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The Farmory: Is indoor fish farming a viable way of tackling declining fish populations?

For decades, Green Bay Wisconsin National Guardsmen stored munitions and trained new recruits in a stucco-clad, Chicago Street building built in 1918.

Now, the building is home to hundreds of fish babies.

The Farmory, an urban farming nonprofit, is the only indoor fish hatchery in Wisconsin.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/farmory-wisconsin-indoor-fish-farming-declining-fish-populations/

John McCracken

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Paddle Battle: International canoe race brings families together

“I bet you can’t paddle to the lake!”

According to Phil Weiler, the AuSable River Canoe Marathon was born with those words and a friendly wager.

It’s now been 73 years since the inaugural canoe race, and what was once a friendly competition between a group of friends has become an international event, drawing professional canoe marathon paddlers from across North America.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/international-canoe-race-michigan/

Noah Bock

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In: AP, history, History and Culture, Lake Michigan, News, shipwreck, shipwrecks
Service held for last survivor of ’58 Great Lakes shipwreck

ROGERS CITY, Mich. (AP) — A memorial Mass has been held in northern Michigan for the last remaining survivor of a Lake Michigan shipwreck that killed 33 people in 1958.

Frank Mays was one of two people who survived the sinking of the Carl D. Bradley, a freighter that was on its way to Rogers City, Michigan, to pick up a load of stone before the shipping season ended.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/ap-service-last-survivor-lake-michigan-shipwreck/

The Associated Press

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New theory: Earth’s longer days kick-started oxygen growth

By Seth Borenstein, AP Science Writer

Scientists have a new idea for how Earth got its oxygen: It’s because the planet slowed down and days got longer.

A study published Monday proposes and puts to the test the theory that longer, continuous daylight kick-started weird bacteria into producing lots of oxygen, making most of life as we know it possible.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/ap-theory-earth-days-oxygen-growth/

The Associated Press

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In: Agriculture, Collaboration, Drinking Water, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, News, Wisconsin
Cow manure predicted to cause most sickness from contaminated wells in Wisconsin’s Kewaunee County

This article, first posted here, was republished with permission from Wisconsin Watch.

By Coburn Dukehart, Wisconsin Watch

The No. 1 factor for acute gastrointestinal illness in Kewaunee County’s private drinking water wells is cow manure, according to a federal study released today.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/cow-manure-sickness-contaminated-wells-wisconsin/

Wisconsin Watch

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State investigating common carp deaths in Michigan lake

LAKE ORION, Mich. (AP) — State officials are investigating the deaths of hundreds of adult common carp at an Oakland County lake.

Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources said between 250 and 500 of the fish have been found dead since mid-July in Lake Orion, northwest of Detroit. Area residents reported the dead fish to the state agency.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/ap-state-investigating-common-carp-deaths-michigan/

The Associated Press

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Bacteria Cleanup: Should we let nature clean up oil spills?

Natural populations of oil-degrading bacteria could help to clean up freshwater rivers and lakes after spills from pipelines and trains, researchers have found after experiments that simulated spills in a Canadian lake.

Vince Palace, who led the work at the International Institute for Sustainable Development’s Experimental Lakes Area in western Ontario, said that the methods currently in use for cleaning up spills in rivers and lakes – mostly digging up and dumping contaminated soil – are not particularly effective.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/bacteria-nature-clean-up-oil-spills/

Brian Owens

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In: AP, infrastructure, News, Wisconsin
Severe weather in Wisconsin causes widespread damage

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Strong thunderstorms caused widespread damage across Wisconsin, left tens of thousands without power and triggered tornado warnings.

The severe weather stretched from the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan and began Wednesday evening in northwestern Wisconsin. By 2 a.m. Thursday, the numerous tornado warnings around the state had expired.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-severe-weather-wisconsin-widespread-damage/

The Associated Press

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Chicago, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Indiana, James Proffitt, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, outdoor recreation, Pennsylvania, Recreation and Tourism, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, sailing, Tourism, Wisconsin
Boating on a Budget: Get off land and onto the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are great for many reasons – their economic power, the lifestyle they provide millions of residents, as a getaway for tens of millions visitors and the livelihood it offers hundreds of thousands in lakes-related industries.

