On:
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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Great Lakes Echo

On:
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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Natasha Blakely

On:
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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Energy News Network

On:
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

On:
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

On:
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

On:
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

On:
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

On:
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

On:
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

On:
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

On:
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

On:
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

On:
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

On:
In: birds, Collaboration, Fish, Birds and Animals, Hunting, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Wisconsin
Proposed eastern sandhill cranes hunt in breeding states stirs controversy

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

By Nicholas Simon, Great Lakes Echo

Efforts by politicians to create a hunting season for eastern sandhill cranes in both Wisconsin and Michigan are stirring debates among hunters, farmers and birders.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/eastern-sandhill-cranes-hunt/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: AP, benton harbor, Drinking Water, Feature Lead, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Tests show lead in Benton Harbor tap water finally dropping

By Michael Phillis, Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The amount of lead in Benton Harbor, Michigan’s drinking water has declined, new testing shows, after three straight years of elevated results compelled residents to consume bottled water and prompted a hurried effort to replace old pipes.

Lead levels in the majority Black city’s drinking water are now just within standards set by the state that if exceeded, force a utility to take corrective action and inform residents of a problem, according to state officials.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-tests-lead-benton-harbor/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, line 5, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Enbridge seeks federal jurisdiction in oil pipeline dispute

By John Flesher, Associated Press

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Enbridge Energy moved Wednesday to shift to federal court a Michigan lawsuit seeking shutdown of an oil pipeline that runs beneath a channel linking two of the Great Lakes.

The Canadian company argued that a 2019 lawsuit filed in a state court by Attorney General Dana Nessel should be heard by U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-enbridge-federal-jurisdiction/

The Associated Press

On:
In: contaminated sediments, detroit river, Feature Homepage, GLRI, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Old Business: EPA broadly designates legacy toxic sediment sites for funding priority

The seemingly endless process of crafting, negotiating and passing the infrastructure legislation is over. 

The bill topped out at a trillion dollars, and $1 billion of that funding is coming to the Great Lakes region for continued restoration of the lakes. That’s in addition to the ongoing federal funding of over $300 million annually the lakes have received since 2010.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/epa-toxic-sediment-funding/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: AP, Lake Superior, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, National Parks, News, Recreation and Tourism, upper peninsula
Pictured Rocks to begin charging 1st entrance fee in March

MUNISING, Mich. (AP) — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will soon begin charging visitors entrance fees for the first time in the 55-year history of the tourist destination in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Park officials announced Monday that the park along Lake Superior will start charging visitor fees starting March 1, 2022, and that camping fees and lighthouse tour fees will increase as of Jan.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-pictured-rocks-entrance/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, mercury, News, Ontario, Research, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Study: Fish can recover from mercury pollution faster than thought

Mercury pollution remains a problem in many parts of the Great Lakes, but new research from Canada’s Experimental Lakes Area in northern Ontario shows that efforts to reduce the amount of mercury going into a lake can have quick and dramatic effects on the levels of the pollutant in fish populations. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/fish-recover-mercury-pollution/

Brian Owens

On:
In: birds, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, New York, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, pollution, Protect, Research, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Banned decades ago, PCBs still posing threat to wildlife

By Michael Casey, Associated Press

HOLDERNESS, N.H. (AP) — Navigating her boat toward a wooden platform floating in an idyllic New Hampshire lake where “On Golden Pond” was filmed, biologist Tiffany Grade spotted what she had feared.

An olive brown loon’s egg with black speckles was sitting on an nest, abandoned by its parents and with no chance to hatch.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-pcbs-threat-wildlife/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Research, Science, Technology, Research, wastewater, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Filter Fix: Study shows washing machine filters keep harmful microfibers out of the Great Lakes

Great Lakes communities on both sides of the border have diversion and reclamation programs for plastics, hoping to keep the trash out of the lakes.  

