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FLINT RIVER


Downtown Flint’s historic bricks to get $5.2M facelift – all 750,000 of them

FLINT, MI -- The city is making plans to take on a painstaking downtown improvement project -- lifting up, resetting and replacing the 750,000 bricks that make up Saginaw Street. Adas said at least 70% of sidewalks are expected to be replaced in the area of the brick work and tree cages will be replaced. Saginaw Street bricks were originally laid in 1898. Special street bricks were made to withstand the pressure of carrying vehicle traffic. The idea of using stamped, colored asphalt on Saginaw Street has been discussed since at least 2001 in Flint.

mlive.com

Flint River Watershed Coalition awarded $79K grant to launch new youth program

FLINT, MI -- The Flint River Watershed Coalition was awarded a national grant to expand the organization’s youth programs. The Flint River Environmental Leaders program decides which issues to address in their communities and connect to protect and improve the Flint River. This program brings together 15 teachers and community program educators and 14 students across the Flint River watershed. FRWC is seeking applicants from youth organizations and schools for the program. “We are thrilled to begin this project and empower more people to protect, promote, and improve the Flint River watershed and its interwoven systems.”Program participants can receive educational credits and stipends of up to $650.

mlive.com

Focus of water crisis trial shifts to lead found in Flint kids’ bones

FLINT, MI -- The focus of a federal trial tied to the Flint water crisis is shifting from the role two consultants played in the man-made emergency to the level of lead found in the bones of city children. Specht oversaw a large-scale lead testing program in Flint, using modified, hand-held devices to measure the lead exposure of residents after the city used the Flint River as its water source for 17 months in parts of 2014 and 2015. Federal court records say Specht took bone lead measurements of all four children and concluded that each of them were subjected to “substantial” lead exposure. Specht’s bone-testing program in Flint was controversial and opposed by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, the Flint pediatrician who first found elevated levels of lead in the blood of Flint children during the water crisis. While using the Flint River as its water source, the 90th percentile of lead in city water rose from zero parts per billion to 20 ppb (parts per billion), beyond the federal action level of 15 ppb.

mlive.com

‘The world thinks the water crisis is over. It’s not’: Flint remembers 8 years since crisis began

Dozens in the community gathered to commemorate and remember eight years since the beginning of the water crisis on April 25, the same day that the city’s water source was changed to the Flint River. We don’t want to ever give up.”The Flint water crisis was triggered after the city stopped buying pre-treated Lake Huron water from Detroit in April 2014 and instead used the Flint River as its water source until October 2015. Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, a Flint pediatrician, was the first to find elevated levels of lead in the blood of Flint children during the city’s water crisis. More information can be found on the Flint Water Official Settlement website. Read more at The Flint Journal:Historic $626-million Flint water crisis settlement approved by federal court judgeClaims period starts Jan. 12 for $626-million Flint water crisis settlementFunding secured to remove hazardous Hamilton Dam on Flint RiverStrategic plan for Flint schools to be revisited with several changes

mlive.com

Funding secured to remove hazardous Hamilton Dam on Flint River

FLINT, MI -- A century-old dam deemed hazardous due to structural deficiencies will soon be coming down in the Flint River with an $855,000 federal grant secured by U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee. The Hamilton Dam, which was partly demolished in 2018, poses a threat to public safety and the environment, according to Flint River and government officials. This is a really good example of how we can restore vitality to this beautiful river,” Kildee said. “A lot of people wrote this river off.”Patrick Scanlon, executive director of the Flint River Watershed Coalition, said removing the last part of the dam has long been a priority for his organization. “I’m the new director but this is something that I have been aware of for quite some time.”The work is part of the Flint River Restoration project, a $36.8-million project to “naturalize” the Flint River and improve amenities along the river through the downtown area.

mlive.com

Mom tells federal jury that Flint water changed her daughter

FLINT, MI -- The mother of one of four children suing two Flint water consultants told a federal jury Thursday, April 7, that her daughter’s behavior changed drastically after drinking lead-tainted city water during the Flint water crisis. Berry said her children initially drank unfiltered water from the faucet and in Kool-Aid before officials acknowledged rising levels of lead, bacteria and chlorine byproducts in city water. In court filings, Veolia says the city and state of Michigan caused the water crisis by switching Flint from Lake Huron water treated by the city of Detroit to Flint River water treated by employees of the city. It claims the company did not have any knowledge of a lead problem in Flint water. Attorneys for the two companies have questioned the extent of the damages Flint water caused the children who have sued them in addition to denying responsibility for the water crisis.

mlive.com

Flint water crisis lawsuit against Wells Fargo, other bond underwriters thrown out by judge