And then there’s the water. Summer sees the lakes filled with people soaking, swimming, skiing – and boating.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/boating-budget-great-lakes-recreation/

James Proffitt

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In: AP, Climate change, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
EXCLUSIVE: Biden mileage rule to exceed Obama climate goal

By Tom Krisher and Hope Yen, Associated Press Writers

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a major step against climate change, President Joe Biden is proposing a return to aggressive Obama-era vehicle mileage standards over five years, according to industry and government officials briefed on the plan. He’s then aiming for even tougher anti-pollution rules after that to forcefully reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nudge 40% of U.S.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-biden-mileage-rule-obama-climate-goal/

The Associated Press

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In: Algae Blooms, Climate change, Collaboration, Feature Homepage, harmful algal blooms, Latest News, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research
Great Lakes algae threatens air quality

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

By Hannah Brock, Great Lakes Echo

Toxins from harmful algal blooms are known to pollute water, but now researchers are looking at how they harm Great Lakes air.

And that also could have implications for human health, they say.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/great-lakes-algae-threatens-air-quality/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: AP, Climate change, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Illinois, infrastructure, Minnesota, News
Carbon-capture pipelines offer climate aid; activists wary

By Stephen Groves, Associated Press

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Two companies seeking to build thousands of miles of pipeline across the Midwest are promising the effort will aid rather than hinder the fight against climate change, though some environmental groups remain skeptical.

The pipelines would stretch from North Dakota to Illinois, potentially transforming the Corn Belt into one of the world’s largest corridors for a technology called carbon capture and storage.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-carbon-capture-pipelines-offer-climate-aid-activists-wary/

The Associated Press

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Enbridge removes anchor from Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac

ST. IGNACE, Mich. (AP) — Enbridge said Monday it had retrieved an anchor that broke away from a maintenance vessel while on the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac.

The mishap occurred last Wednesday as a contractor for the pipeline company was doing seasonal work on the underwater section of Line 5, an oil line that runs between Superior, Wisconsin, and Sarnia, Ontario.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-enbridge-anchor-michigan-straits-mackinac/

The Associated Press

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Elevated metal levels found in water near Rockton, Illinois’ Chemtool

ROCKTON, Ill. (AP) — Officials have found elevated levels of harmful metals in groundwater monitoring wells at a Rockton Superfund toxic waste site.

But the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency noted that the substances were not found in the municipal water system for the Village of Rockton. Its water was tested June 21.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-elevated-metal-levels-rockton-illinois/

The Associated Press

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Some Chicagoans Wary of Lead Pipe Replacement

By Laura Gersony, Circle of Blue

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

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/chicago-wary-lead-pipe-replacement/

Circle of Blue

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In: Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Duluth, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Feature Milwaukee, Feature-Chicago, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, History and Culture, Illinois, Indiana, indigenous communities, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New York, News, Niagara Falls, Ohio, Ontario, sturgeon, Toronto, Tourism, Wisconsin
See the Sturgeon: The many ways to see, touch and appreciate sturgeon around the region

When the Milwaukee River Lake Sturgeon Reintroduction Project began 16 years ago, success wasn’t immediately apparent.

Having a solid scientific foundation for the project wasn’t the problem: sturgeon were raised in the Milwaukee River so they would return there to spawn when the time came. The problem was that lake sturgeon don’t return to a river to spawn for around 15 years.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ways-see-touch-appreciate-sturgeon-great-lakes-region/

Noah Bock

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In: AP, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Superior, mines, Mining, Minnesota, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Minnesota court sends PolyMet air permit case back to agency

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northern Minnesota encountered a setback Monday when the state Court of Appeals ordered regulators to revisit a critical air emissions permit given to the project.

The court ruled that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency hadn’t sufficiently justified granting the permit after opponents raised allegations that PolyMet was planning a much larger mine.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-minnesota-court-polymet-air-permit-case-agency/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Forests and Plants, invasive species, Minnesota, News, plant
Invasive weed starry stonewort confirmed in Leech Lake, Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — An invasive weed that can choke out native plants and fish habitat has been found in one of Minnesota’s largest and most popular walleye lakes, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said Monday.

The DNR has confirmed the discovery of starry stonewort in Leech Lake, located in northwestern Minnesota.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-invasive-weed-starry-stonewort-leech-lake/

The Associated Press

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Indiana Dunes collecting visitors’ ideas for new services

CHESTERTON, Ind. (AP) — Officials at Indiana Dunes National Park want to hear from visitors as they develop a strategy to add services at the park, ranging from food or beverage sales to organized tours.

