On:
In: Agriculture, Insects, Michigan, Wildlife

For the past 10 years or so, entomologists have been looking for a way to control the population of spotted wing drosophila, a fruit fly that feeds on healthy cherries and blueberries. They say they may have found their answer in releasing the samba wasp, which kills fruit flies by laying its eggs inside them.

The post Tiny wasp could give hope to Northern Michigan cherry growers first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/08/17/tiny-wasp-could-give-hope-to-northern-michigan-cherry-growers/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Art, Echo, Michigan

Humans, like all other animals, have an innate desire to find the right spot, an ideal place. Tim Mulherin, the author of Sand, Stars, Wind & Water found his sense of place in Northwest Lower Michigan during his first visit to the area 35 years ago.

The post Protecting your place: one man’s tribute to Northern Michigan first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/08/02/protecting-your-place-one-mans-tribute-to-northern-michigan/

Guest Contributor

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In: Article, Blue Economy, Climate change, Energy News Roundup, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Equity and Environmental Justice, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The Provinces, The States
Energy News Roundup: Green jobs, solar farms and the value of trees

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois

Solar, storage projects set to bring jobs, tax revenue to Illinois coal communities — Energy News Network

Six retired coal plants in downstate Illinois will soon receive solar panels and become renewable energy storage sites.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/energy-news-roundup/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Budget, Cleveland, Duluth, Feature Cleveland, Feature Homepage, freighters, Gary Wilson, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, ports, shipping, Shipping and Ports, soo locks, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Can shipping on the Great Lakes take the next step toward transporting high-value container cargo?

A common question for casual observers of Great Lakes vessels is “Where are the big container ships?” The reference is to the massive ocean-traversing ships with containers stacked stories high.

The container ships have been absent from the Great Lakes where cherished lake freighters dominate the waterways hauling bulk cargo.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/shipping-update-great-lakes-container-cargo/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Indiana, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John McCracken, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News, Ontario, Quebec, Shipping and Ports, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Water Withdrawals, Waterfront Development
Industries and public water supplies top list of main consumers of Great Lakes water

Overall water usage in the Great Lakes is dropping, largely due to water conservation and management efforts, according to the Great Lakes Commission’s most recent water use report.

The GLC compiles annual water use data, a stipulation outlined in the 2008 regional water use agreement known as the Great Lakes Compact.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/industries-public-water-consumers-great-lakes-water/

John McCracken

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Food, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Sandra Svoboda, Toronto, Tourism
Detroit and Toronto among Time Magazine’s “50 Greatest Places”

Two Great Lakes cities are among “The World’s 50 Greatest Places of 2022” as compiled by Time magazine.

Detroit and Toronto made the list along with destinations on all the continents and in outer space. The magazine said the list came from its “international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those (destinations) offering new and exciting experiences.”

What puts these key Great Lakes cities in such company?

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/detroit-toronto-time-50-greatest-places/

Sandra Svoboda

On:
In: Climate change, Detroit, environmental equity, Environmental Justice, equity, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Feature Lead, health, housing, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News
When your home is filled with hazards, what can you do?

Poor housing conditions can have an effect on people’s health both mentally and physically by posing a threat to the family or individual living there, especially for young children and babies.

The health and wellbeing of residents are impacted especially in areas where there’s both industry and older housing.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/home-hazards-what-can-you-do/

Tynnetta Harris

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines
Michigan panel wants more details on Great Lakes oil tunnel plan

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan regulatory panel said Thursday that it needs more information about safety risks before it can rule on Enbridge Energy’s plan to extend an oil pipeline through a tunnel beneath a waterway linking two of the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/ap-michigan-panel-details-great-lakes-pipeline-tunnel/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Collaboration, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, fishing, Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology
Only half of Great Lakes residents are aware of advisories for safely eating fish

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

By Cameryn Cass, Great Lakes Echo

The Great Lakes Basin draws millions of anglers each year to fish in its lakes, rivers and streams.

In addition, millions more of the region’s residents consume those fish.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/great-lakes-residents-advisories-eating-fish/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Budget, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Drinking Water, environmental equity, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
New laws make it easier for communities to access state financing for water infrastructure

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

Bipartisan legislation to help cities get money to fix their water systems has been signed by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

A lot of Michigan’s drinking water systems are in bad shape.

