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In: canada, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, forever chemicals, Groundwater Contamination, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, Ontario, PFAS, Research, Research, Data and Technology, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: PFOS in fish, Wisconsin standards in dispute, lacking regulations in Canada

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.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/pfas-news-fish-wisconsin-canada/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Algae Blooms, Gary Wilson, harmful algal blooms, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, toxic algae, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Overlooked: Small streams can have a big impact on Great Lakes water quality

Even casual observers of Great Lakes issues are aware of the problems associated with algal blooms.

Perhaps they remember the headlines from August 2014 when Toledo went without drinking water for three days due to the threat of toxic blooms contaminating the city’s water supply. Or a day their favorite beach posted “No Swimming” signs because of toxic algal bloom threats.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/small-streams-impact-great-lakes-water-quality/

Gary Wilson

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In: invasive species, Latest News, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, sea lamprey
Genetic Engineering: Researchers take first steps toward controlling sea lamprey

Early in October, scientists who pioneered a powerful gene-editing technology won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. That same technology is now being used to explore new ways to control invasive sea lamprey in the Great Lakes.

When researchers suggested earlier this year that it might be possible to eradicate sea lamprey from the Great Lakes, it was with developing gene-editing technology in mind.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/genetic-engineering-research-controlling-sea-lamprey/

Andrew Blok

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In: fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Indiana, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Ontario, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
C+: Western Lake Erie receives mediocre score on new report card

Lake Erie’s Western Basin didn’t do well on its first big test: a report card produced by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.

The report card gave it a mediocre score, an overall C+, based on a various factors regarding the lake’s condition. The watershed surrounding western Lake Erie scored a C.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/western-lake-erie-mediocre-score-report-card/

James Proffitt

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In: canada, data, Drinking Water, government, Latest News, News, One Detroit, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Quebec, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, The Provinces, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, water, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Canada Water Agency: Government hopes to consolidate water data and management

Canada is home to the third largest renewable supply of fresh water in the world, spread across a vast swath of lakes, rivers, aquifers and glaciers. Fresh water is critical to the country’s economy and health, and a key part of the nation’s identity – paddling a canoe through northern waterways is a rite of passage, and more than 30% of Canadians live surrounded by water in the Great Lakes region.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/canada-water-agency-government-consolidate-water-data-management/

Sharon Oosthoek

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In: forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, PFAS, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, The States, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: PFAS puts pregnancies at risk, Nestle and La Croix among waters with elevated PFAS

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/2020/09/pfas-news-roundup-pfas-puts-pregnancies-at-risk-nestle-and-la-croix-among-waters-with-elevated-pfas/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Chicago, Collaboration, Feature-Chicago, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, Illinois, Latest News, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, wetlands
Chicago Wetlands Shrank by 40% During the 20th Century

By Kimberly M. S. Cartier, Eos

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

As Chicago’s industries and population boomed in the late 1800s, city officials decided to reverse the course of the Chicago River so that it flowed away from Lake Michigan.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/chicago-wetlands-shrank-40-20th-century/

Eos

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In: AP, COVID-19, Michigan, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research
EMU to test campus wastewater for COVID-19

YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) — Eastern Michigan University will test campus wastewater for the COVID-19 virus and other signs of infectious diseases.

The testing, part of the school’s return-to-campus plan, is intended to track the presence of the coronavirus in wastewater flowing from residence halls and apartment complexes.

The monitoring might provide early detection of asymptomatic cases of the virus, according to the school.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-emu-campus-wastewater-covid-19/

The Associated Press

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In: industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Ontario, Latest News, Ontario, pollution, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Toronto, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Blue Jeans Blues: Researchers find denim microfibers in Great Lakes

At any given moment about half the world’s population is wearing blue jeans or other denim clothing. And every time we launder our jeans, tiny string-like particles called microfibers come loose, flow out of our washing machines, down sewers and into lakes and oceans.

Now researchers at the University of Toronto say they have found denim microfibers in sediment taken from the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/researchers-denim-microfibers-great-lakes/

Sharon Oosthoek

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In: Chicago, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research
Missing Meteorite: Did the search in Lake Michigan find it?

Three years after a meteorite crashed into Lake Michigan, the Adler Planetarium is giving a live virtual update on the search to find it.

Join at 1 p.m. ET/noon CT on Thursday, Sept. 10. Watch here:

In February 2017, a meteorite lit up the night sky before crashing into Lake Michigan off the Wisconsin shoreline.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/planetarium-update-lake-michigan-meteorite/

GLN Editor

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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.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Indiana Environmental Reporter

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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.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

The Narwhal

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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.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

The Associated Press

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In: Collaboration, Commercial Fishing, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, fishing, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Wisconsin
Multi-million dollar grant funds study of Great Lakes aquaculture

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

By Carin Tunney, Great Lakes Now

A million-dollar grant to study aquaculture aims to boost the number of fish farms in the Great Lakes region.

Aquaculture refers to raising fish both to eat and to stock streams and lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/grant-great-lakes-aquaculture/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: AP, Climate change, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research
Rich Americans spew more carbon pollution at home than poor

By Seth Borenstein, AP Science Writer

Rich Americans produce nearly 25% more heat-trapping gases than poorer people at home, according to a comprehensive study of U.S. residential carbon footprints.

