On:
In: 2020 election, Cleveland, Detroit, Drinking Water, election, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Feature Milwaukee, Gary Wilson, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Latest News, Milwaukee, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Message to 2020 Candidates: Focus on water quality in Great Lakes states

Detroit water rights advocate Monica Lewis-Patrick has a few questions for presidential candidates incumbent Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden.

“What’s your water policy? What will you do to protect our drinking water,” Lewis-Patrick asked in a July Healing Our Waters Coalition press release that asked the candidates to support a Great Lakes water platform.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/2020-candidates-water-quality-great-lakes-states/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: cleanup, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, restoration, u.s. epa, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Waterfront Development
Great Lakes Moment: Cleanup of contaminated river sediment begins at old Uniroyal site

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.

Forty years after Uniroyal shut down in Detroit, contaminated sediment cleanup is starting in the Detroit River off this former industrial site.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/great-lakes-moment-uniroyal-contaminated-sediment-cleanup/

John Hartig

On:
In: canada, culture, Gary Wilson, indigenous communities, Lake Huron, Latest News, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
The Best Part of Us: Great Lakes author tackles conflict and culture in new novel

Generations of a family led by a strong patriarch clash over the future of a treasured Canadian vacation home. The local Ojibwe chief threatens to claim the land.

And a pristine but foreboding lake north of Lake Huron is an omnipresent part of the drama.

That’s the setting for The Best Part of Us, the debut novel by former international Great Lakes executive, Sally Cole-Misch.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/great-lakes-author-conflict-culture-novel/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: animals, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Fish, Birds and Animals, kalamazoo river, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, turtles, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Turtle Recovery: Studying turtles on the Kalamazoo River 10 years after Enbridge oil spill

Josh Otten reached down and pulled two turtles from the bow compartment of his kayak. One was the size of a dinner plate; the other was barely the size of a silver dollar pancake. Both were northern map turtles, the most common species of turtle in the Kalamazoo River watershed, according to Otten who played a key role in the rescue and rehabilitation of more than 2,000 turtles in 2010 following the Kalamazoo River oil spill.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/turtle-recovery-kalamazoo-river-enbridge-oil-spill/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: COVID-19, Energy, Ian Wendrow, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Ohio nuclear bailout bill repeal, COVID-19 energy crises in Michigan

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

In this edition: Michigan’s Bay County to lose millions in tax revenue with closure of coal plant; a COVID-19 study looking at energy crises cites rural areas and tribal nations in Michigan; and Ohio legislators begin the repeal process for controversial House Bill 6.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/great-lakes-energy-ohio-nuclear-michigan-coal-crisis/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: Collaboration, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Indiana, Latest News, News, PFAS, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Indiana universities receive grants to study PFAS impact on water quality

By Timberly Ferree, Indiana Environmental Reporter

Indiana University and Purdue University have each been awarded $1.6 million Environmental Protection Agency research grants to better understand the potential impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on water quality and availability in rural communities and agricultural operations across the United States.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/indiana-universities-pfas-impact-water-quality/

Indiana Environmental Reporter

On:
In: AP, Asian carp, COVID-19, dams, infrastructure, invasive species, Michigan, News
Michigan House OKs spending on jobless benefits, flood costs

By David Eggert, Associated Press Writer

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan lawmakers on Tuesday began approving a budget bill that would authorize the federal government’s supplemental $300-a-week unemployment benefit during the coronavirus pandemic and provide $6 million in state funding for costs related to devastating flooding in the Midland area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-michigan-house-jobless-benefits-flood-costs/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, coal, Groundwater Contamination, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, u.s. epa, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Trump administration finalizes coal plant pollution rollback

By Matthew Brown and Travis Loller, Associated Press Writers

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Trump administration on Monday finalized its weakening of an Obama-era rule aimed at reducing polluted wastewater from coal-burning power plants that has contaminated streams, lakes and underground aquifers

The change will allow utilities to use cheaper technologies and take longer to comply with pollution reduction guidelines that are less stringent than what the agency originally adopted in 2015.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-trump-administration-coal-plant-pollution-rollback/

The Associated Press

On:
In: canada, Collaboration, Groundwater Contamination, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Mining, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
New global standards for mine waste won’t prevent dam failures, critics say

