On:
In: Uncategorized
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 420 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1000 PM CDT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS WI . WISCONSIN COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE BROWN CALUMET COLUMBIA DANE DODGE FOND DU LAC

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261B229B154.SevereThunderstormWatch.1261B23649F0WI.WNSWOU0.a1d257af2d134517a00ed0658813d3cb

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Freshwater Weekly

August 6, 2021

This week: Repairs Require a Change in Flint’s Water Source + August Means Toxic Algal Blooms + Freshwater Future Grant Program Webinar on August 18th + Climate Change in the Great Lakes + Updates on Issues

Repairs Require a Change in Flint’s Water Source

Flint, Michigan’s water source will be changed to its backup source for up to six weeks to repair valves. The Great Lakes Water Authority provides Flint’s water, which is sourced from Lake Huron. The backup source also uses Lake Huron water. Switching water sources in 2014 contributed to the lead contamination in Flint. You can find more information on the repairs and changes on the City of Flint’s website, where you can also connect if you have concerns about any changes in water quality.

August Means Toxic Algal Blooms

This month, at least three of the Great Lakes are facing harmful algal blooms, including Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, and Lake Erie. On Lake Ontario, city officials in Hamilton Harbor are advising the public not to go in the water and have closed a local beach due to toxic blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. In Lake Superior, specifically along the southern shore, researchers have been trying to identify why the area is facing harmful blooms. As surrounding agricultural fields usually play a large role in algal blooms, scientists have been surprised that Lake Superior has been affected by the blooms. As for Lake Erie, scientists in Toledo are now studying the role that algal blooms will have on ecosystems and the food chain, finding that some species might now be reserving energy from things like reproduction in order to combat the stress of algal blooms, which could impact future population growth in these species. 

Freshwater Future Grant Program Webinar on August 18th–Mark Your Calendar

Please join Freshwater Future for an informative Q&A online session to learn more about our Grants Program, Wednesday, August 18, 2021 – noon (EST). This informal webinar will provide a brief overview of our grants programs and how to apply. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers. To register online, please click HERE. To register by email or phone, please contact laurie@freshwaterfuture.org (231)348-8200. Check-out Freshwater Future’s 2021 Grant Opportunities guidelines to see if your organization is eligible. 

Climate Change and the Great Lakes

While areas in the Great Lakes such as Detroit and Ohio have been experiencing extreme rain events, the Great Lakes as a whole are also likely to see more intense storms, warmer water, and greater water level fluctuations. Water level fluctuations in the Great Lakes typically happen in a cyclical pattern that spans multiple decades. Due to the complexity of climate change coinciding with these fluctuations, the International Joint Commission (IJC) has been pushing for a binational approach between governments to better collaboration and create new strategies focused on accountability, coordination, and implementation considerations. Part of their climate change adaptation plan will also involve regulating the outflows from Lake Superior and Lake Ontario. The IJC has also created a Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management (GLAM) Committee, which will examine how water fluctuations intersect with socio-economic conditions in the area.

Updates on Issues: 

Asphalt Plant Near Flint, Michigan

Last week we shared that an asphalt plant was proposed near Flint and that due to its proximity it may increase exposure of Flint residents to environmental pollutants from the facility. Freshwater Future has prepared a summary with talking points you can use to submit comments to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The deadline to submit is August 16, 2021.  

Thank you to the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center for sharing their expertise, research, and recommendations to make impactful comments regarding this permit.

Drinking Water Contamination from PFAS in Pellston, Michigan 

Recent drinking water well samples from Pellston, MI exceeded clean-up and drinking water standards for PFAS, with the highest result finding 410 parts per trillion PFOS (drinking water standard is 6 ppt).

A virtual community meeting about the PFAS contamination in Pellston will be held August 11, at 6:00 pm.  You can register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i3v6fslyTnONKRy1mfVlCw

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/freshwater-weekly/freshwater-future-weekly-august-6-2021/

Freshwater Future

On:
In: Uncategorized

Chicago, IL (August 10, 2021) – Earlier today, the Senate passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, which included commitments to water infrastructure and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. In response, Alliance for the Great Lakes Director of Federal Relations Donald Jodrey released the following statement:

“Our work at the Alliance is focused on protecting and restoring the Great Lakes, which supply drinking water to millions of Americans and make up 20% of the world’s fresh water.

We are encouraged to see major water infrastructure commitments passed by the Senate today as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. These commitments include $48 billion for water infrastructure improvements nationwide and $1 billion for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. This funding would provide an important boost to projects across the Great Lakes region and a down payment to begin addressing water infrastructure failures across the country.

