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

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

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

James Proffitt

On:
In: Collaboration, Drinking Water, epa, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Mott Foundation Partnership, New York, News, PFAS, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Explainer: Who regulates U.S. drinking water, and how?

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/explainer-regulates-drinking-water/

Circle of Blue

On:
In: Climate change, detroit river, John Hartig, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Detroit River and western Lake Erie get a checkup

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.

If the Detroit River and western Lake Erie were patients undergoing their annual exam, a doctor would probably say, “I have good news and bad news about their health.”

The good news is that there are signs of improving ecosystem health including the return of creatures like bald eagles, peregrine falcons, osprey, lake sturgeon, lake whitefish and beaver.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/state-of-the-strait-2020-detroit-river-western-lake-erie/

John Hartig

On:
In: Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Ian Wendrow, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Illinois, Ohio coal plants closing; Michigan treatment plant upgrade, Wisconsin poor infrastructure

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

In this edition: Power company plans to shutter coal plants in Illinois and Ohio; upgrading of East Lansing water treatment plan will save on energy costs; and Wisconsin receives poor grades for both energy and water infrastructure.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/great-lakes-energy-illinois-coal-michigan-upgrade-wisconsin-infrastructure/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: AP, Budget, Detroit, Drinking Water, Feature Detroit, flint, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Lead, lead pipes, Michigan, News, PFAS, wastewater, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan governor releases $500 million water infrastructure plan

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a $500 million plan Thursday to upgrade drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in Michigan that includes actions such as replacing lead service lines and removing chemical pollutants.

The initiative, dubbed MI Clean Water, calls for creating a pot of money from which local governments could apply for grants or loans to improve their water treatment systems.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-whitmer-michigan-500-million-water-infrastructure-plan/

The Associated Press

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

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

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, dams, infrastructure, Michigan, Midland, News
Bill sent to Whitmer would lengthen bonds for dam repairs

By David Eggert, Associated Press Writer

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Legislature on Tuesday finalized a bill that would lengthen the financing period of lake projects in the wake of flooding that damaged dams and drained lakes in the Midland area.

The legislation would extend, from 10 years to 40 years, the maximum maturity date of bonds issued to pay for inland lake-level control projects across the state.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-bill-lengthen-bonds-dam-repairs/

The Associated Press

On:
In: 2020 election, Chicago, Climate change, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature-Chicago, flint, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, outdoor recreation, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Policy Expert Q&A: Keep advocating with elected officials for safe drinking water

The Flint water crisis that made national and international headlines was a failure on many levels, according to University of Chicago Professor Sabina Shaikh.

Particularly, it was a public policy failure, Shaikh told Great Lakes Now in an interview, and the failure in Flint put a spotlight on environmental injustices.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/policy-expert-advocating-elected-officials-safe-drinking-water/

Gary Wilson

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

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

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Opposition team criticizes Enbridge plans for oil tunnel

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Enbridge’s plans for drilling an oil pipeline tunnel beneath a channel linking two of the Great Lakes do not meet industry standards and pose significant hazards to workers and the environment, experts who reviewed project documents on behalf of opposition groups told The Associated Press.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-opposition-criticizes-enbridge-plans-line-5-tunnel/

The Associated Press

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, water quailty, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Enbridge now inspects freighters to avoid another anchor strike on Line 5

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

The Canadian pipeline company Enbridge Energy has been eager to show news media its new Enbridge Straits Maritime Operations Center in Mackinaw City. Its purpose is to try to prevent another anchor strike or other damage to Line 5, the dual pipelines carrying oil and natural gas liquids.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/enbridge-inspects-freighters-anchor-strike-line-5/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Energy, heating, Michigan
A room beneath the Michigan state Capitol, once the nerve center of cutting-edge heating and cooling technology of the late 19th century, will soon be the nerve center of cutting-edge heating and cooling technology of the early 21st century.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2020/09/28/cutting-edge-heating-and-cooling-technology-21st-century-style-returns-to-state-capitol/

