EGLE

A plastics manufacturer reached an agreement with the state to investigate and address hazardous substances known as “forever chemicals” at a former factory in Livingston County, Attorney General Dana Nessel said Monday.

LANSING, MI — A Michigan plastic manufacturer will clean up toxic PFAS chemicals at the site of a 1998 factory fire under the terms of a settlement with state regulators. The Thermofil manufacturing facility was partially consumed by a March 1998 fire, during which EGLE says PFAS chemicals used in plastic compounding were released. Although firefighting foam is commonly a source of PFAS contamination, EGLE says it was not used at the Thermofil fire. Despite the settlement, Michigan’s PFAS cleanup rules remain under a legal cloud following a November ruling in which a Court of Claims judge invalidated them in response to a challenge by PFAS manufacturer 3M Corp. In September, Nessel sued a corporate successor to Keeler Brass, a manufacturer which left PFAS contamination scattered around Kent County.

ONTONAGON COUNTY, MI – Michigan environmental regulators are shutting down access to a strange old roadside water well in the western Upper Peninsula. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) says the makeshift filling station in Ontonagon County must be shuttered because the water source is unknown and cannot be verified as safe to drink. The well is located at an old steam locomotive railroad filling station and is connected to an old Copper Range Railroad watermain that was found under the trail in 2020. The agency says it may sever the piping and cover it with heavy stone, forcing the water into a nearby creek. Anyone who may have historical information about the water source is asked to contact Ron Yesney at yesneyr@michigan.gov or Tom Seablom at seablomt@michigan.gov.

ROCKFORD, MI — Wolverine Worldwide would not begin to stem the flow of polluted groundwater into the Rogue River from underneath its former tannery in Rockford until 2024, according to a new plan state regulators are reviewing. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) says Wolverine would begin treating toxic PFAS chemicals in the Rockford groundwater in May 2024 under a revised cleanup plan submitted in December. Originally, the “tannery interceptor plan” would have sent treated groundwater to the North Kent Sewer System in Plainfield Township. Plans were redrafted during consent decree negotiations and the work was delayed by the onset of a separate 2019 tannery cleanup ordered by the EPA. The EPA-ordered work did not involve any PFAS cleanup.

A study shows that only two of the five Great Lakes have an ecosystem that is considered “good.”

The former Eloise Psychiatric Hospital site in Westland will soon be home to a new hotel, restaurant and bar, thanks to a grant from the state of Michigan.

One of the projects includes transforming the former American Motor Company (AMC) headquarters into a manufacturing facility

While metro Detroit has the most water infrastructure grants, every corner of the state is dotted with loans. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program started in 1989 and is for water pollution control facilities. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund came nine years later and helps water suppliers comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Here’s a list of all of the water infrastructure loans from EGLE since 1989. In 2022, Michigan awarded $605 million in water infrastructure loans.

Some Michigan officials are trading in salt and using beet juice to make roads less slippery during the winter season.

KALAMAZOO, MI — A large paper recycling mill in Kalamazoo with a history of potentially hazardous odor problems is being cited again by state regulators. The state is finalizing an administrative consent order meant to address odors and other issues at the facility. Residents often describe the stink as variations of “rotten.”Graphic Packaging wastewater emits an unregulated gas, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), from open surface clarifiers and underground vented piping. Plans to vacuum the sewer stink though a bio-filter at the city wastewater plant were scrubbed this year after project costs ballooned past $13 million. It also recycles paper at its expanded facility along the Kalamazoo River, a $600 million project that received state and local incentives and support.

There are many urgent issues on the table, but none deserve more attention than the right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and raise our children free from cancer-causing pollutants

DETROIT, MI — Automaker Stellantis NV must pay roughly $284,000 in monetary fines and community projects to resolve air pollution violations at an assembly plant in Detroit. As part of the negotiated settlement, Stellantis will buy and install a new building management system for the Southeastern High School on Fairview Street. Last November, EGLE cited the company’s Dodge pickup and Jeep Wagoneer assembly plant on Mount Road in Warren for improperly installed emissions capture equipment. On Nov. 14, EGLE cited the Stellantis Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUV plant on Conner Avenue in Detroit for emitting VOCs above permitted levels. Related stories:Jeep plant odors prompt complaints, citationDetroit strengthens riverfront rules after dock collapseToxic waste plant eyed as source of Detroit odorsDetroit refinery fined over rotten odors, soot emissions

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has shared results from its latest testing for dioxane in Ann Arbor-area surface waters. The creek flows to the Huron River upstream of Barton Pond, where Ann Arbor draws most of its drinking water. The city of Ann Arbor tests the raw river water and its treated drinking water on a monthly basis. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:What’s that at Ann Arbor’s West Park? ‘Homeowner-driven’ rezoning of 26 acres near Ann Arbor gets warm receptionWhat’s that in downtown Ann Arbor?

