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In: Age of Nature, Dam Removal, dams, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, infrastructure, Latest News, Lorraine Boissoneault, New York, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
When a Dam Comes Down: Removal of dams allows fish passage and habitat restoration

This article is published in conjunction with PBS’s “The Age of Nature” series which begins airing on Oct. 14.

Join Great Lakes Now‘s “Watch Party: Damming Decisions – A discussion about dam removals and what they mean for the environment” on Facebook on Monday, Oct.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/when-a-dam-comes-down-removal-of-dams-allows-fish-passage-and-habitat-restoration/

GLN Editor

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In: Collaboration, COVID-19, Detroit, Drinking Water, Feature Detroit, Latest News, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Michigan Allocates $20 Million to Relieve Customer Water Debts

By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/michigan-20-million-customer-water-debts/

Circle of Blue

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In: AP, Drinking Water, flint, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Lead, lead pipes, Michigan, News
Judge: Flint must check water lines in newer neighborhoods

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A judge on Tuesday ordered Flint to check for lead or galvanized steel water lines in neighborhoods built since the 1990s, despite the city’s belief that the homes have copper pipes.

Flint is in the homestretch of digging down to water lines at more than 20,000 properties and replacing them if necessary, the result of a deal that settled a lawsuit by residents and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-judge-flint-water-lines-newer-neighborhoods/

The Associated Press

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In: canada, Gary Wilson, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, Ontario, plastic, plastics in the great lakes, Quebec, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Banned: Canada takes next step toward zero plastic waste by 2030

Canada took the next step in its effort to achieve zero plastic waste by 2030 last week when it announced a ban on certain single-use plastic items that its environmental protection and policy agency says are not often recycled.

The ban includes check-out bags, straws, stir sticks, six-pack rings, cutlery and foodware items, according to a press release from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/canada-zero-plastic-waste-toxic-ban/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Age of Nature, Age of Nature - Featured, Collaboration, News
The Age of Nature: Humanity’s relationship with nature in the Great Lakes region and beyond

The relationship between humanity and nature is the overarching theme of “The Age of Nature,” a new PBS documentary series airing over the month of October. In it, the producers seek to answer questions about what the modern issues affecting nature are and what humans are doing about them.

Throughout this month as “The Age of Nature” airs, Great Lakes Now will bring audiences stories, videos and watch parties to better understand how issues covered in “The Age of Nature” relate specifically to the Great Lakes region.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/age-of-nature-humanity-great-lakes-region/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Collaboration, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News
EGLE fines company $60,000 over 2019 Detroit dock collapse

By Sarah Cwiek, Michigan Radio

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/egle-fines-2019-detroit-dock-collapse/

Michigan Radio

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In: AP, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Mining, Minnesota, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Minnesota Supreme Court weighs fate of PolyMet mine permits

By Steve Karnowski, Associated Press Writer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Lawyers for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine and state regulators urged the Minnesota Supreme Court on Tuesday to defer to the judgment of the state Department of Natural Resources and reinstate three critical permits for the project.

Attorneys for the DNR and PolyMet argued that the agency acted within its authority when it decided, after years of public environmental review and permitting proceedings, that there was no need to hold an additional trial-like proceeding known as a contested case hearing.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-minnesota-supreme-court-polymet-mine-permits/

The Associated Press

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In: accessibility, AP, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Indiana, indiana dunes national park, Lake Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
All-terrain wheelchairs added at Indiana Dunes State Park

CHESTERTON, Ind. (AP) — Three new all-terrain wheelchairs have been added for guest use at Indiana Dunes State Park.

The park in Northwest Indiana says the chairs were purchased by the Friends of Indiana Dunes. Two of the chairs are designed for use on trails, and one chair is designed for use on the Lake Michigan beach.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-all-terrain-wheelchairs-indiana-dunes-state-park/

The Associated Press

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Lack of Utility Data Obscures Customer Water Debt Problems

By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/utility-data-customer-water-debt-problems/

Circle of Blue

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In: Drinking Water, groundwater, Groundwater Contamination, Indiana, indigenous communities, Latest News, Lead, News, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Wisconsin wells contaminated by sewage, First Nations boil advisories, lead pipes

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:

  • EPA Installing Monitors to Investigate City’s Tainted Water Plume – Kokomo Tribune

The Environmental Protection Agency is set to install six groundwater monitoring wells to investigate the contaminated water plume beneath much of Kokomo.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/drinking-water-wisconsin-wells-septic-first-nations-lead-pipes/

Grace Dempsey

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In: fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, infrastructure, Latest News, Lorraine Boissoneault, Michigan, New York, News, Traverse City
Dams Across the Great Lakes: End of the line for aging infrastructure?

