Nearshore

Robot week: Remote-controlled Stealth II reveals nearshore landscape

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Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of stories on how new technology is  giving researchers a glimpse of the critical nearshore area of the Great Lakes. With researchers hunched over remote controls, operating the Stealth II looks more like playing a video game than doing science. The Environmental Protection Agency purchased the underwater vehicle in May 2009. Using a hand control, agency scientists can operate the Stealth II as it hovers at various depths of the Great Lakes’ nearshore. The Stealth II’s camera allows scientists to map the bottom of nearshore areas and better understand habitat types.

Echo

The people running your pool: Michigan is one of 21 states not requiring certification for pool operators

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By Haley Walker, Alice Rossignol and Emma Ogutu

Maintaining a pool to be healthy and safe is not easy. And Kevin Hoard would know. As a certified pool operator at Michigan State University, he’s had 70 hours of official pool maintenance training. “It updates us on the current codes, concerns and disease prevention,” Hoard said. “It makes sure we’re in compliance with the law.”

But not all pool operators are trained like Hoard.

Echo

What’s in the water: How the quality of the water in your pool affects your health

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By Haley Walker, Alice Rossignol and Emma Ogutu

Jan. 14, 2010

Three years ago a 6-year-old boy was rushed to intensive care when someone put the wrong amount of chemicals into a Nebraska motel pool. He and 23 other people suffered digestive, eye and respiratory problems when a pool operator used the wrong ratio of chlorine and ammonia. The boy was hospitalized in pediatric intensive care. Drowning is the most common risk people associate with pools.

Water

Common Recreational Water Illnesses

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Cryptosporidium (Crypto)

Crypto is a diarrheal disease caused by a parasite. Infection occurs from ingesting or swimming in contaminated water. Common symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever and stomach cramps.  The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive for long periods and makes it very resistant to chlorine. Shigella
Shigella is a group of bacteria that cause fever, diarrhea and stomach cramps usually a day or two after exposure. The diarrhea is usually bloody but goes away in five to seven days.  Infection occurs from contact with infected water or stool.

Echo

Top 10 Great Lakes stories of 2009

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Dec. 31, 2009

Here’s Echo’s pick of 2009’s top Great Lakes environmental stories. How’d we do? Click the headline above to see the entire list of stories or to leave a comment. #1  Climate change
Perhaps it’s no surprise to see a global issue top a list of regional environmental stories of the year.  It’s Echo’s top choice not for its worldwide breadth but for its particular impact on the Great Lakes region.  The stakes are high for a region with nearly 20 percent of world’s fresh surface water.

Land

Real Christmas trees go green, fakes won’t decompose

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By EMILY LAWLER
Dec. 21, 2009

LANSING, Mich. — One way to “go green” may be to chop down a real Christmas tree this year. There is debate nationally over whether artificial or natural trees are better for the environment, but some experts say that real trees are always the answer in Michigan. “In terms of carbon balance, using real trees would be more environmentally friendly,” said Alan Rebertus, a biology professor at Northern Michigan University.

Echo

Special Report: Cleaning Coal

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The Great Lakes states are home to 155 coal-fired power plants that discharge wastewater into local lakes and streams.  That wastewater can carry heavy metals and other dangerous contaminants, and has gone largely unregulated for the past 27 years.  Now the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is preparing to step in with new rules to fend off environmental concerns. Join the Great Lakes Echo for a four-day series unpacking the problems with power plant wastewater in the Great Lakes. Day 1. Great Lakes states spotty on coal limits; some water contaminants ignored. Day 2.

Echo

Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota consider fire retardant ban

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By HYONHEE SHIN
Dec. 10, 2009

LANSING, Mich. — A Michigan lawmaker wants to phase out the use of a controversial fire retardant used in electronics and home furnishings. Soil scientists say deca-BDE and two related fire retardants are toxic, persistent and bioaccumulative. They build up in fish and water and can harm the human body and breast milk, as well as water quality.

Echo

Michigan considers statewide ban on phosphorus fertilizer; Minnesota already has one

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By HYONHEE SHIN
Dec. 8, 2009

LANSING, Mich. — Some Michigan lawmakers are seeking to protect streams and lakes by restricting phosphorus lawn fertilizer use. Under a bill by Rep. Terry Brown, D-Pigeon, property owners wouldn’t be able to use lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus unless a soil test concludes the existing level of phosphorus is too low or they’re growing new turf. Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon, Van Buren, Bay and Saginaw counties have adopted a ban, as has Ann Arbor, according to the Department of Agriculture.