On:
In: Freshwater Weekly

THIS WEEK:  Bringing Water Filter Stations to Benton Harbor Schools + Legislation Would Force Air Force Bases to Swiftly Cleanup Toxic Pollution + U.S. EPA Administrator, Michael Regan Tours the Flint Community Lab + UPDATE: Community Actions Helped–Saginaw Delays Water Shutoffs + Freshwater Future Featured in Water Justice Publication

Bringing Water Filter Stations to Benton Harbor Schools    

Freshwater Future is happy to be working with the Benton Harbor Water Council, Benton Harbor Schools and the Nalgene Water Fund to ensure youth have clean water.  Benton Harbor, Michigan has been out of compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule for nearly 3 years, meaning residents may have high levels of lead in their tap water.  In addition to working with the water council on monitoring, pushing for solutions, and education, we also want to ensure students have safe water at school.  This project will bring filtered water bottle filling stations to the high school in time for fall return to classes.

Legislation Would Force Air Force Bases to Swiftly Cleanup Toxic Pollution

The toxic chemical PFAS used in firefighting foam among other products continues to be found in water sources near Air Force Bases. Legislation was recently introduced that would require  PFAS remediation and cleanup of the worst Air Force Sites known as the ‘Filthy Fifty’. The bill also requires testing at all U.S. Department of Defense sites within two years and the requirement of providing clean drinking water within 60 days of detection of PFAS in the source drinking water.  Freshwater Future sees these requirements as critical to the safety of families living near bases.

U.S. EPA Administrator, Michael Regan Tours the Flint Community Lab

Michael Regan, the new Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is touring several cities to promote the President’s infrastructure package that will invest billions in replacing lead piping in water systems and to rebuild trust with communities.  On Wednesday, he toured the Flint Community Lab, a partner project of Flint Development Center and Freshwater Future. The lab provides Flint residents with a trusted source of water testing and education as well as job and skill development for Flint youth exposing them to science, technology, engineering and math careers.

UPDATE: Community Actions Help–Saginaw Delays Water Shutoffs

Last week, we shared that Saginaw, Michigan planned to shut off water to 750 customers. Fortunately, the City of Saginaw announced a delay of water shutoffs until July 15, in response to the outcry from people about the water shutoffs and harsh penalties. The delay is helpful, but does not go far enough to help residents. We urge the City and other municipalities to develop an affordability plan that ensures access to water service for all Saginaw residents.

Freshwater Future Featured in Water Justice Publication

A case study of Freshwater Future’s work in Toledo, Ohio and Flint, Michigan on lead in drinking water is featured in  a new publication aimed to help frontline communities with water justice issues.  The “Water Justice Toolkit: A Guide to Address Environmental Inequities in Frontline Communities” produced by American Rivers provides a basic overview of federal laws and policies, legal avenues and case studies that highlight how communities have addressed a variety of water justice issues. 

 

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/freshwater-weekly/freshwater-future-weekly-july-9-2021/

Freshwater Future

On:
In: Uncategorized
...RAINFALL AMOUNTS SINCE JUNE 15TH ACROSS NORTH-CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST WISCONSIN... Below normal snowfall this past winter, combined with drier than normal conditions this spring into early this summer caused conditions to deteriorate into the abnormally dry (D0) or moderate drought (D1) conditions across much of central, north- central

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=WI1261AC2353A0.SpecialWeatherStatement.1261AC3297D4WI.GRBSPSGRB.95b10690542ce202768caf22fbfedf5c

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Citizen science, community engagement, Environmental Justice, lead contamination, water affordability, Water Equity

Excerpts from American River’s “Water Justice Toolkit: A Guide to Address Environmental Inequities in Frontline Communities”

CLEAN AND SAFE WATER GUIDE (Page 30)

COMMUNITY CASE STUDY: WORKING WITH RESIDENTS TO ENSURESAFE DRINKING WATER

When a municipality issues an advisory on elevated lead levels in drinking water, residents are alarmed and looking for answers. Is my water undrinkable? Do I need a filter? Do I buy bottled water?

