On:
In: Authors, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Lisa John Rogers, News, PFAS, PFAS News Roundup, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS Roundup: EPA adds 12 more versions of PFAS to freshwater fish monitoring while federal farm bills focus on “forever chemicals”

On Thursday, July 11, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated recommendations under the Clean Water Act, adding twelve versions of PFAS to the contaminant list along with amphetamine, three cyanotoxins, a flame retardant, and lead. The EPA noted that these are all pollutants that states, territories, and Tribes are recommended to monitor in local freshwater fish.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/07/pfas-roundup-epa-adds-12-more-versions-of-pfas-to-freshwater-fish-monitoring-while-federal-farm-bills-focus-on-forever-chemicals/

Lisa John Rogers, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Equity and Environmental Justice, History and Culture, indigenous communities, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Tribal Governments and First Nations, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Seneca Nation Sues City for More than 450,000 Gallons of Wastewater Overflow

By Native News Online Staff, Native News Online

This article originally appeared on Native News Online. Founded in 2011, Native News Online reaches millions of Native and non-Native readers annually including American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and others interested in Native American concerns.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/07/seneca-nation-sues-city-for-more-than-450000-gallons-of-wastewater-overflow/

Native News Online

On:
In: Authors, Latest News, Lisa John Rogers, News, PFAS, PFAS News Roundup, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS News Roundup: End of Chevron deference may intensify drinking water contamination by further delaying PFAS cleanup, experts warn

In an article by the Wisconsin Examiner, legal experts cited the myriad of ways the Supreme Court ruling on Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which overturned the Chevron deference, will likely harm future PFAS litigation. The decision came just days after a group of utilities and chemical companies filed three lawsuits in the U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/07/pfas-news-roundup-end-of-chevron-deference-may-intensify-drinking-water-contamination-by-further-delaying-pfas-cleanup-experts-warn/

Lisa John Rogers, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Cleveland, Latest News, News, Ohio, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
A cleaner Cuyahoga River faces a growing threat from stormwater runoff

By Zaria Johnson, Ideastream Public Media

This story was originally published by Ideastream.

The recent 55th anniversary of the 1969 Cuyahoga River fire serves as a reminder to Northeast Ohio residents of the benefits from decades of work cleaning up industrial contamination in the river.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/07/a-cleaner-cuyahoga-river-faces-a-growing-threat-from-stormwater-runoff/

Ideastream Public Media

On:
In: Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, flint, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan Bottlers Still Get Free Water, Despite Governor’s Tough Talk

By Anna Clark, photography by Sarahbeth Maney

This story was originally published by ProPublica.

ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox.

When Gretchen Whitmer campaigned for Michigan governor in 2018, she took aim at Michigan’s bottled water industry — and the state policy that gave it unfettered access to free water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/06/michigan-bottlers-still-get-free-water-despite-governors-tough-talk/

ProPublica

On:
In: Feature Homepage, GLNC, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Waves of Change
Waves of Change: Meet activist and We the People of Detroit president Monica Lewis-Patrick

Waves of Change is an online interview series highlighting the diverse faces and perspectives shaping the environmental justice movement throughout the Great Lakes region.

This month, we spoke with Monica Lewis-Patrick, activist and president and CEO of We the People of Detroit.

Listen to the full interview

We the People of Detroit is a grassroots organization that works to empower Detroiters around key issues in the city, including access to clean water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/05/waves-of-change-meet-activist-and-we-the-people-of-detroit-president-monica-lewis-patrick/

Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Latest News, News, PFAS, PFAS News Roundup, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS News Roundup: 3M scientist exposes 50 years of PFAS deceit just as the ‘forever chemicals’ are found in Great Lakes precipitation

In a ProPublica story, former 3M chemist Kris Hansen details how the chemical giant hid the dangers of PFOS from employees and the public. She was asked by senior scientist Jim Johnson to retest for what are now known as “forever chemicals” in human blood samples from the general population, in 1997.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/05/pfas-news-roundup-3m-scientist-exposes-50-years-of-pfas-deceit-just-as-the-forever-chemicals-are-found-in-great-lakes-precipitation/

Mia Litzenberg

On:
In: Authors, Chicago, Feature Homepage, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Latest News, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Chicago groups spotlight the city’s water “abundance,” focus on innovation, collaboration as key to its future

For Chicago’s Alaina Harkness, the availability and well-being of Chicago and the Great Lakes region’s water is clear. It’s about innovation, and that requires collaboration. Bringing together the right mix of policy, science, tech, advocacy groups, and others to work on common priorities for the future of water.