Gretchen Whitmer’s cabinet is being shaken up for her second term, the Governor announced Friday in a press release. “With a new term, comes new opportunities and challenges,” Whitmer said in a statement. The director of the Department of Natural Resources, Dan Eichinger, will replace Leisl Eichler Clark as EGLE’s acting director. Whitmer is appointing outgoing Sen. Adam Hollier, D-Detroit, as the VAA’s acting director, in place of Zaneta Adams. Brad Wieferich will serve as acting director of MDOT; Kathy Angerer as acting director MDARD; and Shannon Lott as acting director of the DNR.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Violations are being issued against Graphic Packaging Industrial following a spill of paper mill wastewater that made its way to the Kalamazoo River last month. A city violation also will be issued against the company for the Oct. 20 spill, the city’s public works director told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette. Any potential fines against Graphic Packaging are also part of the state’s investigation, Jill Greenberg, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette. Actions include increasing the height of the nearby manhole and reviewing pump and valve equipment, the company told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette. Earlier in October, EGLE initiated an escalated enforcement action for air quality violations at Graphic Packaging in Kalamazoo.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- A housing development planned for Kalamazoo’s Northside neighborhood received another piece of funding to bring the site a step closer to construction. “We look forward to bringing affordable housing and childcare to the Northside of Kalamazoo. The city of Kalamazoo Economic Development Corporation will use the state grant to address the contamination and make the property safe to use. Over the next 20 years, the plan states, two 60 percent AMI (Average Median Income) housing units and two 80 percent AMI housing units will remain to ensure long-term affordability, according to the development plans. Read more:Former Western Michigan running back’s next play is building new housing in KalamazooDabney & Co. celebrates grand opening of new cocktail lounge in downtown Kalamazoo

The community groups -- Saint Francis Prayer Center, Environmental Transformation Movement of Flint, Flint Rising, C.A.U.T.I.O.N., and Michigan United -- are asking Judge David J. Newblatt to find the permit legally deficient and to require EGLE to restart the permitting process. They contend that Ajax’s hot-mix asphalt plant will have serious consequences for Flint and Genesee Township residents who already face high levels of pollution and the resulting health problems. The type of facility Ajax wants to install is a hot mix asphalt plant that would mix aggregates and heated asphalt cement to produce asphalt ready to be used. The city of Flint became involved in the air permit controversy in February after the City Council voted 8-0 to challenge the project. Read more at The Flint Journal:Despite overwhelming opposition, state approves permit for Flint area asphalt plantCity of Flint will challenge Ajax asphalt air permit‘Death to profit over people’: Flint residents hold mock funeral in Lansing to oppose proposed asphalt plant

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor may have to deal with PFAS discharges coming from Wixom for years to come. While the company has installed carbon filters to reduce pollution discharges in recent years, Ann Arbor officials are still pushing for stronger regulations. Using carbon filters at the water plant, Ann Arbor has reduced but not eliminated PFAS in the city’s drinking water. The PFAS compounds still present in the drinking water delivered to Ann Arbor water customers are PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA and PFHpA. PFAS has serious implications for all of these uses.”MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor unveils design to remove parking, add bike lanes on Seventh StreetChallenger raises over $16K in quest to unseat Ann Arbor mayorOver $130K poured into spreading message about Ann Arbor climate taxCommunity High students learn building’s 100-year history is steeped in Black Ann Arbor historyWashtenaw County, Ypsilanti take aim at political activity of Michigan companies

The work to replace aging lead water service lines in Benton Harbor is almost complete.

In Rockford, extremely high levels of PFAS remain in the groundwater; upwards of 500,000 parts-per-trillion (ppt) near outdoor chemical storage areas. Originally, the “tannery interceptor plan” would have sent treated groundwater to the North Kent Sewer System in Plainfield Township. More: Rogue River becomes focus of Wolverine cleanupMeanwhile, initial tree clearing is expected to begin at Wolverine’s House Street dump early next year. However, the company may eventually be forced to extract PFAS from the House Street plume and others before the chemicals can filter into the Rogue River. South of Rockford, a PFAS plume from Wolverine’s House Street dump is entering the river near Rogue River Park in Belmont.

