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New study says elevated levels of PFAS found in anti-fogging sprays and cloths

By Timberly Ferree, Indiana Environmental Reporter

A new Duke University-led study has found that the anti-fogging sprays and cloths used to prevent condensation on eyeglasses contain toxic PFAS chemicals.

Researchers tested five top-rated anti-fogging cloths and four top-rated anti-fogging sprays sold on Amazon and found all the products to contain fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and fluorotelomer ethoxylates (FTEOs).

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/elevated-levels-pfas-sprays-cloths/

Indiana Environmental Reporter

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Michigan governor releases plan draft for carbon neutrality

By Anna Liz Nichols, Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan will build clean energy infrastructure and invest in green programs over the next 30 years with the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 to confront climate change, a draft of a state plan says.

Gov.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-plan-draft-carbon-neutrality/

The Associated Press

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In: Asian carp, Budget, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, invasive carp, invasive species, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, soo locks
U.S. Army Corps directs millions to Great Lakes coastal resiliency, Soo Locks and invasive carp barrier

The project to construct a new Soo Lock has been fully funded as of Wednesday, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released its Fiscal Year 2022 budget, which included $479 million directed to the new lock.

“In Michigan, we know how vital the Locks are to our economy and our national defense,” Sen.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/army-corps-millions-great-lakes-coastal-resiliency-soo-locks-invasive-carp/

Natasha Blakely

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Searching for help. Where can homeowners get money to fix failing septic systems?

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.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/homeowners-money-fix-septic-systems/

Michigan Radio

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In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research
2022 Perch Outlook: Ohio hatch results not so great

Recently released Ohio Department of Natural Resources yellow perch hatch results indicate more of the same: overall mediocrity, leaning toward the not-so-good side.  

 That’s the result of an average hatch in the Western Basin and a very poor hatch in the Central Basin from Huron, Ohio, to Conneaut, Ohio. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/2022-perch-outlook/

James Proffitt

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In: AP, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, Michigan, News, soo locks
Soo Locks to close to marine traffic for winter maintenance

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (AP) — The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie are shutting down to marine traffic to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to perform critical maintenance.

The locks on the St. Marys River between Lake Superior and Lake Huron are expected to be closed from Saturday to March 25, according to the Army Corps of Engineers.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-soo-locks-close-winter/

The Associated Press

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Great Lakes researchers predict record-low ice coverage

By Michigan Radio

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

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/low-ice-coverage/

Michigan Radio

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In: AP, benton harbor, Drinking Water, Feature Lead, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Work continues on removing lead water lines in Benton Harbor

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — More than 400 water service lines in Benton Harbor have been replaced or verified to be free of lead, according to state officials.

City officials also are reviewing bids from contractors for removal of an estimated 3,900 lead service lines, Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services said this week in a release.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-lead-water-lines-benton/

The Associated Press

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In: diving, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, I Speak for the Fish, Kathy Johnson, Lake St. Clair, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism
I Speak for the Fish: Meeting the mysterious muskie

Just like serious birders and all manner of naturalists, many divers keep a life list of the species they have seen. Typically, the more elusive the species, the more coveted the sighting. Size also plays a role in desirability, whether it’s a condor or a blue whale.  

When it comes to impressively large and elusive freshwater species, a couple come to mind.  

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/meeting-mysterious-muskie/

Kathy Johnson

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In: Algae Blooms, Drinking Water, Indiana, Latest News, News, News Roundup Drinking Water, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Science, Technology, Research, toxic algae, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Toxic algae blooms in Indiana, First Nations $8B settlement, Wisconsin lead pipe replacement funding

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: 

  • More blue-green algae could drive up drinking water bills in Indiana’s larger cities —WFYI Indianapolis 

The increasingly warm air and heavy rain showers have caused a rise in toxic algae blooms, which has led to fish sickness, beach closures, and drinking water pollution.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/drinking-water-news-roundup-toxic-algae-blooms/

Maya Sundaresan

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In: AP, canada, Climate, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Fish, Birds and Animals, Gary Wilson, History and Culture, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Superior, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research, species, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Climate Ghosts author: To save more species, treat them like kin

For Professor Nancy Langston, our intransigence in protecting struggling species like caribou and others is a puzzle. These species exist in our memories and culture, and we’ve invested in protecting them, so why do their populations continue to crash? 