This mix happened recently at Chicago Water Week, organized by the not-for-profit, Current, a Chicago-based water innovation hub.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/05/chicago-groups-spotlight-the-citys-water-abundance-focus-on-innovation-collaboration-as-key-to-its-future/

Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Meet the man who has been cleaning the Rouge River for 35 years

By Zach Lassen

This article was republished here with permission from Planet Detroit.

This story is from Planet Detroit’s Neighborhood Reporting Lab, where community reporters write about health and climate issues in their neighborhood. Neighborhood Reporting Lab is supported by the Americana and Kresge Foundations.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/05/meet-the-man-who-has-been-cleaning-the-rouge-river-for-35-years/

Planet Detroit

On:
In: AP, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, flint, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Children of Flint water crisis make change as young environmental and health activists

By Tammy Webber, Associated Press

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — Their childhood memories are still vivid: warnings against drinking or cooking with tap water, enduring long lines for cases of water, washing from buckets filled with heated, bottled water. And for some, stomach aches, skin rashes and hair loss.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/04/children-of-flint-water-crisis-make-change-as-young-environmental-and-health-activists/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Authors, great lakes news collaborative, Latest News, Lisa John Rogers, News, PFAS, PFAS News Roundup, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS New Roundup: PFAS are shown to be unique bipartisan voting concern in Wisconsin

Nearly 70% of Wisconsin voters polled by Marquette University Law School showed concern about PFAS in drinking water. A uniquely uniting force from across the political aisle, which is not reflected at the state level. Last week, elected officials were once again deadlocked over how to spend the $125 million that was set aside — in May 2023 — to solve the crisis.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/04/pfas-new-roundup-pfas-are-shown-to-be-unique-bipartisan-voting-concern-in-wisconsin/

Lisa John Rogers, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Forests and Plants, invasive species, lake erie, Lake Ontario, Latest News, News, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Finding creative new ways to manage invasive cattails

Hot dog on a stick. Water torch. Supermarket of the swamp.

Cattails go by many names, but almost everyone can recognize the pervasive wetland plant  that grows along lakes, ponds, marshes, and swamps.

Their thin green stems and leaves can reach up to nearly ten feet in height.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/04/finding-creative-new-ways-to-manage-invasive-cattails/

Lily Stewart, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Food, Lake Superior, Latest News, News, PFAS, Recreation and Tourism, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Good news for Michigan smelt season: PFAS levels lower than feared

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal 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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/04/good-news-for-michigan-smelt-season-pfas-levels-lower-than-feared/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Forests and Plants, Latest News, News, Ontario, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Ghostly Grey Specters

An eerie sight is blossoming throughout coastal wetlands in Georgian Bay: ghostly grey specters lining the shores behind otherwise healthy-looking wetlands.

“Do you see these dead trees?” asked Patricia Chow-Fraser. The McMaster University biologist was addressing attendees of a lecture at The Water Institute at the University of Waterloo in early March.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/04/ghostly-grey-specters/

Andrew Reeves

On:
In: Authors, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Lisa John Rogers, News, PFAS, PFAS News Roundup, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS News Roundup: Landmark EPA decision implements first nation-wide PFAS limit in drinking water

In Fayetteville, North Carolina on Wednesday, April 10, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the nation’s first ever drinking water standards for PFAS. Limits will be capped at the lowest possible limit, about 4 parts per trillion. The Biden-Harris Administration concurrently announced a $1 billion investment to update water treatment plants around the country.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/04/pfas-news-roundup-landmark-epa-decision-implements-first-nation-wide-pfas-limit-in-drinking-water/

Lisa John Rogers, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Latest News, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
‘You start with us’: Conservation authority head has parting message for Ontario government

By Fatima Syed, The Narwhal

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal 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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/04/you-start-with-us-conservation-authority-head-has-parting-message-for-ontario-government/

The Narwhal

On:
In: Authors, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, John Hartig, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Saving the Conservation Crescent

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.