Oceana Acres was developed several years ago by Peterson Farms for its employees, and drinking water is provided by private wells serving each of the nine apartment buildings. The Community Development Block Grant will help fund a 2.7-mile water main extension from the village’s water system to the nine apartment buildings. EGLE officials worked with Peterson Farms to develop monthly water testing while also helping come up with a plan to extend municipal water service, Raffaelli said. Peterson Farms spent $5 million on the apartments and a childcare facility for apartment residents and the community, Raffaelli said. Michigan Strategic Fund Board members praised Peterson Farms and state agencies for working together on a solution to the water issue.

SAGINAW, MI— As many Michigan residents slowly make the transition to the electric vehicle market, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) will be helping Saginaw take another step towards that future. Saginaw City Council approved on Oct. 24 a purchase agreement with MTech Company worth $608,385 for a 2022 Global M3EV electric street sweeper. While the city has made steps to incorporate electric vehicle infrastructure at various sites, dropping more than $600,000 on an electric street sweeper isn’t the first idea many would have when adding to it. According to Morales and a prepared council communication, MTech and Global are who currently supply street sweepers to the city. From their inventory, Global says it offers the only heavy-duty plug-In 100% electric drive rechargeable sweeper in the United States.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Michigan environmental regulators have cited a Washtenaw County landfill with a history of nuisance odor issues for repeatedly exceeding methane emissions thresholds, while failing to identify and correct the cause. The landfill is currently owned by Green for Life Environmental, Inc., and company officials said they’re preparing a formal response to the violation. “Our employees at Arbor Hills landfill work hard every day to ensure the operation of the landfill complies with all permit requirements. But elevated methane levels continued in September, and a root-cause analysis conducted by the landfill operator couldn’t find the cause, it continues. Under the consent judgement, those elevated levels are supposed to be corrected within 48 hours of detection, though the landfill operator can apply for a request to extend that deadline.

A nauseating smell has been wafting from the plant on Detroit's east side for more than a year.

Controversy continues in Warren Tuesday night as a $75 million incinerator expansion is the topic of debate for city leaders. It’s causing division between city administrators and city council members.

SAGINAW, MI— Saginaw will be receiving $15 million for the construction of a water tower in an effort to improve its water distribution system. The funds come as part of a larger $212,885,000 grant in new federal funds to improve water infrastructure and ensure clean drinking water across the state of Michigan. The $212M grant is the second installment of five yearly installments to Michigan to update water infrastructure, remove lead pipes, and protect drinking water from harmful per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. Morales said that the $15 million grant will allow plans for the water tower construction proposed by city engineers to move forward and ensure the safety of the local water system, which serves roughly 170,000 people in the Saginaw region. When asked why the city needs a water tower, Morales said that while the city does have emergency plans in place to provide water during a power outage the tower will significantly supplement those plans.

A public forum will be held tonight with officials regarding the August hexavalent chromium spill in the Huron River.

FLINT, MI -- Lockhart Chemical, the company responsible for spilling thousands of gallons of an oil-based substance into the Flint River in June, has declared bankruptcy. Lockhart made the Chapter 7 filing on Friday, Oct. 7, in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Pennsylvania, where its principal office is located. It has manufactured and marketed chemical additives from its plant on James P. Cole Boulevard in Flint for four decades. EGLE has said its laboratory chemical analysis established that pollutants entering the Flint River near Lockhart were a match to the wastewater inside the facility and the company has previously accepted responsibility for the breach that caused the river contaminationRead more at The Flint Journal:State order company that caused Flint River spill to end use of waste transport tunnelsLockhart cited for Flint River spill. State says operations have not improvedState says Lockhart Chemical is likely source of Flint River chemical spillLikely source of Flint River chemical spill had no leak detection on concrete vaults

The property redevelopments include the formation of a new Frankenmuth Credit Union branch in Sebewaing ($395,000), a new pharmacy in West Branch ($150,000) and a restaurant-brewery with loft-style apartments in Bay City. Bay City will receive $275,000 from the EGLE brownfield grant to help the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to remediate and redevelop a former gasoline filling and service station. Bay City Economic Development project manager Sara Dimitroff said in a news release by EGLE that the city is ready and excited to see this renovation finally come to fruition. “This project will bring even more vibrancy to our downtown and help to continue the positive energy we are seeing in Bay City,” said Dimitroff. In addition to incentives provided by EGLE, the redevelopment also is receiving support from the city of Bay City and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

The City of Ann Arbor said that Wastewater Treatment Plant staff discovered the wastewater had gone into the river via an outfall during a system shutdown around 1:30 p.m.