“We have been very behind in maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure across the state,” Charlotte Jameson with the Michigan Environmental Council.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/new-laws-community-access-water-infrastructure/

Michigan Radio

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In: Climate change, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, invasive species, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, mussels, News, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: The imperiled mussels of the Detroit River

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.

Native freshwater mussels have experienced dramatic population declines in the Great Lakes due to habitat degradation, water pollution and the introduction of invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/great-lakes-moment-mussels-detroit-river/

John Hartig

On:
In: Climate change, Energy, Energy News Roundup, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Science, Technology, Research, Wisconsin
Energy News Roundup: Indiana sees price hikes, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Ohio struggle with solar

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

 

Illinois:

  • A decade after ‘EVTown,’ Rivian is making an Illinois city’s electric vehicle vision a reality – Energy News Network

Officials in Normal, Illinois, see Rivian’s growth and corporate culture as a key part of the city’s long-term sustainability plan.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/energy-news-roundup-prices-hikes-solar-struggle/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Feature Homepage, great lakes now, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Quiz, Science, Technology, Research
Homes, Invaders: The Great Lakes Now Episode Quiz

Great Lakes Now episodes often explore the human element of the Great Lakes along with the critters residing in the waters.

In “Homes, Invaders,” learn about how sea lampreys are an invasive and dangerous species and the efforts that are being done to control the sea lamprey population in the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/homes-invaders-episode-quiz/

Tynnetta Harris

On:
In: Books, Authors, Art and Music, camping, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Detroit, grand rapid, Grand Rapids, History and Culture, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism
See where you can borrow free camping gear in Michigan

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/2022/06/borrow-free-camping-gear-michigan/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, History and Culture, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Shipping and Ports, shipwrecks, shoreline, The Catch, Tourism
The Catch: Shoreline shipwrecks

This month of The Catch features a look at shoreline shipwrecks in Michigan.

Author and editorial director of MichiganTrailMaps.com Jim DuFresne published a “Landlubbers Guide to Shoreline Shipwrecks,” and takes Great Lakes Now on a virtual tour of some of his favorites which include wrecks on the shores of Sleeping Bear Dunes and Isle Royale National Park.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/the-catch-shoreline-shipwrecks/

GLN Editor

On:
In: birds, birdwatching, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, Ohio, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research
Around the Lakes: Trails to follow for the best view of birds

A lakeside view and twittering morning avian chorus make for a great combination, and all along the Great Lakes there are plenty of great locations to experience both those things.

Installing a bird feeder is an easy way to enjoy birds right outside your door, but county parks and birding walks are a great way to learn about birds too, Kimberly Kaufman said in an interview with Great Lakes Now.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/trails-for-best-view-of-birds/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Feature Lead, flint, governor rick snyder, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Court kills Flint water charges against ex-governor, others

By Ed White, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court on Tuesday threw out charges against former Gov. Rick Snyder and others in the Flint water scandal, saying a judge sitting as a one-person grand jury had no power to issue indictments under rarely used state laws.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/ap-court-kills-flint-water-charges-ex-governor/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Agriculture, Collaboration, ecology, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, Great Lakes, History and Culture, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, invasive species, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, sediment, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Water test: a long history and hopeful future of human impact on Great Lakes ecology

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

By Kurt Williams, Great Lakes Echo

Editor’s note: This is the last in a series of stories about profound ecological changes that test our ability to manage the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/history-future-human-impact-great-lakes-ecology/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Alex Hill, Detroit, Equity and Environmental Justice, health, Indiana, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, mapping, Michigan, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Mapping the Great Lakes: How old are our cities?

Love staring at a map and discovering something interesting? Then “Mapping the Great Lakes” is for you. It’s a monthly Great Lakes Now feature created by Alex B. Hill, a self-described “data nerd and anthropologist” who combines cartography, data, and analytics with storytelling and human experience.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/mapping-great-lakes-cities/

Alex Hill

On:
In: Climate change, Duluth, Feature Homepage, Great Lakes, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, water levels
Great Lakes water levels could increase on average from 19 to 44 centimeters in the next few decades, study says

New research into Great Lakes water levels looks farther into the future to predict how much climate change will increase lake levels in four of the five Great Lakes.