Freshwater Future partners community groups to make sure residents understand the advisory. Volunteers train neighbors on how to flush their water and install filters. Freshwater Future has even provided grants to pay volunteer stipends, share educational materials, and complete water testing for lead and other metals. And once the results come in, Freshwater Future is there to help analyze the data and communicate to communities and to the Health Department. Alexis Smith, Community Program and Technical Associate explains, “If you’ve ever seen a water analysis, you can imagine how overwhelmed these residents must feel. Environmental chemistry is not my background, so even for me, it was a learning curve. You have to learn the acronyms and the contaminants and what they can do. We translate and communicate what the data is actually saying.”

When it comes to drinking water, says Smith, “zero amount of lead is safe.” Freshwater Future remains engaged until all lead service lines are replaced or tests prove that the water is safe. “The residents tell us how they would like to move forward, and we support them every step of the way,” she says. “Whether that is through strategy for taking actions or funding to support their initiatives.” Freshwater Future offers a great example of how to follow the lead of the community.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION GUIDE (Page 102)

COMMUNITY CASE STUDY: ORGANIZING FOR WATER SECURITY DURING COVID-19 TOLEDO COMMUNITY WATER COUNCIL

Through robust public participation, the Toledo Community Water Council provides oversight and community support to the city of Toledo. The Council’s collective knowledge and insight have been key to developing the city’s water bill assistance program. Reliable access to water is becoming more expensive, and during COVID, water disconnection can have a devastating public health impact. For years, Freshwater Future has been working with the Toledo Community Water Council to address water issues throughout the City.

For residents experiencing water shutoffs due to nonpayment or leaks, this work has become even more urgent during the pandemic. “Utilities are run by engineers; often they don’t think about the social impact of these shutoffs on people working check to check,” says Alexis Smith, Community Program and Technical Associate for Freshwater Future. “When we organize to find solutions, our goal is—turn the water on, keep the water on.” Members of the Toledo Community Water Council organized to respond to rising water rates and the inequity and harm that results when city governments and utilities are not proactive and transparent. Freshwater Future has helped individual residents request assessments to identify water leaks driving up their water bills and file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to understand why water rates continue to increase. They also helped the municipality identify funding for full lead service line replacement in order to lower the cost burden on residents.

To view the  full report by American Rivers:  Water Justice Toolkit: A Guide to Address Environmental Inequities in Frontline Communities

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/environmental-justice/water_justice_sections/

Ann Baughman

On:
In: Agriculture, AP, Drinking Water, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Court: DNR can impose farm conditions, consider well impact

By Todd Richmond, Associated Press Writer

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin regulators can impose operating conditions on factory farms and consider high-capacity wells’ cumulative environmental impacts when deciding whether to grant permits, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

The decisions mark a major win for conservationists and clarify that the Department of Natural Resources has broad authority to protect Wisconsin’s waters.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-dnr-farm-conditions-well-impact/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, AP, harmful algal blooms, lake erie, News, Ohio, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, toxic algae
Ohio expands farmer incentive program to clean up Lake Erie

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Farmers in 10 more northern Ohio counties will be eligible to receive financial incentives for using new agriculture practices that improve water quality in Lake Erie, Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday.

That brings the number of counties eligible up to 24 through the H2Ohio water quality initiative’s farmer incentive program.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-ohio-farmer-incentive-program-lake-erie/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Uncategorized

The Alliance is happy to announce our Lakes Chat Summer Series. Every Tuesday at 1 pm, we’ll Live stream our chat with a special guest about Great Lakes issues and what it all means for you and your community.

In June, we chatted about Washington, DC updates on infrastructure policy and funding, 50 Years of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Invasive Carp, and the Adopt-a-Beach program.

Want to join in on the conversation? Be sure to join our Linkedin registration event page to receive notifications about upcoming chats.

Or, you can tune into our Facebook page or Youtube channel.

So, dive into timely topics with The Alliance and special guests, and feel free to contribute questions to the live video discussion.