FLINT, MI -- A lawsuit filed on behalf of Flint children against three companies that helped finance Flint’s participation in the Karegnondi Water Authority has been dismissed by a federal court judge. Levy has ruled in other Flint water crisis lawsuits that residents had plausibly alleged that their involuntary exposure to lead, bacteria and other toxins in city water could amount to having their bodies invaded without their consent. Stern also helped to negotiate a $626-million settlement of water crisis lawsuits against the state of Michigan, city of Flint, McLaren Regional Hospital and Rowe Professional Services. The city’s change in water source triggered the water crisis, sending highly corrosive water through the water distribution system, including thousands of lead and galvanized service lines to homes, causing elevated levels of lead and bacteria in tap water. Financing for the KWA pipeline has long been a source of interest for state prosecutors as they have pursued criminal charges related to the water crisis.

mlive.com

As Flint water trial moves slowly, worried judge looks for ways ‘to move this along’

The children’s lawsuit claims Veolia and LAN were negligent when they worked on water problems in Flint during the water crisis. The companies have disputed the childrens’ injuries in court filings and say government officials are responsible for the high levels of lead in Flint water in 2014 and 2015 while the city used the Flint River as its water source. Last month, an attorney for LAN asked Levy to consider time limits for presentations by each party in the case. Read more:Former Flint consultant asks judge to consider time limits in water crisis trial20 potential witnesses who could be critical as Flint children’s water crisis trial starts MondayFormer Gov. Snyder, others can appeal decision requiring they testify in Flint water crisis civil case

mlive.com

Mom who claims her child was poisoned by Flint water among next witnesses in civil trial

FLINT, MI -- Jurors in a civil lawsuit filed by four Flint children against two city water consultants have heard from experts and will hear from local and state government officials involved in the city water crisis. In addition to Veolia, the lawsuit claims consultant Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam was negligent when it worked on water problems in Flint during the water crisis. The companies have disputed the childrens’ injuries in court filings and say government officials are responsible for the high levels of lead in Flint water in 2014 and 2015 while the city used the Flint River as its water source. Rick Snyder and other witnesses who are facing criminal charges related to the water crisis. Read more:20 potential witnesses who could be critical as Flint children’s water crisis trial starts MondaySnyder, four others charged with Flint water crimes must appear, answer questions in civil trialOne-person grand jury used in Flint water criminal cases lands at Michigan Supreme Court

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Flint reports sewage spill into river, no estimate on how much

FLINT, MI -- The city says it’s been discharging partially treated sewage into the Flint River for at least the past 10 hours but hasn’t yet estimated how much. “This discharge was due to excessive wet weather flows, which exceeded the plant’s capacity for full secondary treatment of sewage,” the city said in a news release. The Health Department recommends against body contact with the Flint River under high flow conditions, particularly downstream of the release, west of the Mill Road Bridge at Flushing Road. Large amounts of runoff and churning of the river sediments generally result in high bacterial levels in the river throughout high flow areas, the city’s announcement says. Read more:Untreated sewage discharged into Flint River after equipment failureGreater Flint Health Coalition CEO departing, Reynolds named interim presidentOne-person grand jury used in Flint water criminal cases lands at Michigan Supreme Court

mlive.com

Former Flint mayor next up to testify in civil water crisis trial

FLINT, MI -- More than six years after the Flint water crisis helped cost him his position as mayor, Dayne Walling will be asked to revisit the federally recognized emergency again next week. In court filings, Veolia says the city and state of Michigan caused the water crisis by switching Flint from Lake Huron water treated by the city of Detroit to Flint River water treated by employees of the city. It claims the company did not have any knowledge of a lead problem in Flint water. LAN ultimately produced a July 2011 report for Flint titled “Analysis of the Flint River as a Permanent Water Supply for the City of Flint,” according to court records. Read more:20 potential witnesses who could be critical as Flint children’s water crisis trial starts MondayFirm knew about lead in Flint’s water but didn’t warn public, emails showFormer Flint consultant asks judge to consider time limits in water crisis trial

mlive.com

Engineer says Flint bypassed key treatment step before sending river water to homes

FLINT, MI -- An engineering consultant says he witnessed the city “bypassing part of the softening flow” -- a key element designed to make Flint’s water less corrosive -- when he walked inside the city’s treatment plant during the Flint water crisis. “I am a man of faith and I typically don’t use profanity on the job,” Green told a jury in U.S. District Court in Ann Arbor. The children contend they were damaged by lead in Flint water and that Veolia and LAN were negligent in their work as city water consultants. The DEQ also did not require the river water to be treated with phosphate additives, another measure used to lessen corrosivity. LAN says its employees also recommended a test run of up to 90 days for the Flint treatment plant to evaluate the need to make Flint River water less corrosive -- advice that was never followed.

mlive.com

Engineer says he took Flint emergency manager’s word that plant would be tested before distributing water

