The last ship of Green Bay’s shipping season set sail on Wednesday. Dean Haen, director for the Port of Green Bay, says warmer temperatures extended the season which was one of the longest-lasting ones on record. Read the full story by WeAreGreenBay.com.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230126-greenbay-extendedshippingseason
It’s no mystery where most of the salts are coming from. Water softeners and fertilizers are sources of chloride, but the major contributor, are the salts spread on roads, parking lots, and sidewalks to keep the pavement free from ice. A little salt can cause a lot of harm to our waterways. The U.S. EPA recommends water quality standards for rivers and lakes to prevent death and damage to fish, mussels, insects, and other aquatic species. Read the full story by Michigan Radio.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230126-roadsalt-pollution-miwaters
The deadline is here for residents who are looking to give their input on Wolverine Worldwide’s updated plan to help clean-up a dangerous chemical in Rockford, MI. PFAS, the chemicals known as “forever chemicals” are man-made and have been linked to a number of health issues. Read the full story by WXMI-TV – Grand Rapids, MI.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230126-publiccomment-wolverineworldwide-pfascleanup
DTE Energy must soon stop depositing a toxic waste product into surface water ponds at two Michigan coal-fired power plants because the facilities are not adequately protecting nearby groundwater, regulators say. Read the full story by MLive.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230126-dte-toxiccoalash-miplants
Winter spreading of manure is a practice that is under intense scrutiny because of the elevated risks for nutrient losses and its effect on water quality. The risk of runoff to surface water increases when applied on frozen or snow-covered ground. Read the full story by Environmental Defence Canada.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230126-wintertimefarming-waterpollution
The pace is picking up with the development of the waterfront Science North project in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Organizers are closing in on their end dates in the schematic design phase of the project, which is expected to wrap up on March 31. Read the full story by the Chronicle Journal.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230126-thunderbay-waterfront-sciencecenter
Great Lakes ice coverage is running way behind averages in the milder than normal winter weather. This early week analysis of the percent of each Great Lake with ice underscores how the milder than normal winter weather has impacted ice coverage. Read the full story by WGN-TV – Chicago, IL.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230126-greatlakes-icecoverage
From Milwaukee, Mark Jones and his wife set off on a cruise around the Great Lakes, travelling north to Mackinac, where the tips of lakes Michigan and Huron merge. Read the full story by the Daily Mail.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230126-commentary-greatlakescruise
A warmer than usual winter is having an adverse effect on the Great Lakes. Without colder temperatures, the region can expect more lake effect snow, a result of cold air passing over the unfrozen and relatively warm waters of the Great Lakes. Because the water is warmer, fish migration and the quantity of fish in our water could change and low water levels could also force ships to carry a lighter load to avoid being grounded. Read the full story by CTV News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230125-winter-impacts
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) recently released a report on their work across the Great Lakes in New York, and their watersheds. The most recent report highlights work done on the Genesee River to help reduce phosphorus pollution caused by runoff and other sources, among other projects. Read the full story by WROC-TV – Rochester, NY.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230125-newyork-accomplishments
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it will study whether to toughen regulation of large livestock farms that release manure and other pollutants into waterways. Runoff of waste and fertilizers from the operations — and from croplands where manure is spread — fouls streams, rivers and lakes. It’s a leading cause of algae blooms that create hazards in many waterways and dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Erie. Read the full story by The Associated Press.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230125-livestock-regulations
After a Christmas thaw, 20 million gallons of untreated sewage was dumped into the Black and St. Lawrence Rivers. The practice may be legal, but it’s not popular. Read the full story by WWNY- TV – Carthage, NY.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230125-sewage-regulation
Local and federal officials are cautiously optimistic construction will be underway this spring for a water pipeline to serve the Oneida Nation of the Thames in southwestern Ontario. The pipeline, still in the design phase, is expected to be 18 kilometers long and connect the First Nation community with clean drinking water through the Lake Huron Water Supply System. Read the full story by Global News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230125-water-pipeline-construction
Lake Huron typically sees a long-term, historical average of 28% ice coverage in mid-January; so far this winter, the coverage has been around 8%. Lake Huron’s ice coverage is usually at its highest in late February or early March. Read the full story by The Times Herald.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230125-lake-ice-cover