The massive expansion of the Stellantis plant on Detroit’s east side has sparked concerns about pollution, especially with people living near the plant’s paint shop.

FLINT, MI -- Lockhart Chemical, the company responsible for spilling thousands of gallons of an oil-based substance into the Flint River in June, has been ordered to immediately stop its use of leaky underground waste and storm water tunnels for disposal. The order requires Lockhart to pump its waste product into above-ground containers so it can be safely transported off site for disposal. Swanson said his department has continued to investigate the river spill since it was discovered by a fisherman, who first noticed the oily sheen infiltrating the water three months ago. Read more at The Flint Journal:Lockhart cited for Flint River spill. State says operations have not improvedState says Lockhart Chemical is likely source of Flint River chemical spillLikely source of Flint River chemical spill had no leak detection on concrete vaults

KALAMAZOO, MI -- State of Michigan environmental investigators have issued Graphic Packaging International multiple violations after an unannounced inspection in July, including one violation for releasing a chemical at a rate that exceeds the permitted emission limit. A violation notice was issued to Graphic Packaging on Sept. 8, for emission, reporting, and equipment design and stack vent restrictions that were not met under Permit to Install No. Graphic Packaging did not send all the required records until over a month after the inspection, which is why August 2022 data is included. We operated in accordance with protocol, notifying EGLE both by phone and writing of the malfunction,” Graphic Packaging said. Graphic Packaging may also choose to contest the violations, and is asked to provide factual information if it does, the letter states.

What was the intent of the now-former Tribar employee who released hexavalent chromium to the sewer? The onrush overwhelmed the Wixom wastewater plant, which discharges to the Huron River. Thankfully, filters captured most of the chromium and a ‘no contact’ advisory was lifted after river testing found minimal detections. On Aug. 9, EGLE’s water resources division sent Tribar a six-page violation notice following the chromium spill, which Tribar initially reported to the state via a pollution alert hotline on Monday, Aug. 1. Remnants settled out in Wixom wastewater biosolids.

Some familiar faces have been posted around Michigan Stadium to teach fans the do's and don'ts of recycling.

On Thursday, Sept. 1, the city of Wixom said Tribar Technologies had received conditional approval to renew its discharge from Plant No. The chromium onrush overwhelmed the wastewater plant, which discharges to the Huron River via Norton Creek. Effluent filters at Tribar and the Wixom wastewater plant captured most of the chromium. Wixom officials said Tribar has implemented several new safeguards on its wastewater discharge process, which resulted in the city’s approval. The city discharges wastewater to the Huron River and accepts manufacturing effluent through its Industrial Pre-Treatment Program (IPP) under a state permit.

Didymo, a nuisance alga known as “rock snot” has been identified in a stretch of the Boardman River in Blair Township in Grand Traverse County.

WIXOM, MI — The Huron River dodged a bullet. “MDHHS is lifting its no-contact recommendation for the Huron River based on testing results we have received over the past week,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “I hope we can get back to fishing, boating and enjoying the Huron,” said Rebecca Esselman, director the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC. The spill overwhelmed the Wixom wastewater plant which discharges to the river via Norton Creek, sparking a ‘no contact’ advisory the day after the spill was reported. Granular activated carbon (GAC) discharge filters installed at the Tribar plant to capture PFAS chemicals also likely captured much of the escaping chromium, EGLE said.

“Several vehicles” at Cramton’s home were damaged and spray paint was used on the driveway and the garage, police said. “Giwitatigweiasibi” is the indigenous name for the Huron River given by the Wyandot people. The protest follows weeks of outrage and anger over the Huron River spill, which is under investigation by the state’s criminal environmental services division. The Huron River Watershed Council, which was involved in the Wednesday rally, issued a statement saying it did not support the actions taken Friday by the Northville group. A message from MLive seeking more information from the Northville protest group has not been immediately returned.