Upcoming Lakes Chat Episodes for July

July 13: Ships, Invasive Species & the Great Lakes
Special Guest: Molly Flanagan Chief Operating Officer & Vice President for Programs

July 20: Environmental Justice
Special Guest: Crystal M.C. Davis Vice President of Policy and Strategic Engagement

July 27: Water Levels
Special Guest: Joel Brammeier President & CEO

If you can’t join live, no worries, we’ll share previously recorded episodes here.

The post Dive into Our Lakes Chat Summer Series 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/2021/07/dive-into-our-lakes-chat-summer-series/

Michelle Farley

On:
In: Uncategorized

Over the summer, the Alliance hosted our Lakes Chat Summer Series. We chatted with a special guest each week about Great Lakes issues ranging from infrastructure to water levels – and what it all means for you and your community.

Go ahead, dive into some timely topics below.

Water Infrastructure Funding – View from DC: We chatted with Don Jodrey, the Alliance’s Director of Federal Government Relations, about updates from Washington, DC on infrastructure policy and funding.
50th Anniversary & Great Blue Benefit: We chatted with Joel Brammeier, Alliance for the Great Lakes President & CEO, about the Alliance’s history.
Invasive Carp: Invasive carp have been a looming threat for years, steadily moving up Illinois waterways toward Lake Michigan. At the same time, the federal government and Great Lakes states have been debating options for preventing these harmful fish from getting into the lakes. We chatted with Anna-Lisa Castle, the Alliance’s Water Policy Manager. She leads the Alliance’s policy campaign to keep invasive carp out of the Great Lakes.
Enjoy a Plastic-Free 4th of July: The Alliance’s Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Olivia Reda, shared how to keep plastic off our beaches and out of the Great Lakes.
Harmful Algal Blooms: Each year, a harmful algal bloom forms in western Lake Erie that grows so big that it can be seen from outer space. Todd Brennan, the Alliance’s Senior Policy Manager, walked us through what causes harmful algal blooms and what can be done to fix the problem.
Ships, Invasive Species, & The Great Lakes: Molly Flanagan, the Alliance’s Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Programs dug into the connections between ships, aquatic invasive species, and the Great Lakes – and what’s being done to fix the problem.
Environmental Justice: Here at the Alliance, we feel that the Great Lakes region has an opportunity to lead the way and showcase how environmental justice can be achieved. Crystal M.C. Davis, the Alliance’s Vice President for Policy and Strategic Engagement, leads much of the Alliance’s water policy work. She also leads the Alliance’s commitment to diverse engagement of Great Lakes communities.
Water Levels: Joel Brammeier, the Alliance’s President and CEO, talked about high water levels and how climate change plays a part.

The post Dive into Our Lakes Chat Summer Series 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/2021/10/dive-into-our-lakes-chat-summer-series/

Judy Freed

On:
In: Commercial Fishing, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, invasive species, lake erie, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, News, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Wisconsin
Low but Stable: Yellow perch populations in Great Lakes’ bays and open waters

On first attempt to reach Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Research Biologist David Fielder, he wasn’t monitoring fish populations or water quality. He was busy with a perch basket lunch.

The yellow perch is a staple of Great Lakes commercial and recreational fishing, and Friday fish fries.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/yellow-perch-low-populations-wisconsin-michigan-fishing/

John McCracken

On:
In: Echo, podcasts

Scientists from the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station first noticed an invasive population of zebra mussels in Gull Lake in the mid-1990s.

The post Researchers find relationship between invasive zebra mussels, toxic algae first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/08/researchers-find-relationship-between-invasive-zebra-mussels-toxic-algae/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Budget, COVID-19, Feature Homepage, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, outdoor recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism
Great Lakes Trails: Relief funds spark new investments into outdoor recreation

With a rebounding economy and plenty of federal relief funds, states across the country are finding themselves with extra money to spend.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer yesterday announced a proposal to spend $150 million of relief funds from the American Rescue Plan on state and local parks and trails.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/great-lakes-trails-new-planned-recreation/

Noah Bock

On:
In: Daily News

A partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative will use federal funds to deal with erosion and high water levels along Lake Michigan. Read the full story by the Holland Sentinel.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210707-partnership

Jill Estrada

On:
In: Daily News

The Milwaukee Estuary is moving a step closer to clean water and space for recreation, thanks to partial approval of funding for a sediment containment facility. Read the full story by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210707-estuary