Twenty-five years ago, several lower Detroit River islands and marshes were threatened by development.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/04/great-lakes-moment-saving-the-conservation-crescent/

John Hartig

On:
In: Feature Homepage, GLNC, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Through a Glass Darkly

Increasingly, scientists and regulators are concerned about the presence of pharmaceutical pollution in our waterways, including in the Great Lakes region. This contamination has the potential to harm wildlife and make antibiotics less effective. However, more research needs to be done to understand this issue, according to scientists who have studied pharmaceuticals and other contaminants.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/03/through-a-glass-darkly/

Sean Ericson, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Latest News, News, PFAS, PFAS News Roundup, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS News Roundup: MIT chemists designed a sensor that detects PFAS

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:

 

Indiana

A bill to secure industry use of toxic PFAS is dead – for now.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/03/pfas-news-roundup-mit-chemists-designed-a-sensor-that-detects-pfas/

Kathy Johnson, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Feature Homepage, Latest News, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Toronto, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Ontario weakens watershed protections (again) as natural resources minister gets new powers

By Fatima Syed, The Narwhal

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal 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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/03/ontario-weakens-watershed-protections-again-as-natural-resources-minister-gets-new-powers/

The Narwhal

On:
In: Algae Blooms, Authors, Feature Homepage, invasive species, James Proffitt, lake erie, Lake Erie-EPA, Latest News, News, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
From the Ice Age to Now: A Lake Erie timeline

Lake Erie covers about 9,900 square miles and stretches 240 miles from southwest to northeast with an average depth of 62 feet. It borders four states and the province of Ontario. About 12 million people live in the watershed, including 17 major metropolitan areas. More than 10 million people rely on the lake as a source of drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/03/from-the-ice-age-to-now-a-lake-erie-timeline/

James Proffitt, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Equity and Environmental Justice, flint, Latest News, Lead, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Judge holds Flint in contempt for continued lead pipe replacement delays

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal 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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/03/judge-holds-flint-in-contempt-continued-lead-pipe-replacement-delays/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, News, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Efforts to thwart regulation of PFAS polluters move down parallel tracks

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

By Bennet Goldstein, Wisconsin Watch

Last week, a divided Wisconsin Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling that limited the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ ability to regulate PFAS and other emerging contaminants under the state’s long-standing spills law.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/03/efforts-to-thwart-regulation-of-pfas-polluters-move-down-parallel-tracks/

Wisconsin Watch

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Latest News, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Three Great Lakes commissions announce partnership to advance restoration

The Great Lakes Commission, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and International Joint Commission are all tasked with varying aspects of management in the Great Lakes. On Wednesday, they all gathered ahead of a Washington, D.C. event honoring the region to sign a groundbreaking formal agreement. Going forward, the three organizations will work together to protect local ecosystems and the economies that depend on them.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/03/great-lakes-commissions-announce-partnership-to-advance-restoration/

Nicole Pollack, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Authors, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Gordie Howe International Bridge becomes part of binational trail system

Imagine if the world’s longest trail (located in Canada) connected people even further, into another country, via Michigan’s longest trail. That happened last month when the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority announced that the Gordie Howe International Bridge would become part of a binational trail system. 

When the initial discussions for a potential new bridge connecting Windsor and Detroit started about a decade ago, residents of Windsor and Detroit, and a coalition of organizations, came together to envision cross-border linkages.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/03/great-lakes-moment-gordie-howe-international-bridge-becomes-part-of-binational-trail-system/

John Hartig

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Indiana, Latest News, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Indiana conservation groups defend state’s wetlands that lost protection

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

By Kayla Nelsen, Great Lakes Echo

About 250 acres of Indiana wetlands have been lost in the two years since wetland protections were eased, according to the Hoosier Environmental Council.