Signs urged punitive actions against Tribar Technologies for releasing hexavalent chromium into the river this month and PFAS into the river in recent years. “Tribar is toxic,” “Choke on your own chromium,” “Dump toxins down river, do time up the river,” “Two strikes, you’re out” and “Polluters must pay” were among the slogans. They made it so we had fear all across our city about the water coming out of our tap. They need to be held accountable — GM, Ford, every single manufacturer needs to stop doing business with them,” Rabhi continued. The bills have yet to land a committee hearing in either the Senate Committee on Environmental Quality or the House Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Committee.

The City of Ann Arbor received a $1.38 million MI Clean Water grant for projects to upgrade the city’s drinking water system.

New revelations occurred Wednesday about the release of a toxic chemical into the Huron River system late last month.

LANSING, MI — An employee at Tribar Technologies in Wixom overrode the company’s waste treatment alarms 460 times in the span of nearly three hours on the night which state regulators believe a toxic chemical release to the Huron River initially began last weekend. Wixon’s plant discharges to the Huron River via the Norton Creek drain upstream of Milford. Tribar has until Aug. 20 to respond to the water violations and Aug. 30 to respond to the air quality violations, EGLE said. Tribar is chiefly responsible for the existing “Do Not Eat” fish advisory in the river due to PFAS chemicals, which also were discharged to the river through the Wixom wastewater plant. “I want them sued into oblivion.”Related stories:Dingell seeks greater EPA hand in Huron River spillEGLE finds low hexchrome in river testingTests encouraging, but worry and anger remainHexchrome could take weeks to reach Ann ArborAnn Arbor council OK’s legal action toward TribarWixom police investigate Tribar hexchrome spillNon-contact with Huron River urged after spill

The company responsible for a dangerous chemical release that threatened the Huron River system was served with multiple violation notices on Tuesday.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) says it is issuing violation notices to Tribar Manufacturing, the company responsible for a chemical leak in the Huron River on July 29.

Testing done by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) over the weekend did not detect the presence of hexavalent chromium in the Huron River following the release of the chemical in the water system last...

Testing done by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) over the weekend did not detect the presence of hexavalent chromium in the Huron River following the release of the chemical in the water system last...

MOUNT CLEMENS, MI — A southeast Michigan home builder has been fined $350,000 for illegally filling in wetlands while preparing a site for single family housing. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office announced the fine last week against developers with MJC Companies, who state regulators say dredged and filled nine acres of wetlands at 41700 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township. MJC Companies will restore the wetlands under terms of the consent judgement, which also requires a decade of monitoring and a conservation easement on 13 acres of the 26-acre property, which is sandwiched between numerous other housing developments near Mount Clemens in Macomb County. According to EGLE, the property was marked in 2004 on a Michigan Natural Features Inventory Map as a potential conservation area for its critical ecosystem. EGLE says the developers knew that two-thirds of the property contained state-regulated wetlands before purchasing it in 2020 and then filled them without a permit.

MILFORD, MI — An advisory to avoid contact with the Huron River downstream of Wixom remains in place Monday as state officials evaluate the results of testing for toxic chemicals released by an automotive parts manufacturing plant. Tribar, previously named Adept, is chiefly responsible for the ‘do not eat’ fish advisory in the Huron River due to PFAS chemicals. The wastewater plant initially tried to contain the discharge by diverting it to holding tank and a ditch. At plating companies like Tribar, hexchrome is used to coat decorative trim parts for automobiles. Related stories:Tests encouraging, but worry and anger remainRiver tests aren’t showing hexchrome, EGLE saysHexchrome could take weeks to reach Ann ArborAnn Arbor council OK’s legal action toward TribarWixom police investigate Tribar hexchrome spillNon-contact with Huron River urged after spill

Investigators have widened their water sampling efforts downstream of a release of hexavalent chromium in the Huron River.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Environment, Great Lakes and Energy are urging residents to avoid contact with the Huron River in Oakland and Livingston Counties.

The city’s annual Feet on the Street cart-tagging program will come to an end on Friday.

All public water systems are required to test water at the tap for lead and copper and must take steps to lower lead levels when a system’s 90th percentile rises above 15 ppb. Because of the city’s program to replace lead and galvanized steel water service lines since the Flint water crisis, there are fewer homes with lead service lines, triggering the addition of non-residential testing sites. Roughly 95% of homes in Flint no longer meet the criteria for Lead and Copper Rule testing because lead service lines have been removed. In 2018, following the Flint water crisis, Michigan adopted the nation’s toughest lead rules for drinking water. The state now requires that all public water systems replace an average of 5 percent of lead service lines every year for the next 20 years.