Two open houses are set for Thursday and Friday at the national park in northwestern Indiana.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-indiana-dunes-visitors-ideas-new-services/

The Associated Press

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In: history, History and Culture, Lake Ontario, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, national marine sanctuary, New York, News, shipwrecks, st. lawrence river, thousand islands, Tourism
Comments Requested: Lake Ontario marine sanctuary proposal moves forward

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced the beginning of a public comment period on its draft environmental impact statement and management plan for the proposed marine sanctuary in eastern Lake Ontario, the next step toward official designation.

“Any possible new sanctuary is a big deal for NOAA, the surrounding community and the nation,” said Nicole LeBoeuf, acting director of NOAA’s National Ocean Service.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/public-comment-lake-ontario-marine-sanctuary-proposal/

Noah Bock

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In: Drinking Water, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Grand Rapids, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, News Roundup PFAS, Ontario, Pennsylvania, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: EPA approved PFAS use for fracking, $20M for Ontario airport cleanup, PFAS Action Act set for House vote

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.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/pfas-epa-fracking-ontario-cleanup-action-act-house/

Noah Bock

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In: Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, mussels, News, science
I Speak for the Fish: Mussel memory, the race to save an endangered species

I was recently reminded of the summer I spent working a gold dredge on a remote creek in Michigan’s thumb. For eight hours each day, I knelt in waist-deep water sorting a steady flow of material moving along a two-foot-wide conveyor belt.

I was looking for treasure but not of the golden variety – our team was after an endangered freshwater mussel.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/fish-mussel-memory-endangered-species/

Kathy Johnson

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Great Lakes surfers to Michigan: Don’t close beaches during rough waves

By Makayla Coffee, 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.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/great-lakes-surfers-michigan-beaches-rough-waves/

Bridge Michigan

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In: AP, Asian carp, Feature Homepage, Illinois, invasive carp, invasive species, Latest News, Minnesota, News
Worries over racism, waterways inspire push to rename fish

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Minnesota state Sen. Foung Hawj was never a fan of the “Asian carp” label commonly applied to four imported fish species that are wreaking havoc in the U.S. heartland, infesting numerous rivers and bearing down on the Great Lakes.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-worries-racism-waterways-rename-fish-invasive-asian-carp/

The Associated Press

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In: birds, Chicago, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Fish, Birds and Animals, History and Culture, Illinois, Latest News, News, Sandra Svoboda
Birds on Film: Filmmaker Bob Dolgan talks about Chicago’s piping plovers with Great Lakes Now

A pair of piping plovers appeared on a busy Chicago beach two years ago, and filmmaker Bob Dolgan recorded the human effort to protect the birds’ nest.

The result: a documentary film. Dolgan shared some of his footage with Great Lakes Now, which can be seen in this segment:

GLN’s Nick Austin spoke with Dolgan about his work chronicling “Monty and Rose,” the plover pair that’s inspired so much conservation of habitat in Chicago.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/birds-film-bob-dolgan-chicago-piping-plovers/

Sandra Svoboda

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People ignore drowning warnings, so Michigan may close Great Lakes beaches

By Makayla Coffee, 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.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/drowning-warnings-michigan-great-lakes-beaches/

Bridge Michigan

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In: AP, Drinking Water, flint, Lead, Michigan, News
‘Some crumbs’: Critics urge rejection of $641M Flint deal

By Ed White, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — A federal judge listened Tuesday to Flint residents who were victims of the city’s lead-contaminated water, a step in determining whether she should sign off on a $641 million deal that would settle claims against the state of Michigan.

More than a dozen people without lawyers signed up to speak, all in opposition.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-critics-urge-rejection-flint-settlement-deal/

The Associated Press

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In: Algae Blooms, Feature Homepage, great lakes echo, harmful algal blooms, invasive species, Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, toxic algae, zebra mussels
Researchers find relationship between invasive zebra mussels, toxic algae

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

By McKoy Scribner, Great Lakes Echo

Scientists from the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station first noticed an invasive population of zebra mussels in Gull Lake in the mid-1990s. Afterwards, unexpected harmful algal blooms started appearing.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/researchers-invasive-zebra-mussels-toxic-algae/

Great Lakes Echo

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Illinois sues owner of plant where fire prompted evacuations

By Sara Burnett, Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois prosecutors on Friday sued the owner of a chemical plant where a fire last month sent dark smoke and ash into the air for days and prompted evacuations, saying the company should be held accountable for air and water pollution and hazards that still exist.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-illinois-sues-owner-plant-fire-evacuations/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Fish, Birds and Animals, isle royale, Michigan, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, wolves
Scientists: Pup births hopeful sign for Isle Royale wolves

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Wolf pups have been spotted again on Isle Royale, a hopeful sign in the effort to rebuild the predator species’ population at the U.S. national park, scientists said Monday.

