Coping with PFAS: How have families been dealing with PFAS contamination in their communities
Great Lakes Learning: How to get your students chatting – productively – in online lessons
Enbridge to move forward with tunnel permitting amid pandemic, Interlochen Public Radio reports
By Kaye LaFond, Interlochen Public Radio
Enbridge Energy will not delay submitting permits for its controversial Great Lakes Tunnel Project because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tribal governments that oppose the project want Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to slow the process down. They say it’s impossible to prepare for public comment and official tribal consultations when most tribal staff are sheltering in place.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/enbridge-move-forward-tunnel-permitting-covid-19/
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: COVID-19 impacting utilities everywhere and across industries
Great Lakes Now Virtual Field Trip
Michigan bans spreading manure on croplands in winter months
Cruises Continue Amid COVID-19: Uncertainty mars Great Lakes cruises without stopping them
New law mandates Indiana schools test for lead contamination
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Drinking water fountains and taps at public and private schools in Indiana will be required to be tested for lead contamination by 2023 under a new state law.
The law requires schools’ drinking water equipment to be tested by Jan. 1, 2023, and take action if results show lead at higher than 15 parts per billion.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-new-law-indiana-schools-test-lead-contamination/
Great Lakes Learning: Tips for growing a fatberg at home (safely!)
Michigan water shutoffs in sharp focus amid coronavirus outbreak
By Kat Stafford, Associated Press Writer
DETROIT (AP) — The advice is simple and universal: Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of the coronavirus. But for millions of people across the country, that’s not simple at all: They lack running water in their houses due to service shutoffs prompted by overdue bills.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-michigan-water-shutoffs-coronavirus-outbreak/
Lack of social distancing leads to closure of parks, trails in Chicago and elsewhere
Water for All: Milwaukee, Chicago lead in ensuring water during COVID-19 crisis
What questions do you have talking to your kids about the Great Lakes?
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/what-questions-do-you-have-talking-to-your-kids-about-the-great-lakes/
Shipping Continues: Great Lakes shipping season opens with extra social distancing
COVID-19 Catches: Social distancing doesn’t stop Great Lakes fishing
Tighter Restrictions: COVID-19 makes it harder to cross Great Lakes borders between U.S. and Canada
Minnesota Supreme Court agrees to hear PolyMet permit appeal
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court has agreed to hear PolyMet Mining Inc.’s appeal of a ruling that canceled three permits needed for its proposed copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota.
In January, the Minnesota Court of Appeals gave environmentalists a major victory by rejecting some of the most important permits for the planned mine.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-minnesota-supreme-court-polymet-permit-appeal/
Chicago mayor thinking about closing city trails, parks
CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Wednesday that the sight of crowds along Lake Michigan despite a statewide stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the coronavirus has her considering shutting down the city’s parks.
“When we have masses of people out there as I just saw … it’s a problem,” Lightfoot said.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-chicago-mayor-thinking-about-closing-city-trails-parks/
PFAS News Roundup: Indiana restricts PFAS foam, Wisconsin utility sued, 651 military bases likely polluted
Great Lakes Learning: Join us online to learn more on teaching about this amazing freshwater system
COVID-19 could cut millions of dollars of Michigan’s outdoor-related revenue
Inside Entertainment: COVID-19 has Great Lakes aquariums and museums offering online activities
Wetland Wisdom: Documentary looks at breakthrough in Great Lakes wetland research
Minnesota Court of Appeals sends PolyMet permit back to MPCA
By Amy Forliti, Associated Press Writer
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Court of Appeals sent an air-emissions permit for the PolyMet copper-nickel mine back to state regulators for further review on Monday, giving another victory to environmental groups who oppose the project.
The appeals court found that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency did not adequately evaluate whether the air permit requested by PolyMet was a “sham permit” — meaning one that didn’t accurately reflect the size and scope of PolyMet’s proposed mine.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-minnesota-court-appeals-polymet-permit-mpca/
PFAS Around the Great Lakes Region: Actions taken in each state or province and standards set, if any
Great Lakes Learning: Introducing some resources for remote teaching
As the author of Great Lakes Now’s collection of lesson plans, educational consultant Gary Abud Jr. is now providing more support for parents, teachers and caregivers who want to incorporate Great Lakes learning into their time with children and students.
Find the lesson plans and the virtual field trip online HERE.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/great-lakes-learning-introducing-resources-remote-teaching/
Warm weather has ice fishing industry on thin ice
This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.