The LAN official said he later relayed the same information to other Flint water plant officials. Instead of a test run of at least 60 days, the city ran the test for less than 20 days, Green said Tuesday. Flint ended its treatment and use of river water in October 2015, after acknowledging elevated levels of lead, bacteria and chlorine byproducts in city water during the 17 months the plant operated. Experts have said the corrosivity of improperly treated Flint River water caused lead to leach from pipes, solder and home plumbing. Kurtz resigned as Flint emergency manager a month after Green said he met with him in June 2013 and was replaced in the position by Darnell Earley.

mlive.com

Flint plant couldn’t complete planned test run with river water, engineer tells jury

FLINT, MI -- The city of Flint was unable to complete an extended test run of Flint River water before putting its treatment plant into full-time service for the first time in decades, an engineer for one of two companies being sued by Flint children testified Thursday, March 3. Just days before the plant began treating Flint River water for distribution to homes and businesses, city officials announced they would begin treatment test runs with river water. Experts have said the river water was improperly treated and corrosive to lead in pipes, solder and home plumbing. Hansen’s comments about problems at the water plant are not the first to emerge since the city ended its use of Flint River water in October 2015. Michael Glasgow, former Flint water plant operator, warned state regulators of a potential disaster in the days leading up to the plant being put into full-time service.

mlive.com

Pump station failure sent 8.5M gallons of sewage into Flint River

FLINT, MI -- Roughly 8.5 million gallons of sewage spilled into the Flint River after a weekend equipment failure, the city says. The discharges were both related to the same equipment failure at the northwest pump station and led to a recommendation against body contact with the Flint River by the Genesee County Health Department. In September, during a heavy rain event, the city discharged 38 million gallons of sewage slurry into the river. Sunday’s equipment failure at the northwest pump station led city workers to turn off the 3rd Avenue pump station to make repairs, the city’s announcement of the spills says. In 2019, the Flint City Council approved funding to replace the 3rd Avenue pumping station’s switchgear and motion control, part of a multi-million-dollar upgrade.

mlive.com

Equipment Failure Causes Discharge Of Untreated Sewage Into Flint River

Raw, untreated sewage was discharged into the Flint River following an equipment failure at a water facility in Flint.

detroit.cbslocal.com

Untreated sewage discharged into Flint River after equipment failure

FLINT, MI – Health department officials are recommending against body contact with the Flint River after raw, untreated sewage was discharged into it Sunday afternoon. While the Genesee County Health Department recommends against body contact with the river under current, high flow conditions, the advisory is particularly aimed at the Flint River west of the Mill Road Bridge at Flushing Road in Flint Township, said Jeanette Best, Flint’s water pollution control manager. Around that time, staff discharged excess wet weather flows consisting of raw, untreated sewage. Best did not say how many gallons of sewage were discharged into the river. Large amounts of runoff and churning river sediments generally result in high bacterial levels in high flow areas, Best said.

mlive.com

Flint River Watershed Coalition hires new executive director

FLINT, MI -- The Flint River Watershed Coalition (FRWC) named Patrick Scanlon, a wildlife biologist who formerly worked at the Genesee Conservation District and as a Flushing city council member, as its new executive director this week. Related: Flint River Watershed Coalition executive director leaving job after nearly 14 years“We are thrilled to welcome Patrick as our new Executive Director,” said Doug Schultz, FRWC Board of Directors Chair. “As a lifelong resident of the watershed, I consider the Flint River my home,” said in a statement. The coalition is currently in the process of moving to a new location where the Flint River merges with the Swartz Creek. Fedewa, who previously led the coalition for just under 14 years, is now the executive director of the Michigan Water Environment Association.

mlive.com
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Broken water line left Flint unable to chlorinate discharges to Flint River

FLINT, MI -- City officials say they were unable to chlorinate wastewater before it was discharged into the Flint River for roughly 24 hours. A news release from the city says it lost its ability to disinfect the discharges after a line break at about 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 13. The city’s announcement of the line break says water discharged to the river received “full wastewater treatment with the exception of the chlorination” during the incident. The city says the county Health Department recommends against body contact with the Flint River under the current conditions, particularly downstream of the release, west of the Mill Road Bridge at Flushing Road. Read more:Don’t expect Flint water cases to go trial until at least 2024, spokesman for former Gov.

mlive.com

Judge OKs $626 million settlement in Flint water litigation

A judge in Michigan has approved a $626 million settlement for Flint residents and others who were exposed to lead-contaminated water.