After nearly a century of generating hydroelectric power on the St. Regis River in upstate New York, the Hogansburg Dam came down in December 2016. Fish who could now swim freely along the river weren’t the only ones celebrating. The end of the dam also marked the first time a tribal nation led the decommissioning process for a federal dam.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/dams-great-lakes-aging-infrastructure/

Lorraine Boissoneault

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In: Age of Nature, Latest News, News
Global Good News: “The Age of Nature” series aims to show success stories in environmental restoration

As they traveled the globe filming the three-part “Age of Nature” documentary, the series producers knew foreboding stories and failed projects were not going to make it onto the screen.

Series Producer Verity White and her team were looking for segments — many about water — that would show successful efforts to restore natural environments and improve habitats for critters, plants and humans.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/global-good-news-age-of-nature-success-environmental-restoration/

GLN Editor

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In: Age of Nature, Latest News, News
What Grows: Shipwrecks become ecosystems, even at nuclear testing sites

Join Great Lakes Now‘s “Shipwrecks and ecosystems in the Great Lakes” watch party on Monday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. EST. A maritime archaeologist with NOAA’s Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and a benthic ecologist with NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory will be participating in a Q&A.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/what-grows-shipwrecks-ecosystems-nuclear-testing-sites/

GLN Editor

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In: Collaboration, COVID-19, Drinking Water, Latest News, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, water, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
House Democrats Ask CDC to Halt Water Shutoffs during the Pandemic

By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/house-democrats-cdc-halt-water-shutoffs-pandemic/

Circle of Blue

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In: AP, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS
Michigan PFAS activist has cancer, says she’s not surprised

BELMONT, Mich. (AP) — A woman who was honored by the federal government for her environmental activism in western Michigan has been diagnosed with cancer.

Sandy Wynn-Stelt told WOOD-TV that her thyroid and lymph nodes were removed last week. She has lived for more than 30 years across from a Kent County site where Wolverine Worldwide dumped PFAS-tainted sludge.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-michigan-pfas-activist-cancer/

The Associated Press

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In: fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Kathy Johnson, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Pennsylvania, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, shipwreck, shipwrecks, Wisconsin
Shipwreck Life: How fish and other aquatic species utilize Great Lakes shipwrecks

All that remained of the schooner was a bit of its hull – a tightly-packed row of wooden planks stretching 40 feet across the bottom of Lake Huron. Sunbeams easily penetrated the 20 feet of clear lake water above the wreck.

The site appeared lifeless.

There were no schools of emerald shiners, black-striped minnows or yellow perch in sight.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/shipwreck-ecosystem-fish-great-lakes-species/

Kathy Johnson

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In: carbon, Climate change, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Science, Technology, Research, The States, Wisconsin
Great Aspirations: Great Lakes states grapple with climate change and carbon

In June 2017, when President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris Climate Accords, three states had an immediate reaction and plan.

New York, California and Washington announced formation of the United States Climate Alliance calling it a “coalition that will convene U.S. states committed to upholding the Paris Climate Agreement and taking aggressive action on climate change.”

With that action, New York led Great Lakes states in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, establish clean energy plans and fund initiatives to meet carbon reduction goals.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/great-lakes-states-climate-change-carbon/

Gary Wilson

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In: fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Indiana, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Ontario, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
C+: Western Lake Erie receives mediocre score on new report card

Lake Erie’s Western Basin didn’t do well on its first big test: a report card produced by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.

