Pennsylvania - Green Bay Waterfront

Dam Investment: How does Michigan stack up against Great Lakes peers?

On: June 16, 2020

In: Budget, dams, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Indiana, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin

Dam Investment: How does Michigan stack up against Great Lakes peers?

Michigan’s dam safety program has been under intense scrutiny since the epic failure in Midland in May displaced 10,000 people.

Multiple lawsuits have ensued between Michigan, dam owner Boyce Hydro and citizens impacted by the failure, with each claiming the failure was someone else’s fault.

But a spotlight was put on Michigan dam regulators after it was revealed that the state’s 1,100 dams are monitored by a staff of two plus a supervisor, all with a meager budget of just $348,000, most of which is dedicated to salaries.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/dam-investment-michigan-other-states/

Gary Wilson

Epidemic of wipes and masks plagues sewers, storm drains

On: June 8, 2020

In: AP, COVID-19, Detroit, Fatbergs, infrastructure, Michigan, News, Pennsylvania, plastic, pollution, water infrastructure

Epidemic of wipes and masks plagues sewers, storm drains

By Claudia Lauer and John Flesher, Associated Press Writers

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Mayor Jim Kenney kicked off a recent briefing on Philadelphia’s coronavirus response with an unusual request for residents: Be careful what you flush.

Between mid-March, when the city’s stay-at-home order was issued, and the end of April, most of the 19 sewer and storm water pumping stations in Philadelphia had experienced clogs from face masks, gloves and wipes residents had pitched into the potty, Kenney said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/ap-wipes-and-masks-sewers-storm-drains/

The Associated Press

Four environmental issues in the Pittsburgh region to keep your eyes on in the age of COVID-19

On: May 15, 2020

In: Climate change, Collaboration, COVID-19, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, oil, Pennsylvania, pollution, PublicSource, Waste

Four environmental issues in the Pittsburgh region to keep your eyes on in the age of COVID-19

By Oliver Morrison, PublicSource, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

COVID-19 cost jobs, closed businesses and limited travel. But the economic ruin has also led to record low levels of pollution and huge reductions in climate change emissions globally.

Some of the changes, such as remote work, could have lasting benefits for the environment, even after the economy restarts.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/coronavirus-covid-19-pennsylvania-climate-change-pollution-oil-waste/

PublicSource

COVID-19 Next Steps: Great Lakes outdoor recreation begins move toward normalcy

On: May 14, 2020

In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Cleveland, coronavirus, COVID-19, Detroit, Duluth, Grand Rapids, Hamilton, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, Milwaukee, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Ontario, outdoor recreation, parks, Pennsylvania, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, The Provinces, The States, Toronto, Traverse City, Wisconsin

COVID-19 Next Steps: Great Lakes outdoor recreation begins move toward normalcy

After nearly two months of reduced access, various levels of restrictions and outright closures, thousands of national, state, provincial and municipal parks, boating ramps, wildlife areas and other outdoor recreation areas are making their return from COVID-19.

Officials are hoping the move will help push life closer to normal for millions of people.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/coronavirus-covid-19-great-lakes-outdoor-recreation-reopening/

James Proffitt

Controlling Invasives: States urge residents to help stop spread of invasive species

On: April 13, 2020

In: fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, Illinois, Indiana, invasive species, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, plants, Quebec, The Provinces, The States, Wisconsin

Controlling Invasives: States urge residents to help stop spread of invasive species

Spring in the Great Lakes region brings blooming tulips, pollinating bees, biting sunfish and the threat of spreading invasive species.

As residents head outdoors to freshen backyard ponds and launch fishing boats, state and provincial resource managers are urging everyone to keep a few simple guidelines in mind to keep the Great Lakes safe.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/states-stop-spread-aquatic-invasive-species/

Kathy Johnson

Great Lakes Moment: Earth Day turns 50

On: April 6, 2020

In: Drinking Water, economy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, environment, Equity and Environmental Justice, Great Lakes, Illinois, Indiana, John Hartig, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Policy, Protect, Science, Technology, Research, The States, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, water, Wisconsin

Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig shares his own memories of the first Earth Day and the changes he’s noticed in the nature around him since then.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/great-lakes-moment-earth-day-turns-50/

John Hartig