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: 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, 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: 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: animals, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Fish, Birds and Animals, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, oil pipelines, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Turtles vs. Oil: Great Lakes Now producer talks ecosystems, life on the water and covering the lakes

After a stint as an intern for Great Lakes Now, Kathy Johnson is shining a light on the Kalamazoo River oil spill 10 years ago and the subsequent turtle recovery efforts with her first fully produced segment for Great Lakes Now.

Like many journalists working in the Great Lakes region covering stories about the Great Lakes, Kathy Johnson’s roots begin in the region.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/great-lakes-producer-ecosystems-life-water-covering-lakes/

Natasha Blakely

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: AP, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, flint, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Court: Flint class-action can proceed over lead in water

By Ed White, Associated Press Writer

DETROIT (AP) — Flint residents whose health and homes were harmed by lead-contaminated water scored a legal milestone Wednesday when the Michigan Supreme Court said they could proceed with a lawsuit against public officials for the disastrous decisions that caused the scandal.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ap-court-flint-class-action-lead-water/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Cleveland, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, epa, Feature Cleveland, Ian Wendrow, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, renewable energy, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Ohio nuclear bailout repeal, Minnesota coal plants, Georgian Bay hydroelectric plant

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

In this edition: Great Lakes states join others to sue EPA over new reading of Clean Water Act rule limiting their oversight capacities, Minnesota regulators allow utility company to let coal plants sit idle for half the year, Ontario residents of Georgian Bay lobby against proposed hydroelectric plant, and Ohio’s governor seeks to repeal nuclear bailout.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ohio-nuclear-bailout-minnesota-coal-georgian-bay-hydroelectric-epa/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Groundwater Contamination, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Whitmer: Enbridge dodging responsibility for potential Line 5 spill

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer criticized Enbridge Inc. on Wednesday for what she described as the company’s refusal to make an airtight pledge to pay for damages caused by a potential oil spill from its pipeline beneath a Great Lakes channel.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ap-whitmer-enbridge-dodging-responsibility-line-5-oil-spill/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, economic development, harmful algal blooms, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, lake erie, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, Municipalities, News, Ohio, toxic algae, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Waterfront Development
Water and Wonder: Great Lakes Now producer talks the lakes and his work covering them

With two segments in the latest episode of the Great Lakes Now monthly program, producer David Ruck is bringing audiences insight about two major issues in the Great Lakes region: how pollution from farmland impacts water quality and what financial cost current high water levels are having for communities around the region.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/water-great-lakes-now-producer/

GLN Editor

On:
In: Collaboration, COVID-19, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, New York, News, plastic, plastics in the great lakes, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
COVID-19 has resurrected single-use plastics – are they back to stay?

By Jessica Heiges, University of California, Berkeley and Kate O’Neill, University of California, Berkeley, The Conversation

 is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.

COVID-19 is changing how the U.S. disposes of waste. It is also threatening hard-fought victories that restricted or eliminated single-use disposable items, especially plastic, in cities and towns across the nation.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/covid-19-single-use-plastics/

The Conversation

On:
In: AP, 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
Michigan wants Enbridge to pledge funds in case of oil spill

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Michigan sought a written pledge Friday from Enbridge Inc. to cover costs that would arise if oil were to leak from its dual pipelines that extend across a channel linking two of the Great Lakes, although the Canadian pipeline company said it had already made such a promise.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ap-michigan-enbridge-line-5-pledge-funds-oil-spill/

The Associated Press

On:
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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

James Proffitt

On:
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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Emily Simroth

On:
In: Algae Blooms, AP, harmful algal blooms, lake erie, News, Ohio, toxic algae, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Moderate algal bloom forecast for Lake Erie this summer

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Lake Erie’s annual blob of pea-green algae is expected to be smaller this summer than a year ago following a relatively dry spring, but that doesn’t necessarily reflect significant improvement toward reducing the nutrient pollution that causes it, scientists said Thursday.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ap-2020-lake-erie-algal-bloom-forecast/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Collaboration, Groundwater Contamination, Indiana, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, Public Health, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Contaminated Ground: Indiana’s City of Mineral Water faces specter of health threats

By Beth Edwards, Indiana Environmental Reporter

Once known as the City of Mineral Water for the healing power of its spring-fed spas, Martinsville, Indiana, now faces the specter of health threats caused by the contamination of its water supply.