That’s the question at the core of Langston’s latest book, “Climate Ghosts: Migratory Species in the Anthropocene”.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/climate-ghosts-author/

Gary Wilson

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In: Collaboration, Commercial Fishing, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, fishing, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, lake erie, Lake Ontario, Latest News, News, Ontario, Science, Technology, Research, Toronto, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Fresh, local and forgotten: On Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, families fight to save their fisheries

By Lindsay Campbell with photography by Johnny C. Lam, The Narwhal

This story first ran on The Narwhal, a non-profit news organization that publishes in-depth stories about Canada’s natural world. 

Those who choose a life in commercial fishing on the Great Lakes are granted a front row seat to the natural world.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/lake-ontario-lake-erie-families-fisheries/

The Narwhal

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In: Collaboration, Commercial Fishing, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, fishing, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, lake erie, Lake Ontario, Latest News, News, Ontario, Science, Technology, Research, Toronto, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Fresh, local and forgotten: On Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, families fight to save their fisheries

By Lindsay Campbell with photography by Johnny C. Lam, The Narwhal

This story first ran on The Narwhal, a non-profit news organization that publishes in-depth stories about Canada’s natural world. 

Those who choose a life in commercial fishing on the Great Lakes are granted a front row seat to the natural world.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/lake-ontario-lake-erie-families-fisheries/

The Narwhal

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In: AP, coal ash, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, environmental protection agency, Groundwater Contamination, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
EPA moves to crack down on dangerous coal ash storage ponds

By Matthew Daly, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency is taking its first major action to address toxic wastewater from coal-burning power plants, ordering utilities to stop dumping waste into unlined storage ponds and speed up plans to close leaking or otherwise dangerous coal ash sites.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-epa-dangerous-coal-ash/

The Associated Press

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Drinking Water, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News
Combined Effort: Sierra Club to award Great Lakes News Collaborative

Inadequate regulations, infrastructure failures and developments, water quality and quantity, and climate migration were just some of the many pressing Great Lakes issues covered collectively by the Great Lakes News Collaborative over the past year.

With timely stories set to a backdrop of visually compelling photos and video, the goal for the Great Lakes News Collaborative was to give voice to what residents all over the region are already seeing at their doorsteps.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/combined-effort-sierra-club-to-award-great-lakes-news-collaborative/

Natasha Blakely

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In: AP, Drinking Water, Feature Lead, flint, Flint Water Crisis, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Judge: Lawsuit can proceed against Flint water contractor

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A judge on Monday refused to dismiss a lawsuit against an engineering company, which is accused of not doing enough to stop the flow of lead-contaminated water in Flint in 2015.

Four families are suing Veolia North America. The company did not participate in the recent $626 million settlement with Flint residents, mostly paid by the state.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-lawsuit-flint-water-contractor/

The Associated Press

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In: biden administration, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, endangered species, fish and wildlife service, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
A small, red-bellied snake might be reconsidered for protection under the Endangered Species Act

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/2022/01/red-bellied-snake-endangered/

Michigan Radio

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, Feature Lead, flint, Flint Water Crisis, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Flint water crisis settlement claims process begins this week

By 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.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/flint-water-crisis-settlement-claims/

Michigan Radio

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In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, Lake Ontario, Latest News, News, Research, science, Science, Technology, Research, Toronto
The next source of trouble for Great Lakes fish populations: tires

For 20 years, the mystery behind what was killing coho salmon in Seattle’s urban creeks seemed unsolvable.  

Every time it rained, fish would begin swimming in circles, floating belly up just a few hours later. Scientists looked at heavy metals, various chemical contaminants, water temperature and oxygen levels, but none of these things were the problem.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/great-lakes-fish-populations-tires/

Sharon Oosthoek

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In: Advocacy, AP, biden administration, Climate change, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Trump Administration, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Environmental justice in spotlight as WH official departs

By Drew Costley, Associated Press

The White House’s top official on environmental justice is stepping down a year after President Joe Biden took office with an ambitious plan to help disadvantaged communities and overhaul policies that have historically hurt them.

The departure Friday of Cecilia Martinez, senior director for environmental justice at the Council for Environmental Quality, puts a spotlight on both the administration’s successes and promises yet to be fulfilled.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-environmental-justice-official/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Michigan, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, upper peninsula, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Ohio company will pay nearly $250K for Michigan fish kill

ESCANABA, Mich. (AP) — A paper mill in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has agreed to pay nearly $250,000 to settle an investigation of a fish kill in the Escanaba River, state regulators said.

