The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will expand their environmental impact investigations to include high-capacity wells used in large farms, municipalities, and industry. Read the full story by the Wisconsin Examiner.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200603-high-capacity-wells
More details of a planned Lake Michigan park have been released by Muskegon County, Michigan, which has applied for a $10 million state grant for the project that would convert a former sand mine into a public recreation area. Read the full story by MLive.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200603-lake-michigan-park
U.S. Congressman Fred Upton joined E.P.A. Administrator Andrew Wheeler in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to discuss issues facing the Great Lakes. Read the full story by WDNU – St. Joseph, MI.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200603-water-quality-meeting
Residents of Midland County, Michigan, that were impacted by the catastrophic flooding in mid-May are now left to decide if they should stay and rebuild or start over somewhere else if they can. The only sure thing is that nothing will return to exactly as it was before. Read the full story by the Detroit Free Press.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200603-flood-restoration
Two class-action lawsuits were filed against Edenville and Sanford dam owners and the state of Michigan on behalf of 19 mid-Michigan residents that sustained catastrophic damage from the dam failures. Read the full story by WEYI-TV – Midland, MI.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200603-dam-lawsuits
The Crystal Lake and Watershed Association in Benzie County, Michigan, is still planning to treat invasive Eurasian milfoil in Crystal Lake. The herbicide treatment will be applied by boat and applicators will use a drone to help locate treatment areas. Read the full story The Laredo Morning Times.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200603-watermilfoil-treatment
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking the public’s input on its plan to clean up groundwater contamination at a Superfund site in Indianapolis that’s tainted with chemicals used by a dry cleaning company. Read the full story by Great Lakes Now.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200603-superfund
The National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration and the Bureau of Economic Analysis found the nation’s ocean and Great Lakes-dependent activities contributed about $373 billion to the overall U.S. economy in 2018. Read the full story by the Treasure Coast Palm.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200603-great-lakes-economy
Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2020/06/03/mastering-inland-seas/
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F51C44D30.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F51C47698WI.GRBSPSGRB.d71e68a5193e67d5635a12b852098e68
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F51B84774.SevereThunderstormWatch.125F51C4E010WI.WNSWOU0.5db0bf65da1fbe15399081b58755572b
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The federal government is seeking the public’s input on its plan to clean up groundwater contamination at a Superfund site in Indianapolis that’s tainted with chemicals used by a dry cleaning company.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that it would accept public comments from June 1 to June 30 on the agency’s proposed cleanup of the Keystone Corridor Ground Water Contamination site.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/ap-epa-public-comment-indianapolis-superfund-site/
In 2019, ODNR staff rediscovered four species thought to be extirpated from the state. Read the full story by Toledo Blade.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200602-high-water-impact
Communities along the Georgian Bay find themselves uneasy as they brace for the high Lake Huron water levels. Read the full story by Barrietoday.com.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200602-high-water-impact
To help detect and guide efforts to prevent Lanternfly damages, a citizen science project called Operation Spot the Spot has been launched. Read the full story by Toledo Blade.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200602-invasive-species
The only high-speed ferry on the Great Lakes celebrates its anniversary today. Read the full story by OnMilwaukee.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200602-lake-express
Lake Ontario water levels have gone down around 6 inches since cresting on May 5 and are expected to continue dropping through the summer, according to the International Lake Ontario St. Lawrence River Board. Read the full story by NYup.com.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200602-ontario-water-levels
Any resident, private company or public entity can operate a dam in the state of Michigan, but does that mean that the rules for dams with varied ownership follow different regulation and inspections? Read the full story by Midland Daily Press.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200602-dam-regulation
Removal of the Brecksville Dam, known as the Station Road Dam, the Route 82 Dam and the Canal Diversion Dam – began May 21st, much to the benefit of the public and the Cuyahoga River itself. Read the full story by Cleveland.com.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200602-cuyahoga-dam-removal
U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), co-chair of the Great Lakes Task Force, is exploring the possibility of a new federal entity to revitalize the region — a project that could mirror the scale of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for the eight states that border the Great Lakes. Read the full story by Wisconsin Examiner.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200602-great-lakes-agency
A new study on cleaning up Great Lakes pollution hotspots published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research finds that investing in pollution prevention and restoration pays off in the long run. Read the full story by Great Lakes Now.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200602-great-lakes-pollution
Out of the tragedy that is COVID-19 can come opportunities to improve our lives, our workspace and our environment.
That includes softening the impact we have on natural habitat.
That’s the view of veteran Great Lakes executive Cameron Davis who says, like businesses in big cities that are assessing their space needs, we should pause and assess our impact on the environment.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/green-reset-covid-19-offers-opportunity-for-lighter-environmental-impact/
Social, racial, and economic justice are inseparable from environmental justice. We cannot achieve our vision of a Great Lakes enjoyed by all when systemic racism, both blatant and covert, is allowed to permeate our society unchecked. We are outraged by the death of George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. We are outraged at the threats made against Christian Cooper, who was birding in Central Park in New York City. We are outraged by these patterns of violence and racism, and we stand in solidarity with the movement for black lives.