The levels of lead in Flint's tap water has increased and officials are saying this is due to the increase in non-residential buildings being tested.

There are three beaches along Lake Saint Clair that are closed after testing for high bacteria levels this week.

FLINT, MI -- State environmental officials say they have pinpointed a breach that caused a spill of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds into the Flint River last month and say they have also observed a stubborn whitish discharge at an outfall to the river. Examples of volatile organic compounds are formaldehyde and ethanol, according to EPA. Examples of semi-volatile organic compounds include DDT and PCBs. A no-contact order for a portion of the Flint River remains in place, according to the Genesee County Health Department. Read more at The Flint Journal:State says Lockhart Chemical is likely source of Flint River chemical spillHealth order lifted for most of Flint River in Genesee CountyThousands of gallons of oil-based material spilled into Flint River

LANSING, MI — A legal challenge to permits obtained by Enbridge to build an oil pipeline tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac could move forward after an oversight panel reversed a judge’s dismissal. Enbridge obtained the permit last April to discharge wastewater into the lakes and build the tunnel in protected wetlands. The Enbridge tunnel was borne of a deal between Enbridge and former Gov. Enbridge not only already received permits from EGLE, but also the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority. Related:Line 5 shutdown would hike gas prices a half-cent per gallon, court filing revealsEnbridge can seek Line 5 tunnel construction bids, Michigan panel saysIslanders throw wrench into company’s Line 5 camera surveillance plans

BENTON HARBOR, MI — Toxic lead in Benton Harbor’s drinking water has dipped below the federal safety threshold of 15-parts-per-billion (ppb), according to the latest six months of sampling results released by state regulators. State officials attributed the decrease in lead levels to ongoing efforts to optimize anti-corrosion treatment at the city’s drinking water plant. “This is positive news and an indication that Benton Harbor’s drinking water system is remaining stable while the city accelerates this critical infrastructure work,” said Eric Oswald, director of EGLE’s drinking water division. In December, the state reported that lead in Benton Harbor water dropped even with the 15-ppb threshold after three years of consistently high lead results. The state has shipped bottled water to Benton Harbor for 10 months.

HOUGHTON COUNTY, MI — A public meeting will be held in the Upper Peninsula town of Lake Linden to present plans for removing vast amounts of crushed copper mining ore that’s slowly swallowing a stretch of Lake Superior coastline. The Buffalo Reef Task Force will hold the in-person meeting at the Lake Linden-Hubbel High School auditorium, 601 Calumet Street, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12. Since 2019, the task force has been developing plans to save Buffalo Reef, a 2,200-acre trout and whitefish spawning reef that’s being covered by “stamp sands,’ which is legacy mining waste that’s been slowly eroding along the Keweenaw Peninsula shoreline for a century. The vast swath of stamp-sand covered shoreline between Gay and the Traverse River mouth is easily visible from space on Google Maps. About half of the stamp sands are underwater, where they are smothering Buffalo Reef and nearshore whitefish recruitment areas.

FLINT, MI -- The state says testing has confirmed that a petroleum product released into the Flint River earlier this week came from Lockhart Chemical Co. Lockhart manufactures and markets chemical additives including sulfonates, emulsifiers, rust prevention additives, corrosion inhibitors and additives for metalworking fluids and greases in Flint, according to the company’s website. Even before Wednesday’s spill, the company was facing increased scrutiny from the state regarding its operation in Flint. Friday’s announcement by EGLE said local, state and federal agencies will continue to work to ensure the contamination is removed from the river. Read more at The Flint Journal:Likely source of Flint River chemical spill had no leak detection on concrete vaultsState says Lockhart Chemical is likely source of Flint River chemical spillSearch continues for breach that led to Flint River chemical spill

FLINT, MI -- The company identified as the likely source of a Flint River chemical spill was cited by the state in April for 13 violations of environmental law, including its storage of liquid industrial by-products in concrete vaults that had no leak detection capability. Sheriff Swanson speaks during a press conference, at the Flint Fire Department - Station 5, discussing the Flint River chemical spill in Flint on Thursday, June 16, 2022. Lockhart has not acknowledged responsibility for the river spill, according to EGLE, but did agree to empty the underground containments. The EPA on Thursday established a website to provide information on its role in the Flint River spill. Read more at The Flint Journal:State says Lockhart Chemical is likely source of Flint River chemical spillStay out of the Flint River, Genesee County health officer orders following oil spillEPA sending on-scene coordinators to assist in Flint River oil spillToxic chemical found in groundwater, storm sewers at company that discharges into Flint River