A “catastrophic pipe failure” at the Verso Corp. site in Escanaba resulted in a discharge of partially treated wastewater in August 2020, regulators said.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-ohio-company-pay-250k/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, drownings, Lake Michigan, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, swimming
South Haven adds Lake Michigan restrictions in bad weather

SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. (AP) — A southwestern Michigan town that swells with summer visitors is taking steps to keep people out of Lake Michigan during hazardous conditions.

The city council in South Haven agreed to install gates to close popular piers at certain times. Swimmers also could be fined if they’re in the lake, though surfers or kite boarders who embrace big wind and waves would be exempt.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/ap-south-haven-restrictions/

The Associated Press

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In: Climate change, Feature Homepage, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, wind
Breeze Boost: What’s the connection between breezy Lake Michigan days and high ozone levels?

The day was like any other in summer on the Lake Michigan coast: hot. But Charles Stanier remembers the breeze.  

It was the summer of 2017, and he’d been working up a sweat in a trailer in Illinois Beach State Park. A professor of chemical and biochemical engineering at the University of Iowa, Stanier spent the morning checking instruments, climbing up and down ladders, and wondering if anything would come of all his team’s work.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/lake-michigan-ozone-levels/

Lina Tran

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In: Agriculture, Climate change, Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, plants, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Science, Technology, Research
Bugs, Shorter Winters, Climate: Great Lakes vineyards face changing circumstances

The Erie County Ag Research Corporation facility started as a small building in northeast Pennsylvania near the Lake Erie shore in 1948. Pennsylvania State University bought it just four years later.  

Now, Penn State’s grape research center boasts 43 acres and has a joint program with Cornell University’s Grape Research Lab in New York.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/great-lakes-vineyards-changing/

Capri S. Cafaro

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, road salt, Science, Technology, Research
Road salt threatens Michigan lakes and rivers. Can an alternative take hold?

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.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/road-salt-michigan-lakes/

Bridge Michigan

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In: Climate change, Collaboration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Science, Technology, Research
Adapting to Climate Change Will Only Get More Expensive

By Michael Allen, Hakai Magazine 

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

 

As the climate warms, the price of adapting homes and infrastructure to cope with increasing temperatures, heavier rainfalls, stronger storms, and rising seas will be staggering.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/adapting-climate-change-expensive/

Hakai Magazine

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In: birds, conservation, endangered species, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Great Lakes Moment: Kirtland’s warblers are thriving in Michigan

Once living on the brink of extinction, the Kirtland’s warbler is now thriving thanks to collaborative conservation efforts. 

The Kirtland’s warbler is one of the largest and rarest songbirds in North America. This handsome yellow-and-gray warbler is named for Dr. Jared Kirtland, on whose farm near Cleveland, Ohio, the first specimen was collected in 1851.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/great-lakes-moment-warblers/

John Hartig

On:
In: Great Lakes Now's Year-End Posts, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, News, outdoor recreation, Recreation and Tourism, upper peninsula, Wildlife
Year in Review 2021: The two-beer bear and other Lake Huron canine adventures

Walking my 90-pound shepherd a few days after Christmas in our suburban neighborhood, the jangling bell on his collar seemed a festive touch, one of the neighbors told us. 

But it was more of a reminder of our August trip to Drummond Island than some holiday décor.  

My 11-day summer vacation this year involved throwing my dog, some swimsuits and a lot of sunscreen in my car and heading up to visit generous friends with houses along Grand Lake (north of Alpena) and Lake Huron.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/year-in-review-2021-canine-adventures/

Sandra Svoboda

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In: birds, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Great Lakes Now's Year-End Posts, invasive species, Latest News, News
Year in Review 2021: All creatures great (lakes) and small

A year ago, I wrote a year-end summary of our 2020 TV coverage that highlighted the obvious theme for that terrible year: poop. 

I ended that story with these words: “There will probably be more poop in the news in 2021, and if there is, we’ll bring it to you.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/year-in-review-2021-creaturesl/

Rob Green

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In: AP, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, local economics, mines, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Minnesota regulators reaffirm air permit for proposed mine

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — State regulators who three years ago issued an air quality permit for a proposed copper-nickel mine in northwestern Minnesota stood by their decision in a report released Monday that said the mine did not provide misleading information on its plans.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency report is a blow to several environmental groups and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, although it does not clear the way for construction.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-minnesota-regulators-mine/

The Associated Press

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In: Algae Blooms, algal blooms, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Feature Homepage, harmful algal blooms, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Environmental group says Gov. Whitmer’s plan to reduce harmful algal blooms ‘won’t work’

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

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

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/environmental-groups-algal-blooms/

Michigan Radio

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In: Advocacy, AP, drainage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect
Minnesota Supreme Court to review drainage projects ruling

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court announced Tuesday it will review a ruling by the Minnesota Court of Appeals that provided environmental protections for Renville County’s last free-flowing stream.