The predictions for the levels between now and 2050 show average increases from 2010-2019 levels of Lake Superior rising 19 centimeters (7.5 inches), Lake Erie 28 centimeters (11 inches) and lakes Michigan and Huron by 44 centimeters (17.3 inches).

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/great-lakes-water-levels-increase-next-few-decades/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Michigan, Wildlife

Michigan’s only venomous snake, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, has been suspected or proven responsible for at least 75 bites reported in the state from 2003 through 2020, according to the most comprehensive tally ever of such incidents.

The post Largest tally of snakebites in Michigan first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/06/27/largest-tally-of-snakebites-in-michigan/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Algae, Algae Blooms, algal blooms, Feature Homepage, harmful algal blooms, James Proffitt, lake erie, Michigan, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, study, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Study suggests phosphorous reduction alone could lead to more toxic algae

A new study completed by international researchers says current efforts to reduce harmful algae blooms by limiting phosphorous in Lake Erie could result in more toxic algae.

“I think it has implications for how we think about cleaning up Lake Erie,” said Greg Dick, director of the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research at Michigan State University, and one of the study’s authors.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/phosphorous-reduction-toxic-algae/

James Proffitt

On:
In: Climate change, Feature Homepage, Gary Wilson, infrastructure, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, nuclear waste, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Waste, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Does extreme weather threaten the hazardous waste sites that border Lake Michigan?

Climate change-fueled weather such as extreme storms will provide a direct threat to contaminated waste storage sites, nuclear power plants and industrial facilities at multiple sites on the shores of Lake Michigan, according to a new report.

The 63-mile corridor from Gary, Indiana, through Illinois to the Wisconsin border is particularly at risk.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/extreme-weather-hazardous-waste-sites/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: AP, Asian carp, Chicago, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Illinois, invasive carp, invasive species, Lake Michigan, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research
From ‘carp’ to ‘copi’: unpopular fish getting a makeover

By John Flesher, Associated Press

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — You’re in the mood for fish and your server suggests a dish of invasive carp. Ugh, you might say. But how about broiled copi, fresh from the Mississippi River?

Here’s the catch: They’re the same thing.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/ap-unpopular-fish-getting-makeover/

The Associated Press

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, birds, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, endangered species, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Endangered piping plovers are recovering but still need human help

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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/endangered-piping-plovers-need-human-help/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: diving, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, I Speak for the Fish, Kathy Johnson, Lake Ontario, Latest News, Michigan, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, sea lamprey
I Speak for the Fish: Not all lampreys are killers, but all are paying the price for their reputation

I Speak for the Fish is a new monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor Kathy Johnson, coming out the third Monday of each month. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/not-all-lampreys-are-killers/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Advocacy, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, environmental groups, epa, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
MI environmental group calls EPA’s PFAS advisory a “wake-up call” for industries

By Tracy Samilton, 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/2022/06/environmental-group-pfas-advisory/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: AP, Feature Homepage, flint, flint river, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Michigan, News, oil, oil spill, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
State: Chemical company likely source of Flint River spill

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — Authorities focused on a chemical company Thursday as the likely source of a spill that has left a dark oily sheen for miles on the Flint River.

Lockhart Chemical in Flint was cooperating with state regulators and removing material from underground storage areas, said Jill Greenberg, spokeswoman at the 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/2022/06/ap-chemical-company-flint-river-spill/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, data, infrastructure, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Ontario, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, pollution, Research, Data and Technology, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
FRESH: Research Highlights Gaps in Federal Air Pollution Data

June 14, 2022

Fresh is a biweekly newsletter from Circle of Blue that unpacks the biggest international, state, and local policy news stories facing the Great Lakes region today. Sign up for Fresh: A Great Lakes Policy Briefing, straight to your inbox, every other Tuesday.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/fresh-research-highlights-gaps-in-federal-air-pollution-data/

Circle of Blue

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, cleanup, Collaboration, Drinking Water, Fish, Birds and Animals, Lake Huron, Latest News, litter, Michigan, News, Protect, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
JEWEL OF THE GREAT LAKES: Keeping our waters clean, one butt at a time

By Darby Hinkley, The Alpena News

This article is part of a collaboration between The Alpena News and Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television to bring audiences stories about the Great Lakes, especially Lake Huron and its watershed.