No one should have to fear for their health and safety when enjoying everything the Great Lakes have to offer – from hanging out with friends on a Chicago beach to drawing a glass of water from the tap at home to hiking a remote trail along Lake Superior. All too often, black, brown, and indigenous people cannot take these things for granted.
The Alliance for the Great Lakes, as a white-led organization, has work to do to address racial equity in our work, internally and externally. We have started this work – as individuals, as an organization, and in our communities – but we know that we have a long way to go.
To all who are protesting and those who are hurting, we hear you, we see you, and we stand with you. We are committed to fighting for social, racial and environmental justice in the communities where we live, work, and play.
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The post “Social, racial, and economic justice are inseparable from environmental justice.” appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.
News – Alliance for the Great Lakes
News – Alliance for the Great Lakes
https://greatlakes.org/2020/06/social-racial-and-economic-justice-are-inseparable-from-environmental-justice/
Green Bay, WI
https://www.weather.gov/grb/severethreat_060220
Freshwater Future mourns the death of Mr. George Floyd and all who have died due to racism in our country. We stand in solidarity with all communities of color as the forces of systemic racism have made them most vulnerable to police brutality and disproportionate impacts and harmed families suffering in silence, who would like to believe the opportunities afforded to others would be unconditionally afforded to their families and communities alike throughout the country. The scourge of racism has been plaguing our country since prior to the formation of this nation. Recognizing that it is actions, and not simply words, that will move us toward a just and equitable society, we commit to new steps within our organization to make our work more just and equitable and to ensure that work pushes for justice and equity throughout our region and the country. While we do not have all the answers of how to move forward together at this moment, we commit to listening, learning and changing in the days and years to come.
– Jill M. Ryan, Executive Director, and all of the Freshwater Future Staff
Blog – Freshwater Future
https://freshwaterfuture.org/environmental-justice/we-stand-in-solidarity/
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F51A88000.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F51A89004WI.GRBSPSGRB.cb9db59e78751a71c5ef80b03acb2789
A $126 million, 20.7-megawatt wind turbine project on Lake Erie has the go-ahead from state regulators after years of halting progress.
If construction is completed, the six-turbine Icebreaker Wind farm in Lake Erie, 8 miles northwest of Cleveland, would be the first offshore freshwater site in the U.S.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/lake-erie-wind-farm-icebreaker-board-conditions/
The Ohio Power Sitting Board approved the installations of windmills in Lake Erie, however the requirement for the windmills to shut down at night for more of the year may make the project unfeasible. Read the full story by The Plain Dealer.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200601-wind-energy
U.S. Steel, one of Northwest Indiana’s largest employers, signed a long-term deal to provide iron ore to Algoma Steel in Ontario, Canada. Read the full story by the Northwest Indiana Times.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200601-iron-ore
Nature Conservancy of Canada announced the protection of 15 hectares (38 acres) of wetland and forest on Prince Edward County’s south shore. Read the full story by Prince Edward County News.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200601-wetland-protected
A fisherman caught a chain pickerel near Wolfe Island in Kingston, Ontario. The invasive fish has been in New York, but hadn’t been seen on the north side of Lake Ontario. Read the full story by Global News Canada.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200601-invasive-pickerel
With the weather warming up, Wisconsinites long for days at the beach. But how safe is it when our natural areas are so crowded? Read the full story by Milwaukee Magazine.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200601-beach-crowding
Two of Seneca Lake’s most intense harmful algal blooms of 2019 occurred in the Watkins Glen marina, only a few hundred feet away from the end of the intake pipe that supplies the town’s drinking water. Read the full story by Finger Lakes 1.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200601-algal-bloom
Lake Huron Shoreline mayors in Ontario, one who reopened municipal beaches Friday and one who is reluctant to, both share health concerns should the province decide to relax COVID-19 restrictions in this region before others. Read the full story by The Sun Times.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200601-shoreline-mayors
On May 27 DEC announced its Draft Fisheries Management Plan for Inland Trout Streams in NYS is now open for public comment. The comment period closes on June 25, 2020. Read the full story by Hudson Valley 360.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200601-trout-management
Canadian energy company Enbridge is advocating for a new tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac for its Line 5 pipeline. Venture capitalist Ian Bund writes that the company’s safety-focused rhetoric is not what it seems and a spill would be catastrophic for Michigan. Read the full story by Bloomberg Law.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200601-Threat
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.
A new study on cleaning up Great Lakes pollution hotspots published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research finds that investing in pollution prevention and restoration pays off in the long run.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/06/pollution-prevention-restoration-study/
TThis week: Floodwaters Mix with Chemicals After Dam Failures + Some Residents of Chicago May Find Relief from Lack of Running Water + Funding for Lakewalk in Duluth Approved + Wind Turbines in Lake Erie Moves Forward with Limitations + Our Own Alicia Smith Receives “Urban Waters Learning Network Award”
Two dams failed in mid-Michigan after 4.7 inches fell on mid-Michigan in 48 hours after several previous days of rain. The flooding surrounded Dow Chemical, headquartered in Midland. Levees designed to protect the plant from external forces were infiltrated causing floodwaters to comingle with dangerous chemicals within the plant creating potential environmental contamination.
