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In: COVID-19, Detroit, Feature Detroit, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, museums, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism
COVID-19 Connection: Pandemic provides an opportunity for fish and insects to bond

There are cockroaches roaming the aquarium at the Belle Isle Conservancy.

But don’t worry, they’re supposed to be there.

Unlike the smaller, more common roaches you might find in a dirty or old building, these cockroaches are Madagascar hissing cockroaches, who have their own exhibit at the conservancy and were given a chance to say hello to some fish while the aquarium is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/covid-19-belle-isle-fish-and-insects-visitors/

Natasha Blakely

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In: enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Gary Wilson, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Michigan, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, Water Withdrawals
Pollution, Permits: Enbridge, Michigan grapple with Line 5 tunnel project

The controversial project to replace the existing 67-year-old Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac with a pipeline in a tunnel under the straits remains an issue between Enbridge Energy and the state of Michigan.

A new point of contention in the project is a new permit that would allow Enbridge to withdraw water from the Great Lakes and discharge wastewater.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/pollution-permits-enbridge-michigan-line-5-tunnel-project/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: animals, COVID-19, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, News, Ontario, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism
Huge Interest: Aquatarium finds its feet during COVID-19 with virtual engagement

Masks or no, the otters at the Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing in Brockville, Ontario, know exactly who’s in their den space.

“They really recognize us more by our smell and our boots,” said Jennipher Carter, senior aquarist at the Aquatarium. For the otters at least, adjusting to their caretakers all wearing masks didn’t take long.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ontario-aquatarium-covid-19-virtual-engagement/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: AP, COVID-19, isle royale, Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism
Virus upsets summer plans for Isle Royale park

HOUGHTON, Mich. (AP) — Wolves and moose won’t notice much human company at Isle Royale National Park.

The remote island in Lake Superior said it’s delaying the summer opening because of coronavirus restrictions. Camping might become available by late June or July but there will be no ferry service.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-isle-royale-covid-19/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Climate change, COVID-19, erosion, Indiana, Lake Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism
Indiana Dunes starts beach parking information line

PORTER, Ind. (AP) — Indiana Dunes National Park has started an information line to help visitors find an open beach with available parking amid severe shoreline erosion along Lake Michigan and the need for social distancing.

Beginning Saturday morning, visitors can call 219-395-1003 to hear recorded information on available parking at Indiana Dunes National Park beaches and nearby Indiana Dunes State Park.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-indiana-dunes-covid-19-beach-parking/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Climate change, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, News, pollution, Research, Data and Technology, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
More Than Dow: Chemicals, contaminants and untreated sewage all washed out by Midland dam breaks

A lot of focus has been placed on Dow Chemical Company—which is headquartered in Midland, Michigan—after two dams breached and flooded many areas around Midland County including near a Superfund site.

Dow stated in a press release Thursday that there were “no reported product releases” and though the floodwaters entered an on-site brine pond used for groundwater remediation, “material from the brine pond does not create any risk to residents or the environment.”

But while there might not be new contamination issues to deal with, much of the progress on the cleanup of Dow’s last chemical contamination might be lost.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/chemicals-contaminants-untreated-sewage-midland-dam-breaks/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: AP, Dioxins, flood, Groundwater Contamination, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, News, pollution, Protect, Superfund, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Flood raises fears of pollution at Michigan toxic waste site

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — It took seven years to settle on a plan for cleansing two rivers and floodplains polluted with dioxins from a Dow Chemical Co. plant in central Michigan. The work itself has lasted nearly twice as long, with plenty still to do.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-michigan-flood-pollution-dioxins-superfund-site/

The Associated Press

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In: epa, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, PFAS, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: EPA says limits will take more than a year, Navy halts shipments to burn plant

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/2020/05/pfas-epa-limits-new-york-burn-plant-wisconsin/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: AP, flooding, Illinois, national guard, News
Illinois governor activates Guard to help prepare for flooding

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker has activated nearly 60 Illinois National Guard soldiers and ordered additional steps by the state to prepare for projected flooding along the Illinois River and other streams.

The National Weather Service forecasts the Illinois River will reach major flood stage Saturday morning at Meredosia, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Springfield, and continue to rise through the middle of next week.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-illinois-governor-national-guard-flood/

The Associated Press

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In: Climate change, Collaboration, COVID-19, flooding, infrastructure, Latest News, natural disasters, News
Is America prepared to handle natural disasters during the COVID-19 pandemic?

