Detroitโs air quality ranked as โunhealthyโ Saturday morning
As of 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, the EPAโs AirNow website had Detroit listed as โunhealthyโ with a PM2.5. The air quality is expected to improve to โunhealthy for sensitive groupsโ later in the day and reach โmoderateโ on Sunday.
EGLE: Fuel oil leaked into Huron River in Flat Rock
There has been a mystery for the residents living close to Huron River for weeks. But now weโre 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.
Michigan officials address odor coming from Stellantis Mack Assembly Plant in Detroit
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.
Michigan officials address odor coming from Stellantis Mack Assembly Plant in Detroit
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.
EPA looks to tighten rules for lead in drinking water while president works to replace pipelines
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is looking to tighten rules for allowable levels of lead in drinking water while the Biden Administration is looking to replace the countryโs lead lines using new funds.
โIs it safe?โ -- Area of concern grows in Flat Rock after hazardous chemical found in sewer system
Officials said the city plans to use firefighting form to suppress the vapors found within the sanitary system. The industrial facility has taken measures, including inserting plugs into the onsite sewer system to prevent it from entering the system at a location north of Gibraltar Road at the Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant property.
Edmunds puts Tesla's range to the test
This undated photo by Edmunds shows five electric vehicles at a test track in the Mojave Desert, in California, undergoing testing for maximum range. A CHALLENGE FROM TESLAThe lackluster results prompted the automaker to reach out to the Edmunds test team. Once each vehicleโs range estimate indicated zero miles, we measured how far it could go before coming to a complete stop. AdEDMUNDS SAYS: Edmundsโ EV range test isnโt meant to be the definitive word on a vehicleโs range but rather a real-world complement to the laboratory-based EPA testing. Weโll continue to test to an indicated zero because weโd never advise customers to rely on the unpredictable buffer range.
Eastbound I-696 ramp to Couzens closing Monday for toxic green ooze cleanup
MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. โ The eastbound I-696 ramp to Couzens Avenue in Madison Heights will close at 9 a.m. Monday for the final stages of the cleanup of the toxic green ooze. In December, 2019, hexavalent chromium was found leaking onto I-696. Since then, workers with the EPA and ELGE have been cleaning the site. Authorities said the ramp closure will allow for the removal of concrete to fully clean and remove the known-carcinogen. Madison Heights officials said EGLE and EPA conducted an extensive investigation, installed a treatment system and collected more than 350,000 gallons of contaminated groundwater to be treated.
EPA hands over control of toxic ooze site in Madison Heights to state regulators
MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. โ It started with a leak onto Interstate 696 in Madison Heights where green ooze caught the attention of people driving by. Now, more than a year after first descending on the site, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is ready to release the project to the state. All of out analytical is where we want it to be,โ said Tricia Edwards with the EPA. Gary Sayers, the owner of the Madison Heights building and property in Detroit, served time in prison related to the matter. Sayers wasnโt interested in talking in November, but has been keeping up his legal fight, still working to stop the demolition of the site.
Major progress made cleaning up toxic green ooze site in Madison Heights
MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. โ Enough progress has been made in cleaning up the toxic green ooze site in Madison Heights that the federal government has handed control back over to Michigan officials. The work has never stopped at the green ooze site -- even during the pandemic. Madison Heights officials said EGLE and EPA conducted an extensive investigation, installed a treatment system and collected more than 350,000 gallons of contaminated groundwater to be treated. Gary Sayers, the owner of the building at the center of the Madison Heights toxic ooze case, hasnโt been seen much since November. A virtual town hall meeting with Madison Heights officials, the EPA and EGLE will be held Tuesday at 6 p.m. More information can be found here.
Michigan officials remind schools, businesses to only use EPA-approved disinfectants
LANSING, Mich. โ Michigan officials want to remind schools and businesses to only use EPA-approved disinfectants. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) said that the products that meet the Environmental Protection Agencyโs (EPA) criteria for use against the virus that cause coronavirus (COVID-19) are listed here. โDisinfecting is a critical step in preventing and reducing the spread of viruses, bacteria, including SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19,โ said Brian Verhougstraete, MDARDโs Pesticide Section Manager. โAlways remember that you are required by state and federal law to follow the label when using disinfectants. This includes safe use of the disinfectant, the types of approved surfaces an adhering to the contact time, which is the amount of time the surface should be visibly wet.โMDARD reminds school districts to:Use EPA-registered disinfectants and follow all label directionsDo not use disinfectant as hand wipes or in place of sanitizersKeep out of reach of students, children should not use disinfectantsAvoid touching wet surfaces and always wash hands after useKeep the surface wet for the required contact timeKeep lids tightly closed and out of reach from children when not in useREAD: More COVID-19 coverage
Why we have water flow regulations for showerheads
Somehow, amid the myriad of important issues and crisis in the world, were talking about showerheads and water pressure. While speaking at the White House in July, Trump said:So showerheads you take a shower, the water doesnt come out. Since first enacted in 1992, federal law has dictated that new showerheads shouldnt pour more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Since these water savings will reduce demands on water heaters, they will also save energy. Some of the new low flow heads are rated at even lower flow rates, such as 1.8 or 1.5 gpm, saving significantly more water.
Fiat Chrysler to recall vehicles that may pollute too much
DETROIT About 1 million Fiat Chrysler vehicles with four-cylinder engines in the U.S. may spew too much pollution, and the company is working with government officials on a recall. Fiat Chrysler says in a quarterly filing with securities regulators that it found the excess pollution during internal testing of vehicles with 2.4-liter Tigershark engines. As this population ages, some vehicles exceed in-use emission requirements, depending on drive cycle and mileage, Fiat Chrysler said in a statement. The issue is not connected with any other emissions problem and the EPA does not plan any enforcement action against the company, Fiat Chrysler spokesman Eric Mayne said. Fiat Chrysler maintained that it didnt deliberately scheme to cheat emissions tests and the company didnt admit wrongdoing.
Soak it up: Great Lakes surface temps are really, really warm
Surface temps on the Great Lakes have warmed to above average following a week-long stretch of hot, hot weather around Michigan. Surface temps on Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario range between 75 and 85 degrees, according to measurements by Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. Great Lakes surface temps. Great Lakes surface temp data 1995-2015. (EPA)Related: Health officials: Avoid foam on Michigan lakes, rivers with PFAS contamination
Cleanup plan announced for site of toxic green ooze in Madison Heights
MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. Its been nearly seven months since toxic green ooze started leaking along I-696 in Oakland County. The ooze was later linked to the Electroplating Services building along 10 Mile Road. Work is being done to make sure the source of the green ooze is cleaned up permanently. The goal of injection treatment to address the groundwater contamination as it migrates from the Electroplating Services building. Legal proceedings are currently underway to authorize demolition and removal of the Electroplating Services building.
Study: Chipotle bowls contain cancer-linked chemicals
Joe Raedle/Getty Images(CNN) - The bowls at Chipotle have become a staple for the restaurant, but a new report is drawing some big concerns about them. The New Food Economy says it found the fiber bowls are exposed to chemicals that can lead to cancer. The study says the bowls are treated with "PFAS," also called forever chemicals. It helps bowls hold hot, wet, and greasy food. The chemicals also seep into the soil as the bowls break down, leading to toxic compost.