Water Access: As moratoria on shutoffs end, old problems return to the forefront

On: April 20, 2021

In: biden administration, Budget, Buffalo, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Chicago, Climate change, Collaboration, COVID-19, Detroit, Drinking Water, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Quebec, The Provinces, The States, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, water shutoffs, Wisconsin

Water Access: As moratoria on shutoffs end, old problems return to the forefront

As moratoria expire across the Great Lakes region, advocates say ongoing affordability and debt relief are key.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/water-shutoffs-debt-infrastructure/

Kari Lydersen

Spotlight on Infrastructure: Policy executive talks new Biden plan, definitions of infrastructure

On: April 15, 2021

In: biden administration, Chicago, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Gary Wilson, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, water shutoffs

Spotlight on Infrastructure: Policy executive talks new Biden plan, definitions of infrastructure

While President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan, officially the American Jobs Plan, emanates from the White House, a veteran Chicago policy executive says we should consider its genesis as broader than top down.

“It is something that cities and regions have requested – full partnership with the federal government – for quite some time,” said MarySue Barrett, president of the non-profit Metropolitan Planning Council.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/infrastructure-biden-administration-policy-qna/

Gary Wilson

Priority Shift: Great Lakes exec moves environmental justice to top of list

On: March 22, 2021

In: biden administration, Chicago, COVID-19, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, epa, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Illinois, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, water shutoffs

Priority Shift: Great Lakes exec moves environmental justice to top of list

Chicago’s Joel Brammeier came of age advocating for the Great Lakes in an era when federal programs that are widely accepted today like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative were barely on the drawing board.

Brammeier started his advocacy work in 2001 when he managed habitat programs for the Lake Michigan Federation, which later became the Alliance for the Great Lakes as its mission expanded.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/great-lakes-environmental-justice-priority/

Gary Wilson

Water shutoff protections extended by Michigan governor

On: July 10, 2020

In: AP, COVID-19, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Michigan, News, water shutoffs

Water shutoff protections extended by Michigan governor

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Protections to prevent water shutoffs during the coronavirus pandemic are being extended to the end of the year under an order signed Wednesday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Since March, 2,477 Michiganders have had their water restored through a grant to help utilities reconnect consumers.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ap-water-shutoff-extended-michigan-governor/

The Associated Press

Freshwater Weekly May 29, 2020

On: June 1, 2020

In: Chicago, environmental contamination, Environmental Justice, Floods, reconnection, shoreline, water shutoffs, wind turbines

May 29, 2020

TThis week: Floodwaters Mix with Chemicals After Dam Failures + Some Residents of Chicago May Find Relief from Lack of Running Water + Funding for Lakewalk in Duluth Approved + Wind Turbines in Lake Erie Moves Forward with Limitations + Our Own Alicia Smith Receives “Urban Waters Learning Network Award”

Floodwaters Mix with Chemicals After Dam Failures

Two dams failed in mid-Michigan after 4.7 inches fell on mid-Michigan in 48 hours after several previous days of rain. The flooding surrounded Dow Chemical, headquartered in Midland. Levees designed to protect the plant from external forces were infiltrated causing floodwaters to comingle with dangerous chemicals within the plant creating potential environmental contamination.

Some Residents of Chicago May Find Relief from Lack of Running Water

Many cities in the Great Lakes region are scrambling to reconnect their water customers with service in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. In Chicago, residents fear having to pay past bills before they can have their water restored. Relief may be in sight for those who qualify, as the City has announced a Utility Billing Relief Program featuring reduced rates, no late penalties or debt collection, and debt forgiveness with on-time payments for 12 months.

Funding for Lakewalk in Duluth Approved

A popular seven-mile trail that follows the Lake Superior shoreline in Duluth received funding approval from City Council to rebuild the Canal Park section. High waters and storms damaged the trail. Federal and state funding will cover 75% of the improvements and City funds will be used for the remainder.

Wind Turbines in Lake Erie Moves Forward with Limitations

A pilot project for six-offshore wind turbines in Lake Erie, which would be the first of its kind in North America, took one step forward. The Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation received approval from the siting board with 33 conditions including no nighttime operations from March through October to reduce impacts to bats and birds. The energy company stated that the conditions could kill the project. Opponents are concerned that the environmental assessment did not adequately address all the potential impacts.

Our Own Alicia Smith Receives “Urban Waters Learning Network Award”

A huge congratulations to our Community and Policy Director, Alicia Smith for receiving the Urban Waters Learning Network Award, presented at the Virtual River Rally for her work with the amazing Junction Coalition in Toledo, Ohio.