By Judith Lavoie, The Narwhal

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

New global industry standards for dealing with mine waste are not enforceable, fail to set measurable standards and will not protect communities, workers or the environment from disasters such as the 2014 Mount Polley spill or the deadly 2019 Brumadinho dam failure in Brazil, says an international group of scientists, community organizations and non-profits.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/new-global-standards-mine-waste-dam-failures-critics/

The Narwhal

On:
In: Climate change, COVID-19, Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Latest News, Michigan, News, Wisconsin
Intersecting Crises: Fighting for climate justice in a pandemic

Alongside the illnesses, deaths and closures caused by COVID-19, the threat of climate change still hangs over communities across the Great Lakes region and around the world. And the people and organizations fighting against climate change and for environmental justice have found themselves caught between these two threats to public health.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/intersecting-crises-climate-change-justice-covid-19/

Emily Simroth

On:
In: Drinking Water, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Water Withdrawals, Wisconsin
Lake Michigan Water Pipeline: Waukesha receives federal loan for water supply project

The city of Waukesha, Wisconsin, was recently awarded a $137.1 million dollar loan from the federal government for its construction project to switch the city’s municipal water source to Lake Michigan. Andrew Wheeler, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, announced the loan on August 12 in Waukesha alongside Mayor Shawn Reilly.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/lake-michigan-pipeline-waukesha-water-supply-project/

Emily Simroth

On:
In: Island Basketball, Island Basketball - Feature, Latest News, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
Travel Teams: How do Great Lakes island schools get their athletes to games?

Just getting to and from away basketball games can be a challenge.

Great Lakes Now followed four teams at the Great Lakes Islands Basketball Tournament  last year. See the multimodal transportation it takes to get them to the hard court:

But will the 2020 tournament happen?

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/travel-great-lakes-island-schools-games/

GLN Editor

On:
In: Island Basketball, Island Basketball - Feature, Latest News, News, Ohio, put-in-bay, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
Announcer: Put-in-Bay School basketball team plays in honor of beloved announcer

When the Put-In-Bay School girls and boys basketball teams played this past season, it was without one of their biggest fans.

A few months earlier, the community’s beloved announcer, Patrick Myers, took his own life.

“He’s the reason that we play so hard,” said Senior Hannah Lentz, who told Great Lakes Now about him during the second annual Great Lakes Islands Basketball Tournament, a competition between four small island schools.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/put-in-bay-school-basketball-team-beloved-announcer/

GLN Editor

On:
In: AP, COVID-19, epa, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, News, regulations, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Thousands allowed to bypass environmental rules in pandemic

By Ellen Knickmeyer, Cathy Bussewitz, John Flesher, Matthew Brown and Michael Casey, Associated Press Writers

Thousands of oil and gas operations, government facilities and other sites won permission to stop monitoring for hazardous emissions or otherwise bypass rules intended to protect health and the environment because of the coronavirus outbreak, The Associated Press has found.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-thousands-allowed-bypass-environmental-rules-pandemic/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Algae Blooms, Asian carp, Drinking Water, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Gary Wilson, Great Lakes, harmful algal blooms, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, invasive species, lake erie, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan’s State of the Great Lakes: Drinking water quality garners spotlight

In her first regional appearance after taking office in January 2019, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made it clear that Michigan would take a leadership role on Great Lakes issues.

“Michigan has to lead on Great Lakes issues,” Whitmer told Great Lakes Now after speaking to fellow Great Lakes governors and Canadian premiers and the broader Great Lakes community in Milwaukee.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/michigan-state-great-lakes-drinking-water-quality/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: AP, economy, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, straits of mackinac, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands
Pipeline tunnel supporters, foes clash before Michigan panel

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Keeping a 64-year-old oil pipeline in operation by running one portion through a proposed Great Lakes tunnel would safeguard the economy and energy supplies, supporters said Monday, while opponents described the project as an unnecessary risk that would contribute to global warming.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-pipeline-tunnel-supporters-foes-clash-michigan-panel/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Chicago, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Latest News, News, ships
Eastland Documentary: Filmmakers talk behind-the-scenes journey and stories

The latest episode of Great Lakes Now takes a trip to Chicago to learn all about the Eastland tragedy – one that isn’t well known, despite its big impact.

