Nearshore

Marina bill helps cash-strapped Michigan agency focus on environmental protection

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By Mehak Bansil
Oct. 25, 2009
LANSING–A bill awaiting Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s signature would change permit requirements for those who already own a dock, pier or other anchoring structure and those looking to build one in an inland lake or stream. Renewals would no longer be necessary to maintain and operate such facilities, but boaters who don’t already have a permit would still need one. If a boater wants to build or add to a structure, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) would have to analyze the project to ensure it wouldn’t disrupt natural resources. Martin Jannereth, DEQ’s chief of lakes, streams and shorelands, said eliminating renewals probably won’t harm inland waters.

Echo

Michigan driving schools might be required to teach fuel economy

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By Mehak Bansil
Oct. 18, 2009
LANSING, Mich. – Another bill in the saga of Michigan’s move toward a greener future targets driver’s education. Schools would be required to teach students how to maximize fuel economy with proper driving and maintenance and how to choose fuel-efficient vehicles.Rep. Dan Scripps, D-Leland, said he co-sponsored the bill because of an active interest in energy issues. He said it could help drivers minimize their environmental footprint while saving money on fuel.

Echo

Michigan anti-litter proposal would reward tipsters

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By Hyonhee Shin
Great Lakes Echo
Oct. 10, 2009

LANSING – Southeast Michigan lawmakers are pushing for cleaner urban areas by rewarding people who report littering and illegal dumping. Under a bill by Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, tipsters would get 50 percent of any fine paid by violators. Littering is illegal, with a maximum fine of $400 and a maximum 90-day jail sentence. The goal is to stop people from littering, said co-sponsor Bob Constan, D-Dearborn Heights.

Echo

New tool from Canadian scientists predicts warmer Great Lakes water temperatures

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Jeff Gillies
jeffgillies@gmail.com
Great Lakes Echo
Sept. 28, 2009

Great Lakes climate science is often stuck in the past. Studies show that all five lakes have warmed up over the past century. But they rarely predict how much the water will warm in the next one. A new tool from Canada could help buck that trend, warning policymakers of new threats from foreign organisms and other waterborne consequence of global climate change.

Echo

Wastewater spray contaminated west Michigan groundwater

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The Detroit Free Press has an extensive, two-part series on contaminated ground water in west Michigan. Food processing plants spray wastewater onto local crops, kicking off a process that primes groundwater to pick up extra iron and other heavy metals. The food processing industry and a state environmental agency have known about the problem for years, but residents say they have been slow to clean up the problem or notify them. Part one: “Companies denied responsibility, failed to meet cleanup deadlines and violated state law with leaks, spills and illegal dumping of fruit waste, records show.” Part two: “What unfolded next was a saga of illegal blueberry waste dumping, which contaminated the groundwater that fed the stream, killing fish and other aquatic life in it.”

Echo

Lovebird Peregrine falcons found nesting on Durant Hotel downtown Flint and chick Maize is born

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(MI) The Flint Journal – The under-construction former Durant Hotel may not seem like the most romantic rendezvous spot — but that’s where peregrine falcons Barry and Majestic were found nesting a few weeks ago. And their chick, who was born on the downtown landmark’s ledge, has kind of become a University of Michigan-Flint mascot. She was aptly named Maize. More

Echo

Climate change law will boost state economy

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(MI) Detroit Free Press – Climate change legislation working its way through Congress provides real opportunities for Michigan’s economy. Opponents are quick to overstate the costs, using scare tactics and bogus science, while refusing to discuss the cost of doing nothing. Yet strong climate legislation is needed to help Michigan make the transition to a new economy for the 21st Century, and to protect our state against the threats posed by climate change. Michigan’s largest industrial employers — including Dow Chemical, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler, along with the UAW — support strong climate legislation.* They want the regulatory certainty that will allow them to invest confidently in new, cleaner technologies. More

Echo

New York ballast decision may help control invasive species throughout the Great Lakes

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By Allison Bush, bushalli@msu.edu
Great Lakes Echo
June 2, 2009

Environmental groups praise a New York Supreme Court justice’s recent decision to uphold that state’s new ballast water treatment requirements, and the shippers say that the standard is just too high. But they both agree on one thing: There should be some federal action taken to regulate ballast water. Ballast water is carried in ships to provide stability. It is taken on when a ship unloads cargo and is discharged when it is loaded up again. It has been blamed for carrying from foreign ports many of the invasive plants and animals altering the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Energy

Public invited to nuclear plant issues discussion

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

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(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