Since the 2021 law passed, mitigation requirements have decreased.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/02/indiana-conservation-groups-defend-states-wetlands-that-lost-protection/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: AP, Latest News, Lead, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Harris announces $5.8 billion for water infrastructure projects, says clean water is a right

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced Tuesday that states will share $5.8 billion in federal funds for water infrastructure projects around the country, paid for by one of its key legislative victories.

The new round of funding will help pay for projects nationwide, bringing the total awarded to states for water infrastructure improvements to $22 billion.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/02/ap-harris-announces-5-8-billion-for-water-infrastructure-projects-says-clean-water-a-right/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Authors, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, News, PFAS, PFAS News Roundup, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS News Roundup: CDC encourages doctors to start testing for PFAS

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

Click on the headline to read the full story:  

 

Michigan

PFAS contamination has grown in Michigan to the point that some Michiganders say … — Michigan Radio 

Michiganders have been talking about what kind of presidential leadership they would like to see on “forever chemicals.” 

PFAS, clean energy and EVs get funding in Whitmer budget plan, but enviros want transit prioritized — Michigan Advance 

Gov.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/02/pfas-news-roundup-cdc-encourages-doctors-start-testing-for-pfas/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
The future of water management, with Curt Wolf

In order to do meaningful things at scale, everyone has to be at the table. This is what Curt Wolf, Managing Director of the University of Michigan’s Urban Collaboratory, said about the Michigan Center for Freshwater Innovation in an interview with Great Lakes Now. Last month, he explained the benefits of pulling together stakeholders, the Great Lakes Water Authority, and major universities like the University of Michigan, Wayne State, and Michigan State to all work alongside each other to collaborate on grand challenges, like catastrophic flooding in the region.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/02/the-future-of-water-management-with-curt-wolf/

Lisa John Rogers

On:
In: Authors, Chicago, Feature Homepage, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Study calls for EPA to include human well-being in Great Lakes restoration program

A classic definition of “environmental restoration” talks about reclaiming habitat and restoring land and waters that plants and animals depend on. 

What’s missing from that long-standing approach? Humans. People who may live near toxic waters directly benefit when they’re cleaned up. People who fish  the Detroit River for subsistence, for example.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/02/study-calls-for-epa-to-include-human-well-being-in-great-lakes-restoration-program/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Authors, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Lest we forget – A history of Detroit River oil pollution

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.

Today, the Detroit River is much cleaner, and sentinel wildlife species have returned.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/02/great-lakes-moment-lest-we-forget-a-history-of-detroit-river-oil-pollution/

John Hartig

On:
In: Authors, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, News, PFAS, PFAS News Roundup, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS News Roundup: Researchers fear PFAS factory air emissions contribute to widespread contamination in North Carolina

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

Click on the headline to read the full story: 

 

Indiana 

Bill to allow industry use of some toxic PFAS passes Indiana House  — WFYI 

A bill that would change the definition of toxic PFAS to exclude chemicals Indiana manufacturers want to continue using passed the House on Tuesday. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/01/pfas-news-roundup-researchers-fear-pfas-factory-air-emissions-contribute-to-widespread-contamination-in-north-carolina/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Latest News, News, Ohio, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Mandated East Palestine creek cleanup is entering final phase, environmental officials say

By Zaria Johnson, Ideastream Public Media

This story was originally published by Ideastream.