By Ari Kelo, theRising

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

From lengthened hurricane seasons to deadly bushfires, the natural disasters symptomatic of climate change are becoming more and more pronounced each year.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/america-prepared-natural-disasters-covid-19-coronavirus/

theRising

On:
In: Chicago, Climate change, Collaboration, Feature-Chicago, flooding, Illinois, infrastructure, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News
Record Rainfall Prompts Reversal of Chicago River into Lake to Ease Flooding

By Patty Wetli, WTTW News

Chicago is drying out Monday after a record rainfall that flooded streets and yards over the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service, Sunday’s precipitation total at O’Hare Airport was 3.11 inches, the most ever recorded on May 17.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/record-rainfall-chicago-river-lake-michigan-flooding/

GLN Editor

On:
In: AP, associated press, COVID-19, economy, Food, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Michigan, News, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism, Traverse City
Virus threat creates unease in Michigan summer tourism haven

By John Flesher, Associated Press Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Clare Nagrant earns her living from tourism, so she’s taken a beating during the coronavirus-imposed shutdown. A few months ago, she was juggling four jobs. Now she’s down to one part-time gig with a distillery that stayed open by adding hand sanitizer to its product line.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-coronavirus-covid-19-michigan-traverse-city-tourism/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Asian carp, Budget, Chicago, COVID-19, Feature-Chicago, Gary Wilson, Illinois, invasive species, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
State Struggle: Budget shortfalls stall Asian carp plan, put cleanups at risk

With the federal government writing trillion-dollar checks to fight COVID-19, support collapsing businesses and feed cash into the economy via stimulus checks, Great Lakes legislators and advocacy groups are seizing on the opportunity to secure federal funding while the money still flows.

Recently the senate committee that oversees water infrastructure projects unanimously approved legislation authorizing $18 billion for projects nationally.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/state-federal-budget-shortfalls-asian-carp-toxic-cleanups/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: AP, associated press, COVID-19, Lake Huron, Michigan, News, Tourism
Despite virus, Michigan groups aim to keep summer fireworks tradition

ALPENA, Mich. (AP) — Some small Michigan communities aren’t giving up on summer traditions despite the coronavirus.

The Alpena Municipal Council is giving people time to raise money for a July 4 fireworks show along Lake Huron in the northern Lower Peninsula.

Lafarge North America, which operates a cement plant in Alpena, will match donations up to $12,000, the Alpena News reported.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-coronavirus-alpena-michigan-fireworks/

The Associated Press

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In: COVID-19, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Feature Milwaukee, Lake St. Clair, Latest News, Michigan, Milwaukee, News, Ontario, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, sewage, wastewater, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Sewage Check: Great Lakes researchers look to wastewater for data on COVID-19

The virus can be detected in infected people’s feces – sometimes even before they begin exhibiting symptoms.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/sewage-check-researchers-look-to-wastewater-for-data-on-covid-19/

Sharon Oosthoek

On:
In: AP, associated press, crayfish, Fish, Birds and Animals, invasive species, Michigan, News
Marbled crayfish added to Michigan’s prohibited species list

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A crayfish that reproduces by cloning has been added to Michigan’s prohibited species list.

All known specimens of marbled crayfish are genetically identical females that can produce up to 700 eggs per reproductive cycle without the need for fertilization, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-marbled-crayfish-michigans-prohibited-species/

The Associated Press

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In: Climate change, Collaboration, COVID-19, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, oil, Pennsylvania, pollution, PublicSource, Waste
Four environmental issues in the Pittsburgh region to keep your eyes on in the age of COVID-19

By Oliver Morrison, PublicSource, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

COVID-19 cost jobs, closed businesses and limited travel. But the economic ruin has also led to record low levels of pollution and huge reductions in climate change emissions globally.

Some of the changes, such as remote work, could have lasting benefits for the environment, even after the economy restarts.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/coronavirus-covid-19-pennsylvania-climate-change-pollution-oil-waste/

PublicSource

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Cleveland, coronavirus, COVID-19, Detroit, Duluth, Grand Rapids, Hamilton, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, Milwaukee, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Ontario, outdoor recreation, parks, Pennsylvania, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, The Provinces, The States, Toronto, Traverse City, Wisconsin
COVID-19 Next Steps: Great Lakes outdoor recreation begins move toward normalcy

After nearly two months of reduced access, various levels of restrictions and outright closures, thousands of national, state, provincial and municipal parks, boating ramps, wildlife areas and other outdoor recreation areas are making their return from COVID-19.