For the past 20 years, slow-moving groundwater plumes contaminated with potentially dangerous chemicals have seeped into the city’s municipal well field and drinking water plant.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/contaminated-indiana-water-health-threats/

Indiana Environmental Reporter

On:
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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Gary Wilson, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Whitmer’s Dilemma: How to shut down Line 5, avoid a legal swamp and keep Northern Michigan happy

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer doesn’t need another crisis.

For six of her 18 months in office she’s been grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic that grips Michigan and shows few signs of abating. Then came a May rain deluge that contributed to the failure of an already dangerous dam that displaced 10,000 people.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/whitmer-michigan-dilemma-line-5-northern-michigan/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: COVID-19, epa, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
PFAS News Roundup: Potential COVID-19 connection, DOD bill, Michigan lakes and rivers with PFAS foam

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-foam-pfas-covid-19/

Samantha Cantie

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan judge allows restart of disputed Line 5 oil pipeline

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan judge Wednesday allowed Enbridge to resume pumping oil through a Midwestern pipeline, nearly a week after shutting it down because of damage to a structure that anchors a section of the line running through a Great Lakes channel.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ap-michigan-judge-restart-line-5-oil-pipeline/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Drinking Water, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Drinking Water News Roundup: Pennsylvania fracking oversight, lead plumbing standard, EPA water infrastructure 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.

In this edition: Minnesota DNR decides water quality study is not needed for irrigation well, Saranac Lake drinking water has elevated sodium levels, New York will receive $22 million from EPA for water infrastructure projects, Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency holds public meeting to answer questions about 20-year clean water plan, Penn State webinar provides water management assistance for those on private water supplies, Pennsylvania grand jury finds state environmental and health departments did not properly oversee fracking industry, Ontario government seeks public comment on groundwater withdrawal proposal, Thunder Bay City Council approves loan program for private replacement of lead service lines, national plumbing standard revised to require greater protections from lead leaching, EPA decides not to set drinking water standards for chemical found in rocket fuel, and Environmental Working Group study finds nitrate contamination in thousands of communities is getting worse.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/drinking-water-fracking-pennsylvania-lead-epa-water-infrastructure/

Emily Simroth

On:
In: Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Fish, Birds and Animals, flint, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Lake St. Clair, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Ontario, PFAS, rouge river, St. Clair River, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Roller Coaster: Michigan’s long history with environmental contamination

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine you are on a roller coaster ascending the first and highest hill on the ride. You hear the click, click, click as the car slowly climbs to the top and you start getting excited, even nervous, the closer you get to the peak.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/michigan-history-environmental-contamination/

John Hartig

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Judge shuts down energy pipeline in Michigan’s Great Lakes

By Ed White, Associated Press Writer

DETROIT (AP) — A judge shut down an energy pipeline in Michigan’s Great Lakes on Thursday, granting a request from the state after the owner reported problems with a support piece far below the surface.

Enbridge Inc. has not provided enough information to Michigan officials to show that continued operation of the west leg of the Line 5 twin pipeline is safe, Ingham County Judge James Jamo said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/ap-judge-shuts-down-energy-pipeline-michigan-great-lakes/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Fatbergs, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Fighting Fatbergs

Fighting Fatbergs

SEGMENT 1 | Macomb County, Michigan

In 2019, a 19-ton glob of garbage and waste clogged a southeast Michigan sewer.

Called a “fatberg,” the blockage was made of fats, oils and greases bound together mainly by disposable wipes. Great Lakes Now introduced you to the Macomb County fatberg in our “Waters Infected” episode last year.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/fighting-fatbergs/

GLN Editor

On:
In: AP, 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
Michigan asks judge to shut Enbridge pipeline in Great Lakes

MACKINAW CITY, Mich. (AP) — Michigan’s attorney general on Monday asked a judge to shut down a pipeline in the Great Lakes after an energy company discovered that an anchor support had shifted deep below the surface.