We’re specifically excited to see a commitment to address Areas of Concerns (AOCs). These toxic hot spots around the Great Lakes region are a direct result of pollution by heavy industry. Cleaning up these areas is resource-intensive but deeply important to preserving the environment, protecting human health and creating jobs — benefits members from both sides of the aisle can get behind.

Although today represents an important step forward, we cannot stop here. Due to decades of neglect, our current water infrastructure is nearing the end of its useful life. The U.S. EPA has estimated that $188 billion over the next 20 years will be needed in improvements, upgrades, and repairs to these systems in the Great Lakes states alone. Much more needs to be done to ensure that everyone in the Great Lakes region has access to safe, clean and affordable water. We look forward to continuing to work with the Biden administration and members of Congress as they build toward a water infrastructure investment that will restore and protect our precious natural resources for future generations.”

###

Media contact: Please connect with our media team at TeamGreatLakes@mrss.com.

The post Statement on Senate Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2021/08/statement-on-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill/

Judy Freed

On:
In: Uncategorized
...FOGGY CONDITIONS IMPROVING ACROSS CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST WISCONSIN... Patchy dense fog is expected to mix out across the region by 9 am. Until then, morning commuters should be alert for rapidly changing visibility, and locally poor visibility of 1/4 mile or less. Motorists should exercise caution during the morning commute, as

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261B2287D84.SpecialWeatherStatement.1261B228B560WI.GRBSPSGRB.3b77a733acfe35fc01f412b80021d336

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: birds, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Lake Ontario, Latest News, News, Ontario, ports, Shipping and Ports, Toronto
Duckling Docks: Toronto installs floating docks to save drowning birds

Ducklings struggling to stay afloat in Lake Ontario’s Toronto harbor now have a safe place to rest with the installation of low, floating plywood docks.

PortsToronto installed duckling docks at water level in four shipping areas in June after reports of drowned waterfowl unable to climb out of the water to rest.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/duckling-toronto-floating-docks/

Sharon Oosthoek

On:
In: Uncategorized
...PATCHY DENSE FOG EXPECTED THIS MORNING ACROSS CENTRAL AND EAST-CENTRAL WISCONSIN... Look for patchy dense fog across central, east-central, and the lakeshore counties during the morning hours. The fog will reduce visibilities below 1 mile across most locations, with some areas falling to around one quarter of a mile at times. The dense fog is

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261B227DC94.SpecialWeatherStatement.1261B2286740WI.GRBSPSGRB.980473585a1fc18752d54f91d4221f8a

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Press Releases, Washington Update

Senate Passes Infrastructure Bill with $1B for Great Lakes Restoration
Coalition: Bill a Big Step Forward in Addressing Infrastructure Crisis

Ann Arbor, Mich. (August 10, 2021)—In a 69-30 vote, the U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan infrastructure package that boosts federal investment in core Great Lakes and clean water programs, including $1 billion in additional funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The water infrastructure investments in the bill, according to the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, represent a big step forward to address serious threats to people’s drinking water and public health.

“This funding will be a shot in the arm to make our Great Lakes and our communities healthier,” said Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “Federal investments to restore the lakes have been producing results, yet serious threats remain. Poisoned drinking water, closed beaches, contaminated fish, and unaffordable water bills continue to impact people in cities and towns across the region and underscore the need to address these urgent problems now, before they get worse and more costly to solve. We look forward to working with Congress and the Biden Administration to get this and other bills across the finish line so that we can meet this moment in history and ensure that every person has access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water.”

The Senate’s bipartisan infrastructure agreement, H.R. 3684 – the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” – is a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package that includes $55 billion in new federal spending for water infrastructure programs.

The bill includes supplemental funding to restore the Great Lakes and to begin to address our nation’s water infrastructure crisis. Over five years, the bill appropriates:

  • $1 billion for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative;
  • $19.9 billion for sewage treatment infrastructure through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund;
  • $17.3 billion for drinking water infrastructure under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund;
  • $15 billion for lead service line replacement;
  • $10 billion to address emerging contaminants across key water infrastructure programs; and
  • $1.9 billion for Army Corps aquatic ecosystem restoration projects.

The bill also reauthorizes and expands key water infrastructure programs for five years, including:

  • EPA’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, authorizing $14.65 billion for each program;
  • EPA’s Sec. 221 Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants, authorizing $1.4 billion;
  • EPA’s Small and Disadvantaged Communities program, authorizing $510 million; and
  • EPA’s Reducing Lead in Drinking Water and Lead Testing in Schools grant programs, authorizing $700 million across both programs.

The bill will now moves to the U.S. House for further consideration.