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/uncategorized/freshwater-weekly-may-29-2020/

Leslie Burk

Freshwater Future Weekly: April 21, 2020

On: April 21, 2020

In: COVID-19, Freshwater Weekly, PFAS, water shutoffs

April 17, 2020

This week: Congress Introduces Federal Ban on Water Shutoffs During COVID—19 Crisis + Vermont Finds PFAS In Groundwater Due To Fertilizer Treatment + Developer Implodes Coal Plant Smoke Stack, Covering Little Village in Dust + Port Huron Upgrades Sewer System

Congress Introduces Federal Ban on Water Shutoffs During COVID—19 Crisis

Numerous municipalities and States have adopted moratoriums for water shut offs amid COVID-19. Over sixty members of Congress are in consensus that a ban on water shut offs is essential on a federal level. The legislation also provides funding for residents to cover water bills.

Vermont Finds PFAS In Groundwater Due To Fertilizer Treatment

Using treated sewage sludge for agricultural fertilizer has been considered safe until recently. The presence of pharmaceuticals and chemicals like PFAS used in water and stain repellents, nonstick cookware, and fire retardants are concentrating in sludge and when applied to farm fields are contaminating soils and groundwater as recently reported in Vermont.

Developer Implodes Coal Plant Smoke Stack, Covering Little Village in Dust

Amid COVID-19 a former coal plant implodes, sending clouds of toxic dust in the air to cover Little Village of Chicago. Local residents and Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO) are furious, demanding reparations from the company as well as the city. Residents are suffering from respiratory symptoms and fear entering health facilities due to fear of contracting the virus.

Port Huron Upgrades Sewer System

Like many cities, Port Huron’s combined wastewater and stormwater drains were not properly designed and often resulted in raw sewage being dumped in the St. Clair River. At one time, there were 19 overflow points polluting the waterway. Twenty-one years and $178 million later, overflow points will be eliminated, greatly benefiting the water quality of the St. Clair River.

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/uncategorized/freshwater-future-weekly-april-21-2020/

Alexis Smith

Freshwater Future Weekly: April 7, 2020

On: April 7, 2020

In: COVID-19, Freshwater Weekly, Great Lakes, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, restoration, water shutoffs, Wisconsin

April 3, 2020

This week: Water Service Restoration Update + COVID-19 has Great Lakes aquariums and museums offering online activities + Federal Judge Allows Flint Water Lawsuit Against Former Gov Snyder to Proceed + Flint mayor announces city-wide curfew effective April 2nd

Water Service Restoration Update

Michigan:

Whitmer orders that homes’ water service be restored amid COVID-19 pandemic

Governor Whitmer issued an executive order to restore water services to occupied homes. Thank you to all the Freshwater Future supporters who helped send a message to Governor Whitmer urging a moratorium on water shutoffs and restoration of essential water services.. Access to water is imperative for residents to have the capacity to thoroughly wash their hands, in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Now utility companies must get to work to identify and restore residential homes’ water. As part of the Executive Order, Governor Whitmer is requiring all public water suppliers that have used shutoffs as a consequence for nonpayment to file a report with the state on their efforts to restore service by April 12th.

Public Health Experts Urge Michigan Mayors To Turn Water On ASAP

Michigan residents and public health experts are calling on Governor Whitmer to work with her newly created Michigan Advisory Council for Environmental Justice (MAC EJ) to ensure that residential water services are restored quickly, transparently, and equitably. Detroit and Michigan have become national epicenters for the Coronavirus in the U.S. and the Governor and her administration must work quickly to restore life-saving resources, such as clean water. This week, medical professionals and public health experts joined We The People, Freshwater Future, and Great Lakes Environmental Law Center to update the media via teleconference on the public health impact of water shut offs and how they are contributing to the high rate of coronavirus infection throughout the state. The recorded teleconference is now available on YouTube. Click here to watch.

Ohio:

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency orders water restored and halts future shutoffs

Earlier this week, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director, Laurie Stevenson, sent an order to all public utilities in Ohio to restore residential water services as quickly as possible and halt any disconnection due to nonpayment or fees. This order also directed public water utilities to not charge a reconnection fee and provide residents with instructions on how to properly flush their pipes before using the water. This order is in place until December 1, 2020 or until the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

Illinois:

Some Chicagoans May Be Facing Coronavirus Without Water At Home

An investigation of City of Chicago records by WBEZ discovered the potential of thousands of residents without water service. Fortunately, Mayor Lori Lightfoot placed a moratorium on water shutoffs soon after taking office in May 2019. Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, BIG (Blacks in Green) and many other organizations are working to identify residences without water.