But how everyday people can deal with microscopic pieces of plastic is a more challenging question. Now a two-year-long study into washing machine filters in an Ontario community shows something can be done.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/study-washing-machine-microfibers/

Sharon Oosthoek

On:
In: AP, Climate change, economic development, Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Minnesota lake ice shrinking as climate change warms winters

By Mohamed Ibrahim, Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota lakes have lost nearly two weeks of lake ice over the past 50 years as climate change diminishes the state’s winters, officials from Minnesota’s natural resources and pollution control agencies said Friday.

According to newly released data from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Department of Natural Resources, the state has lost an average of 10 to 14 days of lake ice over the past 50 years — a change officials say is hurting local economies, the environment and the Minnesota way of life.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-minnesota-lake-climate-change/

The Associated Press

On:
In: energy roundup, Feature Homepage, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Michigan, Minnesota, News, News Roundup Energy, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Energy News Roundup: Duke Energy’s Financial Assistance Program, Propane Price Increases in Minnesota, Pennsylvania Prepares for Increased Energy Costs

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: 

Indiana: 

  • More than $330,000 available in winter energy bill assistance for Duke Energy Indiana customers 

Duke Energy Indiana set aside over $330,000 for customers facing difficulty paying their winter electricity bills.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/energy-news-roundup-financial-assistance-program/

Maya Sundaresan

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, environmental protection agency, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Water utilities urge regulators to scrap new PFAS limits

A group of Wisconsin water utilities are urging the state Department of Natural Resources to scrap plans to impose limits on PFAS chemicals in drinking water, saying the agency hasn’t thought through the costs.

The Wisconsin State Journal reported Thursday that the Municipal Environmental Group’s water division submitted comments to the DNR on Tuesday saying the state should wait for the U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-water-utilities-pfas-limits/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Climate, Climate change, Collaboration, COP26, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research
You Can’t Beat Climate Change Without Tackling Disinformation

By Amy Westervelt, The Nation

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

 

In the past few months, climate disinformation has been making its way into the news more than usual.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/climate-change-disinformation/

The Nation

On:
In: Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Illinois, indigenous communities, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, News Roundup Drinking Water, Ohio, Ontario, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Drinking Water News Roundup: Infrastructure funding in Minnesota, Wisconsin, false confidence in Michigan water

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 To Receive $1.7 Billion To Replace Lead Pipes—1340 WJOL 

Illinois is expected to receive roughly $1.7 billion from the federal infrastructure bill to help address the issue of lead pipes in the state. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/drinking-water-roundup-infrastructure-funding/

Maya Sundaresan

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, environmental health, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
More people are worried about the health of the Great Lakes, according to poll

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/2021/12/people-worried-health-great-lakes-poll/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Fish, Birds and Animals, fishing, invasive species, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Science, Technology, Research
For the first time, “rock snot” nuisance algal blooms found in Lower Peninsula trout stream

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/2021/12/rock-snot-algal-blooms-lower-peninsula/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Feature Homepage, flood damage, flooding, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, shoreline, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Lower Rates: New flood risk assessment will reduce insurance rates in the Great Lakes region

Approximately 85,000 homeowners in the Great Lakes region will see rate reductions for the first time because of the National Flood Insurance Program’s new risk rating system, experts say.

The flood insurance program is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It provides coverage to property owners, renters and businesses to help them recover from floods faster.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/flood-risk-assessment-reduce-insurance-rates/

Taylor Haelterman

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, cleanup, detroit river, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, waterfront
First phase of cleanup at former steel mill site complete. Now what?

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/2021/12/first-phase-cleanup-steel-mill-site/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Chicago, conservation, detroit river, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, Illinois, Indiana, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Protect, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Moment: Small habitat patches can have big ecological impact

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. 

Contradicting the historical conservation planning tenet that gave preference to protecting larger, more intact areas, a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science has shown that small, isolated patches of habitat are inordinately important for biodiversity conservation.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/small-habitat-patches-ecological-impact/

John Hartig

On:
In: AP, environmental protection agency, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Michigan, News, oil, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, pollution, Protect
BP agrees to $500K penalty, soot limits at Indiana refinery

By John Flesher, Associated Press

Oil giant BP agreed Thursday to pay a $512,450 penalty and reduce soot emissions from its Whiting refinery in Indiana under an agreement with regulators and activists who accused the company of violating an earlier deal.