In the Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin $188 billion dollars is needed for water infrastructure repairs and upgrades over 20 years.

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 170 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at HealthyLakes.org or follow us on Twitter @HealthyLakes.

###

CONTACT:

Jordan Lubetkin, LubetkinJ@nwf.org, (734) 904-1589

Lindsey Bacigal, BacigalL@nwf.org, (734) 887-7113

The post Senate Passes Infrastructure Bill with $1B for Great Lakes Restoration appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

Original Article

Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/senate-passes-infrastructure-bill-with-1b-for-great-lakes-restoration/

Jordan Lubetkin

On:
In: Call to Action, Drinking Water

On August 6, 2021, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D- Detroit) introduced the House version of Maintaining Access to Essential Services, which would eliminate water, electric, and internet household debt. The bill, if enacted into law, would provide $13.5 billion for private and public water utilities in the form of low-interest loans that can become grant dollars if the utilities forgive residential water debt. The bill further suspends charging late or restoration of water service fees, prohibits reporting residents with utility debt to credit bureaus or placing liens on their homes, shutting off water to residents due to non-payment, and requires utilities to restore residential services.

Millions of people across the country currently do not have access to tap water or are facing their water being shut-off due to the billions of dollars of utility debt that has grown exponentially during the pandemic. As the Delta COVID variant cases ramp up, it is imperative to pass legislation that secures utility debt relief so everyone has the ability to wash their hands and masks.

Unfortunately, the over $1 trillion Bi-partisan Infrastructure Bill moving through the Senate does not include a prohibition on utility shut-offs or utility debt relief. Access to clean, safe, and affordable water is a basic human right and need. Congress has a role in ensuring all Americans have access to this life giving resource. Call your Congressional members today and urge them to pass the Maintaining Access to Essential Services Act.

 

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/call-to-action/take-action-call-your-congressional-members-today-and-urge-them-to-pass-the-maintaining-access-to-essential-services-act/

Freshwater Future

On:
In: Daily News

No swimming signs were up at Edgewater Beach in Cleveland, Ohio, after the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District posted a public advisory due to approximately 285,000 gallons of combined sewage that flowed into Lake Erie over the weekend. Read the full story by WJW-TV – Cleveland, OH.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210809-sewage

Samantha Tank

On:
In: canada, turtles, Wildlife

Freshwater turtles have become less abundant in coastal areas of Greater Toronto that have significantly decreased wetlands.

The post Depleted wetlands impact freshwater turtles in Toronto first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/08/09/depleted-wetlands-impact-freshwater-turtles-in-toronto/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Uncategorized
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 416 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN WISCONSIN THIS WATCH INCLUDES 6 COUNTIES IN EAST CENTRAL WISCONSIN CALUMET MANITOWOC WINNEBAGO IN NORTHEAST WISCONSIN

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261B20BA5EC.SevereThunderstormWatch.1261B2177750WI.GRBWCNGRB.d5073b52a624e8314c89462c5a0da79e

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of southern Brown, Calumet and Manitowoc Counties through 630 PM CDT... At 541 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Sheboygan Falls to near St Anna to near Southern Lake Winnebago. Movement was northeast at 40 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261B20B7964.SpecialWeatherStatement.1261B20B9C28WI.GRBSPSGRB.500914288c5c7e8b57bd8c278957f1f8

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM CDT MONDAY... The Flash Flood Watch continues for * Portions of central, east central, and northeast Wisconsin, including the following areas, in central Wisconsin, Marathon, Portage, Waushara and Wood. In east central Wisconsin, Calumet, Manitowoc and Winnebago. In northeast Wisconsin, Brown, Kewaunee,

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261B20B25CC.FlashFloodWatch.1261B2183AA0WI.GRBFFAGRB.a5ec530c51c5920fcd538ba577055332

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 416 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM CDT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS WI . WISCONSIN COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE ADAMS BROWN CALUMET CLARK COLUMBIA DODGE

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261B20AE364.SevereThunderstormWatch.1261B2177750WI.WNSWOU6.4cf03c1c0b38e4a2e337669f39312fa4

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 416 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM CDT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS WI . WISCONSIN COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE ADAMS BROWN CALUMET CLARK COLUMBIA DODGE

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261B20AE364.SevereThunderstormWatch.1261B2177750WI.WNSWOU6.b39f26faafa7ef8202b384e4c42535ed

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT... The Flash Flood Watch continues for * Portions of central, east central, and northeast Wisconsin, including the following areas, in central Wisconsin, Marathon, Portage, Waushara and Wood. In east central Wisconsin, Calumet and Winnebago. In northeast Wisconsin, Brown, Outagamie, Shawano and

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261B20A6BDC.FlashFloodWatch.1261B2183AA0WI.GRBFFAGRB.a919d0c29bbf2437a8d1e5cbc1254bbb

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
The National Weather Service in Green Bay has extended the * Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory for... Northeastern Manitowoc County in east central Wisconsin... Brown County in northeastern Wisconsin... Southern Door County in northeastern Wisconsin... Kewaunee County in northeastern Wisconsin...