The October appeals court decision called for an environmental review to determine whether a proposed drainage ditch improvement could harm the stream in the heavily agricultural western county.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-minnesota-supreme-court-drainage-projects/

The Associated Press

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In: Climate change, Collaboration, great lakes now, Great Lakes Now's Year-End Posts, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Year in Review 2021: Change is good, really, and proof is in the Great Lakes pudding

Not to overshare and get too personal, but I don’t deal well with change. 

Unfortunately, as evidenced by the past two years, unexpected change is unavoidable. 

What a lot of people – including me for a while – don’t seem to realize about change is that it isn’t temporary.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/year-in-review-2021-change/

Natasha Blakely

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In: AP, Buffalo, Feature Homepage, New York, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, river cleanup, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
EPA to test, measure longtime Buffalo River cleanup efforts

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The lengthy effort to clean up the Buffalo River could pay off in the next few years.

The Buffalo News reported Sunday that the federal Environmental Protection Agency has told a local U.S. representative that the winding waterway could lose its status as an environmental danger zone, or “area of concern,” by 2025.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-buffalo-river-cleanup-efforts/

The Associated Press

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In: Engagement, great lakes now, Great Lakes Now's Year-End Posts, Latest News, News, youtube
Year in Review 2021: New beginnings, or a look at one-sixth of the year

For me personally, I’ll always remember 2021 as the year I achieved one of my greatest accomplishments – graduating from Zoom University back in May and eventually becoming a part of Great Lakes Now’s growing team in October.  

I’m only about two months into my role as the new digital content coordinator for Great Lakes Now, but I’ve already learned a lot – and I’ve already gotten to see the team achieve a lot of great accomplishments in just the one-sixth of a year I’ve been on board.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/year-in-review-2021-new-beginnings/

Mila Murray

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In: belle isle, Detroit, flooding, Great Lakes Now's Year-End Posts, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism
Year in Review 2021: As the year ends, I’m still thinking about summer joy… and summer flooding

Like many people, I made some really big changes to my life in 2021. One of the more significant changes was leaving my former role at WDET, Detroit’s NPR station, and joining the team at Great Lakes Now as associate producer.  

Having joined the GLN team in October, it still feels like a brand new experience for me as the calendar year comes to a close, but so far, I’m learning a lot from Supervising Producer Rob Green and our fearless Program Director Sandra Svoboda.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/year-in-review-2021-summer-flooding/

Anna Sysling

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In: Agriculture, Collaboration, Illinois, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research
Great Lakes region WWII armory preserves Indigenous village

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

By Hannah Brock, Great Lakes Echo

Researchers are studying a long-vanished village near southern Lake Michigan that a World War II arsenal helped preserve.

A recent study by archaeologists sought to learn about those who lived at what is now the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Illinois.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/wwii-armory-preserves-indigenous/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Drinking Water, forever chemicals, Indiana, Latest News, News, News Roundup PFAS, Pennsylvania, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: PFAS can move from water to air, DoD efforts to clean up PFAS skewered

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.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/pfas-news-roundup-water/

Natasha Blakely

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In: coal, coal ash, Collaboration, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Historic coal ash raises concerns at iconic Illinois coal plant site

By Kari Lydersen

This story was republished with permission from Energy News Network.

Coal ash will remain in the ground at the site of a closing coal plant on the shores of Lake Michigan in Waukegan, Illinois.

Owner NRG explained its plans on Dec.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/historic-coal-ash-concerns/

Energy News Network

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In: birds, birdwatching, Chicago, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism
Monty and Rose: Those Chicago piping plovers, where are they now, what are they doing?

Everyone loves Monty and Rose – and Great Lakes Now featured the charming piping plover pair earlier this year. 

Now Monty and Rose have chicks and even grand-chicks, many of whom are thriving as they fly south for the winter.  

Chicago-based filmmaker Bob Dolgan has documented the progress of Monty and Rose and their offspring over the years.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/monty-rose-chicago-plovers/

GLN Editor

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In: benton harbor, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, Feature Lead, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Should Benton Harbor residents have to pay for water they can’t drink?