On July 24, 1915, a steamship capsized in the Chicago River, and 844 people drowned.

A documentary about the tragedy, “Eastland: The Shipwreck That Shook America,” is airing on PBS stations around the country.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/eastland-documentary-filmmakers-behind-the-scenes/

GLN Editor

On:
In: Chicago, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Latest News, News, Sandra Svoboda, ships
Chicago’s Eastland Disaster: Explore this Great Lakes tragedy with a Storymap

Historic photos, newly discovered film reels, archival accounts from survivors and stories from their descendants are all part of the new documentary “Eastland: The Shipwreck That Shook America.”

The steamship capsized on the Chicago River as hundreds of passengers boarded. Their destination: a day trip to Michigan City, Indiana, just across the southern end of Lake Michigan.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/chicago-eastland-disaster-great-lakes-tragedy-storymap/

Sandra Svoboda

On:
In: Algae Blooms, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, fishing, harmful algal blooms, invasive species, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, News, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Science, Technology, Research, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Offshore Decline: Great Lakes fish populations at risk from low nutrient levels

As algal blooms flourish on the edges of the Great Lakes, lake management bodies look to cut down the flow of nutrients into the water that feeds the algae. But, as a recent report by the International Joint Commission explains, not all parts of the lakes suffer from too many nutrients — in fact, the deeper offshore waters aren’t getting enough.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/offshore-great-lakes-fish-populations-nutrient-levels/

Emily Simroth

On:
In: Climate change, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, News
Above Average: Great Lakes water temperatures keep high after record-breaking July

Lake Ontario broke a record this July for hottest surface water temperature ever recorded on the lake since 1995. 

Lake Ontario isn’t alone. All five of the Great Lakes’ surface water temperatures are still above their 1995-2020 averages as of Aug. 21,  according to NOAA Great Lakes CoastWatch. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/great-lakes-water-temperatures-high/

Samantha Cantie

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, flint, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Whitmer: $600M Flint water deal a step toward making amends

By John Flesher and David Eggert, Associated Press Writers

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A $600 million deal between the state of Michigan and Flint residents who were harmed by lead-tainted water is a step toward making amends for a disaster that upended life in the poor, majority-Black city, Gov.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-whitmer-flint-water-deal-600-million/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Agriculture, clean energy, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Ian Wendrow, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Energy-efficient fertilizer in Minnesota, Ohio bailout law repeal, Wisconsin utility rate freeze

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

In this edition: A new bill in Illinois could lead to closed coal plants being repurposed for solar power producing and storage; Minnesota agriculture startup exploring new ways to produce water and energy efficient fertilizer; Ohio lawmakers struggle over repeal of nuclear bailout bill as corruption scandal unfolds; and Wisconsin power utility Alliant Energy strikes deal to freeze electricity and natural gas rates for one year.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/great-lakes-energy-minnesota-ohio-bailout-wisconsin-utility/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, line 3, Minnesota, News, oil pipelines
Walz administration keeps up fight against Line 3

By Steve Karnowski, Associated Press Writer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz’s administration said Tuesday it will appeal the latest approvals by state utility regulators for Enbridge Energy’s plan to replace its old and corroding Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota.

The state Commerce Department faced a Wednesday deadline to ask the Minnesota Court of Appeals to take another look at the project.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-walz-administration-minnesota-line-3/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, flint, Flint Water Crisis, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Source: Michigan reaches $600M deal in Flint water crisis

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

Michigan will pay $600 million to compensate Flint residents whose health was damaged by lead-tainted drinking water after the city heeded state regulators’ advice not to treat it properly, an attorney involved in the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Details will be released later this week, according to the attorney, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about it ahead of an official announcement.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-michigan-deal-flint-water-crisis/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, combined sewer overflow, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, infratructure, Lake St. Clair, Macomb County, Michigan, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan rejects Macomb County sewage treatment lagoon plan

DETROIT (AP) — Michigan regulators have rejected a suburban Detroit county’s plan to convert state waters into an open-air sewage treatment lagoon.