The report card gave it a mediocre score, an overall C+, based on a various factors regarding the lake’s condition. The watershed surrounding western Lake Erie scored a C.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/western-lake-erie-mediocre-score-report-card/

James Proffitt

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In: Collaboration, Drinking Water, epa, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Mott Foundation Partnership, New York, News, PFAS, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Explainer: Who regulates U.S. drinking water, and how?

By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/explainer-regulates-drinking-water/

Circle of Blue

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In: Climate change, detroit river, John Hartig, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Detroit River and western Lake Erie get a checkup

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.

If the Detroit River and western Lake Erie were patients undergoing their annual exam, a doctor would probably say, “I have good news and bad news about their health.”

The good news is that there are signs of improving ecosystem health including the return of creatures like bald eagles, peregrine falcons, osprey, lake sturgeon, lake whitefish and beaver.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/state-of-the-strait-2020-detroit-river-western-lake-erie/

John Hartig

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In: AP, Energy, Groundwater Contamination, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Mining, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Trump Administration, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Trump pushes mining with order, but effects are uncertain

By Matthew Brown and Steve Karnowski, Associated Press Writers

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Trump administration is seeking to fast-track mining projects and could offer grants and loans to help companies pay for equipment, administration officials said Thursday, as they offered details on a plan that critics said could spoil rivers and lakes in Minnesota, Idaho and elsewhere with mining pollution.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-trump-mining-minnesota/

The Associated Press

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In: Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Ian Wendrow, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Illinois, Ohio coal plants closing; Michigan treatment plant upgrade, Wisconsin poor infrastructure

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

In this edition: Power company plans to shutter coal plants in Illinois and Ohio; upgrading of East Lansing water treatment plan will save on energy costs; and Wisconsin receives poor grades for both energy and water infrastructure.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/great-lakes-energy-illinois-coal-michigan-upgrade-wisconsin-infrastructure/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: AP, Budget, Detroit, Drinking Water, Feature Detroit, flint, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Lead, lead pipes, Michigan, News, PFAS, wastewater, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan governor releases $500 million water infrastructure plan

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a $500 million plan Thursday to upgrade drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in Michigan that includes actions such as replacing lead service lines and removing chemical pollutants.

The initiative, dubbed MI Clean Water, calls for creating a pot of money from which local governments could apply for grants or loans to improve their water treatment systems.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-whitmer-michigan-500-million-water-infrastructure-plan/

The Associated Press

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In: canada, data, Drinking Water, government, Latest News, News, One Detroit, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Quebec, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, The Provinces, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, water, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Canada Water Agency: Government hopes to consolidate water data and management

Canada is home to the third largest renewable supply of fresh water in the world, spread across a vast swath of lakes, rivers, aquifers and glaciers. Fresh water is critical to the country’s economy and health, and a key part of the nation’s identity – paddling a canoe through northern waterways is a rite of passage, and more than 30% of Canadians live surrounded by water in the Great Lakes region.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/canada-water-agency-government-consolidate-water-data-management/

Sharon Oosthoek

On:
In: Feature Milwaukee, Latest News, Milwaukee, News, Wisconsin
On Wisconsin: Great Lakes Now television series begins airing on PBS Wisconsin

Television audiences in Wisconsin can now tune in to the award-winning Great Lakes Now program on six more PBS stations.

Beginning Oct. 1, PBS Wisconsin will carry the series on The Wisconsin Channel broadcast on six signals: WHA-TV in Madison, WHLA-TV in La Crosse, WPNE-TV in Green Bay, WHRM-TV in Wausau, WHWC-TV in Menomonie-Eau Claire and WLEF-TV in Park Falls.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/great-lakes-now-airing-pbs-wisconsin/

GLN Editor

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In: AP, Illinois, Indiana, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
Lake Michigan drownings surge to new high in 2020

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Drownings in Lake Michigan have reached record levels with at least 53 people dead so far this year, according to a water safety advocacy group.

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, a nonprofit that tracks Great Lakes drownings, said that compares with 48 drownings in 2019 and 42 in 2018.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-lake-michigan-drownings-new-high-2020/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, dams, infrastructure, Michigan, Midland, News
Bill sent to Whitmer would lengthen bonds for dam repairs

By David Eggert, Associated Press Writer

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Legislature on Tuesday finalized a bill that would lengthen the financing period of lake projects in the wake of flooding that damaged dams and drained lakes in the Midland area.