Jill Estrada

On:
In: Daily News

The International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board recently announced the river and the Great Lakes have experienced drought conditions through the spring. And it’s expected to remain that way for the summer. Read the full story by Spectrum News 1.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210707-erie-drought

Jill Estrada

On:
In: caviar, Lake sturgeon, Shark week, sturgeon sounds

A surgeon. Image credit: Brenna Hernandez, Shedd Aquarium

The Discovery Channel’s Shark Week kicks off on July 11. As the spotlight turns to that species, the Great Lakes can’t boast any of those sandpaper-y-skinned creatures, but coursing through its waters is another cartilaginous beast, the lake sturgeon. Here are five facts about the fish.

Jumbo-sized, just not in the teeth department

The lake sturgeon is the largest fish in the Great Lakes. It can grow to a weight of more than 300 pounds and reach a length of 9 feet. A lake sturgeon’s skeleton is made up of cartilage—like a shark—but they lack a shark’s fearsome allotment of choppers. The fish have a soft mouth and no teeth, relying on dangling organs called barbels to sense their meals of invertebrates, small clams and insect larvae, which are sucked into the mouth, sand and all. Everything but the food is then expelled through side gill slits. Instead of the shark’s trademark, and some would say ominous, fin, sturgeon have rows of scutes running the length of their bodies. These bony pointed plates smooth out with age.

Brontosaurus, stegosaurus, lake sturgeon

Lake sturgeon are considered a living fossil because the species has survived—virtually unchanged—for more than 150 million years. Sturgeon were around during the time of the dinosaurs. It hasn’t been easy, though. Today, because of overfishing, pollution and a loss of habitat, lake sturgeon are struggling to survive. For example, in Lake Michigan, scientists estimate only 5,000 adult sturgeon remain, well below 1% of the most conservative estimates of historic numbers.

Wisconsin is home to more than just Bucky Badger

Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago is home to the world’s largest population of lake sturgeon. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has been managing the population in that lake since 1903. Wisconsin Sea Grant lends a hand through its support for Fred Binkowski at the School of Freshwater Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He has reared youngsters in his lab, assisted in the field and even extended his devotion to daily communication. Binkowski’s email address incorporates the word “sturgeon” instead of his own moniker.

Fine dining from fresh water

In the late 1800s, caviar made from the eggs of Great Lakes sturgeon was sold to enterprising Europeans who relabeled it as “Russian caviar” and shipped the delicacy back to socially climbing Americans eager to serve it at swanky functions. 

Sing a song of sturgeon

Using an underwater microphone on the Wolf River in 2012, a Wisconsin Sea Grant staffer was the first ever to capture the “song of the sturgeon.” Really, it is a slightly muffled clicking and booming sound (hear it here) that biologists think it is a way for a girl sturgeon and a boy sturgeon to call to each other during the spring mating season.

To learn more, check out this video and test your knowledge with a worksheet.

The post Shark and sturgeon synchronicity first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant

Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/blog/shark-and-sturgeon-synchronicity/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=shark-and-sturgeon-synchronicity

Moira Harrington

On:
In: Uncategorized
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 338 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN WISCONSIN THIS WATCH INCLUDES 8 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL WISCONSIN WAUSHARA IN EAST CENTRAL 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=WI1261AC02FFD8.SevereThunderstormWatch.1261AC035FF0WI.GRBWCNGRB.126e6520b9b367d99f6ba3f2d40dfd5f

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: aquaculture, aquaponics, fish farming, Fred Binkowski, Ryan Newton, technical briefs

If you’re interested in aquaculture, Wisconsin Sea Grant has released a new publication for you.

Dr. Ryan Newton (Photo: UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences)

Written by Ryan Newton, an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences (SFS), this 20-page paper describes the importance of microorganisms in freshwater aquaponics. It’s the first in a series of aquaculture technical briefs produced by Fred Binkowski, senior scientist at SFS and aquaculture outreach specialist at Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Titled “Microorganisms in Intensive Aquaponics,” the paper starts with an explanation of exactly what microorganisms are and then covers the diversity of roles they play in aquaponics systems. Although they may not be the first part of an aquaponics system that comes to mind, microbes are crucial to the healthy functioning of the system. The paper includes suggestions for biosecurity and suggestions about pre- and probiotics. A table of common freshwater fish pathogens is also included.

