A graduate student’s road trip around Lake Michigan revealed the effects of small streams and their nutrient loads on the Great Lakes. Read the full story by The Science Times.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201027-tributaries-nutrients-pollution
State studies show an encouraging drop in PFAS levels along the Huron River. Though it’s still not safe to eat the fish, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) said last week that ongoing monitoring of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance levels in the Huron River are on the decline. Read the full story by WHMI-FM, Howell MI.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201027-pfas-huron-river
The current approach to nonpoint source pollution and polluted urban runoff is insufficient to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters. To achieve the goals of the Clean Water Act, Congress must provide grant funding and financing to state and local authorities, as well as private landowners, commensurate with the scope of the pollution challenge. Read the full story by Center for American Progress.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201027-pollution-non-point-nutrient
Perhaps no other Great Lakes shipwreck has as much notoriety as the ill-fated SS Edmund Fitzgerald, a 729-foot iron ore carrier that sunk to the bottom of Lake Superior on Nov. 10, 1975, during a fierce November gale. Read the full story by WiscNews.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201027-edmund-fitzgerald
NCEI News Feed
http://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news//news/long-term-view-gulf-mexico
The Wisconsin DNR has proposed new permanent administrative rules that would increase fees for nonferrous mining exploration and operation permits, licenses and fees by about $502,000 per project. Applicants also would be required to provide substantially greater detail in feasibility reports, operational plans and construction documentation as conditions for permits. Read the full story by The Associated Press.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201027-mining-dnr
(Chicago, IL) October 27, 2020 – Today a group of 15 environmental advocacy groups from around the country, led by the Alliance for the Great Lakes, is releasing a statement regarding the importance of protecting American democracy in advance of the November 3, 2020 presidential election.
While this election amid a global pandemic may be unlike any other the country has faced, this group of nonprofits stands firm to say that every eligible person should be able to vote safely and have their voice heard.
Their statement is as follows:
“Engaging in the democratic process by voting is one of the most powerful ways Americans can have a voice on issues they care about, including protecting our nation’s land, water and air. Democratic engagement, especially voting, is imperative to the success of equitable environmental policies.
Recent efforts to reduce voting access by purging voter rolls and enacting new identity verification rules have predominantly impacted voters of color. Important public health and safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have led to fewer polling locations and long lines in some areas. This makes it more challenging for the elderly and for people who cannot afford to take hours, or even a full day, off work to vote. For those who want to vote via absentee or mail-in ballots, confusing and archaic rules may end up invalidating legitimate votes. And news reports from around the country show that threats of violence and intimidation of voters and poll workers are on the rise.
Our position this election season is clear: Everyone who is eligible to vote deserves the right to do so safely, free of barriers and intimidation. Anything less is unacceptable. We urge election officials and political leaders to ensure a fair and equitable elections process.”
Statement signatories:
Alliance for the Great Lakes
We the People of Detroit (Detroit)
River Network (Boulder, CO)
Junction Coalition (Toledo, OH)
Freshwater Future (Petoskey, MI)
Environmental Health Watch (Cleveland, OH)
Drink Local Drink Tap (Cleveland, OH)
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Peninsula, OH)
Ohio Environmental Council (Columbus, OH)
Environmental Law & Policy Center (Chicago)
Genesee Valley Audubon Society (Rochester, NY)
Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (Cleveland, WI)
Milwaukee Water Commons (Milwaukee, WI)
League of Women Voters of Wisconsin(Madison, WI)
Religious Coalition for the Great Lakes
###
For media inquiries, contact Jennifer Caddick, Alliance for the Great Lakes, at jcaddick@greatlakes.org.
The post Statement: “Everyone who is eligible to vote deserves the right to do so safely, free of barriers and intimidation. Anything less is unacceptable.” appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.
News – Alliance for the Great Lakes
News – Alliance for the Great Lakes
https://greatlakes.org/2020/10/statement-everyone-who-is-eligible-to-vote-deserves-the-right-to-do-so-safely-free-of-barriers-and-intimidation-anything-less-is-unacceptable/
In the first two episodes of “The Age of Nature,” the successes and fragility of environmental restoration took viewers around the world.
