Energy

Public invited to nuclear plant issues discussion

By |

(MI) The Herald Palladium – The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will hold an open house this week to discuss nuclear power issues and answer questions about the 2008 safety assessment for the Cook Nuclear Power Plant. The NRC found the Cook plant near Bridgman met all the agency’s safety objectives in 2008, and its performance was at a level that resulted in no additional NRC oversight. “This meeting allows us to discuss our annual assessment of safety performance with the company and members of the local community,” said Mark Satorius, the NRC’s Region III administrator, in a news release. More

Echo

New Berlin’s request for lake water approved, a first under Great Lakes Compact

By |

(WI) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – In the first practical application of the landmark Great Lakes Compact, state regulators on Thursday approved the diversion of Lake Michigan water to an area of New Berlin outside of the lake basin. For Milwaukee, the state Department of Natural Resources’ approval means an estimated $1.3 million in annual water sales for the city’s utility. For New Berlin, the agreement means a dependable source of safe water in an area where ground water is plagued with unsafe radium levels. More

Echo

Chicago swine flu death confirmed: It’s the first in Illinois

By |

(IL) Chicago Tribune – A Chicago resident became the first person in Illinois to die of swine flu, a reminder of the virus’ continued circulation throughout the state even as publicity — and fears — about it have waned. The Illinois Department of Public Health would only confirm that the person was from Chicago and died over the weekend. Spokeswoman Melaney Arnold declined to say what day the person died, or give the victim’s age and sex, citing confidentiality and the wishes of the family. The victim had underlying medical conditions, but Arnold said she did not know what those conditions were. More

Echo

Being environmentally friendly on the farm takes extra effort

By |

(MI) The Alpena News – As with any business, agricultural producers must be constantly aware of the environment and how their operations have an impact. For the Tolan family, manure constitutes the largest portion of the Sanborn Township dairy operation’s efforts for maintaining environmental compliance. The Tolans’ cows produce about three million gallons of manure per year. The cow stalls are bedded with sand semi annually, which provides a cushion for the cow to lay on as well as benefits for overall cow health. The excess sand from the stalls mix with the manure that the cows produce.

Echo

With Billions at Stake, Trying to Expand the Meaning of ‘Renewable Energy’

By |

(NY) The New York Times – The definition of renewable energy seems clear cut: The sun continues to shine, so solar energy is renewable. The wind continues to blow, so wind turbines churn out renewable power. But industries are now pushing to have a growing number of other technologies categorized as renewable – or at least as environmentally advantageous. They include nuclear power plants and the burning of garbage and even the waste from coal mines. More

Echo

Michigan’s solar industry feels global credit crunch

By |

(MI) The Detroit News – The once bright forecast for Michigan’s solar industry has turned hazy. The credit crunch has dulled demand for solar products with many buyers unable to secure financing to complete their orders. And the sluggish market has stunted the growth of this fledgling renewable energy industry, causing some Michigan solar companies that make equipment for turning sunlight into electricity to trim workers, cut back on production and apply the brakes to aggressive expansions. Energy Conversion Devices, whose solar division, United Solar Ovonic, makes thin-film cells and laminates used in rooftop construction, is feeling the fallout, with inventory piling up and workers at its Michigan plants in Auburn Hills and Greenville on a three- to four-week furlough. More

Echo

Governor General has a heart – raw seal that is

By |

(ON) The Toronto Star –  First she gutted it. Then she had the heart pulled out of its furry, flabby carcass. Finally, she swallowed a slice of the mammal’s dripping organ. And when it was all over Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean wiped the blood of a freshly slaughtered seal off her crimson-spattered fingertips. The Governor General made a graphic gesture of solidarity with the country’s beleaguered seal hunters on the first day of a week-long Arctic visit yesterday.

Recreation

Transit moving to help cyclists

By |

(ON) The Toronto Star –

Cheap and clean, cycling and transit should be a match made in heaven, although traditionally, transit authorities in the Toronto region haven’t rolled out the welcome mat for bikes. But that’s changing. A long-awaited bike station opens on the southwest side of Union Station today with secure parking for 180 bikes. Occasional users will be able to use the facility for about $2 a day and there will be monthly and six-month rates. More

Echo

New bicycle trail to end at park, but is source of pride

By |

(MI) Detroit Free Press – Cyclists, walkers and runners have a new way of entering Kensington Metropark: the Milford Trail, a 4-mile paved path that starts in the village and continues through the township. Milford Village’s portion is a 1-mile path running from Hubble Pond Park near Peters Street and Commerce Road to the Ford Dam. It cost about $400,000 and was funded through a state grant and private donations. More

Recreation

Leaves, leaks and lots of signs

By |

(MI) Detroit Free Press – What does it take to get Michigan’s state parks up and running for summer visitors each year? Although the parks generally stay open all year, many buildings are closed and staff is reduced over the winter. Here’s a look behind the scenes at some of the springtime work.We not only have the usual campground/day use area building openings, hiring or rehiring of about 40 employees, train/update staff on recent policy/law changes, and the numerous grounds maintenance tasks left from the residue of winter, but there also are a couple unique areas as well. More