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said Friday it had denied Macomb County’s application to place the structure at the end of the Chapaton Retention Treatment Basin.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-michigan-macomb-county-sewage-treatment-lagoon-plan/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Advocacy, canada, Climate change, Collaboration, Forests, Forests and Plants, indigenous communities, Latest News, News, Ontario, Quebec, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research
One key solution to the world’s climate woes? Canada’s natural landscapes

By Jimmy Thomson, The Narwhal

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

This is the first part of Carbon Cache, an ongoing series about nature-based climate solutions.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/climate-change-carbon-canada-natural-landscapes/

The Narwhal

On:
In: coal ash, Collaboration, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Illinoisans demand stricter coal ash rules, denounce state proposal

By Kari Lydersen, Energy News Network, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

Illinoisans voiced their fears about coal ash silently contaminating their drinking water, or coal ash impoundments failing and deluging rivers with toxic sludge, during public hearings this week.

It was the latest step in a years-long debate in Illinois, which has the nation’s second-highest number of contaminated coal ash sites, according to a 2011 study.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/illinois-coal-ash-rules-state-proposal/

Energy News Network

On:
In: AP, birds, Fish, Birds and Animals, Lake Michigan, Michigan, News, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, technology
Bald eagle shows air superiority, sends drone into lake

ESCANABA, Mich. (AP) — A bald eagle launched an aerial assault on a drone operated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy — known as EGLE — ripping off a propeller and sending the aircraft into Lake Michigan.

The attack happened July 21, when the drone was mapping shoreline erosion near Escanaba in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to document and help communities cope with high water levels, the department said in a statement.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-bald-eagle-drone-lake-michigan/

The Associated Press

On:
In: forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: PFAS in fast food packaging, every Madison well

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/2020/08/pfas-news-roundup-pfas-in-fast-food-packaging-every-madison-well/

Samantha Cantie

On:
In: AP, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Michigan, News, pollution, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan officials investigate fish kill on Escanaba River

ESCANABA, Mich. (AP) — Michigan officials are investigating a fish kill that affected a dozen species on the middle branch of the Escanaba River in the Upper Peninsula.

The die-off was reported Aug. 9 on the 52-mile-long river, which is popular with anglers, officials said Wednesday.

It happened near Gladstone, downstream of Verso Corp.’s Escanaba Paper Mill, which the previous week had reported the rupture of a pipe at its wastewater treatment plant.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-michigan-fish-kill-escanaba-river/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Groundwater Contamination, indigenous communities, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Mining, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Drilling fluid contamination, mining pollution concerns, tribal community grants

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:

Minnesota:

  • Nitrogen fertilizer restrictions in Minnesota begin September 1 – Successful Farming

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is reminding farmers and landowners that beginning Sept.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/drinking-water-contamination-mining-grants-tribal-communities/

Emily Simroth

On:
In: Climate change, Collaboration, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News
A vacant lot in Gary, Indiana, will soon be home to a climate-friendly community

By Audrey Henderson, Energy News Network, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

An area in downtown Gary, Indiana, that still bears scars from a 1997 arson fire will soon boast an affordable housing complex with an eye toward energy efficiency and neighborhood revitalization.

The $11 million Broadway Lofts project, scheduled to break ground September 1 for completion in 2021, is part of Indiana’s Moving Forward incentive that targets net-zero, transit-oriented affordable housing.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/gary-indiana-climate-friendly-community/

Energy News Network

On:
In: Collaboration, COVID-19, Drinking Water, Feature Milwaukee, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Milwaukee, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Milwaukee significantly behind in project to replace 1,100 lead pipes by end of year

By Matt Martinez, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Services, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

The city is significantly behind in its goal to replace 1,100 lead pipes by the end of the year, exacerbated in part by the ongoing pandemic, Milwaukee officials say.

As of Aug.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/milwaukee-significantly-behind-lead-pipes-by-end-of-year/

Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service

On:
In: AP, dams, Forests and Plants, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Midland, News, plants
Plants cropping up in lost Michigan lakes where dams failed

By Anna Liz Nichols, Associated Press/Report for America Writer

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Nature is returning to craters left from lakes drained by two dams that failed in May during torrential rain in mid-Michigan.