Officials are hoping the move will help push life closer to normal for millions of people.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/coronavirus-covid-19-great-lakes-outdoor-recreation-reopening/

James Proffitt

On:
In: Chicago, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature-Chicago, Ian Wendrow, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: DTE Energy rate hike, Chicago firm fined for polluting canal

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

In this edition: Michigan Public Service Commission reigns in planned rate hike by DTE Energy, Michigan’s Lower Peninsula failed to meet energy grid reliability standards set by regional monitor, Hilco suburban development fined for failing to prevent pollution of Chicago canal, and renewables are forecasted to overtake coal as a leading source of electricity by the end of this year.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/great-lakes-energy-rate-hike-pollution-renewables/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: AP, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines
Army Corps to hear from public on Enbridge pipeline plan

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to hear from the public on Enbridge’s proposal to build an oil pipeline tunnel beneath Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac after determining the company submitted a complete application.

The Corps’ Detroit district office has scheduled a public comment period on the plan.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-army-corps-public-comment-enbridge-line-5-pipeline/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Minnesota, News
Supreme Court: DNR can change name of Lake Calhoun

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A divided Minnesota Supreme Court said Wednesday the state Department of Natural Resources has the authority to change the name of a popular lake back to its original Dakota name.

The state Court of Appeals ruled in April that the agency overstepped its authority in January 2018 when it changed the name to Bde Maka Ska.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-supreme-court-dnr-name-lake-calhoun/

The Associated Press

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In: Collaboration, Duluth, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Equity and Environmental Justice, Groundwater Contamination, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 3, Mining, Minnesota, News, oil pipelines, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
What are Joe Biden’s views on two of the most controversial environmental projects in Minnesota?

By Walker Orenstein and Gabe Schneider, MinnPost, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

In late April, former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign held a virtual event with Minnesota supporters to promote the Democrat’s plans to address climate change and a clean environment.

But while U.S.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/joe-biden-minnesota-mining-line-3-pipeline/

MinnPost

On:
In: AP, Buffalo, COVID-19, Latest News, New York, News, outdoor recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture
Locked down along with NYC, upstate areas prepare to reopen

By Mary Esch and Michael Hill, Associated Press Writers

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — As New York City confirms more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases a day, bucolic Essex County four hours north tallied its 32nd case since the outbreak. But the mountainous corner of upstate New York is under the same statewide lockdown rules as the pandemic-besieged city.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-coronavirus-new-york-city-upstate-areas-reopen/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Collaboration, COVID-19, Duluth, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Minnesota, News
In Minnesota, an innovative virtual approach to home energy inspections

By Frank Jossi, Energy News Network, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

Armed with her cellphone, Ellen Biales spent an hour last month transmitting video of her St. Paul home to an energy expert who asked questions and dispensed advice.

Biales was among the first Minnesotans to receive a virtual Home Energy Squad visit from the Center for Energy and Environment.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/minnesota-covid-19-coronavirus-home-energy-inspections/

Energy News Network

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In: enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Energy, Forests and Plants, Gary Wilson, Habitat Restoration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, line 5, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands
Permit Pause: Michigan regulatory agency wants more info on Line 5

The state agency that has to green light Enbridge Energy’s controversial pipeline in a tunnel project in the Straits of Mackinac hit the pause button on the process last week when it told the company it needs additional information.

The new pipeline would replace the 67-year-old existing Line 5 that runs through the bottom of the straits.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/permit-michigan-egle-enbridge-line-5/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, Natasha Blakely, New York, News, PFAS, Senate, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Sen. seeks federal probe of Cohoes incinerator, PFAS actions added to Senate bills, DuPont foresees settlements

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/2020/05/pfas-new-york-incinerator-oscoda-senate-bills-settlements/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: AP, COVID-19, Duluth, fishing, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing
Minnesotans urged to fish close to home to slow COVID-19

By Steve Karnowski, Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesotans should fish close to home to help curb the coronavirus pandemic when the walleye season opens this weekend, avoiding overnight stays and driving no further than they can go on one tank of gas, Department of Natural Resources officials said Wednesday.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-minnesota-fish-business-covid-19-coronavirus/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Lake Michigan, Michigan, News, shipwrecks
Shipwreck fragment emerges along Lake Michigan beach

LUDINGTON, Mich. (AP) — A portion of a shipwreck was recently discovered on a Lake Michigan beach near Ludington State Park and historians are working to identify the wreckage.

The fragment was revealed by waves amid high water levels on the Great Lakes. It was spotted by people walking on the beach, the Ludington Daily News reported.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/shipwreck-fragment-emerges-along-lake-michigan-beach/

The Associated Press

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In: Gary Abud Jr., Great Lakes, Great Lakes Learning, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, News, science, Science, Technology, Research
Great Lakes Learning: Freshwater science for the youngest learners – Part 2

As the author of Great Lakes Now’s Collection of Lesson Plans, educational consultant Gary Abud Jr. is now providing more support for parents, teachers and caregivers who want to incorporate Great Lakes learning into their time with children and students. His series of writings can be found HERE along with the lesson plans and a Virtual Field Trip.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/great-lakes-learning-younger-learners-2/

Gary Abud Jr.