The U.S. District Court settlement modifies a previous consent decree that required BP Products North America Inc.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-bp-500k-penalty-soot-indiana/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, Municipalities, News, Ontario, Research, Data and Technology
What’s Your Water Source: Who gets their water from Lake Huron

Where do we get our water? It’s a critically important and highly regulated question, yet it took some digging to find the answers.  

Specific to Lake Huron, there are a total of 30 public water supply systems across Michigan and Ontario that source surface water for nearly 3 million people to drink. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/water-source-lake-huron/

Alex Hill

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, data, Drinking Water, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, water affordability
Rising Cost of Water in Michigan Leads to Affordability Problems

By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/cost-water-michigan-affordability-problems/

Circle of Blue

On:
In: Advocacy, AP, Habitat Restoration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, News, plastic, Protect, recycling, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Science report: US should make less plastic to save oceans

By Seth Borenstein, Associated Press

America needs to rethink and reduce the way it generates plastics because so much of the material is littering the oceans and other waters, the National Academy of Sciences says in a new report.

The United States, the world’s top plastics waste producer, generates more than 46 million tons (42 million metric tons) a year, and about 2.2 billion pounds (1 million metric tons) ends up in the world’s oceans, according to the academy’s report.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-science-report-plastic-oceans/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Indiana, indiana dunes national park, Latest News, Michigan, National Parks, News, Recreation and Tourism, sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore
Spike Sustained: As COVID-19 policies relax, park attendance (mostly) remains strong

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many Great Lakes national parks experienced record visitation as people sought to experience the outdoors and participate in safe forms of recreation. 

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was one of those parks. According to unofficial data from the National Park Service, over 1.7 million people visited in 2020, the highest attendance on record.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/covid-policies-park-attendance/

Noah Bock

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, contamination, detroit river, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, shoreline, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Another seawall collapse due to gravel pile stored too close to Detroit River

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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/seawall-collapse-gravel-detroit-river/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, line 5, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Michigan drops oil pipeline suit, refocuses on separate case

By John Flesher, Associated Press

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer abandoned a lawsuit Tuesday aimed at shutting down an oil pipeline that runs through part of the Great Lakes but said the state would continue pursuing a separate case with the same goal.

Whitmer’s legal maneuver followed a federal judge’s decision earlier this month to retain jurisdiction over a suit brought by Enbridge Energy after the state revoked an easement allowing Line 5 to cross the Straits of Mackinac.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-michigan-drops-oil-pipeline-suit/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Books, Books, Authors, Art and Music, Feature Homepage, groundwater, Latest News, Michigan, News, water diversions, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes for Sale: Veteran activist and author puts renewed spotlight on diverting Great Lakes water

Tracking Michigan’s environmental issues has been a long, rewarding and at times arduous undertaking for Dave Dempsey.  

He was an environment adviser to former Michigan Gov. James Blanchard in the 1980s and now provides policy advice to the Traverse City non-profit For Love of Water. In between were stops at the Michigan Environmental Council and the International Joint Commission.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/great-lakes-veteran-activist-author/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
New lead testing method could reveal higher levels in water

By Michael Phillis, Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — For years, testing of the tap water in an upscale Detroit suburb showed the city was in the clear. Then residents got a notice seemingly out of the blue: Their water could be contaminated with elevated levels of lead.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-lead-testing-method-higher-levels/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Climate change, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, moose, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research
Study: Warmer summers worsen tick infestations for US moose

By John Flesher, Associated Press

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — It’s a ghastly sight: ticks by tens of thousands burrowed into a moose’s broad body, sucking its lifeblood as the agonized host rubs against trees so vigorously that much of its fur wears away.

