Great Lakes Echo (https://greatlakesecho.org/category/test/page/114/)
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Most people have never read the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, let alone know who should be holding governments accountable to implementing it. So read it. And do your job as government watchdog.
After the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released floodplain maps, effective April 17, homeowners started receiving letters from their lenders giving them 45 days to buy additional insurance because they were in a flood zone.
Floodplain maps for counties statewide were determined by FEMA, but officials in Gladwin and Crawford counties were concerned about the accuracy and impact of the maps.
The current standard was set only for saltwater and involved too small of a sample of swimmers, critics say. It also overlooks the impact of certain pathogens. A new standard may allow greater local flexibility.
Beach officials are recruiting dogs to chase away seagulls that foul the shoreline.
A new study shows that it works. The technique is effective at curbing bacterial contamination associated with the bird waste.
Canadian officials Tuesday announced a $16 million investment to understand and control algae in the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Nutrient Initiative will focus on Lake Erie which is particularly vulnerable to toxic and nuisance algae. That’s a lot of money to address excessive phosphorus discharges from farming and sewers. Is it enough? To get a sense of the challenge, last week the Columbus Dispatch reported if 80 percent of the phosphorus that drains into Ohio’s Grand Lake were cut, it still would take 20 to 40 years to clear the water.
The size and timelines of state payments to local governments is under fire as many counties, advocacy organizations and legislators are calling for more accountability in Lansing.
At issue are state payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) to local governments, including school districts, instead of property taxes on land administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Late and reduced payments are harming local governments and communities that feel the state already holds an advantage through the PILT system, critics say.
LANSING – A widely-supported bill that would prevent property tax increases for owners who transfer family-owned land has a high chance of becoming law before the end of the year, according to the sponsor, Rep. Peter Pettalia, R-Presque Isle.
Current law decrees that the taxable value of a home cannot increase from one year to the next by more than 5 percent or the increase in the consumer price index.
Low Great Lakes water means shippers have to lighten their loads. Vessels have run aground this summer and utility officials say operational costs increase when they have to import lighter and more numerous loads of coal.
Researchers have developed a new tool to forecast algae in the Great Lakes.
Scientists hope it helps plan for algae that prompts beach closings and health warnings. An audio report.