The final episode continues that thematic exploration as it takes viewers to some of the furthest and oldest reaches of the planet.
HERE is a map of all the locations with descriptions of the segments.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/age-of-nature-great-lakes-now-hope/
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Theresa Landrum lives in southwest Detroit, where residents complain frequently about dirty air. Tree-shaded neighborhoods with schools, churches and parks lie on either side of an interstate highway and in the shadow of a sprawling oil refinery that belches soot and fumes.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-minority-communities-question-election-year-push-epa/
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Public Service Commission has some authority over Enbridge’s plans to build an oil pipeline tunnel beneath the channel that connects two of the Great Lakes, a state administrative law judge ruled Friday.
The agency can evaluate the need for the project and whether it would be designed, constructed and operated safely, Judge Dennis W.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/ap-judge-michigan-line-5-tunnel-plan/
Research shows chemicals banned years and even decades ago are showing up in some Great Lakes shorebirds, such as the common tern. Read the full story by Michigan Radio.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201026-shorebirds
Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in southeast Michigan is considered the largest fresh water marsh restoration project in North America, with about 5,200 acres dedicated to wildlife and water quality. Read the full story by The Daily Telegram.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201026-pointe-mouillee
The City of Benton Harbor in southwest Michigan was awarded a $5 million grant to replace lead pipes and make sure everyone has access to clean drinking water. Read the full story by WSBT-TV – South Bend, IN.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201026-water-pipe-grant
After more than two decades of cleanup and community efforts, Lake Erie’s Presque Isle Bay became the second heavily contaminated place in the United States to be removed from the Great Lakes toxic waters list. Read the full story by Great Lakes Echo.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201026-pennsylvania-bay
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler visited two Michigan cities to announce the distribution of utility grant funds that will help replace lead water pipes of the type that contributed to tap water poisoning in Flint. Read the full story by MLive.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201026-utility-grants
A Michigan state commission considering a permit for a controversial tunnel project to house a new section of the Line 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac will not look at the potential impacts the proposed project could have on climate change. Read the full story by the MLive.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201026-climate-impacts-line-5
The Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed a lawsuit against a Washtenaw County landfill over environmental violations related to air quality issues. Read the full story by WJBK-TV – Detroit, MI.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201026-landfill
Michigan is lacking statewide septic system rules that would help protect our precious water resources from aging and failing home sewage systems that are prevalent in communities across Michigan. Read the full story by Iron Mountain Daily News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201026-septic-rules
Wisconsin’s air quality has improved over the last 15 years, according to a report by state environmental officials. Read the full story by Huron Daily Tribune.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201026-air-quality
The Michigan Public Service Commission has some authority over Enbridge’s plans to build an oil pipeline tunnel beneath the channel that connects two of the Great Lakes and can evaluate the need for the project and whether it would be designed, constructed and operated safely, a state administrative law judge ruled last week. Read the full story by The Associated Press.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201026-pipeline-tunnel
Great Lakes parks have always been popular among outdoor enthusiasts. This summer, however, pandemic-weary residents on both sides of the border flocked to them – many for the first time – just as services such as campsites, visitors’ centers, washrooms and interpretive programs were closed to help contain COVID-19.
The spike in summertime numbers was doubly challenging this year as the lakes’ record-high water levels have washed away some beaches and trails.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/summertime-spike-great-lakes-parks-covid-19/
Each year, the Great Lakes Protection Fund chooses a theme and looks for innovation and excellence in work around that theme related to the Great Lakes. Then the best individuals and organizations receive the Fund’s Great Lakes Leadership Award.
This year’s theme is communication, and Great Lakes Now is one of the 2020 award winners!