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261B209C31C.FloodAdvisory.1261B20A09D0WI.GRBFLSGRB.e1a1ea80d13e9b5007fc5e4e0e76f9b6

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
The National Weather Service in Green Bay has issued a * Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory for... Northern Calumet County in east central Wisconsin... Manitowoc County in east central Wisconsin... Northeastern Winnebago County in east central Wisconsin... Southern Brown County in northeastern Wisconsin...

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261B209AA80.FloodAdvisory.1261B20A09D0WI.GRBFLSGRB.01575988def2064931a0742a2f996dac

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
The National Weather Service in Green Bay has issued a * Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory for... Northeastern Manitowoc County in east central Wisconsin... Brown County in northeastern Wisconsin... Southern Door County in northeastern Wisconsin... Kewaunee County in northeastern Wisconsin...

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261B2097B3C.FloodAdvisory.1261B209C768WI.GRBFLSGRB.e1a1ea80d13e9b5007fc5e4e0e76f9b6

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
The National Weather Service in Green Bay has issued a * Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory for... Northern Calumet County in east central Wisconsin... Manitowoc County in east central Wisconsin... Northeastern Winnebago County in east central Wisconsin... Southern Brown County in northeastern Wisconsin...

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261B209574C.FloodAdvisory.1261B209A634WI.GRBFLSGRB.1643adeb81be3ca1c8179ec85341a175

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT... The National Weather Service in Green Bay has expanded the * Flash Flood Watch to include Portions of central, east central, and northeast Wisconsin, including the following areas, in central Wisconsin, Marathon. In east central Wisconsin, Calumet. In northeast Wisconsin, Brown, Outagamie, Shawano and Waupaca.

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261B2095490.FlashFloodWatch.1261B2183AA0WI.GRBFFAGRB.0fbf35198e3919670950fd771d66d668

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
The National Weather Service in Green Bay has issued a * Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory for... Northern Brown County in northeastern Wisconsin... Southern Door County in northeastern Wisconsin... Kewaunee County in northeastern Wisconsin... Southern Oconto County in northeastern Wisconsin...

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI1261B2092D80.FloodAdvisory.1261B2097948WI.GRBFLSGRB.005dcbb83b4e1da39a4312bb77bb8700

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Algae Blooms, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, Drinking Water, Fish, Birds and Animals, invasive species, Latest News, News, Water quality
Great Lakes in Peril: Invasives, pollution, climate change

By Lester Graham, 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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/great-lakes-peril-invasives-pollution-climate-change/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Drinking Water, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, News, News Roundup PFAS, Pennsylvania, PFAS, Policy, Wisconsin
PFAS News Roundup: Tech company develops PFAS-eliminating technology, PFAS Action Act heads to Senate, study finds PFAS in Arctic ice

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/2021/08/pfas-action-act-senate-study-arctic-ice/

Rachel Duckett

On:
In: Daily News

The Invasive Species Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, hosted virtual information sessions for anglers, commercial fishermen, boaters and cottagers concerned about the looming threat from invasive grass carp, and asked people to report sightings of the fish to the Invasive Species Hotline. Read the full story by SooToday.com

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210806-carp

Patrick Canniff

On:
In: Daily News

The vessel Captain Henry Jackman set a new record cargo size for grain loaded at Ontario’s Port of Thunder Bay on the ship’s very first voyage, carrying Canadian Western Red Spring Wheat grown in southwestern Manitoba destined for international markets. Read the full story by Lake Superior News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210806-shipping

Patrick Canniff

On:
In: Daily News

Since the summer began, partiers in Toronto, Ontario, have been breaking into a conservation area in Tommy Thompson Park to host all-night raves, leaving garbage and human waste behind, says a conservation group called Friends of The Spit. Read the full story by CBC News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210806-habitat

Patrick Canniff

On:
In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, News, Wisconsin
The Farmory: Is indoor fish farming a viable way of tackling declining fish populations?

For decades, Green Bay Wisconsin National Guardsmen stored munitions and trained new recruits in a stucco-clad, Chicago Street building built in 1918.

Now, the building is home to hundreds of fish babies.