David Poulson

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

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

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, Collaboration, harmful algal blooms, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, toxic algae, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
One Michigan county tells the story of a nation plagued by water pollution

By Jane Johnston, Circle of Blue

ALMA  — Murray Borrello, wearing khakis and a loose-fitting brown button-up, walked down a backroad during the summer of 2019 listening to the sounds of the woods. Water from the Pine River flowed slowly beneath him as he looked out over a bridge.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/michigan-county-cafos-agriculture-water-pollution/

Circle of Blue

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

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

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: AP, COVID-19, Michigan, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research
EMU to test campus wastewater for COVID-19

YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) — Eastern Michigan University will test campus wastewater for the COVID-19 virus and other signs of infectious diseases.

The testing, part of the school’s return-to-campus plan, is intended to track the presence of the coronavirus in wastewater flowing from residence halls and apartment complexes.

The monitoring might provide early detection of asymptomatic cases of the virus, according to the school.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-emu-campus-wastewater-covid-19/

The Associated Press

On:
In: animals, AP, Fish, Birds and Animals, isle royale, Michigan, News, restoration
Relocated Isle Royale wolves form groups, reduce moose herd

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Gray wolves that were taken to Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park to rebuild its nearly extinct population are forming social groups, staking out territory and apparently mating — promising signs despite heavy losses from natural causes and deadly fights, scientists said Monday.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/isle-royale-wolves-moose-herd/

The Associated Press

On:
In: cleanup, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Gary Wilson, Groundwater Contamination, Habitat Restoration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, restoration, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
In Perpetuity: Toxic Great Lakes sites will require attention for generations to come

It’s convenient to think of fixing a problem and it’s done. But that doesn’t apply to the long-neglected legacy polluted sites in the Great Lakes region.

In simple terms we think of a cleanup as removal of something that, left unattended, will become a nuisance or a problem.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/toxic-great-lakes-sites-capping-dredging/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Ian Wendrow, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, lake erie, Latest News, line 3, line 5, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, oil pipelines, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Wisconsin utility shutoffs postponed, Lake Erie wind farm, Minnesota mine legal win

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

In this edition: Wisconsin Public Service Commission extends utility shutoff moratorium, ruling that could undo Lake Erie wind farm project stands, and PolyMet copper-nickel mine gets critical legal win in Minnesota.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/great-lakes-energy-mining-utility-line-5-lake-erie/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: Detroit, Feature Detroit, Latest News, Michigan, News
30 in Their Thirties: Great Lakes Now host makes the list

When Great Lakes Now Host Ward Detwiler isn’t introducing PBS audiences to the joys and troubles of the Great Lakes on our monthly program, he’s busy running a software company that’s revolutionizing MRI technology.

That work recently landed him on DBusiness Magazine‘s 2020 “30 in Their Thirties” list.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/dbusiness-crains-list-ward-detwiler/

GLN Editor

On:
In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, Collaboration, contaminants, Drinking Water, flint, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, PFAS, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Across the U.S., millions of people are drinking unsafe water. How can we fix that?

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

This story is the first in a nine-month investigation of drinking water contamination across the U.S. The series is supported by funding from the Park Foundation and Water Foundation.

Once a week, Florencia Ramos makes a special trip to the R–N Market in Lindsay, California.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/drinking-unsafe-water-contaminants-solutions/

Ensia

On:
In: AP, infrastructure, Michigan, Midland, News
Residents near flood-ravaged dams could be paying for years

EDENVILLE, Mich. (AP) — Residents who lost their lakes when dams collapsed in mid-Michigan could be getting expensive long-term bills to restore them.