It’s unknown how many gray wolves roam the island chain in northwestern Lake Superior.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-scientists-births-isle-royale-wolves/

The Associated Press

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Energy News Roundup: US invests in wave energy, Celebrities urge Biden to stop Line 3, Company seeks damages for Keystone XL cancellation

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:

  • Illinois coal plants are closing even as fossil fuel objections stall energy bill again – Energy News Network

In a surprise announcement last Thursday, NRG said it would close its Waukegan and Romeoville coal plants, but the community impacts are unclear as “just transition” provisions remain held up in state energy bill negotiations.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/energy-investments-biden-line-3-keystone-xl-cancellation/

Noah Bock

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In: AP, Budget, Climate change, infrastructure, Latest News, News
Report: Great Lakes region needs about $2B for flood repairs

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Shoreline cities and towns in the Great Lakes region will be spending heavily in coming years to fix public infrastructure damaged by recent flooding and erosion, with estimated costs approaching $2 billion, officials said Thursday.

Communities already have poured about $878 million into repairs over the last two years, according to the results of a survey by the Great Lakes and St.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-report-great-lakes-region-flood-repairs/

The Associated Press

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In: Budget, Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Duluth, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Feature Milwaukee, Gary Wilson, Grand Rapids, Illinois, Indiana, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin
Investing in the Lakes: New bill could redirect tech money to neglected Great Lakes cities

As President Joe Biden tries to advance his high-profile legislative agenda in a sharply divided Congress, a low-profile bill that could help the Great Lakes region is progressing with bipartisan support.

If passed, it could finally help the region shake its Rust Belt image.

The legislation is the U.S.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/legislation-investment-tech-research-great-lakes-cities/

Gary Wilson

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In: Agriculture, AP, Drinking Water, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Court: DNR can impose farm conditions, consider well impact

By Todd Richmond, Associated Press Writer

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin regulators can impose operating conditions on factory farms and consider high-capacity wells’ cumulative environmental impacts when deciding whether to grant permits, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

The decisions mark a major win for conservationists and clarify that the Department of Natural Resources has broad authority to protect Wisconsin’s waters.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-dnr-farm-conditions-well-impact/

The Associated Press

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In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, AP, harmful algal blooms, lake erie, News, Ohio, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, toxic algae
Ohio expands farmer incentive program to clean up Lake Erie

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Farmers in 10 more northern Ohio counties will be eligible to receive financial incentives for using new agriculture practices that improve water quality in Lake Erie, Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday.

That brings the number of counties eligible up to 24 through the H2Ohio water quality initiative’s farmer incentive program.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-ohio-farmer-incentive-program-lake-erie/

The Associated Press

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In: Commercial Fishing, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, invasive species, lake erie, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Wisconsin
Low but Stable: Yellow perch populations in Great Lakes’ bays and open waters

On first attempt to reach Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Research Biologist David Fielder, he wasn’t monitoring fish populations or water quality. He was busy with a perch basket lunch.

The yellow perch is a staple of Great Lakes commercial and recreational fishing, and Friday fish fries.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/yellow-perch-low-populations-wisconsin-michigan-fishing/

John McCracken

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In: Budget, COVID-19, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, outdoor recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism
Great Lakes Trails: Relief funds spark new investments into outdoor recreation

With a rebounding economy and plenty of federal relief funds, states across the country are finding themselves with extra money to spend.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer yesterday announced a proposal to spend $150 million of relief funds from the American Rescue Plan on state and local parks and trails.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/great-lakes-trails-new-planned-recreation/

Noah Bock

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, News, PFAS, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Dealing with the soup of chemicals that can get into your drinking water

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

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/soup-chemicals-drinking-water/

Michigan Radio

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In: AP, Beaches, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Latest News, News, outdoor recreation, Recreation and Tourism
Nonprofit: Number of drownings in Great Lakes jumps in 2021

HOMEWOOD, Ill. (AP) — More drownings have been reported in the Great Lakes so far in 2021 than by this time last year, prompting officials to urge swimmers to practice water safety measures.

As of July 2, there were 32 drownings in the Great Lakes, compared to 25 as of July 4, 2020, according to data collected by the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-nonprofit-drownings-great-lakes-jumps-2021/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Detroit, Feature Detroit, infrastructure, Michigan, News
Water authority: Pumping stations did not fail during storm

By Corey Williams, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — Two water pumping stations in Detroit experienced power-related problems but did not fail during a heavy rainstorm last week that left basements, streets and even freeways flooded, the head of a regional water and wastewater agency said Friday.