The Farmory, an urban farming nonprofit, is the only indoor fish hatchery in Wisconsin.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/farmory-wisconsin-indoor-fish-farming-declining-fish-populations/

John McCracken

On:
In: Press Releases

The bipartisan infrastructure package released last week contains $1 billion for Great Lakes restoration efforts through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to restore fish and wildlife habitat, reduce farm runoff pollution, clean up toxic contamination, and manage invasive species. The “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” also contains billions more for other clean water priorities, such as updating drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. If passed, the bill would distribute funds over five years. The $1 billion in supplemental Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding represents substantial new resources for that program. The U.S. Congress has funded the Great Lakes Restoration Initiate at around $300 million to $340 million per year over the last several years.

Laura Rubin, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, said:

“This funding will be a shot in the arm to make our Great Lakes and our communities healthier. Federal investments to restore the lakes have been producing results, yet serious threats remain. Poisoned drinking water, closed beaches, contaminated fish, and unaffordable water bills continue to impact people in cities and towns across the region, which underscores the need to address these urgent problems now, before they get worse and more costly to solve.

“The $1 billion for Great Lakes restoration and protection in this bill is a big step forward in helping to confront these serious threats. We appreciate the leadership of U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Debbie Stabenow (R-Mich.) for helping advance Great Lakes restoration priorities as part of the bipartisan Senate infrastructure negotiations. Boosting funding will accelerate clean-up efforts, protect our drinking water, spur local job creation, and safeguard our public health.

“We thank the region’s congressional delegation for continuing to make the health of the Great Lakes and our communities a priority, and we look forward to working with members of Congress and the Biden Administration on this and future bills to ensure that every person has access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water.”

Since 2004, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition has been harnessing the collective power of more than 160 groups representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Learn more at HealthyLakes.org or follow us on Twitter @HealthyLakes.

The post Coalition: $1 Billion for Great Lakes in Senate Infrastructure Package will be “Shot in the Arm” appeared first on Healing Our Waters Coalition.

Original Article

Healing Our Waters Coalition

Healing Our Waters Coalition

https://healthylakes.org/coalition-1-billion-for-great-lakes-in-senate-infrastructure-package-will-be-shot-in-the-arm/

Jordan Lubetkin

On:
In: Collaboration, PFAS

There are more than 5,000 chemicals in the man-made group known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). At times during an informal workshop on the topic late last week, it felt as if there were also thousands of questions surrounding PFAS.

The virtual gathering of more than 50 state agency personnel and academics from University of Wisconsin System schools shined a light on knowledge gaps, as well as energized opportunities for collaboration to move forward Wisconsin’s PFAS research agenda.

Amy Schultz, environment researcher for the University of Wisconsin-Madison-based Survey of the Health of Wisconsin, summed it up for most participants when she said points of collaboration “span all the worlds. And, collaboration is necessary.”

All the worlds she referred to were the four areas around which the workshop had been organized:

  • Environmental contamination by PFAS. PFAS has been found in surface and groundwater, rain, air, soil, fish and wildlife.
  • How PFAS moves and how it persists in the environment. There are 80 known sites of contamination in the state, which is almost certainly not a finite number.
  • How PFAS should be dealt with once it’s discovered. There was uniform agreement among workshop attendees that there needs to be a way to sequester PFAS, but how? PFAS can also be removed from water and disposed of under proper conditions, but this can be expensive.
  • The effects of PFAS on people. Studies have shown PFAS can increase cholesterol levels, decrease the efficacy of vaccines and—for pregnant women—cross the placenta and also be transmitted through breast milk. PFAS has been linked to cancer, osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis and thyroid disease.

A recent PFAS workshop identified many knowledge gaps and potential collaborations between state agencies and scientists. Workshop organizers committed to the release of more information to set a research agenda. Photo: Bonnie Willison, Wisconsin Sea Grant.

The workshop hosts—Wisconsin Sea Grant, the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute and the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene—laid out goals for the workshop: identifying what is known about PFAS; targeting knowledge gaps; fostering working relationships between staff at the departments of Health Services, Natural Resources, and Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the research community to accomplish further work; and charting next steps.

At the conclusion of the two 4-hour sessions that saw speakers, technical panel discussions and breakout sessions, that tick list seemed complete. The group plans to continue informal conversations to formulate research needs and share research findings and resources that will lead to actions that protect Wisconsin’s environmental resources and public health from PFAS as they are present in numerous products of everyday life.

The post PFAS in Wisconsin: Setting a research agenda first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant

Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/blog/pfas-in-wisconsin-setting-a-research-agenda/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pfas-in-wisconsin-setting-a-research-agenda

Moira Harrington