Flint River Watershed Coalition executive director leaving job after nearly 14 years

FLINT, MI — The executive director for the Flint River Watershed Coalition is planning her departure from the nonprofit organization after nearly 14 years. One of those projects includes the removal of the 218-foot long Hamilton Dam, which was a part of the Flint River Restoration Project. The Hamilton Dam was designed by Fargo Engineering Company in Jackson and built in 1920. “While my focus will shift to statewide endeavors, I’ll always carry the Flint River Watershed close to my heart,” Fedewa said. Read more on MLive:Fabri Dam demolished, Hamilton Dam in its final daysFlint River Watershed Coalition, Kayak Flint getting new home with fishing spots and lookout pointsCrews begin demolishing Hamilton Dam in downtown Flint

mlive.com

Rain, low treatment capacity blamed for another Flint River sewage discharge

FLINT, MI -- The city says heavy rain and limited treatment capacity has caused it to discharge a mixture of stormwater and sewage from its retention and treatment basin into the Flint River. “Large amounts of runoff and churning of the river sediments generally result in high bacterial levels in the river throughout high flow areas,” the announcement says. In a report to the state of Michigan, the city attributed the discharge of .84 inches of rain, more than the capacity of its treatment plant once the stormwater infiltrates city sewers. “This reduces our treatment capacity to half of its normal maximum capacity. The largest volume spill -- nearly 32 million gallons of stormwater and partially treated sewage -- was also at the treatment plant.

mlive.com

RACER Trust will update work on PFAS at Buick City Thursday

“Working under the direction of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, RACER has found no indication to date that PFAS on the Buick City property is impacting the public,” the trust said in a post on its website. RACER is the trust established to manage properties like Buick City, which were abandoned by General Motors during its bankruptcy proceedings more than a decade ago. The Buick City property’s address is 902 E. Leith St., but the complex itself consists of 413 acres. Since the initial discovery of PFAS on the Buick City site, the chemicals have been found in groundwater, storm sewers and sanitary sewers. Read more:‘Pretty high’ new PFAS contamination found at closed Buick City site in FlintBuick City rerouting sewer that’s been leaking PFAS into Flint RiverMichigan takes lead in Buick City cleanup oversight, armed with stricter PFAS standards

mlive.com

Man who took plea in Flint double homicide case sentenced to more than 20 years in prison

FLINT, MI -- A Flint man has been sentenced to a minimum of 23.5 years in prison in connection with the July 2018 deaths of two people found in the Flint River. Wheeler, who was 27 at the time of the incident, pleaded no contest on July 29 to the second-degree murder charge. Related: Teen sentenced to 20 years in Flint double homicide caseWheeler is the second of three suspects sentenced in the case. Cheveyo I. Molina, 18, was sentenced to 20 to 30 years in prison on a single count of second-degree murder on Sept. 27. The count was also amended from a first-degree murder charge as part of a plea deal.

mlive.com

Toxic chemical mix found in groundwater, storm sewers at company that discharges into Flint River

FLINT, MI -- The state of Michigan says a Flint chemical company with a permit to discharge into the Flint River appears to be responsible for contaminated stormwater or groundwater that has found its way into the city’s storm sewer system. The company traces its roots to the late 1800′s when Charles Lockhart entered Pennsylvania’s oil industry, according to Lockhart’s website. After nearly a century in the steel and aluminum business, the company purchased a 13-acre chemical manufacturing site in Flint, which became Lockhart Chemical Company. The highest concentration of 1,4 dioxane collected at a storm sewer was more than three times the allowable level, and the highest concentration of vinyl chloride collected at a storm sewer at the same time was nearly 40 times the allowable level. “Our big concern is to make sure pollutants are not getting in the Flint River,” Meyer said.

mlive.com

Flint treatment plant sewage spill was biggest of last week -- nearly 32 million gallons

FLINT, MI -- The city has reported what turned out to be the biggest sewage spill in the city during heavy rains last week -- nearly 32 million gallons of partially treated slurry that went directly into the Flint River. The plant is designed to treat 50 million gallons per day, but during heavy rains, stormwater infiltrates the system, creating the potential for the plant to be overwhelmed. In addition to last week’s discharge from the treatment plant, the city had also reported three other sewage spills last week, amounting to more than 6 million more gallons ending up in the river. The city reported that WPC plant overflow occurred after 3.55 inches of rain. Read more:More than 6 million gallons of sewage-rain mix ended up in Flint River after three spillsState agrees to deals on legal fees for Snyder, four others charged with Flint water crimesNew support gives historic district housing project another chance in Flint

mlive.com

Teen sentenced to 20 years in Flint double homicide case

In July 2019, Molina pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, amended from a first-degree murder charge as part of a plea deal. Robert L. Wheeler Jr., 27, of Flint, and Melinda L. Kelly, 49, of Flint, have also been charged in the case. Wheeler faces two counts of first-degree murder and single counts of tampering with evidence in a criminal case and felony firearms. Kelly was charged with single counts of tampering with evidence in a criminal case and accessory after the fact. Kelly was charged with single counts of tampering with evidence in a criminal case and accessory after the fact.