The legislation would extend, from 10 years to 40 years, the maximum maturity date of bonds issued to pay for inland lake-level control projects across the state.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-bill-lengthen-bonds-dam-repairs/

The Associated Press

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In: 2020 election, Chicago, Climate change, Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature-Chicago, flint, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, outdoor recreation, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Policy Expert Q&A: Keep advocating with elected officials for safe drinking water

The Flint water crisis that made national and international headlines was a failure on many levels, according to University of Chicago Professor Sabina Shaikh.

Particularly, it was a public policy failure, Shaikh told Great Lakes Now in an interview, and the failure in Flint put a spotlight on environmental injustices.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/policy-expert-advocating-elected-officials-safe-drinking-water/

Gary Wilson

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In: Art, Books, Authors, Art and Music, COVID-19, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Green Bay, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, microplastics, Natasha Blakely, News, plastic, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, south haven, Wisconsin
Trash Fish: Marine debris becomes sculptures at Great Lakes aquariums and museums

An array of more than 80 marine-debris-turned-art works will be making another Great Lakes stop, adding a lake sturgeon sculpture when it’s installed at a Wisconsin site next year.

Made entirely of plastic trash, these larger-than-life figures have realistic designs. They come as part of the traveling exhibit, Washed Ashore, which aims to educate people about plastic pollution.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/trash-fish-marine-debris-sculptures-great-lakes-aquariums-museums/

Natasha Blakely

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In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Opposition team criticizes Enbridge plans for oil tunnel

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Enbridge’s plans for drilling an oil pipeline tunnel beneath a channel linking two of the Great Lakes do not meet industry standards and pose significant hazards to workers and the environment, experts who reviewed project documents on behalf of opposition groups told The Associated Press.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-opposition-criticizes-enbridge-plans-line-5-tunnel/

The Associated Press

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In: Collaboration, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, oil pipelines, straits of mackinac, water quailty, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Enbridge now inspects freighters to avoid another anchor strike on Line 5

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

The Canadian pipeline company Enbridge Energy has been eager to show news media its new Enbridge Straits Maritime Operations Center in Mackinaw City. Its purpose is to try to prevent another anchor strike or other damage to Line 5, the dual pipelines carrying oil and natural gas liquids.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/enbridge-inspects-freighters-anchor-strike-line-5/

Michigan Radio

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In: epa, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, PFAS, Water quality
Citizen Excellence: Sandy Wynn-Stelt receives EPA award for efforts to combat PFAS

Sandy Wynn-Stelt, a resident of Belmont, Michigan, known for her fight against Wolverine World Wide and PFAS, earned the 2020 Citizen Excellence in Community Involvement Award from the U.S. EPA.

Wynn-Stelt is featured in Great Lakes Now’s documentary, “The Forever Chemicals,” which brought audiences the story of her journey as she discovered the extent of the PFAS contamination in her private well and in her community.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/citizen-excellence-sandy-wynn-stelt-receives-epa-award-for-efforts-to-combat-pfas/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, Collaboration, harmful algal blooms, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, toxic algae, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
One Michigan county tells the story of a nation plagued by water pollution

By Jane Johnston, Circle of Blue

ALMA  — Murray Borrello, wearing khakis and a loose-fitting brown button-up, walked down a backroad during the summer of 2019 listening to the sounds of the woods. Water from the Pine River flowed slowly beneath him as he looked out over a bridge.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/michigan-county-cafos-agriculture-water-pollution/

Circle of Blue

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In: Chicago, Collaboration, Feature-Chicago, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, Illinois, Latest News, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, wetlands
Chicago Wetlands Shrank by 40% During the 20th Century

By Kimberly M. S. Cartier, Eos

This story originally appeared in Eos and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.

As Chicago’s industries and population boomed in the late 1800s, city officials decided to reverse the course of the Chicago River so that it flowed away from Lake Michigan.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/chicago-wetlands-shrank-40-20th-century/

Eos

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In: Climate change, Collaboration, election 2020, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Latest News, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, youth
Can the Climate Youth Tip the 2020 Election Against Trump?

