks

All that remained of the schooner was a bit of its hull – a tightly-packed row of wooden planks stretching 40 feet across the bottom of Lake Huron. Sunbeams easily penetrated the 20 feet of clear lake water above the wreck.

The site appeared lifeless.

There were no schools of emerald shiners, black-striped minnows or yellow perch in sight.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/shipwreck-ecosystem-fish-great-lakes-species/

Kathy Johnson

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