People near Wixom and Sanford lakes in Midland and Gladwin counties could pay thousands of dollars per year for 40 years, if that duration is allowed by the state, the Four Lakes Task Force said Thursday during an online meeting.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-residents-midland-dams-paying-for-years/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Collaboration, culture, flooding, high water, indigenous communities, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
In Michigan, rising lake levels disturb sacred ground

By Elena Bruess, Circle of Blue

At the shoreline, between lake and land, Melissa Wiatrolik reflects on those who were here before Michigan became Michigan. She had been raised in a community that honored the dead, that understood that their ancestors were always present. As a child, she had watched her own family clean the gravestones of those before her.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/michigan-rising-lake-levels-sacred-ground/

GLN Editor

On:
In: Collaboration, dams, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan
Michigan Dam Safety Task Force holds first virtual meeting

Following the Midland dam failures in May, a special task force was set up to evaluate Michigan’s dam safety rules and regulations. The task force had its first meeting virtually on Tuesday.

Learn more about the task force in Michigan Radio’s report here.

Read more about Midland and dams on Great Lakes Now:

Dam Investment: How does Michigan stack up against Great Lakes peers?

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/michigan-dam-safety-task-force/

GLN Editor

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, oil pipelines, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Judge OKs oil flow through second Great Lakes pipeline

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Enbridge said Wednesday it will fully resume operation of a Michigan Great Lakes oil pipeline after a partial shutdown this summer because of damage to a support structure.

Circuit Judge James Jamo signed an order allowing the Canadian company to restore the flow through one of its Line 5 pipes beneath the Straits of Mackinac, which connects Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-judge-line-5-great-lakes-pipeline/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Collaboration, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, oil pipelines, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Enbridge just wants a permit. Michigan critics want to bring down Line 5

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

Enbridge Energy had already won the blessing from Michigan’s Republican Legislature to build a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac to keep oil flowing through Line 5, and survived a legal challenge that sought to unravel that plan.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/enbridge-line-5-permit-michigan-critics/

Bridge

On:
In: Collaboration, epa, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
EPA Region 5 refutes internal watchdog report finding possible major issues in record keeping

By Enrique Saenz, Indiana Environmental Reporter

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regional office in the Midwest is refuting the findings of an internal investigation that found that a lack of record-keeping controls and standard operating procedures could be preventing it from fulfilling federal record-keeping responsibilities.

The EPA’s Office of Inspector General found that Region 5, which oversees EPA activities in Indiana and five other states, could not verify whether employees were using the agency’s official record-keeping system, preserving records for litigation holds and agency use, or knew how to report and investigate a suspected loss of records.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/epa-region-5-internal-watchdog-report-record-keeping/

Indiana Environmental Reporter

On:
In: AP, Forests and Plants, invasive species, Michigan, News, plants
Invasive aquatic plant found in 4 Michigan inland lakes

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — An invasive aquatic plant — first detected in southeastern Michigan in 1996 — has been found in four inland lakes in Washtenaw and Jackson counties.

The presence of European frogbit has been confirmed within the Waterloo Recreation Area, according to Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-frogbit-invasive-aquatic-plant-michigan-inland-lakes/

The Associated Press

On:
In: cleanup, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, restoration, u.s. epa, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Waterfront Development
Great Lakes Moment: Cleanup of contaminated river sediment begins at old Uniroyal site

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.

Forty years after Uniroyal shut down in Detroit, contaminated sediment cleanup is starting in the Detroit River off this former industrial site.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/great-lakes-moment-uniroyal-contaminated-sediment-cleanup/

John Hartig

On:
In: animals, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Fish, Birds and Animals, kalamazoo river, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, turtles, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Turtle Recovery: Studying turtles on the Kalamazoo River 10 years after Enbridge oil spill

Josh Otten reached down and pulled two turtles from the bow compartment of his kayak. One was the size of a dinner plate; the other was barely the size of a silver dollar pancake. Both were northern map turtles, the most common species of turtle in the Kalamazoo River watershed, according to Otten who played a key role in the rescue and rehabilitation of more than 2,000 turtles in 2010 following the Kalamazoo River oil spill.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/turtle-recovery-kalamazoo-river-enbridge-oil-spill/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: COVID-19, Energy, Ian Wendrow, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Ohio nuclear bailout bill repeal, COVID-19 energy crises in Michigan