Wisconsin:

On March 22nd, Governor Evers and the Public Service Commission (PSC), which oversee approximately 575 public and private utilities throughout Wisconsin, halted water shutoffs and streamline the restoration of residential water services. In addition, PSC directed utilities to wave late fees. Are you a resident of Wisconsin and need support in getting your water turned on now? Click here.

Great Lakes Aquariums and Museums Offering Online Activities

Amid COVID-19, there are people who take lemons and make lemonade. Due to physical distancing, community facilities and entertainment centers are closed to the public. However, these resilient centers have gone on online for enjoyment and learning. Throughout the entire Great Lake region there are aquariums, museums and live animal feedings available to you in the comfort of your own home. Click here to pick your favorite place, there is still fun to be had!

Update: Federal Judge Allows Flint Water Lawsuit Against Former Gov Snyder to Proceed

A Flint family’s lawsuit against state officials was allowed to proceed by a Federal Judge. Judge Levy dismissed charges against the former Mayor and other state officials but is allowing the case against former Gov Rick Snyder and Emergency Manager, Darnell Earley to proceed.

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/uncategorized/freshwater-future-weekly-april-7-2020/

Alexis Smith

Do More: Water rights advocates call for action from Gov. Whitmer, Mayor Duggan for residents without water

On: March 20, 2020

In: Advocacy, Detroit, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, governor, Ian Wendrow, Latest News, mayor, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, water, water rights, water shutoffs

Do More: Water rights advocates call for action from Gov. Whitmer, Mayor Duggan for residents without water

With the COVID-19 global pandemic continuing to spread throughout the U.S., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines have stressed the importance of staying hydrated and rigorously washing hands as a preventative health effort.

But for thousands of residents in Detroit, Flint, Benton Harbor, Hamtramck and other cities around southeast Michigan, following these guidelines is difficult when your water is shut off.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/water-rights-advocates-stations-michigan-governor-mayor/

Ian Wendrow

Freshwater Weekly: March 13, 2020

On: March 13, 2020

In: coronavirus, flint water lab, Freshwater Weekly, Great Lakes, pellston, PFAS, washington dc, water shutoffs

March 13, 2020

Visits with Federal Representatives Highlight Water Issues + Detroit to Restore Water Service to Aid in Coronavirus Prevention + Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie Set Water Level Records in February + POSTPONED–Flint Community Water Lab Grand Opening + Pellston, Michigan Students Help Discover PFAS in Homes

Visits with Federal Representatives Highlight Water Issues

Last week, Freshwater Future and our partners from communities around the Great Lakes visited Federal Representatives in Washington, D.C. to inform them of concerns and needs to address water safety, toxins in water, and affordability.

Detroit to Restore Water Service to Aid in Coronavirus Prevention

One of the most critical defenses for fighting off coronavirus is washing our hands. We the People of Detroit led an initiative requesting the City of Detroit cease all water shutoffs and begin to restore service to all customers for public health reasons. Returning service to waterless homes will slow down the spread of the coronavirus and other health risks that are associated with no water in the home.

Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie Set Water Level Records in February

If one inch of water equates to 800 billion gallons of water, what happens when the Great Lakes rise as high as 17 inches above the shoreline? Water level records are shattered creating higher rates of erosion and higher waves for surfing.

POSTPONED–Flint Community Water Lab Grand Opening

The Flint Development Center and Freshwater Future have worked years to establish the Mckenzie Patrice Croom, Flint Community Lab, the first of its kind. The Grand Opening scheduled for March 25th has been postponed due to the coronavirus. To ensure the health and safety of our participants and community members, we will reschedule for a later date. You will not want to miss this celebration.

Pellston, Michigan Students Help Discover PFAS in Homes

Pellston students, after learning about the toxic chemicals called PFAS, worked with Freshwater Future to test the water in their classmates’ homes. The results found high levels in a few residences. The students are stepping up and becoming young leaders in the community by helping to inform and educate the community about PFAS and tackling the problem.

Ask Your Senator to Take Action on PFAS

In January, the U.S. House of Representatives passed, with bipartisan support, the PFAS Action Act (H.B. 535). Sign this petition to ask your Senators to move PFAS solutions forward. This important piece of legislation will:

Protect drinking water from PFAS by requiring the EPA to create a drinking water standard for PFOA and PFOS within two years.
Protect the Great Lakes, rivers, and streams from PFAS pollution by listing PFOS and PFOA under the Clean Water Act within two years.
Protect our air from PFAS by making PFOS and PFOA hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.
Require corporate polluters to clean up their PFAS contamination by listing PFAS as hazardous substances under the CERCLA Act or the Superfund Law.
Protect our communities and workers, especially our firefighters, who come into contact with these harmful products on a regular basis.

