On:
In: AP, Forests and Plants, invasive species, Michigan, News, plants
Invasive aquatic plant found in 4 Michigan inland lakes

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — An invasive aquatic plant — first detected in southeastern Michigan in 1996 — has been found in four inland lakes in Washtenaw and Jackson counties.

The presence of European frogbit has been confirmed within the Waterloo Recreation Area, according to Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-frogbit-invasive-aquatic-plant-michigan-inland-lakes/

The Associated Press

On:
In: cleanup, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, restoration, u.s. epa, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Waterfront Development
Great Lakes Moment: Cleanup of contaminated river sediment begins at old Uniroyal site

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.

Forty years after Uniroyal shut down in Detroit, contaminated sediment cleanup is starting in the Detroit River off this former industrial site.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/great-lakes-moment-uniroyal-contaminated-sediment-cleanup/

John Hartig

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: COVID-19, Energy, Ian Wendrow, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Ohio nuclear bailout bill repeal, COVID-19 energy crises in Michigan

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

In this edition: Michigan’s Bay County to lose millions in tax revenue with closure of coal plant; a COVID-19 study looking at energy crises cites rural areas and tribal nations in Michigan; and Ohio legislators begin the repeal process for controversial House Bill 6.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/great-lakes-energy-ohio-nuclear-michigan-coal-crisis/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: AP, Asian carp, COVID-19, dams, infrastructure, invasive species, Michigan, News
Michigan House OKs spending on jobless benefits, flood costs

By David Eggert, Associated Press Writer

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan lawmakers on Tuesday began approving a budget bill that would authorize the federal government’s supplemental $300-a-week unemployment benefit during the coronavirus pandemic and provide $6 million in state funding for costs related to devastating flooding in the Midland area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-michigan-house-jobless-benefits-flood-costs/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Climate change, COVID-19, Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Latest News, Michigan, News, Wisconsin
Intersecting Crises: Fighting for climate justice in a pandemic

Alongside the illnesses, deaths and closures caused by COVID-19, the threat of climate change still hangs over communities across the Great Lakes region and around the world. And the people and organizations fighting against climate change and for environmental justice have found themselves caught between these two threats to public health.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/intersecting-crises-climate-change-justice-covid-19/

Emily Simroth

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: 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: CCO Meeting, FEMA Region 5, Lake Michigan, Michigan, Open House, Public Meetings

Grand Traverse County, Michigan
CCO Meeting:
Tuesday, September 15 from 1-2:30pm EST
For information on attending this meeting please send your name and local address to Edgar.Patino@ogilvy.com and you will be provided with information on joining the meeting.

Open House:
To be scheduled

Charlevoix County, Michigan
Tuesday, September 15 from 3-4:30pm EST
For information on attending this meeting please send your name and local address to Edgar.Patino@ogilvy.com and you will be provided with information on joining the meeting.

Open House:
To be scheduled

Original Article

Great Lakes Coastal Flood Study

Great Lakes Coastal Flood Study

https://www.greatlakescoast.org/2020/08/19/lake-michigan-community-consultation-officers-meeting-and-open-house-for-grand-traverse-county-and-charlevoix-county-michigan/

Great Lakes Coast

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: AP, birds, Fish, Birds and Animals, Lake Michigan, Michigan, News, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, technology
Bald eagle shows air superiority, sends drone into lake

ESCANABA, Mich. (AP) — A bald eagle launched an aerial assault on a drone operated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy — known as EGLE — ripping off a propeller and sending the aircraft into Lake Michigan.

The attack happened July 21, when the drone was mapping shoreline erosion near Escanaba in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to document and help communities cope with high water levels, the department said in a statement.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

The Associated Press

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: AP, dams, Forests and Plants, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Midland, News, plants
Plants cropping up in lost Michigan lakes where dams failed

By Anna Liz Nichols, Associated Press/Report for America Writer

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Nature is returning to craters left from lakes drained by two dams that failed in May during torrential rain in mid-Michigan.

But not always in a good way.

“Shortly after the water receded, you could look out over the exposed bottom lands of the lake and it was like looking at the Sahara Desert,” said Dave Rothman, a board member with the Four Lakes Task Force, which is looking to obtain the four dams as well as the two lakes that were not drained.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/ap-plants-midland-michigan-lakes-dams-failure/

The Associated Press

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: Chicago, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Feature-Chicago, Ian Wendrow, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Mining, News, Ohio, oil pipelines, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Back Forty mine setback, Illinois and Ohio utility shutoffs

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

In this edition: Controversial open-pit sulfide mine in UP faces major delays due to COVID-19, utility companies in Ohio and Illinois set to resume disconnections after pandemic-induced moratorium lapses, and Enbridge completes replacement work on Line 5 under St.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/great-lakes-energy-back-forty-mine-illinois-ohio-utility-shutoff/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: Chicago, Collaboration, COVID-19, Detroit, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, Pennsylvania
In a time of COVID-19, millions of Americans are plagued by water debt

Mass water shutoffs in Detroit following the city’s bankruptcy proceedings brought the issue of water affordability and water shutoffs into public notoriety in the U.S. in 2014.