Binkowski said, “This is a great resource for fish farmers because it provides a clear picture and understanding of the function of the invisible workers — the bacteria – that form one of the most important components of a healthy and productive aquaponics system.”

The paper is available for free download at Wisconsin Sea Grant’s online publications store at publications.aqua.wisc.edu.

The post New aquaculture paper produced; will be first in a series first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/new-aquaculture-paper-produced-will-be-first-in-a-series/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-aquaculture-paper-produced-will-be-first-in-a-series

Jennifer Smith

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

Delta County, Michigan
CCO Meeting – CCO Meeting Presentation [.pdf]
Monday, June 28, 2021
The CCO meeting was held online.


Original Article

Great Lakes Coastal Flood Study

Great Lakes Coastal Flood Study

https://www.greatlakescoast.org/2021/07/06/lake-michigan-community-consultation-officers-meeting-and-open-house-for-delta-county-michigan/

Great Lakes Coast

On:
In: Uncategorized
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 338 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1000 PM CDT FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS WI . WISCONSIN COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE ADAMS BROWN BUFFALO CALUMET CLARK COLUMBIA

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=WI1261ABF67E48.SevereThunderstormWatch.1261AC035FF0WI.WNSWOU8.594c87ca0f5506d06b9ad484729f3177

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR BROWN...KEWAUNEE...SOUTHERN DOOR...CALUMET...SOUTHEASTERN MENOMINEE...WINNEBAGO...EASTERN WAUSHARA...EASTERN WAUPACA...SOUTHERN OCONTO...OUTAGAMIE...EASTERN SHAWANO AND MANITOWOC COUNTIES UNTIL 230 PM CDT... At 133 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms scattered around northeast and east central Wisconsin. The strongest

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=WI1261ABF675B0.SpecialWeatherStatement.1261ABF69A68WI.GRBSPSGRB.6aa5f2eed3e702ea40d8087602c74917

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Drinking Water, forever chemicals, Forever Chemicals Featured, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, News, PFAS, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Dealing with the soup of chemicals that can get into your drinking water

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/2021/07/soup-chemicals-drinking-water/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: AP, Beaches, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Latest News, News, outdoor recreation, Recreation and Tourism
Nonprofit: Number of drownings in Great Lakes jumps in 2021

HOMEWOOD, Ill. (AP) — More drownings have been reported in the Great Lakes so far in 2021 than by this time last year, prompting officials to urge swimmers to practice water safety measures.

As of July 2, there were 32 drownings in the Great Lakes, compared to 25 as of July 4, 2020, according to data collected by the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-nonprofit-drownings-great-lakes-jumps-2021/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Detroit, Feature Detroit, infrastructure, Michigan, News
Water authority: Pumping stations did not fail during storm

By Corey Williams, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — Two water pumping stations in Detroit experienced power-related problems but did not fail during a heavy rainstorm last week that left basements, streets and even freeways flooded, the head of a regional water and wastewater agency said Friday.

Great Lakes Water Authority Chief Executive Sue McCormick told reporters that due to an electrical service issue only three of six pumps at one station were able to be brought online, while a power outage at a second station slowed efforts to turn three of its pumps on as the rain poured.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-detroit-water-authority-pumping-stations-storm/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Detroit, Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, industry, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, pollution
Great Lakes Moment: Ecosystem restoration needs more environmental justice

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.

In southwest Detroit, evidence of environmental injustice can be found nearly everywhere, and communities of color and low wealth feel that polluting companies and government officials are not doing enough to address many long-standing environmental problems.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ecosystem-restoration-environmental-justice-southwest-detroit/

John Hartig

On:
In: Catch of the Day, contaminants, Echo, Law, pollution

A former supervisor of a Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority plant is expected to plead guilty to a felony charge for allegedly ordering employees to discharge sludge into the Allegheny River.