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

In this edition: Michigan’s Bay County to lose millions in tax revenue with closure of coal plant; a COVID-19 study looking at energy crises cites rural areas and tribal nations in Michigan; and Ohio legislators begin the repeal process for controversial House Bill 6.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/great-lakes-energy-ohio-nuclear-michigan-coal-crisis/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: AP, Asian carp, COVID-19, dams, infrastructure, invasive species, Michigan, News
Michigan House OKs spending on jobless benefits, flood costs

By David Eggert, Associated Press Writer

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan lawmakers on Tuesday began approving a budget bill that would authorize the federal government’s supplemental $300-a-week unemployment benefit during the coronavirus pandemic and provide $6 million in state funding for costs related to devastating flooding in the Midland area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-michigan-house-jobless-benefits-flood-costs/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Climate change, COVID-19, Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Latest News, Michigan, News, Wisconsin
Intersecting Crises: Fighting for climate justice in a pandemic

Alongside the illnesses, deaths and closures caused by COVID-19, the threat of climate change still hangs over communities across the Great Lakes region and around the world. And the people and organizations fighting against climate change and for environmental justice have found themselves caught between these two threats to public health.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/intersecting-crises-climate-change-justice-covid-19/

Emily Simroth

On:
In: Algae Blooms, Asian carp, Drinking Water, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Gary Wilson, Great Lakes, harmful algal blooms, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, invasive species, lake erie, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan’s State of the Great Lakes: Drinking water quality garners spotlight

In her first regional appearance after taking office in January 2019, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made it clear that Michigan would take a leadership role on Great Lakes issues.

“Michigan has to lead on Great Lakes issues,” Whitmer told Great Lakes Now after speaking to fellow Great Lakes governors and Canadian premiers and the broader Great Lakes community in Milwaukee.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/michigan-state-great-lakes-drinking-water-quality/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: AP, economy, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, straits of mackinac, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands
Pipeline tunnel supporters, foes clash before Michigan panel

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Keeping a 64-year-old oil pipeline in operation by running one portion through a proposed Great Lakes tunnel would safeguard the economy and energy supplies, supporters said Monday, while opponents described the project as an unnecessary risk that would contribute to global warming.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-pipeline-tunnel-supporters-foes-clash-michigan-panel/

The Associated Press

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

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

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, flint, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Whitmer: $600M Flint water deal a step toward making amends

By John Flesher and David Eggert, Associated Press Writers

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A $600 million deal between the state of Michigan and Flint residents who were harmed by lead-tainted water is a step toward making amends for a disaster that upended life in the poor, majority-Black city, Gov.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-whitmer-flint-water-deal-600-million/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, flint, Flint Water Crisis, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Source: Michigan reaches $600M deal in Flint water crisis

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

Michigan will pay $600 million to compensate Flint residents whose health was damaged by lead-tainted drinking water after the city heeded state regulators’ advice not to treat it properly, an attorney involved in the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Details will be released later this week, according to the attorney, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about it ahead of an official announcement.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-michigan-deal-flint-water-crisis/

The Associated Press

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

Grand Traverse County, Michigan
CCO Meeting:
Tuesday, September 15 from 1-2:30pm EST
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

Charlevoix County, Michigan
Tuesday, September 15 from 3-4:30pm EST
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/2020/08/19/lake-michigan-community-consultation-officers-meeting-and-open-house-for-grand-traverse-county-and-charlevoix-county-michigan/

Great Lakes Coast

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In: AP, combined sewer overflow, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, infratructure, Lake St. Clair, Macomb County, Michigan, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan rejects Macomb County sewage treatment lagoon plan

DETROIT (AP) — Michigan regulators have rejected a suburban Detroit county’s plan to convert state waters into an open-air sewage treatment lagoon.