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/great-lakes-now-communication-excellence-great-lakes-protection-fund/
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F6AFC5234.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F6AFCB760WI.GRBSPSGRB.3b77a733acfe35fc01f412b80021d336
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F6AFBF604.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F6AFCB760WI.GRBSPSGRB.3b77a733acfe35fc01f412b80021d336
Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2020/10/26/is-lake-michigan-the-most-dangerous-great-lake/
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F6AFB42B8.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F6AFBCD00WI.GRBSPSGRB.3b77a733acfe35fc01f412b80021d336
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F6AFB0A78.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F6AFB7EE0WI.GRBSPSGRB.3b77a733acfe35fc01f412b80021d336
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F6AFA96D8.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F6AFB09B0WI.GRBSPSGRB.3b77a733acfe35fc01f412b80021d336
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F6AEE72A4.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F6AFA9480WI.GRBSPSGRB.3b77a733acfe35fc01f412b80021d336
Green Bay, WI
https://www.weather.gov/grb/GreenBayRadarDownUntilOct27
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.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/pfas-huron-river-michigan-new-york/
Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2020/10/23/a-22-year-mission-to-restore-a-pennsylvania-bay/
Researchers and indigenous activists in Michigan found numerous patterns of evenly-spaced stones near Line 5 under the Straits of Mackinaw that are thought to be man-made patterns potentially dating back 10,000 years. This potential archaeological discovery may halt the construction of an underground tunnel for Line 5. Read the full story by the Wall Street Journal.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201023-archaeology
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has invested more than $1.2 billion in receipts from oil and gas extraction into conservation of Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. Read the full story by Upper Michigan’s Source.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201023-mi-nrtf
An $18.3 million payout to current and former Crestwood residents who alleged the village’s longtime use of well water contaminated with a known carcinogen caused them health issues is in doubt after a recent Illinois Appellate Court ruling. Read the full story by the Chicago Tribune.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201023-crestwood
A group in Chicago is advocating for a different solution to slowing the spread of invasive carp into the Great Lakes: eating the fish. Read the full story by WTTN–TV – Chicago, IL.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201023-eat-the-carp
A historic 400-ton pavilion in Orchard Beach State Park in Manistee, Michigan, will be moved a quarter mile away from an eroding bluff high above Lake Michigan. The pavilion was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Read the full story by WZZM–TV – Grand Rapids, MI.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201023-orchard-state-park
The village of Ephraim, Wisconsin, is exploring ways to avoid further damage to their waterfront as Lake Michigan remains several feet above its average levels and continues to impact the shoreline. Read the full story by the Door County Pulse.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201023-ephraim
Emmet County and other local governments in northern Michigan are participating in a pilot program that may help provide resources and training to Michigan communities facing coastal erosion issues. The initiative is led by the Michigan Association of Planners and helps communities in the state draft long-term plans for maintaining coastline resiliency. Read the full story by the Petoskey News-Review.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201023-coastal-resilience
State environmental regulators are investigating whether some residents in East Bay Township in northern Michigan have been using drinking water contaminated with PFAS. Read the full story by The Association Press.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201023-pfas
Ontario launched an initiative to collect and analyze the different types of plastic waste at a dozen marinas on the Great Lakes. Read the full story by WDIO–TV – Duluth, MN.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20201023-marina-trash-cleanup
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:
Illinois:
In March, the Illinois Commerce Commission announced an emergency moratorium on utility shut-offs to protect customers during the COVID-19 health crisis, but most major Illinois providers resumed service disconnections by late summer.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/drinking-water-illinois-covid-19-coronavirus-ontario/
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F6ACE12C0.LakeshoreFloodAdvisory.125F6ACF17B0WI.GRBCFWGRB.c87c01476c00582881fb17c941c2884c
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F6ACE0640.FloodAdvisory.125F6ACE814CWI.GRBFLSGRB.b14a73c2468a5b9604532b9f4ea92f36
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F6ACE0640.FloodAdvisory.125F6ACE814CWI.GRBFLSGRB.2aa9c5fc1bba04e70986aaa7f809ab0b
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F6ACD5484.FloodAdvisory.125F6ACE0C1CWI.GRBFLSGRB.2aa9c5fc1bba04e70986aaa7f809ab0b
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F6ACD2220.FloodAdvisory.125F6ACE0C1CWI.GRBFLSGRB.b14a73c2468a5b9604532b9f4ea92f36
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F6ACCE468.LakeshoreFloodAdvisory.125F6ACE2D50WI.GRBCFWGRB.c87c01476c00582881fb17c941c2884c
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F6AC0CA5C.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F6AC0F298WI.GRBSPSGRB.f955109b33009b7006c024bd71ee73cb