By Lindsey Smith, 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/2021/12/benton-harbor-residents-pay-water/

Michigan Radio

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In: Duluth, Feature Homepage, infrastructure, Lake Superior, Latest News, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Superior Stewardship: In Duluth, the Great Lakes are more than a resource, they’re part of an identity

Big waves pounding Midwestern city waterfronts are common images around the Great Lakes, which means communities are dealing with the impacts of storms that are increasing in frequency and severity.  

One of those cities has been making strides in improving its resiliency while preserving its culture – Duluth, Minnesota. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/superior-stewardship-duluth/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Agriculture, farms, Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, local economics, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
O Christmas Tree: Is your Christmas tree environmentally friendly?

Earlier this month, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared December 2021 as “Christmas Tree Month” in Michigan.  

It’s a move that makes sense — the Christmas tree industry provides jobs and bolsters the national and state economy. 

“Michigan’s integrated network of family farmers, processors, wholesalers and retailers, work together to ensure a quality product that is enjoyed by millions throughout our state and country,” Whitmer said in a statement.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/christmas-tree-environmentally-friendly/

Rachel Duckett

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In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology
Community Sucker Science: Meet a Shedd Aquarium fish researcher and her stewardship volunteers

The sucker maybe not be a popular recreational fish, but the Great Lakes native works hard to contribute to the ecosystems of all five Lakes as well as the creeks and streams feeding into them.

In the summer of 2021, Great Lakes Now covered some of Karen Murchie’s research into this Great Lakes fish.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/community-sucker-science-shedd-aquarium-fish-researcher/

Natasha Blakely

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In: benton harbor, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, Feature Lead, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
High costs, few customers: Benton Harbor water woes loom for Michigan cities

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/2021/12/high-costs-benton-harbor-water/

Bridge Michigan

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In: AP, contamination, Groundwater Contamination, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, infrastucture, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Waste, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
EPA releases $1B to clean up toxic waste sites in 24 states

By Michael Rubinkam, Associated Press

Nearly 50 toxic waste sites around the U.S. will be cleaned up, and ongoing work at dozens of others will get a funding boost, as federal environmental officials announced Friday a $1 billion infusion to the Superfund program.

The money comes from the $1 trillion infrastructure bill that President Joe Biden signed into law last month and will help officials tackle a backlog of highly polluted Superfund sites in 24 states that have languished for years because of a lack of funding, the Environmental Protection Agency said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-epa-toxic-waste-sites/

The Associated Press

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In: diving, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, I Speak for the Fish, Kathy Johnson, lake trout, Latest News, Michigan, News, Protect, Recreation and Tourism
I Speak for the Fish: Center stage alongside Great Lakes steelhead trout 

In the spirit of yuletide reminiscing, I recently found myself looking back at my journey to bringing more freshwater fish content to PBS audiences. One particularly poignant and mildly terrifying turning point was the first time I stepped onto a really big stage to speak on behalf of freshwater fish.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/center-stage-steelhead-trout/

Kathy Johnson

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In: AP, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, wetlands, Wisconsin
Court rules against proposed frac sand plant in Wisconsin

By Scott Bauer, Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A state appeals court on Thursday refused to reinstate a permit for a proposed $75 million frac sand operation in western Wisconsin, a victory for environmentalists who have been fighting for years to protect the 16 acres (6.5 hectares) of pristine wetlands.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-court-frac-sand-plant/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Energy, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Michigan, News, pipelines, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
US requires higher safety standards for more pipelines

By John Flesher, Associated Press

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A new federal regulation requires higher safety standards for pipelines carrying oil and other hazardous liquids through the Great Lakes region, marine coastal waters and beaches, officials said Thursday.

The rule issued by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration designates those locations as “high consequence” zones where pipeline operators must step up inspections, repairs and other measures to avoid spills.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-safety-standards-pipelines/

The Associated Press

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In: Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Huron, Latest News, News, nuclear, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Public Perception: When it comes to nuclear waste in the Great Lakes region, what counts as safe?

Denia Djokić first got interested in nuclear engineering because of climate change. That was nearly two decades ago when she was a college student at UC Berkeley and learned how energy issues were central to create a more sustainable planet.  

“When we’re 21, we want to go out and save the world,” she said. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/nuclear-waste-great-lakes-region/

Natasha Blakely