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said Friday it had denied Macomb County’s application to place the structure at the end of the Chapaton Retention Treatment Basin.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-michigan-macomb-county-sewage-treatment-lagoon-plan/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, birds, Fish, Birds and Animals, Lake Michigan, Michigan, News, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, technology
Bald eagle shows air superiority, sends drone into lake

ESCANABA, Mich. (AP) — A bald eagle launched an aerial assault on a drone operated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy — known as EGLE — ripping off a propeller and sending the aircraft into Lake Michigan.

The attack happened July 21, when the drone was mapping shoreline erosion near Escanaba in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to document and help communities cope with high water levels, the department said in a statement.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-bald-eagle-drone-lake-michigan/

The Associated Press

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In: forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: PFAS in fast food packaging, every Madison well

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/2020/08/pfas-news-roundup-pfas-in-fast-food-packaging-every-madison-well/

Samantha Cantie

On:
In: AP, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Michigan, News, pollution, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan officials investigate fish kill on Escanaba River

ESCANABA, Mich. (AP) — Michigan officials are investigating a fish kill that affected a dozen species on the middle branch of the Escanaba River in the Upper Peninsula.

The die-off was reported Aug. 9 on the 52-mile-long river, which is popular with anglers, officials said Wednesday.

It happened near Gladstone, downstream of Verso Corp.’s Escanaba Paper Mill, which the previous week had reported the rupture of a pipe at its wastewater treatment plant.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-michigan-fish-kill-escanaba-river/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, dams, Forests and Plants, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Midland, News, plants
Plants cropping up in lost Michigan lakes where dams failed

By Anna Liz Nichols, Associated Press/Report for America Writer

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Nature is returning to craters left from lakes drained by two dams that failed in May during torrential rain in mid-Michigan.

But not always in a good way.

“Shortly after the water receded, you could look out over the exposed bottom lands of the lake and it was like looking at the Sahara Desert,” said Dave Rothman, a board member with the Four Lakes Task Force, which is looking to obtain the four dams as well as the two lakes that were not drained.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-plants-midland-michigan-lakes-dams-failure/

The Associated Press

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In: Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Gary Wilson, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Demanding Justice: Detroit activists make formal complaint over hazardous waste sites

Calling their communities sacrifice zones for being home to hazardous waste storage sites, residents in a Detroit neighborhood are taking a stand.

Last week, residents with support from the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center filed a formal complaint with Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy over the agency’s January decision to allow a storage site to increase capacity by nine fold.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/detroit-activists-environmental-justice-hazardous-waste-sites/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Chicago, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Feature-Chicago, Ian Wendrow, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Mining, News, Ohio, oil pipelines, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Back Forty mine setback, Illinois and Ohio utility shutoffs

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

In this edition: Controversial open-pit sulfide mine in UP faces major delays due to COVID-19, utility companies in Ohio and Illinois set to resume disconnections after pandemic-induced moratorium lapses, and Enbridge completes replacement work on Line 5 under St.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/great-lakes-energy-back-forty-mine-illinois-ohio-utility-shutoff/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: Chicago, Collaboration, COVID-19, Detroit, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, Pennsylvania
In a time of COVID-19, millions of Americans are plagued by water debt

Mass water shutoffs in Detroit following the city’s bankruptcy proceedings brought the issue of water affordability and water shutoffs into public notoriety in the U.S. in 2014.

The threat of COVID-19 brought the issue back to the forefront as the CDC urged people to wash their hands frequently.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/water-debt-environmental-justice/

GLN Editor

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

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

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Detroit, detroit river, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Groundwater Contamination, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, pollution, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: A tribute to Guy O. Williams, environmental justice champion

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.

Guy O. Williams knew very little about the Great Lakes growing up in Lanham, Maryland, about 10 miles northeast of Washington, D.C.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/great-lakes-moment-guy-williams-environmental-justice/

John Hartig

On:
In: forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: New compound in Artic seawater, Michigan and NY set new rules

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-new-compound-artic-seawater-michigan-rules/

Samantha Cantie