Winter tick infestation is common with moose across the northern U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-study-warmer-summers-worsen-tick-infestations-moose/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Tribal Governments and First Nations
Ignore the buzz, here’s why Enbridge Line 5 won’t likely close anytime soon

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan and 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/2021/11/enbridge-line-5-wont-close/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: Feature Homepage, fossils, history, History and Culture, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, museums, News, Ontario, Science, Technology, Research, Wisconsin
Fossil Finds: Great Lakes coral and sea life remnants says much about its past and future

The Great Lakes region wasn’t always the freshwater realm we know today: rewind to a couple centuries ago and it was actually covered in tropical seawater. That’s why many of the fossils found in the area today are portions of coral reefs and ancient sea creatures.  

“When you think of Michigan or Illinois, you imagine cold and snow, but it wasn’t always that way.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/fossil-great-lakes-coral-remnants/

Maya Sundaresan

On:
In: Climate change, Latest News, National Parks, News, outdoor recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, Tourism
Say Goodbye to Your National Parks Road Trips?

By Tara Lohan, The Revelator

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

 

Climate change is already shaking up the natural world, changing the timing of seasonal snow melts, flower blooms and animal migrations.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/goodbye-national-parks-road-trips/

The Revelator

On:
In: Climate change, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Latest News, montreal, News, ports, Quebec, renewable energy, shipping, Shipping and Ports, sustainability, Waterfront Development
Sustainable Shipping: The Port of Montreal’s role as the Great Lakes’ green gateway

Shipping companies and ports around the world and on the Great Lakes are launching sustainability efforts to lessen their environmental impact, combat climate change, and improve their efficiency and images. With support from the Solutions Journalism Network, Great Lakes Now Contributor Kari Lydersen is reporting the four-part series “Sustainable Shipping.”

Read them here:

Are voluntary efforts enough to improve port sustainability?

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/sustainability-shipping-port-montreal-green-gateway/

Kari Lydersen

On:
In: Collaboration, COP26, dams, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Bringing the fight against dams to COP26

By Sarah Sax, High Country News

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

 

For two weeks, leaders and representatives from around the world have gathered in person and virtually in Glasgow, Scotland, for the United Nations’ 26th annual climate change summit, called the Conference of the Parties, or COP26.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/bringing-fight-dams-cop26/

High Country News

On:
In: Call to Action, News

During the holiday season, we experience a time where gratitude and affection warms the air, leaving us more inclined to give a helping hand. Freshwater Future recognizes #GivingTuesday on November 30th as a method to put that generosity in motion. Serving as an additional opportunity for you to help us as we continue our mission in doing right by clean, safe, and affordable water. Regardless of the amount, be a gift to our water with Freshwater Future by clicking the link here to give a financial gift today. THANK YOU!

Freshwater Future 2021 #GivingTuesday Donate Now! by events@freshwaterfuture.org

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/call-to-action/freshwater-futures-2021-givingtuesday-give-the-gift-of-clean-water/

Freshwater Future

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, outdoor recreation, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Tourism
Walleye Windfall: Lake Erie bait and tackle is big small business

Scott Stecher would like it if all baits, or lures, were Reefrunners. He’s been manufacturing and selling his series of Ripshads, Rippers, Cicadas and Wiglsticks baits for decades, and they hold sway in the walleye community.  

Stecher, who lives in Marblehead, Ohio, said his lures have landed walleye (and other fish) in places like South America, Europe and Asia.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/walleye-windfall-lake-erie-bait-and-tackle-is-big-small-business/

James Proffitt

On:
In: AP, Budget, Drinking Water, infrastructure, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Whitmer proposes $300M in water funding for communities

By David Eggert, Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday proposed $300 million in water spending to help local utilities address elevated lead levels, plan for pipe replacement and connect users of contaminated wells to municipal supplies.

The governor said the funding would expand her $500 million MI Clean Water Plan, some of which has been authorized since it was unveiled more than a year ago.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-whitmer-300m-water-funding-communities/

The Associated Press