mlive.com
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More than 6 million gallons of sewage-rain mix ended up in Flint River after three spills

FLINT, MI -- More than 6 million gallons of raw sewage and rainwater ended up in the Flint River after separate discharges during heavy rains last week. Officials for the city reported the spill volumes in reports on Monday, Sept. 27. The largest discharge of raw sewage and rainwater occurred after a connection failure near River Rest Cemetery on Flushing Road that was first reported Thursday, Sept. 23. The city is still in the process of making repairs there with engineers and contractors, according to the city. The city has yet to report the volume of one additional sewage spill which also was reported late last week.

mlive.com

Three sewage discharges hit Flint River in less than 2 hours

FLINT, MI -- The city has reported three separate discharges of a sewage-rainwater mix into the Flint River following a three-day downpour that dumped 3.2 inches of rain on the area. The Swartz Creek flows into the Flint River. Flint Water Service Center employees responded to the spill and are working to resolve the situation, the statement says. At 8:20 a.m. Thursday, another sanitary sewer manhole overflowed into the river near River Rest Cemetery on Flushing Road in Flint Township, an area of chronic flooding. Read more:Sewage-storm water slurry discharged into Flint River after two days of rainOver 6 inches of rain have already fallen at one Michigan city; Here’s the rain recapGFL files protest over ‘tragically wasteful’ Flint garbage contract award

mlive.com

Sewage-storm water slurry discharged into Flint River after two days of rain

FLINT, MI -- The city says it’s dumped a mixture of treated stormwater and sewage into the Flint River after two days of steady rain but has yet to estimate the volume of the discharge. Flint officials reported the spill Thursday, Sept. 23, warning of potentially high levels of bacteria in the river, particularly downstream from its retention and treatment basin. Charles Bennett, a professional engineer for EGLE’s Water Resources Division, said the city must report the estimated volume discharged once the overflow event has ended. Flint’s report to the state says the discharge was caused by wet weather that exceeded its treatment plant’s designed capacities. The National Weather Service reported 2.68 inches of rain have been measured at Bishop Airport during the last 48 hours.

mlive.com

Free shuttles available as roads close Saturday for 2021 HAP Crim Festival of Races in downtown Flint

FLINT, MI -- The HAP Crim Festival of Races is here which means roads in downtown Flint will be closed for much of Friday and Saturday. Saginaw Street and all cross streets between Court Street and the Flint River are closed today, Friday, Aug. 27, for Crim race preparation. The 44th annual Crim takes place on Saturday, Aug. 28 in downtown Flint. Here’s what racers need to knowRaces start at intersections of Saginaw Street and Union, with racers heading north. Each race will finish at the intersection of Saginaw Street and Second Street.

mlive.com

Judge’s ruling allows class-action to proceed against engineering firms in Flint water cases

FLINT, MI -- A federal judge’s ruling will allow class action litigation to proceed against two engineering companies that advised the city of Flint during its water crisis. Because of changes to the proposed class certification, she said, objections to other witnesses and reports were moot. The companies were hired by the city to advise it on water issues after emergency managers appointed by former Gov. LAN performed work as a consultant as the city transitioned to Flint River water and continued to advise the city on water quality issues during the resulting water crisis. Read more:Judge pauses discovery in seven criminal Flint water cases, hears motion to dismissFlint water could be blended as early as next weekWhitmer drops cap on legal fees for Snyder, others charged with Flint water crimes

mlive.com

Rock out at ’80s in the Hole, choose your own adventure to support the Flint River Watershed Coalition

FLINT, MI —The Flint River Watershed Coalition (FRWC) is hosting two events in early August for a variety of family fun activities. A Flint River Flotilla ’21 shirt is also available. Both events support the work of the Flint River Watershed Coalition and its mission to protect, promote, and improve the Flint River. The Flint River Watershed Coalition seeks a healthy, vibrant, active Flint River watershed for all. The coalition works in partnership to protect, promote, and improve the Flint River and its watershed, according to its website.

mlive.com

‘We know that people need help’ -- EPA administrator visits Flint

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency visited Flint Wednesday as the city continues to deal with the fallout from the water crisis.

Ex-Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder faces pretrial hearing in Flint water crisis

Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder is due in court in Genesee County for a pretrial hearing on Tuesday morning.