Norfolk Southern is making progress on the next phase of its mandated cleanup of East Palestine’s creeks, according to Ohio environmental officials, following the company’s train derailment nearly a year ago.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/01/mandated-east-palestine-creek-cleanup-is-entering-final-phase-environmental-officials-say/

Ideastream Public Media

On:
In: Feature Homepage, infrastructure, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Tourism, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
You can’t stop the lake

In Douglas, Michigan, houses dot the coast of Lake Michigan, with wooden stairs — some newly built, others with broken steps — descending the steep hillside to give shoreline residents access to the narrow sandy beach. When winds grow fierce, waves crash against the boulders and large sandbags stacked along the base of these homes.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/01/you-cant-stop-the-lake/

Astrid Code

On:
In: AP, Latest News, News, PFAS, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Defense Department to again target ‘forever chemicals’ contamination near Michigan military base

By Todd Richmond, Associated Press

The U.S. Department of Defense plans to install two more groundwater treatment systems at a former Michigan military base to control contamination from so-called forever chemicals, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin’s office announced Friday.

Environmentalists say the systems will help prevent PFAS from spreading into the Clarks Marsh area and the Au Sable River near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda on the shores of Lake Huron.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/01/ap-defense-department-to-again-target-forever-chemicals-contamination-near-michigan-military-base/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Chicago, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Latest News, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Army Corps plans $1 billion barricade to deter invasive carp at Illinois and Des Plaines Rivers

By Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, WBEZ

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WBEZ and Grist, a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Sign up for WBEZ newsletters to get local news you can trust.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/01/army-corps-plans-1-billion-barricade-to-deter-invasive-carp-at-illinois-and-des-plaines-rivers/

WBEZ

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
The Toxic Sands Threatening Fish in Lake Superior

By Shantal Riley, Undark

Shantal Riley is an award-winning health and environmental reporter, focused on water quality in communities of color. Her work has been featured by Frontline PBS, NOVA PBS, the Washington Post Magazine, and other publications.

This story was supported in part by The Uproot Project, which is operationally and financially supported by Grist. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/01/the-toxic-sands-threatening-fish-in-lake-superior/

Undark

On:
In: Climate change, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Elk Rapids wants to help its shoreline through new state Climate Corps program

By Izzy Ross, Interlochen Public Radio

This coverage is made possible through a partnership with IPR and Grist, a nonprofit independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future.

Elk Rapids is surrounded by water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/01/elk-rapids-wants-to-help-its-shoreline-through-new-state-climate-corps-program/

Interlochen Public Radio

On:
In: Asian carp, Feature Homepage, Illinois, invasive species, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes policy advocate calls out Illinois for intransigence on invasive carp solution

The trek in the Great Lakes region’s efforts to stop the advance of invasive carp could be classified as a long, strange and seemingly never-ending trip. 

It started in the early 2000’s when advocates were successful in securing electric barriers to repel the fish. That was an interim measure and was followed by an over-the-top $18 billion plan to separate two great watersheds.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/01/great-lakes-policy-advocate-calls-out-illinois-for-intransigence-on-invasive-carp-solution/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, PFAS, PFAS News Roundup, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS News Roundup: ‘Forever chemicals’ in fish, building a better response to PFAS contamination

Keep up with PFAS-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

Military investigators make disturbing discovery at O’Hare and Midway airports: ‘It’s there forever‘ — The Cool Down

For years, Chicago and military firefighters used a firefighting foam known as AFFF, which contains toxic PFAS.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/01/pfas-news-roundup-forever-chemicals-in-fish-building-a-better-response-to-pfas-contamination/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: AP, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, flint, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Program to provide cash for pregnant women in Flint, Michigan, and families with newborns

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A program aimed at helping remove families and infants in Flint, Michigan, from deep poverty will give $1,500 to women during mid-pregnancy and $500 each month throughout the first year after the birth.

Enrollment opened Wednesday for Rx Kids, lauded by officials as the first of its kind in the United States.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/01/ap-program-to-provide-cash-for-pregnant-women-in-flint-michigan-and-families-with-newborns/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Books, Authors, Art and Music, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Feature Lead, flint, History and Culture, infrastructure, Interview, Latest News, Lead, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Now sits down with director of Flint water crisis film “Lead and Copper”

William Hart, director of a documentary about the Flint water crisis called “Lead and Copper,” joined Great Lakes Now’s Anna Sysling for a discussion about the film.