By Mark Hertsgaard, The Nation

This story originally appeared in The Nation and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.

On Monday, The Nation and other Covering Climate Now partners held a “First-Time Voter Youth Day” to highlight the voices of the generation most affected by climate change as we launch a week of joint coverage of Climate Politics 2020.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/climate-youth-2020-election-trump/

The Nation

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In: Climate change, Collaboration, election 2020, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Latest News, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Want the Youth Vote? Prioritize Climate Change

By Jacob Wallace, The Nation

This story originally appeared in The Nation and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.

In the speech she gave at the People’s Climate March in Washington in 2017, Jansikwe Medina-Tayac, then 15, told a crowd of thousands, “This [climate change] is not just an environmental issue.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/election-2020-youth-vote-prioritize-climate-change/

The Nation

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In: AP, COVID-19, Michigan, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research
EMU to test campus wastewater for COVID-19

YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) — Eastern Michigan University will test campus wastewater for the COVID-19 virus and other signs of infectious diseases.

The testing, part of the school’s return-to-campus plan, is intended to track the presence of the coronavirus in wastewater flowing from residence halls and apartment complexes.

The monitoring might provide early detection of asymptomatic cases of the virus, according to the school.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-emu-campus-wastewater-covid-19/

The Associated Press

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In: animals, AP, Fish, Birds and Animals, isle royale, Michigan, News, restoration
Relocated Isle Royale wolves form groups, reduce moose herd

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Gray wolves that were taken to Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park to rebuild its nearly extinct population are forming social groups, staking out territory and apparently mating — promising signs despite heavy losses from natural causes and deadly fights, scientists said Monday.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/isle-royale-wolves-moose-herd/

The Associated Press

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In: cleanup, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Gary Wilson, Groundwater Contamination, Habitat Restoration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, restoration, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
In Perpetuity: Toxic Great Lakes sites will require attention for generations to come

It’s convenient to think of fixing a problem and it’s done. But that doesn’t apply to the long-neglected legacy polluted sites in the Great Lakes region.

In simple terms we think of a cleanup as removal of something that, left unattended, will become a nuisance or a problem.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/toxic-great-lakes-sites-capping-dredging/

Gary Wilson

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In: enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Ian Wendrow, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, lake erie, Latest News, line 3, line 5, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, oil pipelines, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Wisconsin utility shutoffs postponed, Lake Erie wind farm, Minnesota mine legal win

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

In this edition: Wisconsin Public Service Commission extends utility shutoff moratorium, ruling that could undo Lake Erie wind farm project stands, and PolyMet copper-nickel mine gets critical legal win in Minnesota.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/great-lakes-energy-mining-utility-line-5-lake-erie/

Ian Wendrow

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In: Detroit, Feature Detroit, Latest News, Michigan, News
30 in Their Thirties: Great Lakes Now host makes the list

When Great Lakes Now Host Ward Detwiler isn’t introducing PBS audiences to the joys and troubles of the Great Lakes on our monthly program, he’s busy running a software company that’s revolutionizing MRI technology.

That work recently landed him on DBusiness Magazine‘s 2020 “30 in Their Thirties” list.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/dbusiness-crains-list-ward-detwiler/

GLN Editor

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In: animals, AP, deer, Fish, Birds and Animals, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, News, PFAS, recreational hunting, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Wisconsin
DNR: Avoid eating deer livers in Marinette area

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State environmental and health officials warned people Tuesday to avoid eating the livers of deer harvested around the Marinette area to avoid exposure to PFAS chemicals.

PFAS are man-made chemicals that research suggests can cause a range of health problems in humans. The chemicals have been used for decades in a range of products, including nonstick cookware, fast-food wrappers and firefighting foam.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-dnr-pfas-deer-livers-wisconsin-marinette/

The Associated Press

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In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, Collaboration, contaminants, Drinking Water, flint, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, PFAS, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Across the U.S., millions of people are drinking unsafe water. How can we fix that?

By Lynne Peeples, Ensia, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

This story is the first in a nine-month investigation of drinking water contamination across the U.S. The series is supported by funding from the Park Foundation and Water Foundation.