By Hunter Hicks, Great Lakes Now
The lack of ice across the Great Lakes region has business booming for those in the ice fishing industry fortunate enough to have safe conditions, but has left others high and dry.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/warm-weather-ice-fishing-industry/
Scientists testing alternative to road salt to protect water
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Researchers in Minnesota are trying to find an alternative to road salt in an effort to protect the state’s water bodies from contamination.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Saturday that road salt is the top source of chloride in state waters. Scientists have been ramping up warnings that rising chloride levels could harm aquatic life and turn tap water salty.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-scientists-testing-alternative-road-salt/
Taking It in Stride: How Great Lakes islanders are weathering the COVID-19 storm
Do More: Water rights advocates call for action from Gov. Whitmer, Mayor Duggan for residents without water
With the COVID-19 global pandemic continuing to spread throughout the U.S., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines have stressed the importance of staying hydrated and rigorously washing hands as a preventative health effort.
But for thousands of residents in Detroit, Flint, Benton Harbor, Hamtramck and other cities around southeast Michigan, following these guidelines is difficult when your water is shut off.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/water-rights-advocates-stations-michigan-governor-mayor/
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Mich. “energy freedom” bills, Toledo low-income community solar project, Minn. Supreme Court backs frac-sand mining ban
Headline: Cutting Contact: U.S. and Canada cut cash transactions and non-essential travel at border
Judge backs Minnesota’s Twin Metals mine in lease dispute
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday rejected a challenge by environmental groups against the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota, saying the Interior Department had the authority to reverse itself and renew the project’s federal mineral rights leases.
The Obama administration tried to kill Twin Metals by rejecting the company’s application to renew its leases, citing the risk of acid mine drainage to the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-judge-minnesota-twin-metals-mine-lease-dispute/
The Show Goes On: Films and producer chats move online for Great Lakes series
COVID-19 Changes: Great Lakes parks and tourist spots are closing, remaining open and waiting for summer
Flushing Caution: Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner asks people to properly dispose of cleaning products
Research Unknowns: COVID-19 puts Great Lakes field research prep on hold
Walleye: Lake Erie population skyrockets. Again.
Missing Opportunity: States, industry work together to promote outdoor recreation
Student Protesters Demand Lightfoot Live Up To Campaign Promises on Environmental Protection
By Brett Chase, Better Government Association, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network
More than two dozen Chicago young activists Friday called on Mayor Lori Lightfoot to reinstate a city department of environment to combat heavy pollution in black and Latino neighborhoods and increase efforts to fight climate change.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/student-protesters-chicago-lightfoot-campaign-environmental-protection/
PFAS News Roundup: Ohio starts testing, Minnesota cleanup could cost $1.2 billion, DuPont might dodge liabilities
Detroit set to restore water service amid coronavirus fears
By Corey Williams, Associated Press Writer
DETROIT (AP) — Thousands of Detroit residents who have had their water service shut off due to nonpayment of bills can have it restored under a plan that aims to allow them to wash their hands at home as a way to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-detroit-restore-water-service-coronavirus/
Recognition: Great Lakes Now earns three wins from Michigan Association of Broadcasters
Michigan Water Shutoffs: A test of governor’s commitment to social, environmental justice
Water authority transfers funding for bill assistance
DETROIT (AP) — The Great Lakes Water Authority is transferring more than $1.6 million to Detroit and Flint for conservation education and to help customers pay past-due water bills.
Board members transferred the Water Residential Assistance Program funding from uncommitted 2019 bill assistance funds from Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-water-authority-transfers-funding-bill-assistance/
Enbridge hires companies to design, build Great Lakes tunnel
By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Enbridge Inc. said Friday it has hired companies to design and build a disputed oil pipeline tunnel beneath the channel linking Lakes Huron and Michigan, despite pending legal challenges.
The Canadian company is forging ahead with plans to begin construction work next year on the tunnel, which would replace twin pipes that have lain across the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac in northern Michigan since 1953.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-enbridge-hires-contractors-design-build-great-lakes-tunnel/
Struck Down: Federal court rules Lake Erie Bill of Rights unconstitutional
Michigan Supreme Court hears case over Flint water liability
By Ed White, Associated Press Writer
DETROIT (AP) — Lawyers urged the Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday to clear the way for Flint residents to sue state officials over lead-contaminated water.
The case at the state’s highest court is one of many in state and federal courts over the scandal.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/ap-michigan-supreme-court-flint-water-liability/