The State of Michigan has recently updated its fish consumption guidelines to account for PFAS chemicals in smelt and carp. Under the new guidelines, the state recommends eating only 6 servings of smelt a year from Lake Huron and just 1 serving a month from Lake Michigan due to PFOS levels. Read the full story by WKAR-TV – East Lansing, MI.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230125-pfas-guidelines
Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior could see some changes in the years ahead under a new plan from the National Park Service. The plans include renovating historic structures like lighthouses and cabins, and offering more access and guidance to visitors. Read the full story by Interlochen Public Radio.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230125-park-plan
A map of forever chemicals detection in the Great Lakes reveals samples caught in the Detroit River, the southern opening of the St. Clair River, the Black River at the north opening, and multiple spots of Lake Erie all came back positive for dangerous amounts of PFAS. Read the full story by WJBK – TV – Detroit, MI.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230123-pfas
Researchers have developed a new way to combat erosion and save money by using environmental processes to feed sediment to the shore. Read the full story by Great Lakes Echo.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230123-erosion
Over the next five years, the city of Yorkville, Illinois will need to complete a $17 million to $18 million engineering project to replace old, leaky water mains, if it is to receive a permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to tap into the lake. Read the full story by Shaw Local News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230123-water-source
A fishing company and two of its boat captains are facing hefty fines and lengthy license suspensions after conservation officers deemed them to be overfishing lake trout in Lake Huron. Read the full story by CTV News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230123-overfishing
The proposed “rule” for the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary has been released by NOAA, which has decided not to include the St. Lawrence River as part of the proposed boundary. Read the full story by Yahoo News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230123-marine-sanctuary
Cottagers and conservationists clash over real estate as vulnerable as it is valuable. Read the full story by CBC News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230123-shoreline-wall
Dr. Robyn Wilson, of the Environmental and Social Sustainability Lab at Ohio State University, notes the gap between developing conservation methods and implementing them. Read the full story by the BG Independent News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230123-conservation
The SS Alpena is the oldest steam-operated ship operating in the Great Lakes. Read the full story by the KROC -Rochester, NY.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230123-oldest-ship
The Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, a new facility planned for the Discovery Center & Pier property on West Grand Traverse Bay, Michigan is expected to provide a space for students, scientists and entrepreneurs to test new technologies. Read the full story by the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230123-freshwater-lab
As of January, 19th, 2023, according to the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory the Great Lakes total ice coverage is currently at 3.2%. Read the full story by WETM -TV – Elmira, NY.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230123-ice-coverage
U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY) introduced a bill Wednesday that would stop potential Great Lakes wind farms from getting tax credits, a legislation that would effectively deter construction of new wind farms. Read the full story by the Olean Times Herald.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230120-wind-farms
The Great Lakes Fisheries Commission and Michigan State University recently brought a new $3.4 million research lab online, which will focus on sea lamprey control in the Great Lakes. Read the full story by the Keweenaw Report.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230120-sea-lamprey
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has proposed to designate a National Marine Sanctuary in eastern Lake Ontario that will preserve, interpret, and protect the region’s submerged maritime heritage resources and artifacts. Read the full story by WSYR-TV – Syracuse, NY.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230120-nms
The above-seasonal temperatures and lack of snow are resulting in some unusual sightings for birders in Windsor-Essex, Ontario, but the lack of snow and warm temperatures also increases rat population, city says. Read the full story by CBC News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230120-warm-winter
As many enjoy this mild January by ice fishing, there is a risk of spreading aquatic invasive species. But there are many ways to reduce the spread. Read the full story by WDIO-TV – Duluth, MN.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230120-ice-fishing
In Montreal, an invasive grass, common reed, is slowly taking over Îles-de-Boucherville provincial park but researchers are now using drones and artificial intelligence to map the plant’s relentless spread. Read and view the full story by CBC News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230120-phrag
Great Lakes vessel traffic through the Soo Locks was down this season by 15-20% compared to the 25-year average. Read the full story by Michigan Radio.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230120-shipping-season
Fincantieri Marine Group announced Wednesday it has reached an agreement to design and build a 288-foot, Jones Act-compliant service operation vessel (SOV), a purpose-built vessel used to transport technicians to service offshore U.S. wind turbines. FBS will build the vessel at its shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin for delivery in 2026. Read the full story by gCaptain.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230120-ships