If you haven’t already, please sign this petition to ask your Senators to vote in favor of the Senate version of the PFAS Action Act.

PFAS Test Kits – GIFT a KIT!
Freshwater Future believes everyone has a right to know what is in their drinking water, regardless of what’s in their wallets. We have partnered with the University of Michigan Biological Station and other donors to offer PFAS testing for homes on private wells at reduced rates. You can help make our kits even more accessible by selecting Gift a Kit at check out. We’ll use your donation to send a kit to someone else as part of our “Pay What You Can Program”. Get (or gift) your test kits today!

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/uncategorized/freshwater-weekly-march-13-2020/

Alexis Smith

Freshwater Weekly: January 24th, 2020

On: January 25, 2020

In: flint, freshwater future, Freshwater Weekly, Great Lakes, PFAS, water shutoffs

January 24, 2020

This week: Supreme Court Rules Flint Residents Can Sue City and State Over Water + Indiana Attempts to Limit Lake Access + Michigan Sues 17 Companies Over PFAS + Ice Balls Roll Up on Great Lakes Shores + Michigan’s Governor Requested to Declare Water Shutoffs Health Emergency

Supreme Court Rules Flint Residents Can Sue City and State Over Water

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld lower court decisions that would allow Flint residents to pursue legal cases against the City and State regulators related to the Flint Water Crisis. The Flint Water Crisis started in 2014 when the City switched water supplies and failed to use corrosion control that caused an outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease and lead contaminated water. With this decision, Flint residents can take steps to hold accountable government officials for the crisis.

Indiana Attempts to Limit Lake Access

Public access and use of Lake Michigan’s shoreline in Indiana was validated in 2018 by the Indiana Supreme Court. Indiana legislators introduced a bill that would transfer the ownership of Lake Michigan shoreline from the State of Indiana to private property owners. Indiana’s Lake Michigan shore runs 45-miles and many areas are dealing with erosion from the high water levels.

Michigan Sues 17 Companies Over PFAS

The State of Michigan is suing 17 companies for environmental contamination from the family of toxic chemicals called PFAS used in products for waterproofing, stain repellents, and fire retardants. Scientific research shows health impacts from exposure to these chemicals including thyroid problems, cancer, and developmental and immunity problems for children. The lawsuit seeks damages based on companies knowing the impacts and hiding them from consumers.

Ice Balls Roll Up on Great Lakes Shores

Beachcombing on the Great Lakes is for all seasons. Wintertime can be the best time to find interesting rocks and the only time of year you’ll find ice balls. Ice balls form when ice chunks are rolled over and over by waves smoothing out the jagged edges. Check out this video of ice balls formed recently on Lake Michigan.

Michigan’s Governor Requested to Declare Water Shutoffs Health Emergency

Shutting off water from unpaid bills is a disaster according to Mark Fancher, attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Two groups, the ACLU and Great Lakes Environmental Law Center asked Governor Whitmer to put a moratorium on water shutoffs in Detroit. Research shows that water shutoffs significantly increase public health infections.

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/uncategorized/freshwater-weekly-january-24th-2020/

Alexis Smith

Freshwater Weekly: January 2nd, 2020

On: January 2, 2020

In: freshwater future, Freshwater Weekly, Great Lakes, Lake Huron, water shutoffs

January 2, 2020

This week: Youth Water Protector, Autumn Peltier Stands Up for Great Lakes + Lake Huron Site in Running for Nuclear Waste Facility + Lawsuit Filed Against the City of Cleveland for Water Shutoffs + Satellite Image Captures Details of Great Lakes

Youth Water Protector, Autumn Peltier Stands Up for Great Lakes

Sixteen-year-old, Greta Thunberg’s climate strike sparked activism and awareness of the climate crisis around the world. Youth in the Great Lakes region are leading on environmental and water issues too. Fifteen years old, Autumn Peltier is a member of the Wikewemikong First Nation and a water protector. Following in her Aunt Josephine Mandamin’s footsteps, she advocates for clean drinking water and waterways for indigenous peoples. Peltier has spoken to the United Nations in 2018 and 2019 sharing the slow progress to help indigenous communities access clean drinking water. Thank you, Autumn, for your leadership.

Lake Huron Site in Running for Nuclear Waste Facility

Huron-Kinloss/South Bruce, in Bruce County, Ontario, is being considered to store Canada’s most radioactive waste. The repository would store spent nuclear fuel 1,650 feet below ground. Canada has more than 128 million pounds of radioactive waste waiting to be put in a repository. Many critics including US Senators are concerned that the site’s proximity to Lake Huron, a source of drinking water for millions could be catastrophic.