On:
In: Fish, Birds and Animals, Gary Abud Jr., Great Lakes, Great Lakes Learning, invasive species, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, News, watersheds
Great Lakes Learning: Freshwater science for the youngest learners – Part 1

As the author of Great Lakes Now’s Collection of Lesson Plans, educational consultant Gary Abud Jr. is now providing more support for parents, teachers and caregivers who want to incorporate Great Lakes learning into their time with children and students. His series of writings can be found HERE along with the lesson plans and a Virtual Field Trip.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/great-lakes-learning-younger-learners/

Gary Abud Jr.

On:
In: Detroit, detroit river, Fish, Birds and Animals, John Hartig, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, otters, Toronto
Great Lakes Moment: River otters return to western Lake Erie

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.

Most people know river otters from zoos or YouTube videos as endearing playful creatures that can put a smile on anyone’s face.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/river-otters-western-lake-erie/

John Hartig

On:
In: Climate change, Collaboration, Feature Milwaukee, green infrastructure, infrastructure, Latest News, Milwaukee, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Milwaukee Neighborhood Pushes Toward Climate Resilience

Over the last two decades, Milwaukee's Walnut Way neighborhood has gradually transformed from lifeless parcels to green space and become a model for others.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/rust-resilience-milwaukee-climate-resilience-green/

WUWM-FM, Milwaukee Public Broadcasting

On:
In: coal, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, epa, Groundwater Contamination, Ian Wendrow, Indiana, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Mining, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Energy News Roundup: Shale gas and coal groundwater impact, coal ash pollution in Indiana, Ohio EPA OKs mine despite protests

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

In this edition: Indiana residents are worried about insufficient measures being taken to address pollution during coal ash pond closure; Yale University study could help Ohio homeowners connect water contamination to shale gas and coal industry; Ohio EPA approves Athens County mine despite protests; Supreme Court ruling adopts new standard for Clean Water Act; and states and municipalities might not have the resources to make up for the federal government backing down on enforcement.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/energy-coal-ohio-indiana-enforcement/

Ian Wendrow

On:
In: clean energy, Cleveland, Climate change, Collaboration, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Cleveland, Fish, Birds and Animals, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, Tourism, Waterfront Development, wind farm
Lake Erie Wind Farm Divides Environmental Activists

The contested case of the Icebreaker Wind Farm has implications for renewable energy in the region.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/rust-resilience-lake-erie-wind-farm/

Belt Magazine

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In: Gary Wilson, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Water Withdrawals
Nestle Prevails: Law judge sides with water bottler in water withdrawal case

An administrative law judge ruled this week in favor of Nestle in the long-running dispute over whether the company would be allowed to increase its withdrawals of groundwater to support its water bottling operation in Michigan.

Grassroots activists challenged the 2018 decision by Michigan’s then Department of Environmental Quality under former Gov.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/nestle-prevails-law-judge-sides-with-water-bottler-in-water-withdrawal-case/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Algae Blooms, Climate change, Collaboration, harmful algal blooms, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, toxic algae, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Climate change threatens drinking water quality across the Great Lakes

Warmer waters, heavier storms and nutrient pollution are a triple threat to Great Lakes cities' drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/rust-resilience-climate-change-drinking-water-quality/

The Conversation

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Boating, Buffalo, Cleveland, COVID-19, Duluth, freighters, Gary Wilson, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, lake erie, Lake Superior, Latest News, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, shipping, Shipping and Ports, Tourism
Fishing and Freighters: Great Lakes industries take COVID-19 economic hit

Lake Erie fishing charters reel from stay at home orders, and lake freighters idle due to industry shutdowns.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/covid-19-coronavirus-fishing-freighters-great-lakes-industries/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Climate change, Collaboration, Duluth, infrastructure, Lake Superior, Latest News, Minnesota, News, sewage, storms, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Lessons in Resilience: As climate and the economy changes, Duluth steps up

Perched on the western shore of the world’s greatest lake, an inland port city offers lessons for resilience in uncertain times.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/rust-resilience-climate-change-duluth/

Ensia

On:
In: Algae Blooms, Gary Abud Jr., Great Lakes Learning, harmful algal blooms, lake erie, Latest News, News, toxic algae, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Learning: What grows in the Great Lakes?