Body found in Flint River near downtown

FLINT, MI - A body was found in the Flint River north of downtown Sunday afternoon, police said. Officers discovered the man in the water around 3 p.m., June 6 in the area around the 400 block of East Boulevard Drive, said the Michigan State Police Flint post in a release. No foul play is suspected at this time, according to the release, and the investigation is ongoing. Victoria Lambaria by phone at 810-237-6971. Anonymous tips may be sent to Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-422-JAIL (5245), online at CrimeStoppersofFlint.com or via the P3Tips mobile app.

mlive.com
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Flint River Watershed Coalition, Kayak Flint getting new home with fishing spots and lookout points

FLINT, MI — The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation granted $350,000 to support a Flint River revitalization project along Kearsley Street in Flint. The building and adjacent properties will be redeveloped into the new headquarters for the nonprofit Flint River Watershed Coalition and its Kayak Flint rental program, which began in 2018. “For the first time, the Flint River Watershed Coalition will have our own storefront and can have a bigger presence. When the building is renovated, community members will be able to stop in and get maps and information about the Flint River Watershed. It’s such a great add-on to what’s being done with the bigger Flint River restoration project,” Fedewa said.

mlive.com

Large amounts of rain cause sewage overflow in Flint Township

FLINT TWP., MI — A sanitary sewer overflowed on March 26 in Flint Township after 3 inches of rain overnight, officials said Saturday. Raw sewage overflowed into the Flint River from a sanitary sewer manhole at the connection to the deep tunnel on Flushing Road, according to a news release from the City of Flint. The manhole is being sealed to stop the flow, and a berm is being constructed to contain any additional water that may leak out of the manhole, the release states. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the Genesee County Health Department have been notified, according to the release. The Genesee County Health Department recommends against body contact with the Flint River under high flow conditions, particularly downstream of the release, west of the Mill Road Bridge at Flushing Road.

mlive.com

Teens fishing find human foot along banks of Michigan river

TAYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Two teenagers have discovered a human foot while fishing in Saginaw County. The foot was found Feb. 26 along the banks of the Flint River in Taymouth Township, The Saginaw News reported Thursday. It has been sent to the state police Crime Lab where DNA from the foot will be compared to other collected DNA, Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel said. Taymouth Township is south of Saginaw and about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of Detroit. The Flint River extends about 78 miles (125 kilometers) through several Michigan counties, according to the newspaper.

Foot found in rural Saginaw County to undergo DNA analysis

SAGINAW, MI — A human foot recently found along the muddy banks of the Flint River is undergoing analysis, in hopes the person it was attached to can be identified. DNA from the detached appendage is going to compared to DNA on file of candidates“We’re awaiting DNA comparisons,” Federspiel said. “We simply don’t know that.”The 78-mile-long Flint River flows through Lapeer, Genesee, and Saginaw counties. It empties into the Shiawassee River near Saginaw, with the Shiawassee then converging with the Tittabawassee River to form the Saginaw River. The Saginaw River empties into the Saginaw Bay.

mlive.com

Teens find a boot with a foot inside while fishing in Saginaw County

SAGINAW, MI - Two teenagers who were out fishing in Saginaw County ended up finding something unusual in the water. The Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that what appeared to be a foot was found in the Flint River in southern Saginaw County on Feb. 26. The boys then called 911 and deputies from the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Offices responded and confirmed that the shoe contained an apparent human foot inside. The following morning, the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team responded to the scene and searched the river but nothing else was found. The sheriff’s office stated that the investigation is ongoing and a possible victim has not been identified at this time.

mlive.com

Nine officials charged, and $641 million to dole out: Hear the latest on the Flint Water Crisis

Seven years into the Flint Water Crisis, one thing we know is that justice and compensation come slow. Rick Snyder – were charged with crimes with their role in the crisis, which was triggered when the water source for the city was switched to the pollution-ridden Flint River in 2014. Second, a federal judge granted approval for a proposed settlement of $641 million to go forward on behalf of victims of the water crisis: Families of people who died from Legionnaires’ disease, and residents who suffered health effects from drinking or using the water. “The governor – all through the water crisis and when the river (water) was being used and the city was in charge of water quality – his primary excuse was, ‘I didn’t know.’ Even though people all around him were talking about problems with Flint water. If you knew, that’s wrong; but if you didn’t know, that’s a problem, also.”To hear the entire conversation with Fonger and Acosta, click on the play button above.

mlive.com

Flint’s ex-DPW director wants judge disqualified from hearing water crisis case against him

FLINT, MI -- Flint’s former Department of Public Works director says the judge assigned to hear his criminal water crisis case should be disqualified because the judge himself is an alleged victim of the crimes he’s charged with. He’s also accused of neglecting to pursue or communicate concerns about the corrosivity of city water while the Flint River was used as the city’s water source. During those initial prosecutions, Crawford was the judge who bound over one Flint water crisis defendant -- former Michigan Chief Medical Executive Dr. Eden Wells -- on charges including involuntary manslaughter. Croft was a chief defender of the quality and safety of city water -- even as testing showed it had elevated levels of lead, bacteria and chlorination byproducts. Jamie White, an attorney for Croft, has said that when the city’s water source was switched to the Flint River, Croft and his family continued to drink it, including his pregnant daughter.

