Jun 13 2010 | Rachael Gleason | No Comment

Now you can get real time reports of water temperature, flows, levels and quality of rivers, lakes and groundwater.
The United States Geological Survey is providing that information by combining mapping and Internet technology.

Jun 11 2010 | Rachael Gleason | No Comment
Detroit’s population decline means higher rates for water customers. Less consumption can often lead to higher rates. Photo: Angela Anderson-Cobb [away], Flickr

Many Great Lakes cities are discouraging water use by setting conservation water rates.
But utility providers can lose money if rates aren’t set correctly.

Jun 10 2010 | Rachael Gleason | 4 Comments

A Great Lakes Echo analysis shows many cities are hiking the per-gallon costs of water to encourage water conservation, especially in large metropolitan areas.

Jun 9 2010 | Great Lakes Echo | One Comment
June 9: Mama E and the city are in a conflict

On Wednesdays through July, Great Lakes Echo will run a video segment expected to become a building block of a finished documentary on the greening of Flint, Mich.

You can help by suggesting interviews, questions and angles to pursue.

This week: The city mows down a resident’s gardens.

Compact fluorescent lightbulbs are energy efficient, but could pose public health risks if not disposed of properly.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs use less energy.

They also contain mercury, and that has some doctors concerned about their ultimate disposal.

Jun 7 2010 | Rachael Gleason | One Comment
"Find My Cleanup" is an interactive map that lets communities coordinate cleanup efforts. Photo: Great Lakes United

Great Lakes residents looking to lend a helping hand have a new resource at their fingertips.

An international coalition dedicated to restoring the region’s ecosystem has developed a mashup that allows users to post cleanup opportunities.

Jun 4 2010 | Rachael Gleason | 17 Comments

The accidental poisoning of Michigan dairy cattle in the 1970s sparked the largest chemical contamination in United States history. Nine million residents consumed contaminated meat and milk for a year.

Jun 3 2010 | Rachael Gleason | One Comment
Ed Lorenz chairs an Environmental Protection Agency community group's legal committee.

A community advisory group was created in response to a cleanup at Velsicol Chemical Corp., the company responsible for Michigan’s PBB crisis. Ed Lorenz chairs its legal committee.

Jun 3 2010 | Jeff Gillies | 5 Comments

More than 1,000 proposals requesting $946 million were trimmed to 270 finalists.

Jun 2 2010 | Great Lakes Echo | 2 Comments

On Wednesdays through July, Great Lakes Echo will run a video segment expected to become a building block of a finished documentary on the greening of Flint, Mich. You can help.