Scientists studied 93 million housing units in the nation to analyze how much greenhouse gases are being spewed in different locations and by income, according to a study published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ap-rich-american-more-carbon-pollution-poor/

The Associated Press

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In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, Cleveland, Feature Cleveland, harmful algal blooms, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, toxic algae, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Toxic Algae 2020: Moderate bloom forecasted for Lake Erie

Scientists believe a dry spring in Lake Erie’s western basin watershed will help keep the annual harmful algal bloom in check this summer and early autumn.

The bloom’s biomass is expected to rank 4.5 on a scale of 10 in terms of severity, according to Rick Stumpf, oceanographer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/toxic-algae-2020-harmful-algal-bloom-forecast-lake-erie/

James Proffitt

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In: COVID-19, Feature Milwaukee, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, Milwaukee, News, PFAS, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Research suggests link with COVID-19, disposal methods increase contamination

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-michigan-wisconsin-legislation-foam-covid-19/

Samantha Cantie

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In: Drinking Water, Groundwater Contamination, Indiana, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Toronto, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Ohio Resumes Water Shutoffs, Lead Exposure More Likely from Private Wells

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:

Indiana:

  • Andrews Residents Told Drinking Water Is Safe, But Issues Remain – Indiana Public Media

When its water supply was running low in May, Andrews tapped into an unused well but was forced to shut it down again after the town found high levels of cancer-causing chemical vinyl chloride left over from a factory now owned by Raytheon Technologies.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/drinking-water-ohio-shutoffs-lead-exposure-private-wells/

Emily Simroth

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In: COVID-19, Detroit, Fatbergs, Feature Detroit, Illinois, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, sewers, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Slow Legislation: Flushable wipes become an issue in court and in law

Fatbergs — massive buildups of wipes and hygiene products congealed with greases and oils — make for a cringe-worthy topic. And the damage they cause to sewer systems can be a huge amount of trouble for the people in charge of those sewer systems.

That includes Candice Miller, the Public Works Commissioner in southeast Michigan’s Macomb County.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/legislation-flushable-wipes-court-law-fatberg/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, charter boats, COVID-19, Gary Wilson, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Ontario, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, shipping, Shipping and Ports, Tourism, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
COVID-19 Comeback: Great Lakes businesses and scientists bounce back

In March, COVID-19 brought the Great Lakes economy and society in general to a grinding halt.

Three months later, it’s not yet business as usual and challenges remain.

That’s the consensus of a group of Great Lakes industries and scientific researchers Great Lakes Now first spoke with in April.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/covid-19-great-lakes-shipping-charter-boats-research/

Gary Wilson

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In: detroit river, Habitat Restoration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Latest News, News, pollution, Region, Research, Research, Data and Technology, restoration, Science, Technology, Research, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Waterfront Development
Great Lakes Moment: Investing in pollution prevention and restoration pays off

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.

A new study on cleaning up Great Lakes pollution hotspots published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research finds that investing in pollution prevention and restoration pays off in the long run.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/pollution-prevention-restoration-study/

John Hartig

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In: Climate change, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, pollution, Research, Data and Technology, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
More Than Dow: Chemicals, contaminants and untreated sewage all washed out by Midland dam breaks

A lot of focus has been placed on Dow Chemical Company—which is headquartered in Midland, Michigan—after two dams breached and flooded many areas around Midland County including near a Superfund site.

Dow stated in a press release Thursday that there were “no reported product releases” and though the floodwaters entered an on-site brine pond used for groundwater remediation, “material from the brine pond does not create any risk to residents or the environment.”

But while there might not be new contamination issues to deal with, much of the progress on the cleanup of Dow’s last chemical contamination might be lost.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/chemicals-contaminants-untreated-sewage-midland-dam-breaks/

Natasha Blakely

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In: COVID-19, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Feature Milwaukee, Lake St. Clair, Latest News, Michigan, Milwaukee, News, Ontario, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, sewage, wastewater, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Sewage Check: Great Lakes researchers look to wastewater for data on COVID-19

The virus can be detected in infected people’s feces – sometimes even before they begin exhibiting symptoms.

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Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/sewage-check-researchers-look-to-wastewater-for-data-on-covid-19/

Sharon Oosthoek

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In: Chicago, Climate change, Collaboration, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, technology
To protect people in the Great Lakes region from climate extremes, weatherize their homes

As climate change makes heat waves more frequent across the region and the nation, cities will need more tools to protect their residents.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/rust-resilience-climate-extremes-weatherization/

The Conversation

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In: AP, COVID-19, economy, Great Lakes, News, Research, Data and Technology, water
Pandemic deals blow to plastic bag bans, plastic reduction

By Gillian Flaccus, Associated Press Writer

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Just weeks ago, cities and even states across the U.S. were busy banning straws, limiting takeout containers and mandating that shoppers bring reusable bags or pay a small fee as the movement to eliminate single-use plastics took hold in mainstream America.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/ap-covid-19-plastic-bag-bans-plastic-reduction/

The Associated Press

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In: economy, environment, Great Lakes, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Municipalities, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Research, Data and Technology, Resource, Science, Technology, Research, water, Wisconsin
Flushing Caution: Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner asks people to properly dispose of cleaning products

Anything that says “Flushable Wipes” is not flushable, commissioner says.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/flushable-wipes-coronavirus-covid-19-sewers/

Natasha Blakely

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In: economy, environment, Gary Wilson, Great Lakes, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Ontario, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, water, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Research Unknowns: COVID-19 puts Great Lakes field research prep on hold

While field research prep is delayed, the science itself hasn’t stopped as universities and researchers continue to work.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/great-lakes-delay-research-coronavirus-covid-19/

Gary Wilson