ALPENA — In her experience picking up litter along the Lake Huron shoreline, Meag Schwartz has seen a whole lot of cigarette butts.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/keeping-waters-clean/

The Alpena News

On:
In: Collaboration, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, invasive species, invasive species prevention, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, News, Protect, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, shipwrecks, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, waterways
JEWEL OF THE GREAT LAKES: Group battles invasive species

By Steve Schulwitz, The Alpena News

This article is part of a collaboration between The Alpena News and Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television to bring audiences stories about the Great Lakes, especially Lake Huron and its watershed.

ALPENA – Aquatic invasive species continue to spread and threaten the ecosystem in the waterways near Alpena, local environmental professionals say.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/group-battles-invasive-species/

The Alpena News

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Collaboration, Commercial Fishing, Drinking Water, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Huron, Michigan, News, pollutants, Recreation and Tourism, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Tourism
JEWEL OF THE GREAT LAKES: Keeping pollutants out

By Julie Riddle, The Alpena News

This article is part of a collaboration between The Alpena News and Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television to bring audiences stories about the Great Lakes, especially Lake Huron and its watershed.

ALPENA — Spring showers may bring spring flowers, but they can also carry pollutants into the lake that provides Alpena’s drinking water and many tourism dollars.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/keeping-pollutants-out/

The Alpena News

On:
In: AP, Feature Homepage, flint, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Michigan, News, oil, oil spill
Several thousands of gallons of oily material in Flint River

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — Several thousands of gallons of an oil-based, dark black material with a petroleum smell spilled into the Flint River in Flint, authorities said Wednesday.

The spilled appeared to be 5 miles (8 kilometers) miles long, Jill Greenberg, a spokeswoman for Michigan’s environmental agency, told MLive.com.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/ap-oily-material-flint-river/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Drinking Water, Drinking Water News Roundup, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania
Drinking Water News Roundup: Flooding poses risk to well water, Indiana drinking water report shared, EPA grants for Ohio

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

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

 

Illinois:

  • Illinois American Water Encourages Customers to View their 2021 Community Water Quality Report – Business Wire

Illinois American Water is encouraging customers to view the company’s 2021 water quality reports to learn more about the source and quality of their drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/drinking-water-news-roundup-flooding-risk-epa-grants-ohio/

Tynnetta Harris

On:
In: Advocacy, Climate change, Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan Gov. Whitmer’s plan needs to move from aspiration to action, says Detroit climate advocate

In February 2021, Detroit’s Michelle Martinez was excited like she hadn’t been in years about the potential of progress on core environmental and climate justice issues.

President Donald Trump, who took the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Accords and was rolling back Obama-era environmental protections, was out of office.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/michigan-gov-plan-action/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Capital News Service, Echo, Michigan

A new study by Michigan State University shows an increase in doctor visits for shortness of breath among long-term sand and gravel mine workers in Michigan, compared to the rate for production workers in other industries. The state has more than 3,500 surface miners, 1,207 of whom voluntarily participated in the study. 

The post Study raises health concerns for sand and gravel workers first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/06/14/study-raises-health-concerns-for-sand-and-gravel-workers/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Advocacy, Collaboration, data, Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, mapping, Michigan, Municipalities, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
As agencies seek more environmental justice data, longtime residents are skeptical

By Eleanore Catolico, Energy News Network

This story was first published on the Energy News Network and was republished here with permission.

This article is co-published by the Energy News Network and Planet Detroit with support from the Race and Justice Reporting Initiative at the Damon J.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/agencies-environmental-data-residents/

Energy News Network

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In: AP, Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, Michigan, News, oil, Ontario, shipping, Shipping and Ports, St. Mary's River
Coast Guard: Oil spill closes shipping on St. Mary’s River

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario. (AP) — An oil spill temporarily closed shipping traffic on the St. Marys River between Ontario and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the U.S. Coast Guard said Thursday.

