Great Lakes Echo (https://greatlakesecho.org/author/great-lakes-echo/page/26/)
With more than 10,000 miles of shoreline, the Great Lakes have the most freshwater access in the world – at least, in theory. There are growing conflicts over who can do what where roads meet the water. AUG. 3:
Are beaches public where roads end? A western Michigan court case embodies the abiding conflict between private property owners and the public over rights to Great Lakes shorelines at road ends.
Detroit and Milwaukee are luring businesses with water. Could it boost economies?
Can discounted water rates and investment in water technologies transform the region?
Chicago teen Luis Vega organized a march to protest pollution from the Fisk Generation Station.
His story is part of a multi-media report documenting the impact of the nation’s dependency on coal power.
The report also shows how states swap air pollution and the connection between Wyoming’s coal mines and Chicago’s citizens.
Flint’s urban pioneers seek to provide locally grown food and re-shape the notion of what it is to be a farmer. And oh yeah, make a profit.
Two urban entrepreneurs have found Flint’s farm potential.
They see a promising convergence of low-cost land and a need for fresh produce grown nearby.
With video
Harry Ryan has a team of mowers that cut urban lots for free.
He gives away produce from a community garden.
Next up: A wind-fueled dream of urban revitalization.
The Youth Karate-Ka Association in Beecher near Flint, is one of hundreds of farms nationwide vying for free fruit trees from Edy’s Fruit Bars.
With video
Ill maintained, leaky and overflowing septic tanks are polluting drinking water sources, rivers and lakes and causing serious health concerns in Great Lakes communities. AUG. 16
Leaky pipes: Researchers find sewage in most Milwaukee stormwater discharges
A recent study found almost 90 percent of storm water outfalls tested in Milwaukee contained human sewage
JULY 7:
Michigan on-site wastewater systems lack state oversight
When it comes to regulating septic systems, Michigan is a loner. It lacks statewide regulations to oversee the permitting and operations. JUNE 28:
Local governments search for funds to fix failing septic systems
Leaking septic tanks continue to threaten human and environmental health despite increased regulations, legislation and enforcement.