But not always in a good way.

“Shortly after the water receded, you could look out over the exposed bottom lands of the lake and it was like looking at the Sahara Desert,” said Dave Rothman, a board member with the Four Lakes Task Force, which is looking to obtain the four dams as well as the two lakes that were not drained.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-plants-midland-michigan-lakes-dams-failure/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Climate change, Collaboration, COVID-19, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Indiana, Latest News, News
Survey analysis finds race plays role in perception, vulnerabilities to climate change in Indiana

By Enrique Saenz, Indiana Environmental Reporter

People across the U.S. are taking to the streets to protest racial inequity, saying that people of color experience a wholly different experience in the country than white Americans. New findings from a statewide survey indicate that the disparity extends to how Hoosiers of different races perceive climate change and its risks.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/race-perception-vulnerabilities-climate-change-indiana/

Indiana Environmental Reporter

On:
In: Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Gary Wilson, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Demanding Justice: Detroit activists make formal complaint over hazardous waste sites

Calling their communities sacrifice zones for being home to hazardous waste storage sites, residents in a Detroit neighborhood are taking a stand.

Last week, residents with support from the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center filed a formal complaint with Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy over the agency’s January decision to allow a storage site to increase capacity by nine fold.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/detroit-activists-environmental-justice-hazardous-waste-sites/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Chicago, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Feature-Chicago, Ian Wendrow, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Mining, News, Ohio, oil pipelines, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Back Forty mine setback, Illinois and Ohio utility shutoffs

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

In this edition: Controversial open-pit sulfide mine in UP faces major delays due to COVID-19, utility companies in Ohio and Illinois set to resume disconnections after pandemic-induced moratorium lapses, and Enbridge completes replacement work on Line 5 under St.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/great-lakes-energy-back-forty-mine-illinois-ohio-utility-shutoff/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: Chicago, Collaboration, COVID-19, Detroit, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, Pennsylvania
In a time of COVID-19, millions of Americans are plagued by water debt

Mass water shutoffs in Detroit following the city’s bankruptcy proceedings brought the issue of water affordability and water shutoffs into public notoriety in the U.S. in 2014.

The threat of COVID-19 brought the issue back to the forefront as the CDC urged people to wash their hands frequently.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/water-debt-environmental-justice/

GLN Editor

On:
In: Drinking Water, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, PFAS, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS Progress: Michigan continues legislative push for more action against PFAS

Michigan is at the forefront of states in the U.S. when it comes to taking action against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, a group of manmade chemicals found in a wide range of consumer products as well as firefighting foam.

On Monday, Michigan’s new statewide PFAS maximum contaminant levels took effect, and they are currently among the most comprehensive and strict standards in the country in limiting the amount of PFAS in drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/pfas-michigan-legislative-push-action/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Advocacy, Climate change, Collaboration, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Latest News, Minnesota, New York, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Across America, Five Communities in Search of Environmental Justice

By Kristoffer Tigue, Nicholas Kusnetz, Judy Fahys, Ilana Cohen and David Hasemyer, InsideClimate News

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

In many ways, Maleta Kimmons defines her neighborhood by what it lacks.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/communities-minnesota-new-york-environmental-justice/

InsideClimate News

On:
In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, harmful algal blooms, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, Wisconsin
Cost of Conservation: Needed systems and equipment can lead to a hefty price tag

As Ohio farmers in Lake Erie’s Western Basin watershed face declining crop prices, increased media scrutiny and the looming threat of stricter regulations on the industry’s use and release of nutrients which cause algal blooms in the lake and its tributaries, they are in a constant battle to reduce their footprint on the lake and to stay in business.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/cost-conservation-agriculture-lake-erie/

James Proffitt

On:
In: AP, Chicago, Feature-Chicago, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Illinois, News
Number of fish types in Chicago waters up to nearly 60 from about 10

CHICAGO (AP) — The variety of fish swimming in Chicago’s rivers have increased in recent decades, which authorities attribute to a decline in pollution, according to a sampling study released Monday by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.