The small team began producing the film in 2016, and with the 10-year anniversary of the beginning of the crisis coming up in April 2024, Hart said they wanted to get it out and ready to screen around that time.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/12/great-lakes-now-sits-down-with-director-of-flint-water-crisis-film-lead-and-copper/

GLN Editor

On:
In: Authors, Feature Homepage, Gary Wilson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
New EPA Great Lakes executive warns on “moon shot” cleanup goal for toxic sites

Four weeks into her new position as the top executive of the U.S. EPA’s Great Lakes office in Chicago, Teresa Seidel has mixed news for the region.

She readily accepts the goal she inherited from her predecessor to clean up decades-old contaminated sediment sites in the region by 2030, a mission she refers to as a “moon shot.” The sites, known as Areas of Concern (AOCs), are on a list developed in 1987 and their continued presence makes it hard for the region to shake its derisive “Rust Belt” stereotype.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/12/new-epa-great-lakes-executive-warns-on-moon-shot-cleanup-goal-for-toxic-sites/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, Great Lakes, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Summit, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS experts gather to address growing chemical crisis

In light of the ongoing PFAS crisis, stricter groundwater regulations were part of a Michigan statewide effort to protect resident’s health and improve water quality. This was before 3M corporation sued the state to invalidate these new rules. 3M prevailed in the lower courts and the state is currently awaiting a decision for an appeal filed with the Michigan Supreme Court.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/12/pfas-experts-gather-address-growing-crisis/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Algae Blooms, algal blooms, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Feature Homepage, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Can Michigan reduce phosphorus pollution getting into Lake Erie by 40 percent?

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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/12/can-michigan-reduce-phosphorus-pollution-getting-into-lake-erie-by-40-percent/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: AP, Chicago, Detroit, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Flooding drives millions to move as climate migration patterns emerge

By Michael Phillis and Camille Fassett, Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Flooding is driving millions of people to move out of their homes, limiting growth in some prospering communities and accelerating the decline of others, according to a new study that details how climate change and flooding are transforming where Americans live.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/12/ap-flooding-drives-millions-to-move-climate-migration-patterns-emerge/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan farm czar: Our fight against Lake Erie pollution isn’t working

By Kelly House, 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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/12/michigan-farm-czar-our-fight-against-lake-erie-pollution-isnt-working/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: Algae Blooms, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ontario, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Lake Erie is full of algae again. Southwestern Ontario’s exploding greenhouse sector won’t help

By Matt McIntosh, The Narwhal

Photography by Kati Panasiuk

This story first ran on The Narwhal, a non-profit news organization that publishes in-depth stories about Canada’s natural world.

For a couple of decades at the end of the last century, it seemed like the blue-green algae problem in Lake Erie had been solved, or at least managed, thanks to a concerted cross-border effort.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/12/lake-erie-is-full-of-algae-again-southwestern-ontarios-exploding-greenhouse-sector-wont-help/

The Narwhal

On:
In: Authors, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, News, PFAS, PFAS News Roundup, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS News Roundup: How ‘forever chemicals’ affect the human body

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

 

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Michigan

EGLE establishes new surface water values for two additional PFAS chemicals — State of Michigan

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has set human health water quality parameters, which measure the maximum substance concentrations before adverse health effects.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/11/pfas-news-roundup-how-forever-chemicals-affect-human-body/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Authors, Feature Homepage, Feature Milwaukee, Gary Wilson, Latest News, Milwaukee, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Wisconsin agency’s expanded mission led to record $450 million investment in Milwaukee waterways

Since assuming the helm of Milwaukee’s sewerage agency (MMSD) in 2002, Kevin Shafer has been focused on managing and expanding the city’s deep tunnels designed to keep sewage out of Lake Michigan.

Knowing that tunnels alone are not enough, Shafer also started a campaign to emphasize green infrastructure and over the years, Milwaukee went from having a reputation as a bad actor to being a national leader in managing sewage overflows.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/11/wisconsin-agencys-expanded-mission-led-to-record-450-million-investment-in-milwaukee-waterways/

Gary Wilson