mlive.com

Snyder attorney says he was charged in wrong county, will ask for Flint water charges to be dismissed

Rick Snyder say they will ask for Flint water criminal charges against him be dismissed because he was charged in the wrong county. Snyder was charged last week with two misdemeanor counts of willful neglect of duty related to the water crisis after indictment by a one-man grand jury. Crawford asked water prosecutors and attorneys for Snyder and former Flint Department of Public Works Director Howard Croft to meet privately Tuesday to discuss procedural issues after hearing briefly from each. The stories alleged Baird tried quieting the discontent among Flint residents affected by the water crisis. Snyder, 8 others criminally charged, accused of trampling trust of Flint peopleJudge Elizabeth Kelly to preside over the most serious Flint water casesAs Flint was slowly poisoned, Snyder’s inner circle failed to actAide says he shared lead worries from Flint with Gov.

mlive.com

Flint water crisis investigation: Here’s who was charged

Nine charged in Flint water crisis probe: (First row, From top left to right). FLINT, Mich. – After a lengthy investigation into the Flint water crisis, which started more than five years ago, investigators announced a slew of charges, including against former Michigan Gov. Here’s the full list of charges:Jarrod Agen – Former Director of Communications and Former Chief of Staff, Executive Office of Gov. “We must remember that the Flint Water Crisis is not some relic of the past. In August 2020, a settlement of a lawsuit filed was reached on behalf of residents of Flint who were harmed by lead-tainted water.

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Owner of Oil Chem Inc. Pleads Guilty to Violating the Clean Water Act

Oil Chem, located in Flint, processed and discharged industrial wastewaters to Flint’s sewer system. According to an agreed upon factual statement in the plea agreement filed in federal court, Oil Chem’s permit prohibited the discharge of landfill leachate waste. Landfill leachate is formed when water filters downward through a landfill, picking up dissolved materials from decomposing trash. Nor did Massey disclose to the city when Oil Chem started to discharge this new waste stream, which the permit also required. From January 2007 through October 2015, Massey arranged for Oil Chem to receive approximately 47,824,293 gallons of landfill leachate from eight different landfills located in Michigan.

justice.gov

6 years after it started, Michigan reaches $600M settlement for Flint water crisis lawsuits

FILE - In this March 21, 2016, file photo, the Flint Water Plant water tower is seen in Flint, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)FLINT, Mich. – The Michigan Attorney General’s Office announced a preliminary $600 million settlement in lawsuits related to the Flint Water Crisis on Thursday, more than six years after the crisis started. Past contributions include a settlement agreement whereby $97 million was made available to replace all of the city’s lead service lines in its water system. To date, the state has spent more than $409 million in response to the Flint water emergency. Researchers with Virginia Tech University reported in summer 2015 that samples of Flint water had abnormally high lead levels.

Chemical company accused of illegally dumping truckloads of waste into Flint sewer system

A company is accused of illegally discharging nearly 48 million gallons of waste from landfills into Flint wastewater system.

Flint residents protest water crisis settlement with federal judge’s decision expected soon

“We’re looking to let the world know this settlement isn’t for all the people of the city of Flint,” protest organizer Arthur Woodson said Monday. John McClane, who was among the demonstrators outside the Flint water treatment plant Monday. “Flint citizens have suffered greatly because of the water crisis ... In addition to those lawsuit targets, residents have named the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Flint water consultants, and bond underwriters who arranged financing of the Karegnondi Water Authority’s pipeline financing in pending lawsuits. Read more:Federal judge says she will meet for days if necessary to hear from residents about Flint water settlementAttorney for 4,000 residents tells city of Flint: Turn down water crisis settlement and we’ll demand $500MOpponents vow to fight Flint water settlement as city decision approaches

mlive.com

Oil Chem owner accused of dumping nearly 50 million gallons of landfill liquid into Flint sewers

FLINT, MI - Federal prosecutors accuse the owner and president of a Flint chemical company with dumping nearly 50 million gallons of untreated liquid drained from eight different landfills into the city’s sewer system. In Flint, treated wastewater is discharged into the Flint River. On its website, Oil Chem describes itself as a “globally recognized specialty lubrication manufacturer” specializing in the formulation and custom blending of metalworking lubricants, industrial cleaning chemicals and maintenance oils. “Oil Chem discharged all or substantially all of the landfill leachate it received... to the city of Flint sanitary sewer system in this manner,” the records say. The Oil Chem facility is located downstream of the spot on the river where Flint took in water for treatment during the city’s water crisis.