Enbridge Inc. insists the Line 5 pipeline itself was not damaged, and the company resumed the flow of oil and natural gas liquids in the west leg of the twin system Saturday.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/ap-michigan-judge-shut-enbridge-pipeline/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, PFAS, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Michigan collects 30k gallons foam, New York burning restrictions, Wisconsin leads 22-state coalition

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/2020/06/pfas-amazon-lawsuit-epa-michigan-wisconsin/

Samantha Cantie

On:
In: Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Groundwater Contamination, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, legislation, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, u.s. epa, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Regulatory Rollbacks: Loss of federal water protections impacts Great Lakes region

The Trump administration has made a habit of rolling back federal environmental protections over the past few years.

According to The New York Times, 100 environmental rules have been reversed since President Donald Trump took office. Among those rules are thirteen changes or proposed changes that directly impact the Great Lakes, other regional waterways and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/regulatory-rollbacks-federal-water-protections-great-lakes-region/

Emily Simroth

On:
In: forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Sandra Svoboda, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Emmy Winner: “The Forever Chemicals” takes documentary prize

It’s still a pandemic, so we didn’t get to attend a gala – in fact I was still in filthy workout clothes when I got the news on Saturday night.

But I can’t imagine it was any less thrilling for any of us on the Great Lakes Now team that produced “The Forever Chemicals” when we all learned we won a Michigan Emmy in the Health/Science – Program/Special category for “The Forever Chemicals,” which premiered 15 months ago on Detroit Public TV.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/emmy-pfas-forever-chemicals-documentary-prize/

Sandra Svoboda

On:
In: AP, 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
Whitmer demands answers from Enbridge on pipeline damage

By Herbert G. McCann, Associated Press Writer

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer demanded Friday that Enbridge Energy provide proof that the damage to one of its dual oil pipelines under the Straits of Mackinac will not pose a threat to the area.

The Alberta, Canada-based company closed its Line 5 pipeline under the straits on Thursday after discovering that the anchor support had shifted from its original position, company spokesman Ryan Duffy said Friday in a statement.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/ap-michigan-whitmer-enbridge-pipeline-damage/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Lorraine Boissoneault, Mining, Minnesota, News, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, technology, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Conflicted Over Copper: Technological advances clash with environmental concerns in Twin Metals case

This is the third in a three-part series that will explore the history of Lake Superior and the Boundary waters, the communities affected by two proposed copper mines, the arguments in favor and against the mines, and what the mines might mean for the future of the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/twin-metals-copper-mine-minnesota/

Lorraine Boissoneault

On:
In: Agriculture, Drinking Water, Feature Milwaukee, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Milwaukee, Minnesota, News, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Well contamination, Montreal distributing lead filters, water protection project grants awarded

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 in the region.

Keep up with drinking water-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/2020/06/drinking-water-news-roundup-contamination-runoff-grants-lead/

Emily Simroth

On:
In: Equity and Environmental Justice, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Superior, Latest News, Lorraine Boissoneault, Mining, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Conflicted Over Copper: PolyMet copper-nickel mine has been trapped in litigation

This is the second in a three-part series that will explore the history of Lake Superior and the Boundary waters, the communities affected by two proposed copper mines, the arguments in favor and against the mines, and what the mines might mean for the future of the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/polymet-copper-nickel-mine-litigation-indigenous-environmental-groups/

Lorraine Boissoneault

On:
In: Groundwater Contamination, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Superior, Latest News, Lorraine Boissoneault, Mining, Minnesota, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Conflicted Over Copper: How the Mining Industry Developed Around Lake Superior

This is the first in a three-part series that will explore the history of Lake Superior and the Boundary waters, the communities affected by two proposed copper mines, the arguments in favor and against the mines, and what the mines might mean for the future of the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/copper-mining-history-lake-superior-minnesota/

Lorraine Boissoneault