The threat of COVID-19 brought the issue back to the forefront as the CDC urged people to wash their hands frequently.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/08/water-debt-environmental-justice/

GLN Editor

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

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

By Carin Tunney, Great Lakes Now

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

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Great Lakes Echo

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
Enbridge contractor vessels may have bumped pipeline support

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Recent damage that prompted the temporary shutdown of an Enbridge oil pipeline in a channel linking two of the Great Lakes may have been done by vessels working for the company, according to an in-house report provided Thursday to The Associated Press.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ap-enbridge-contractor-vessels-line-5-pipeline-support/

The Associated Press

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

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/pfas-michigan-wisconsin-legislation-foam-covid-19/

Samantha Cantie

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: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Chicago, COVID-19, Duluth, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Tourism, Wisconsin
Outdoor Escape: Visitors flock to parks, beaches, lakes as states reopen

Great Lakes states and provinces have opened up their parks to overnight campers again now that COVID-19 closures have been lifted.

In March, national parks were closed in Canada, along with Ontario provincial parks. In the U.S., while parks remained open to visitors, facilities and many campgrounds were closed to the public.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/visitors-flock-parks-beaches-lakes-provinces-states-reopen/

Emily Simroth

On:
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

Great Lakes Now

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

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, election, epa, Michigan, News, Pennsylvania, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Trump Administration, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin
Trump Cabinet members look to reassure battleground voters

By Bobby Caina Calvan, Ellen Knickmeyer, and John Flesher, Associated Press Writers

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue tromped through a strawberry festival in central Florida, detailing the government’s new trade pact. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo talked about foreign policy at a roundtable in south Florida.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ap-trump-cabinet-members-michigan-wisconsin-voters/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Gary Wilson, Latest News, Michigan, Nestle, News, Ontario, Water Withdrawals
Unchanged Mission: Activists say a Nestle Great Lakes exit doesn’t resolve bottled water issue

Nestle might be selling its contentious Michigan bottled water brand, but water rights activists in the Great Lakes region aren’t so quick to let go of the issue.

Swiss-based Nestle recently announced it’s looking for buyers for its North America regional brands including Ice Mountain which has operated in Michigan since the early 2000’s.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/nestle-great-lakes-exit-bottled-water/

Gary Wilson

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: Climate change, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, flooding, infrastructure, John Hartig, Lake St. Clair, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Waterfront Development
Great Lakes Moment: Warmer, wetter, wilder

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.

Scientists have predicted that warmer, wetter and wilder weather is coming and that this will be one of the greatest environmental challenges of the 21st Century.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/water-levels-climate-change-warmer-wetter-wilder/

John Hartig

On:
In: AP, COVID-19, Lake Michigan, Michigan, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism
July Fourth weekend will test Americans’ discipline

By John Seewer, Associated Press Writer

The U.S. headed into the Fourth of July weekend with many parades and fireworks displays canceled, beaches and bars closed, and health authorities warning that this will be a crucial test of Americans’ self-control that could determine the trajectory of the surging coronavirus outbreak.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/ap-july-fourth-weekend-covid-19/

The Associated Press

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: beaver island, COVID-19, lake erie, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, put-in-bay, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism, washington island, Wisconsin
Hope and Resilience: Great Lakes islanders continue to adapt to COVID-19 conditions

Angel Welke and her husband Paul own and operate Island Airways, the committed aviation service provider for Beaver Island. As such, the Welkes run the air ambulance that serves the island, which is located in the northern part of Lake Michigan and is home to about 600 year-round residents. When the island had a possible COVID-19 patient earlier this year, it was Paul Welke piloting the air ambulance. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/07/great-lakes-islanders-adapt-covid-19/

Samantha Cantie

On:
In: CCO Meeting, FEMA Region 5, Lake Huron, Michigan, Open House, Public Meetings

Arenac County, Michigan
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
CCO Meeting 1-2 pm | Open House to be scheduled
The meeting will be held online. For information on attending this meeting please send your name and local address to Edgar.Patino@ogilvy.com and you will be provided with information on joining the meeting.

Iosco County, Michigan
Thursday, July 9, 2020
CCO Meeting 1-2 pm | Open House to be scheduled
The meeting will be held online. For information on attending this meeting please send your name and local address to Edgar.Patino@ogilvy.com and you will be provided with information on joining the meeting.

Original Article

Great Lakes Coastal Flood Study

Great Lakes Coastal Flood Study

https://www.greatlakescoast.org/2020/06/30/lake-huron-community-consultation-officers-meeting-and-open-house-for-arenac-county-and-iosco-county-michigan/

Great Lakes Coast

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: Chicago, Climate change, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature-Chicago, Ian Wendrow, Illinois, indigenous communities, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ontario, renewable energy
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Lake Huron nuclear waste storage plan dropped, renewable energy in Midland

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

In this edition: Ontario Power Generation formally withdraws its application to construct a repository for nuclear waste near Lake Huron; Illinois looks to construct offshore energy wind turbines but faces resistance; University of Minnesota may expand viability of geothermal energy in Midwest; and flood-ravaged Midland, Michigan, coming around on renewable energy.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/energy-nuclear-huron-renewables-midland-wind-geothermal/

Ian Wendrow

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

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

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

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

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

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

Gary Wilson