The report claims there are nearly 60 different types of fish swimming in the Chicago and Calumet rivers.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-fish-types-chicago-waters-increases/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Detroit, detroit river, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Groundwater Contamination, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, pollution, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: A tribute to Guy O. Williams, environmental justice champion

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.

Guy O. Williams knew very little about the Great Lakes growing up in Lanham, Maryland, about 10 miles northeast of Washington, D.C.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/great-lakes-moment-guy-williams-environmental-justice/

John Hartig

On:
In: Fish, Birds and Animals, invasive species, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, Science, Technology, Research, sea lamprey, zebra mussels
Quiz: What Great Lakes invasive species are you?

Great Lakes Now is hosting a live chat about invasive species with the Belle Isle Conservancy on Friday, Aug. 7. Check out the event page here for more details.

Since the 1800s, at least 25 non-native fish species – like the sea lamprey, zebra mussel or round goby – have entered the Great Lakes, changing the Great Lakes ecosystem in a variety of ways.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/invasive-species-quiz-great-lakes/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: New compound in Artic seawater, Michigan and NY set new rules

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/2020/07/pfas-new-compound-artic-seawater-michigan-rules/

Samantha Cantie

On:
In: Drinking Water, Groundwater Contamination, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Drinking Water News Roundup: lead in Pittsburgh, NY stream protection bill

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 ory:

Indiana:

  • Third Annual Indiana Water Summit Goes Virtual, Presents Strategies For Water Protection And Local Management – WBIW.com

The White River Alliance, the premier organization for regional water resource protection in Indiana, is going virtual for the third annual Indiana Water Summit, a forum developed to examine the complex interests and issues that face Indiana’s water supply.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/drinking-water-lead-pittsburgh-ny-stream-protection/

Emily Simroth

On:
In: Buffalo, contamination, Drinking Water, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, New York, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Groups hope NY rules get pollutants out of drinking water

By Marina Villeneuve, Associated Press Writer

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Clean water activists hope that water suppliers will remove an industrial pollutant under new water standards adopted Thursday in New York.

The state’s Public Health and Health Planning Council adopted standards that set a maximum level for how much of the hard-to-remove chemical 1,4-Dioxane can be in drinking water: 1 part per billion.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ny-activists-rules-pollutants-drinking-water/

The Associated Press

On:
In: great lakes now, Latest News, News
Growing Support: Mott Foundation funds Great Lakes Now’s programming, reporting, engagement work

A major grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation will allow Great Lakes Now to further increase television programming and digital news coverage of the Great Lakes, drinking water safety, infrastructure and affordability issues across the region.

“Protecting the Great Lakes has always been a cornerstone of Mott’s Environment program, and this grant will help to advance that cause,” said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Foundation.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/mott-foundation-fund-great-lakes-now/

GLN Editor

On:
In: Buffalo, Climate change, flooding, infrastructure, Lake Ontario, Latest News, New York, News, water levels, Waterfront Development
Review Underway: Will IJC’s efforts be enough for flooded shoreline municipalities?

The International Joint Commission has started an early review of its Lake Ontario water management plan, overseen by a board that includes some of its most ardent critics, in response to extensive flooding and outcry from the lake’s shoreline communities.

The IJC— the international body that regulates waterways between the United States and Canada — has received $1.5 million in funding from the U.S., with an additional $1.5 million in matched funds from Canada, for the expedited review of Plan 2014.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/review-underway-ijc-lake-ontario-flooded-shoreline/

Samantha Cantie

On:
In: birds, Cleveland, Collaboration, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Cleveland, Fish, Birds and Animals, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, Waterfront Development
Ohio lawmakers want ‘puzzling’ offshore wind ruling revisited

By John Funk, Energy News Network, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

A bipartisan coalition of 32 state lawmakers from Northeast Ohio has interceded on behalf of the Lake Erie Energy Development Company’s 20.7-megawatt demonstration offshore wind project, now before state regulators.

In a strongly worded letter to Sam Randazzo, chair of the Ohio Power Siting Board, the lawmakers objected to the board’s ruling in May granting a permit —  if LEEDCo agreed to shut down the wind farm’s six turbines from dusk to dawn eight months out of the year, Mar.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ohio-lawmakers-offshore-wind-ruling-revisited/

Energy News Network