Once a week, Florencia Ramos makes a special trip to the R–N Market in Lindsay, California.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/drinking-unsafe-water-contaminants-solutions/

Ensia

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In: Fish, Birds and Animals, invasive species, Latest News, News, Research, Science, Technology, Research, sea lamprey
Complete Eradication: Researchers look at removing sea lamprey from the Great Lakes

Sea lamprey control in the Great Lakes has been a success.

Compared to the 1950s, 90% fewer of the toothy, invasive, eel-like parasite are spawning.

Control efforts have been so successful that some researchers now suggest a more permanent solution: complete eradication of the pest from the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/sea-lamprey-invasive-species-research-eradication-great-lakes/

Andrew Blok

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In: AP, infrastructure, Michigan, Midland, News
Residents near flood-ravaged dams could be paying for years

EDENVILLE, Mich. (AP) — Residents who lost their lakes when dams collapsed in mid-Michigan could be getting expensive long-term bills to restore them.

People near Wixom and Sanford lakes in Midland and Gladwin counties could pay thousands of dollars per year for 40 years, if that duration is allowed by the state, the Four Lakes Task Force said Thursday during an online meeting.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/ap-residents-midland-dams-paying-for-years/

The Associated Press

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In: Chicago, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, museums, Natasha Blakely, News, science, Science, Technology, Research
One Old, One New: Teen project finds meteorite fragments in Lake Michigan

The teenagers and scientists searching for the 2017 meteorite in Lake Michigan found more than they had been looking for, representatives from the team reported yesterday.

In a live update on the Adler Planetarium’s YouTube channel, students and researchers shared two major finds from The Aquarius Project’s years-long attempt to find the meteorite: a sample that could be from that meteorite and a sample from a meteorite much, much older.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/aquarius-project-findings-update-meteorite-fragments-lake-michigan/

Natasha Blakely

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In: Collaboration, culture, flooding, high water, indigenous communities, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
In Michigan, rising lake levels disturb sacred ground

By Elena Bruess, Circle of Blue

At the shoreline, between lake and land, Melissa Wiatrolik reflects on those who were here before Michigan became Michigan. She had been raised in a community that honored the dead, that understood that their ancestors were always present. As a child, she had watched her own family clean the gravestones of those before her.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/michigan-rising-lake-levels-sacred-ground/

GLN Editor

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In: COVID-19, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, maumee river, News, Ohio, sturgeon
Sturgeon Stocking: COVID-19 puts pause on popular sturgeon release program

The Toledo Zoo’s popular lake sturgeon stocking event won’t happen this year, though a pause in the program – thanks to the international COVID-19 pandemic – won’t hurt the project.

“In a nutshell, our partners out of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Alpena, Michigan, and Genoa, Wisconsin, are the ones who collect the eggs,” explained Kent Bekker, director of conservation at the zoo.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/sturgeon-stocking-covid-19-release-program/

James Proffitt

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In: Chicago, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research
Missing Meteorite: Did the search in Lake Michigan find it?

Three years after a meteorite crashed into Lake Michigan, the Adler Planetarium is giving a live virtual update on the search to find it.

Join at 1 p.m. ET/noon CT on Thursday, Sept. 10. Watch here:

In February 2017, a meteorite lit up the night sky before crashing into Lake Michigan off the Wisconsin shoreline.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/planetarium-update-lake-michigan-meteorite/

GLN Editor

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In: Collaboration, epa, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Wisconsin
EPA Region 5 refutes internal watchdog report finding possible major issues in record keeping

By Enrique Saenz, Indiana Environmental Reporter

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regional office in the Midwest is refuting the findings of an internal investigation that found that a lack of record-keeping controls and standard operating procedures could be preventing it from fulfilling federal record-keeping responsibilities.

The EPA’s Office of Inspector General found that Region 5, which oversees EPA activities in Indiana and five other states, could not verify whether employees were using the agency’s official record-keeping system, preserving records for litigation holds and agency use, or knew how to report and investigate a suspected loss of records.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/epa-region-5-internal-watchdog-report-record-keeping/

Indiana Environmental Reporter