As the author of Great Lakes Now’s Collection of Lesson Plans, educational consultant Gary Abud Jr. is now providing more support for parents, teachers and caregivers who want to incorporate Great Lakes learning into their time with children and students. His series of writings can be found HERE along with the lesson plans and a Virtual Field Trip.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/great-lakes-learning-toxic-algae-harmful-algal-blooms/

Gary Abud Jr.

On:
In: Climate change, Collaboration, infrastructure, Lake Ontario, Latest News, News, Ontario, sewage, Toronto, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Single Systems: Great Lakes cities’ sewer designs mean waste in the waters

A big storm can overwhelm a treatment plant’s capacity, leading to storm and wastewater bypassing the plant and ending up untreated in the lake. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/rust-resilience-sewer-wastewater-infrastructure/

Dave Rosenthal

On:
In: Asian carp, Gary Abud Jr., Great Lakes Learning, invasive species, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, News
Great Lakes Learning: Model the population dynamics of invasive species at home

As the author of Great Lakes Now’s Collection of Lesson Plans, educational consultant Gary Abud Jr. is now providing more support for parents, teachers and caregivers who want to incorporate Great Lakes learning into their time with children and students. His series of writings can be found HERE along with the lesson plans and a Virtual Field Trip.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/great-lakes-learning-population-dynamics-invasive-species/

Gary Abud Jr.

On:
In: Climate change, coal, Collaboration, Duluth, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Lake Superior, Latest News, Minnesota, News
In the ‘climate refuge’ city of Duluth, a fight brews over the hometown utility

There has been a growing climate movement in Duluth, a city that advertises itself as an outdoor haven with access to fresh air, clean water and Lake Superior.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/rust-resilience-minnesota-climate-refuge-utility/

MinnPost

On:
In: Climate change, coal, Collaboration, Duluth, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Minnesota, News, ports, shipping, Shipping and Ports, Wisconsin
As energy use changes in the Great Lakes, so too does the world’s largest freshwater port

The Port of Duluth-Superior is one of the largest ports in the U.S., and its second largest commodity is coal.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/rust-resilience-coal-port-minnesota/

MinnPost

On:
In: forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News, PFAS, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Wurtsmith PFAS remediation funds going to research not cleanup, Wisconsin DNR continues testing

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/2020/04/pfas-wurtsmith-remediation-wisconsin-new-york-michigan/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Climate change, Collaboration, Indiana, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Waterfront Development
Shrinking Shorelines: Climate change-related erosion threatens Great Lakes coasts

Increasing erosion on the Great Lakes shoreline is threatening beaches, parks and other recreation areas used by people across the region.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/rust-resilience-climate-change-shoreline-erosion/

Indiana Public Broadcasting

On:
In: Chicago, Climate change, Collaboration, Energy, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, technology
To protect people in the Great Lakes region from climate extremes, weatherize their homes

As climate change makes heat waves more frequent across the region and the nation, cities will need more tools to protect their residents.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/rust-resilience-climate-extremes-weatherization/

The Conversation

On:
In: Buffalo, Chicago, Citizen science, Cleveland, Climate change, COVID-19, Detroit, Duluth, Earth Day, Habitat Restoration, Latest News, Milwaukee, Natasha Blakely, News, Toronto, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Earth Day 2020: How to participate from the safety of your home

This year’s Earth Day is a special one, and not just because it’s the 50th anniversary of the event.

With stay home orders and heavy social distancing recommendations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the usual large gatherings of people to show support, clear trash and do more to help the planet just aren’t plausible.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/earth-day-2020-participate-from-home/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Chicago, COVID-19, Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Feature-Chicago, Gary Wilson, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, pollution
Environmental Justice During COVID-19: Communities bear extra burden

When you ask well-intentioned government officials about environmental justice issues and why they are so difficult to remedy, the response usually goes like this:

“Some of the challenges we see as environmental problems are really rooted in decades of disinvestment in parts of our urban communities,” Liesl Clark, director of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy told Great Lakes Now in a 2019 interview.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/environmental-justice-during-covid-19-coronavirus/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Chicago, Climate change, Collaboration, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, infrastructure, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Waterfront Development
After the Flood: How Chicago is Coping with the Effects of Climate Change

The city has begun short-term erosion mitigation measures along Chicago’s shoreline.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/rust-resilience-flood-chicago-climate-change/

Belt Magazine

On:
In: Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Climate change, Collaboration, Detroit, Duluth, Feature Cleveland, Feature Detroit, Feature Milwaukee, Feature-Chicago, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, Milwaukee, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Region, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
From Rust to Resilience: Climate change brings new challenges and opportunities

Great Lakes Now is sharing work from our partners in a project on what climate change means for Great Lakes cities. Here is the initial piece in the series.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/rust-resilience-climate-change-great-lakes-cities/

Ensia