Great Lakes Water Authority Chief Executive Sue McCormick told reporters that due to an electrical service issue only three of six pumps at one station were able to be brought online, while a power outage at a second station slowed efforts to turn three of its pumps on as the rain poured.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-detroit-water-authority-pumping-stations-storm/

The Associated Press

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In: Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, pollution
Great Lakes Moment: Ecosystem restoration needs more environmental justice

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.

In southwest Detroit, evidence of environmental injustice can be found nearly everywhere, and communities of color and low wealth feel that polluting companies and government officials are not doing enough to address many long-standing environmental problems.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ecosystem-restoration-environmental-justice-southwest-detroit/

John Hartig

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In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Feature Homepage, harmful algal blooms, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Tourism
Good News for Lake Erie: 2021 algal bloom severity forecast is 3

For the second year in a row, scientists predict the annual Lake Erie cyanobacteria bloom will be smaller than it has been in the past decade.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s forecast, assembled with the help of multiple partners, indicates an expected bloom severity index of 3 on a scale of 10.5.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/2021-harmful-algal-blooms-toxic-algae/

James Proffitt

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In: Beer, birds, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, News
Birds and Brews: Pour one out for the piping plover

Piping plovers, a small white-and-gray shorebird with striking orange legs, are making a comeback this summer – on the beach and at the bar.

The plover has been on the federal endangered species list since 1985, when the Great Lakes plover population dropped to about a dozen pairs.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/birds-brews-piping-plover-conservation-beer/

Rachel Duckett

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, Collaboration, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News
Detroit Flooding Previews Risks from a Warming Climate

By Laura Gersony, Circle of Blue

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

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/detroit-flooding-risks-warming-climate/

Circle of Blue

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Public Resource: Around the Great Lakes, everyday people help make science possible

Collecting data for scientific research across large geographic areas can be challenging, but researchers have found an easy solution – the public.

The Huron River watershed covers 900 square miles, and the Huron River Watershed Council has been collecting data from the watershed for years. Yet collection from such an expansive area would not have been possible without the help of an army of dedicated citizen, or community, scientists.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/great-lakes-everyday-people-science-public/

Noah Bock

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Chicago, Collaboration, equity, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, News, sewer systems
In Chicago, Flooding Overwhelmingly Strikes Communities of Color

By Laura Gersony, Circle of Blue

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

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/chicago-flooding-infrastructure-communities-color/

Circle of Blue

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In: AP, Chicago, COVID-19, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, News, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism
Chicago’s Adler Planetarium won’t fully reopen until 2022

CHICAGO (AP) — While most of Chicago’s cultural institutions have reopened their doors, the Adler Planetarium won’t do so fully until next year.

The planetarium along Lake Michigan closed in March 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Planetarium officials said in a letter posted on the website earlier this month that they’ll start offering some events in July including weekend screenings of sky shows, but due to financial difficulties the full reopening will be in March 2022.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/ap-chicago-adler-planetarium-reopen-2022/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Drinking Water, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Grand Rapids, Michigan, News, PFAS
Homes on tainted wells near Michigan airport will get city water

CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — Hundreds of homes that use well water near the Grand Rapids-area airport could be connected to a public water source by 2023 after the state set aside $5 million for the project, officials said.

The homes in Cascade Township have wells in an area of polluted groundwater.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/ap-homes-pfas-wells-michigan-airport-water/

The Associated Press

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, COVID-19, Feature Homepage, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Ontario, outdoor recreation, parks, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism
Second Spike: Great Lakes parks anticipate increased visitation this summer

Parks around the Great Lakes are expecting a spike in visitation this season as the United States and Canada continue to distribute COVID-19 vaccines. 

At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the park campgrounds and backpacking sites are booked for the summer after a record 1.2 million visitors last year.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/great-lakes-parks-increased-visitation-summer/

Rachel Duckett

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In: Chicago, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, News Roundup Drinking Water, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin
Drinking Water Roundup: Lead pipes in Illinois and Minnesota, rare one-person grand jury used in Flint water criminal case, increased Line 3 pumping

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:

  • A new Illinois law will replace lead water pipes; Moline will begin construction this summer – WQAD 8

MOLINE, Ill.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/lead-pipes-illinois-minnesota-grand-jury-flint-water-line-3/

Rachel Duckett