Great Lakes preservationists received a significant boost in December with the bipartisan passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The Act provides significant resources for protecting the Great Lakes, including funding for preventing the infiltration of invasive carp. Read the full story by The North Shore Weekend.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230120-carp
Erie, Pennsylvania City Council recently passed an ordinance creating an Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). The EAC will build capacity and support community outreach efforts at a time when Erie’s environmental ambitions continue to grow. Read the full story by Go Erie.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230120-erie-pa
Flexsteel Industries has agreed to settle a toxic pollution lawsuit by paying $9.8 million to clean up its former furniture manufacturing site in Elkhart, Indiana. The agreement finalized in December resolves a suit against Flexsteel Industries for groundwater contamination. Read the full story by Great Lakes Echo.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230118-elkhart
A new study found that consuming freshwater fish harvested from urban areas 12 times per year could more than triple the level of PFOS — one of the most well-known and researched PFAS compounds — in residents of the U.S. Read the full story by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230118-forevers
A Midwest environmental law group is launching a new initiative this year to work with utilities, municipalities, and conservation groups to study the potential reuse of Michigan coal plants as public parkland as well as renewable energy production. The project is examining the reuse of at least four coal plants along each of the Great Lakes that Michigan touches. Read the full story by MiBiz.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230118-parklands
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has determined this isn’t the right time to put wind turbines in Lake Erie or Lake Ontario. The agency concluded the turbines would cost more than other renewable energy options, and wouldn’t offer a feasible contribution to state climate goals. Read the full story by The Buffalo News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230118-eriewind
The federal government and the municipality of Central Elgin that includes the Lake Erie beach town of Port Stanley, Ontario, are funding the work jointly to manage the impact of storm surges and protect people and property. Read the full story by the West Elgin Chronicle.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230118-portstanley
Shifting sandbars along the Leelanau County coast have uncovered a piece of wreckage which a northern Michigan diver believes is the remains of a schooner that sank in the treacherous Manitou Passage 150 years ago. Read the full story by MLive.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230118-fragment
January has been much warmer than usual, allowing very little ice on the Great Lakes to form yet this winter season. Read the full story by WOOD-TV – Grand Rapids, MI.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230118-lowice
The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team has confirmed elevated levels of the “forever chemicals” have been found in South Haven. Read the full story by WOOD-TV – Grand Rapids, MI.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230118-southhaven
Climate change is already affecting the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Commission is urging the Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces through an “Action Plan for a Resilient Great Lakes Basin” to coordinate their efforts to make the Great Lakes basin more resilient to those changes. Read the full story by Michigan Radio.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230116-climate
Both Michigan and the wider Great Lakes and St. Lawrence binational region could become a world leader in the high-quality, voluntary carbon offset market to the possible tune of $783 billion in revenues by 2050, according to new research from the University of Michigan. Read the full story by MLive.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230116-carbon-offsets
The Great Lakes region is in the early stages of knitting together economic development, transportation, and environmental improvement programs in a way that could leverage more federal investment and foster networking between academic and private-industry researchers under the proposed Great Lakes Authority. Read the full story by The Toledo Blade.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230116-great-lakes-authority
A newly formed coalition called Great Lakes Clean Hydrogen in the Toledo area has been chosen to proceed in a national competition to become one of the Biden Administration and U.S. Department of Energy’s first “Hydrogen Hubs.” Read the full story by The Toledo Blade.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230116-hydrogen
A coalition of Indigenous and non-Indigenous quarry opponents on Lake Huron is trying to stop a quarry that could harm endangered Blanding’s turtles. It’s one example of a wider provincial dispute over aggregate extraction in Ontario. Read the full story by The Narwhal.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230116-turtle-quarry
City of Hamilton, ON officials have announced that roughly 59 million litres of sewage had flowed from 11 Hamilton homes near Rutherford Avenue and Myrtle Avenue straight into Lake Ontario since 1996. A separate 337-million-litre sewage spill was discovered in late November. Read the full story by CBC News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20230116-wastewater