mlive.com

Raw sewage discharged into Flint River after power outage at pumping station

GENESEE COUNTY, MI – A power outage at a pump station led to raw sewage being dumped over the weekend into the Flint River. A statement notes the city of Flint’s Water Pollution Control Facility discharged an unspecified amount of sewage from its Third Avenue wastewater pumping station into the waterway between 5:18 a.m. and 5:25 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 22. The statement from Jeanette Best, Wastewater Pumping Station supervisor, points out the discharge was due to the loss of one leg of power from Consumers Energy in conjunction with major electrical upgrades that are currently ongoing at the Third Avenue facility. Residents are advised to avoid body contact with the Flint River, especially downstream of the release from the Third Avenue pumping station west of Mott Park out to Flushing. Water quality tests on the Flint River will be performed, with the results posted on the State of Michigan website, Best said.

mlive.com

New PFAS testing planned at Buick City after high levels found in soil and water near paint building

“It’s kind of like you’re following bread crumbs,” Trigger said of the continued testing of soil and water. Testing of water wells located near the Buick City property have not identified any contamination, including lead or PFAS from the site, that has or potentially could contaminate any drinking water sources, RACER officials have said. The Buick City property was used for automotive production dating back to the late 1800s -- before the area was used as a Buick Motor Company factory in 1903. General Motors Corp. operated factories there for decades until it ceased all operations at Buick City in 2010. More on MLive:PFAS moving into Flint River from ex-Buick City factory siteMichigan takes lead in Buick City cleanup oversight, armed with stricter PFAS standards‘Pretty high’ new PFAS contamination found at closed Buick City site in Flint‘Substantial drops’ seen in PFAS entering Michigan waterways from businesses

mlive.com

Flint residents sue bond underwriters, claim they helped create city’s water crisis

FLINT, MI -- A federal lawsuit filed on behalf of Flint children claims three companies that helped finance Flint’s participation in the Karegnondi Water Authority are partly responsible for the city’s water crisis. The city’s change in water source triggered the water crisis, sending highly corrosive water through the distribution system, including thousands of lead and galvanized service lines to homes, causing elevated levels of lead and bacteria in tap water. State appointed emergency managers were charged with running the city’s affairs at the time bonding was secured for the pipeline project. MLive-The Flint Journal could not immediately reach Wells Fargo or Stifel, Nicolaus and Company for comment, while a representative of J.P. Morgan Chase declined to comment on the case. In return, Flint agreed to buy already-treated water for the next 30 years from GLWA.

mlive.com

One in four Flint residents have retained water crisis attorneys, federal court report says

FLINT, MI -- Almost 24,000 Flint residents have signed retainers with attorneys who are working toward a $600-million settlement with the state of Michigan over the city’s water crisis and 15,000 more have at least contacted lawyers about representing them in court. Greenspan said more than 26,000 people have actually hired attorneys to represent them in Flint water matters, but some of those residents have signed retainers with more than one law firm. To qualify for a portion of that lump sum, they will need to work through a federal court claims process. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel in August announced some details of the Flint settlement, which would set up a claims process for Flint residents harmed by city water. Youngest Flint water crisis victims to get 80 percent of historic $600 million settlementFormer Flint mayor says $600M water crisis settlement ‘insulting’ to residentsJudge won’t get Flint water crisis settlement until October as state waits for others to joinCritics pick at $600-million Flint water crisis settlement, but state says the offer is as good as it gets

mlive.com

Flint Still Has No Trust 6 Years After Fateful Water Switch

FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) Saturday marks six years since Flint switched its drinking water source to the Flint River. As they do most mornings in Flint, cars lined up to get bottled water Tuesday from a distribution site. Countless water bottles have been shipped to Flint to help lift the financial burden from an already impoverished community. People in Flint still use the water for everyday needs. I was worried about my youngest grandbaby at the time because I couldnt give him the water.After multiple alarms were sounded, the drinking water source was switched in October 2015.

detroit.cbslocal.com

Flint official: State overruled plan for corrosion control

Recalling the meeting Tuesday in an interview with The Associated Press, Glasgow said he was taken aback by the state regulator's instruction; treating drinking water with anti-corrosive additives was routine practice. Snyder later fired Liane Shekter Smith, former chief of the DEQ's Office of Drinking Water and Municipal Assistance. "I did have some concerns and misgivings at first," Glasgow told the committee. (It wasn't until last December that the Flint plant finally got a corrosion control system.) Complete coverage: The Flint Water Crisis

Emails reveal governor's officials flagged early on Flint water

Problems began to surface in Flint, Michigan when the city switched its water source from Lake Huron to the polluted Flint River. Emails are now showing that Governor Snyder's aides knew about the water problem early on. Dean Reynolds explains.

cbsnews.com

Public health emergency declared in Flint, Michigan, due to contaminated water

When Flint, Michigan, disconnected their water supply from Detroit and started drawing from the Flint River, they were thinking of $15 million in savings. But they may have gotten more than they bargained for, reports Dean Reynolds.

cbsnews.com
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