The 5,300-gallon (20,063-liter) spill originated from Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, around 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

The 75-mile (121-kilometer) river connects Lake Superior and Lake Huron and serves as part of the border between Michigan and Ontario.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/ap-coast-guard-oil-spill-shipping/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Climate change, contamination, Drinking Water, flooding, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, infrastructure, Lead, Michigan, Municipalities, News, PFAS, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wells
Climate-driven flooding poses well water contamination risks

By Michael Phillis and John Flesher, Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — After a record-setting Midwestern rainstorm that damaged thousands of homes and businesses, Stefanie Johnson’s farmhouse in Blandinsville, Illinois, didn’t have safe drinking water for nearly two months.

Flood water poured into her well, turning the water a muddy brown and forcing Johnson, her husband and their two young children to use store-bought supplies.

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In: Agriculture, Capital News Service, Echo, Michigan

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) was reinstated earlier this year and reimburses farmers for following proper conservation practices. To be eligible for the program, land must have a cropping history, or planting history, of four out of six years between 2012-17 and have been owned at least one year prior to applying.

The post Conservation program partnership targets farms in three Michigan watersheds first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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In: enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, oil pipelines, Wisconsin
Line 5 shutdown would increase gas prices by half a cent

One of the latest updates in Enbridge’s ongoing Line 5 court cases is a report from Neil Earnest, president of an energy consultancy firm, filed by Enbridge.

In the report, Earnest estimates that in the event of a Line 5 shutdown, gas, jet fuel and diesel prices would increase by half a cent per gallon in Michigan and Wisconsin, and 5 cents per gallon in Ontario.

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Natasha Blakely

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In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, fisheries, History and Culture, lake erie, lakes, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, Ohio, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
African scientists visit the North American Great Lakes in international exchange

One by one, netted fish arrived onto the boat: smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, common carp, gizzard shad, longnose gar.

They lay on their sides, briefly stunned by the electricity that was coursing from rods on the boat’s bow and then scooped on board the 21-foot vessel on a cloudy spring day on Lake Erie.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/african-scientists-great-lakes-international-exchange/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Capital News Service, Michigan, transportation

Public transit agencies in Michigan are facing post-pandemic ridership and staffing shortages. The Michigan Public Transit Association launched ad campaigns in February to address those needs and has seen many great responses, especially on social media, but the association's members still face hardships, and no one knows if they’ll get all of their riders back.

The post Ridership, staffing challenges face local bus systems first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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In: AP, COVID-19, Detroit, Events, Events and Special Broadcasts, Feature Homepage, Michigan, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, The States, Tourism, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
COVID hits Buttigieg, others who attended Michigan event

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (AP) — At least 15 people who attended a public affairs conference last week on Michigan’s Mackinac Island have tested positive for COVID-19, including U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

The gathering is put on each year by a business group, the Detroit Regional Chamber, and attracts more than 1,000 public officials, journalists and others who discuss a variety of political and policy issues.

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In: Michigan, Recreation, Wildlife

Starting this year, hunters in Michigan will have to report their deer harvest online. Wildlife officials presented the plan to the state Natural Resources Commission and said online reporting will provide more accurate information about what kinds of deer are being taken and provide it more quickly.

The post Deer kill count moves online first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Harmful algal blooms cause problems in Lake Erie; drinking water customers pay the price

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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“Thank God that smell is gone”: Detroit incinerator to be demolished after decades of complaints

By Briana Rice, 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 Moment: Rewilding Metropolitan Detroit

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.

The practice of rewilding is frequently carried out in wilderness areas, but cities like Detroit are beginning to reintroduce native species of plants and animals to enhance biodiversity and reap all the benefits of making nature part of everyday urban life.

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In: Capital News Service, Michigan, water, Water quality

Michigan watersheds are still wracked with pollution from decades ago, along with new runoff. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan would make preserving land and water a statewide priority. 

The post Watershed groups fight decades-old pollution first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Energy News Roundup: Illinois 6th in clean energy capacity, debate over Michigan risk of brownouts, the world’s potential impending energy crisis

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Keeping Illinois nuclear plants open is saving some customers $237 a year on average – CNBC

In September, Illinois lawmakers passed a watershed clean energy law which established the state as a leader for its efforts to decarbonize.

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Natasha Blakely