There are walks on the beach — and then there are walks on the beach with someone who understands the ecosystem and can teach you something about it. These beach walks are the latter. Selegean has studied coastal issues and shrinking beaches for more than 30 years and leads the Army Corps Detroit District’s coastal engineering and field measurements unit. The first walk is Tuesday, June 21 along the Lake Erie shoreline at Luna Pier, starting at 7 p.m. Dates and locations are:- June 21: Luna Pier – 7 p.m. at Luna Pier Lighthouse, 10754 Lakeside Drive.

FLINT, MI -- State environmental regulators say Lockhart Chemical, a manufacturer of metalworking fluids and greases, is the likely source of a significant, ongoing leak of an oil-based material into the Flint River. Greenberg said the company’s Flint plant was built over a brick storm sewer that leads to an outfall, leading to the Flint River. “The results indicate the unauthorized discharge to the Flint River of contaminated water containing PFOS in excess of (water quality standards),” the state said in the May 20 letter. An amended public health order issued Thursday by Dr. Pamela Hackert, Genesee County’s medical health officer, has closed to Flint River from Stepping Stone Falls to Willard Road. Read more at The Flint Journal:Stay out of the Flint River, Genesee County health officer orders following oil spillEPA sending on-scene coordinators to assist in Flint River oil spillThousand gallons of oil-based material spilled into Flint RiverToxic chemical found in groundwater, storm sewers at company that discharges into Flint River

FLINT, MI -- City, Genesee County and state of Michigan agencies are responding to a significant oil spill in the Flint River. “It sounds like a significant spill.”EGLE officials described the spilled material as oil-based and dark black with a petroleum smell that looks similar to motor oil. The EGLE officials had they did not know if the potential source of the spill is located in the city of Flint. Sean McBrearty, coordinator of the Oil & Water Don’t Mix campaign to shut down Line 5, told MLive-The Flint Journal that Wednesday’s spill should serve as a warning. “No oil spill has ever been fully cleaned up.”An estimated 5,300 gallons of gear oil spilled at the Algoma Steel mill in Sault Ste.

SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw Metal Casting Operations could pay a $462,000 fine from state environmental officials for violating air quality rules and regulations. Saginaw Metal Casting Operations staff self-reported the miscalculation in April 2021 after discovering it while preparing information for another permit, EGLE records show. A letter from Saginaw Metal Casting Operations administrators to state officials indicated foundry staff “inadvertently” omitted calculations that accounted for emissions related to the combustion of sand-bound resin. Jill Greenberg, a spokesperson for EGLE, said state officials were not aware of any health impacts on the surrounding northside Saginaw neighborhood. After that point, state officials will review the input and finalize the consent order.

State meteorologists expect the temperatures and ozone concentrations to ease Thursday. This year’s first ozone day comes nearly a month after the initial ozone day in 2021, which occurred on May 21. The ozone action day follows the onset of a brutal heat wave across the Midwest. Heat index values, which take into account the temperature and relative humidity and indicate how hot it feels outdoors, are expected to reach 104 degree in those areas. “Dangerously hot” conditions with heat index values of 102 to 107 degrees are expected in those areas this afternoon.

In Walkerville, Valley View raised pigs on contract and sold them around the country. Both were owned Eagle Ottawa Leather Co., a Grand Haven tannery that used them as a landfill alternative for its manufacturing waste. According to a June 1998 story in BioCycle Magazine authored by an Eagle Ottawa employee, the company started applying “compost” to its farmland in 1994. Eagle Ottawa, which is now owned by Lear Corp and headquartered in Auburn Hills, dates back to 1868. And that’s about it.”Thus far in Michigan, only one farm has been severely affected by PFAS traced to sludge application.

ADRIAN, MI - Michigan regulators have cited an Adrian-based manufacturer of powdered eggs with several environmental violations after nearby residents complained of “offensive odors” coming from the facility. The Crimson Holdings, LLC plant at 1336 East Maumee Street in Adrian recently switched from making powdered milk to powdered eggs, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Then, in late May and early April, environmental officials sent the company a pair of violation notices. EGLE officials said company officials had been looking for a solution to address odors, even before the violation notice was sent. In a two-page letter, Plant Manager Dan Hofbauer detailed an “action plan” to eliminate smell issues.

