Air
Ontario’s exhaust inspection weighs impact against criticism
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The program has cut smog 36 percent, stopping 35,000 tons of poisonous vapors from entering the atmosphere each year.
Energy
Sound of wind turbines could pose health risk
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In an effort to increase the U.S.’s renewable energy portfolio, the wind industry has grown tremendously. Michigan is now home to just under 700 turbines, but not everyone is happy about the growing wind farm industry.
Waste
Illinois thermostat collection nets 8 tons of mercury
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A recent study by the Natural Resources Defense Council reports that 1.86 million mercury thermostats are still being used in the state of Illinois. The state continues to set collection goals to help reduce this number.
Land
Landscope: Highway shaped Gaylord growth
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In this installment of our “Landscope” series, get a bird’s eye view of the northern Michigan town of Gaylord, which has seen much economic development in the last couple decades.
Land
Wisconsin mine proposal stirs local, state politics
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By Alan LeagueGreat Lakes Echo A proposed open-pit iron mine in the Penokee Range in northern Wisconsin has sparked debate over the state’s mining law. Gogebic Taconite, a mining company based in Hurley, Wis., first proposed the mine in 2011. As the application process continues, debate over whether the mine should open increases. Supporters hope the mine will bring jobs to the state; critics fear the mine’s potential impact on the environment. “We took a strong stand in opposition to the mine in 2011 almost as soon as we heard about it,” said Dave Blouin, chair of the political committee of the John Muir Chapter of the Sierra Club based in Madison.
Water
Science is a salmon named Salami
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From Barbies that explain sand mining to geology themed music videos, one seventh-grade class in Michigan is exploring science in the most unexpected ways.
Water
Mr. Great Lakes: Saginaw Bay reefs, a wetland-surveying helicopter and the solar industry
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Mr. Great Lakes (Jeff Kart) reports from Bay City, Michigan’s Delta College Q-90.1 FM. Love Feb 14 2014 – Mr Great Lakes (Jeff Kart) – Delta College Q-90.1 FM by jeffkart
This week, Kart discusses the restoration of two historic rock reefs in the Saginaw Bay, an expansion in the Midwest’s solar energy industry and a small helicopter to help survey wetlands. Text at Mr. Great Lakes
Water
Changing mindset is powerful solution for pollution
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Money, regulations and enforcement are necessary.
But that’s playing defense.
Industries, governments and environmental groups can get ahead of the game with new mindsets.
Waste
Old tires could build pothole-resistant roads, solve disposal problem
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Old tires could create pothole resistant Michigan roads.
If it works, it may help address a disposal headache.
Land
Michigan group postpones petition to ban fracking
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Led by volunteers, The Committee to Ban Fracking in Michigan has decided to postpone its petition until the next election season in order to gain momentum.