The post Guilty plea expected in Allegheny River pollution case first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/06/guilty-plea-expected-in-allegheny-river-pollution-case/

Eric Freedman

On:
In: Uncategorized
...THUNDERSTORMS MOVING INTO THE FOX VALLEY... At 820 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Black Creek to New London to 7 miles north of Fremont. Movement was southeast at 20 mph. Pea size hail and winds in excess of 30 mph will be possible with these storms. A gust front ahead of the line could produce gusty

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=WI1261ABF3D88C.SpecialWeatherStatement.1261ABF3FC7CWI.GRBSPSGRB.5181c8a3d11c8ccdb1bb7d7b409bd95f

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Uncategorized
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHERN BROWN AND NORTHEASTERN OUTAGAMIE COUNTIES UNTIL 630 PM CDT... At 547 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7 miles east of Black Creek, or 15 miles west of Green Bay, moving southeast at 25 mph. Winds gusts to 40 mph will be possible with this storm.

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=WI1261ABE7D460.SpecialWeatherStatement.1261ABE7F468WI.GRBSPSGRB.1b36d356db7c1151673472c0a7c25cef

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

On:
In: Daily News

With heavy rain and flooding in certain areas over the past few days, officials are asking people to take precautions when heading out to the beach this holiday weekend. High rain and flooding can quickly cause the lake to load up with bacteria. The rain can also contribute to high water and wave levels, which can make it unsafe to swim or go boating. Read the full story by Erie News Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210702-flooding

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

Port Milwaukee director Adam Tindall-Schlicht said the $31 million investment is the largest one-time investment into Port Milwaukee since the 1950s and going forward it will be instrumental to the port’s continued growth. Read the full story by the Milwaukee Business Journal.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210702-milwaukee-port

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

A 425-mile paddling expedition is giving voice to the Great Lakes and the people who seek its protection. Three participants will paddle from the Mackinaw Bridge to Lansing to rally political forces on behalf of the lakes. Read the full story by the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210702-paddling-journey

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and two Republican members of the state’s congressional delegation are calling for state-led assessments of a recently designated marine sanctuary in Lake Michigan. Read the full story by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210702-marine-sanctuary

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

The EPA’s floating laboratory – Lake Guardian – was spotted upbound in St. Mary’s River North Channel. The Research Vessel Lake Guardian is the largest research vessel in the E.P.A. fleet and the largest research vessel operating on the Great Lakes. Read the full story by Lake Superior News.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210702-floating-lab

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

Six inches of rain battered the Detroit metro area last weekend, a deluge that overwhelmed the region’s drainage system. Hundreds of basements flooded, cars floated on freeways, and the usually-packed Interstate 94 looked more like a river than a roadway. Read the full story by Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210702-flooding-detroit

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

The city of Waukesha, Wisconsin got official news Wednesday that it can pipe Lake Michigan water to residents, replacing their radium-tainted supply. Some still question whether Waukesha should be granted a diversion under the Great Lakes Compact. Read the full story by WUWM- Milwaukee, WI.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210702-waukesha

Ken Gibbons

On:
In: Daily News

The city of Waukesha, Wisconsin got official news Wednesday that it can pipe Lake Michigan water to residents, replacing their radium-tainted supply. Some still question whether Waukesha should be granted a diversion under the Great Lakes Compact. Read the full story by WUWM- Milwaukee, WI.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20210702-waukesha

Ken Gibbons

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In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Feature Homepage, harmful algal blooms, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Tourism
Good News for Lake Erie: 2021 algal bloom severity forecast is 3

For the second year in a row, scientists predict the annual Lake Erie cyanobacteria bloom will be smaller than it has been in the past decade.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s forecast, assembled with the help of multiple partners, indicates an expected bloom severity index of 3 on a scale of 10.5.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/2021-harmful-algal-blooms-toxic-algae/

James Proffitt

On:
In: Echo, native plants, pollinators

In an effort to battle invasive species, Michigan State University is becoming a more welcoming place for bees, butterflies and other native pollinators.

The post Campus works to become more pollinator-friendly first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/02/campus-works-to-become-more-pollinator-friendly/

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