Some Residents of Chicago May Find Relief from Lack of Running WaterMany cities in the Great Lakes region are scrambling to reconnect their water customers with service in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. In Chicago, residents fear having to pay past bills before they can have their water restored. Relief may be in sight for those who qualify, as the City has announced a Utility Billing Relief Program featuring reduced rates, no late penalties or debt collection, and debt forgiveness with on-time payments for 12 months. Funding for Lakewalk in Duluth ApprovedA popular seven-mile trail that follows the Lake Superior shoreline in Duluth received funding approval from City Council to rebuild the Canal Park section. High waters and storms damaged the trail. Federal and state funding will cover 75% of the improvements and City funds will be used for the remainder. Wind Turbines in Lake Erie Moves Forward with LimitationsA pilot project for six-offshore wind turbines in Lake Erie, which would be the first of its kind in North America, took one step forward. The Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation received approval from the siting board with 33 conditions including no nighttime operations from March through October to reduce impacts to bats and birds. The energy company stated that the conditions could kill the project. Opponents are concerned that the environmental assessment did not adequately address all the potential impacts. Our Own Alicia Smith Receives “Urban Waters Learning Network Award”A huge congratulations to our Community and Policy Director, Alicia Smith for receiving the Urban Waters Learning Network Award, presented at the Virtual River Rally for her work with the amazing Junction Coalition in Toledo, Ohio. |
Blog – Freshwater Future
https://freshwaterfuture.org/uncategorized/freshwater-weekly-may-29-2020/
Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2020/06/01/risks-in-michigans-urban-environment/
The animals at various aquariums are dealing with their own COVID-19 lockdown struggles as they adjust to new routines, new procedures and a distinct lack of the public, and each animal handles it a little differently.
Thanks to Great Lakes aquariums like Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, the Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing in Brockville, Ontario, and Belle Isle Conservancy in Detroit, the public can get a peek at the various things staff are doing to keep the animals happy and entertained.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/animal-quiz-great-lakes-aquarium-animal-covid-19-quarantine/
Michigan City, Indiana officials said multiple circumstances factored into the decision to make Washington Park Beach a “swim-at-your-own-risk” area, issuing a news release to clear up “misunderstandings” surrounding the lack of lifeguards on the city’s shores. Read the full story by The Northwest Indiana Times.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200529-lifeguards
With record high Lake Michigan levels, in the Town of Clay Banks, in Door County, Wisconsin, some areas are seeing erosion among other damages and local leaders are asking the state to help with repair. Read the full story by WLUK-TV – Green Bay, WI.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200529-erosion-michigan
Victory, which typically sails two ships in the Great Lakes during a six-month season, was scheduled to resume its itineraries in early July. Instead, the company announced this week that it wouldn’t sail this summer at all. Read the full story by Cleveland.com.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200529-cruise-greatlakes
Scientists at the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory advanced autonomous sensing with the rollout of the Real-Time Coastal Observation Network (ReCON) in 2005, and in response to the 2014 Toledo, OH algal-bloom caused water crisis additional sensors have been deployed throughout the Great Lakes system provide real-time data about episodic events such as incursions of low-oxygen water into municipal water intakes. Read the full story by The Conversation.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200529-smart-lakes
Scientists with the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena, Michigan, used advanced techniques to map underwater environments that helped scientists identify the depressions as sinkholes; continuing studies are occurring to explore the diverse microbial communities and other unique properties of these formations. Read the full story by Great Lakes Echo.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200529-huron-sinkholes
With record-breaking water levels for Lake Michigan and Huron being reported at 13.4 inches higher than last spring’s water level and nearly three inches higher than a record set in 1986, Escanaba and Gladstone, Michigan officials share how the situation has affected their communities. Read the full story by Daily Press.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200529-ontario-plastic
A team of Rochester Institute of Technology researchers are studying how microplastic materials end up in Lake Ontario and the types of effects they have on the environment. Read the full story by WHAM-TV – Rochester, NY.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200529-ontario-plastic
Earlier this year, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management Committee received a combined $3 million from the Canadian and U.S. governments to conduct an expedited review of the water management policy enforced by the International Joint Commission. Read the full story by NNY360.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200529-IJC-review
The H2Ohio initiative includes projects within the Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio EPA, as well as efforts by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources focusing on wetlands; these projects help expand the permanent natural water-quality infrastructure to address nutrient pollution issues. Read the full story by Farm Progress.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200528-h2oh-wetlands
A Case Western Reserve University researcher has landed $700,000 in grants to try to remove excess nutrients from fertilizer and runoff that flows into Lake Erie and causes harmful algal blooms. Read the full story by Cleveland.com.
Great Lakes Commission
https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200528-erie-nutrients