Macomb County Public Works Office has announced operational changes to prevent the combination of sanitary sewage and stormwater from going into Lake St. Clair.

On Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced that 23 local organizations will receive grants to help fund stream cleanups.

There is a new resource for birders in Michigan!

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy have reported that Michiganders’ recycling rate is up 35.4%.

The Stellantis Mack Assembly Plant in Detroit has been served with yet another air quality violation.

A Michigan farm’s animal waste practices are threatening to overload nearby bodies of water with harmful bacteria and pathogens, according to the attorney general.

There has been a mystery for the residents living close to Huron River for weeks. But now we’re finally getting some answers to the questions that we have and who exactly may be responsible to begin with. The substance that leaked in the Huron river has now been identified as fuel oil. A nearby metal company is currently working with the EPA and EGLE to handle the clean-up process.

It has been close to a week since a sheen-like substance was found flowing into the Huron River.

The Flat Rock situation is still considered to be an active leak. As the investigation continues, there’s still no idea on what the substance is or where it’s coming from.

The city of Flat Rock is seemingly dealing with yet another chemical leak, this time into a body of water parallel to the Huron River.

Officials are investigating a chemical leak at the Huron River in Flat Rock.

In a virtual meeting Thursday (Jan 27), EGLE announced Stellantis has a 3-part plan to fix four odor violations and one for improper ductwork at the Mack Assembly Plant. Part of the presentation featured a toxicologist with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services who reviewed air samples.

In a virtual meeting Thursday (Jan 27), EGLE announced Stellantis has a 3-part plan to fix four odor violations and one for improper ductwork at the Mack Assembly Plant. Part of the presentation featured a toxicologist with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services who reviewed air samples.

A draft of a state plan says Michigan will build clean energy infrastructure and invest in green programs over the next 30 years with the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 to confront climate change.

Biochem Technical Services LLC (Biochem) and its owner, Raoul Keith Mangrum Jr., are accused of violating the state public health code involving mismanagement of medical waste.

2022 will be a key year for Michigan’s energy and climate future -- and we now have a peek into what could be the path forward. A look at some of the key points.

Landowners are under fire once again after part of a seawall collapsed along the Detroit River last month, spilling contaminated soil into the water exactly two years after a nearly-identical incident occurred at the same site.

Michigan environmental officials have the results from water testing done after the northern wall of a boat slip belonging to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers collapsed on Nov. 26.

Michigan environmental officials responded to the boat slip belonging to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after its northern wall collapsed on Friday.

The city of Hamtramck will distribute free water filters to residents on Thursday after routine tap water testing revealed substandard lead levels.

Unsatisfactory lead levels have been discovered in the tap water in the city of Wayne during routine testing, prompting the city to increase sampling at more locations.

Residents that live near the Stellantis Mack Assembly Plant on Detroit’s east side claim fumes from the plant are causing their throats to burn.

More and more people are recycling these days, which is great, but have you thought about what you are actually tossing into that recycling bin?

A gas leak from the Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant triggered voluntary evacuations of the area and officials have been testing levels of gas in sewers and homes.

“It felt like an explosion or earthquake honestly. The doors in the building were shifting. We were trying to fix them and then we noticed that it was actually a foundation issue. Cracks were appearing inside as well as outside."

Anyone who smells gas or a strong odor in the area is asked to call EGLE’s Pollution Emergency Alerting System hotline at 800-292-4706.

More than 1,000 homes have been evacuated in parts of Flat Rock as the EPA continues testing.

Inspectors believe an underground storage tank at the Ford Flat Rock assembly plant is to blame for the gas leak impacting Flat Rock.

Inspectors believe an underground storage tank at the Ford Flat Rock assembly plant is the source of the gas leak.

After the flammable and cancer-causing chemical, benzene, was found in the in the sewer system, many Flat Rock residents are voicing their opinions about now having to be displaced because of the recommended evacuation.

Anyone in need of assistance with evacuation and/or relocation is asked to call Flat Rock’s hotline at 734-782-2455, ext. 6.

Officials with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) said three additional homes were evacuated as part of an emergency response to hazardous chemicals found in Flat Rock this week.