Residents blame construction project in wetlands for flooding New Baltimore neighborhood
A neighborhood in New Baltimore is dreading the next big storm. The neighborhood has been flooded repeatedly, and the residents believe a construction project on a wetlands area right next to their street is to blame.
City council member blasts states pipe approval that would send raw sewage into Detroit River
Detroit City Council Member Mary Waters sent Governor Gretchen Whitmer a letter asking her to rescind a permit issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy that she believes could result in the release of raw sewage into the Detroit River from Grosse Pointe Park.
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.
Violation issued for landowner in seawall collapse along Detroit River, 2 years after similar incident
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.
DTE, other agencies investigate apparent underground explosion in southwest Detroit
โIt 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."
More homes evacuated as officials continue investigating hazardous chemicals found in Flat Rock
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.
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.
Michigan introduces energy security plan in expectation of Line 5 closure
Over the last few years, Michigan officials have been at odds with the company Enbridge, who owns and operates Line 5 -- a major oil pipeline that runs beneath the Straits of Mackinac. AdOn Friday, March 12, the Michigan Public Service Commission introduced the stateโs new Propane Security Plan. Though the closure of Line 5 appears to be a โwhenโ issue for Michigan officials, Enbridge officials in January said they have no intention of closing the pipeline. AdOn Nov. 24, 2020, Enbridge filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Michigan, challenging the stateโs attempt to revoke the 1953 easement. Enbridge officials argued that shutting down Line 5 is โimproper and unlawful,โ and that disrupting the oil flow would negatively impact U.S. and Canadian residents and businesses.
EGLE approves permit for new Line 5 tunnel under Straits of Mackinac
MACKINAC COUNTY, Mich. โ There was praise and disappointment on Friday after the Michigan Department Environment, Great Lakes and Energy approved the first permits to for the controversial tunnel project around the Enbridge Line 5 gas line. The dual oil pipeline is among the largest in the region and runs directly through the Mackinac Straits carrying 23 million gallons of crude oil each day. In 2010, a separate Enbridge pipeline spilled more than 800,000 gallons of oil into Talmadge Creek and the Kalamazoo River. AdEnvironmental scientists estimate an oil spill in the Straits of Mackinac would cost almost $2 billion in cleaning costs and lost tourism revenue. This week the Canadian Consul General in Detroit telling the Canadian National Post shutting down Line 5 could harm Canadian-U.S. relations.
Michigan approves Great Lakes oil pipeline tunnel permits
(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. โ Michigan's environmental agency said Friday it has approved construction of an underground tunnel to house a replacement for a controversial oil pipeline in a channel linking two of the Great Lakes. AdThe project requires permits from the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. โWe have issued permits designed to ensure that if a tunnel is constructed, it will be in strict compliance with relevant statutes and adhere to stringent protections against impacts to the Great Lakes,โ Clark said. State officials emphasized the tunnel project was a separate legal matter from the dispute over the existing pipeline, which was laid in 1953. It has taken steps to prevent future anchor strikes and says the tunnel project would eliminate that danger.
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.
Early results of Michigan COVID wastewater monitoring project show promise
Early results from a Michigan project to monitor the levels of COVID-19 in wastewater show promising results. โThese initial results show promise for the field of COVID-19 wastewater monitoring in Michigan,โ said Sarah Lyon-Callo, director of the Bureau of Epidemiology and Population Health at MDHHS. โThis project has demonstrated the feasibility of this laboratory method and local partnerships for a longer-term wastewater surveillance system. Nineteen laboratories across the state of Michigan are participating in a standardized and coordinated network of COVID-19 wastewater monitoring systems. View the EGLE COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance map here.
EGLE report: Overall air quality improved across Michigan in 2019
LANSING, Mich. โ The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energyโs Air Quality Division has released its Annual Air Quality Report for 2019. The overall air quality improved across Michigan in 2019, according to the report. The report focuses on information for specific pollutants, including those with National Ambient Air Quality Standards and toxic air contaminants, air quality trends, and an overview of the air monitoring network. A nonattainment area is considered to have air quality worse than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. View the full report below:More information on the Air Quality Divisionโs annual program activities can be found in the Year End Air Quality Program Report or at Michigan.gov/Air.
Washtenaw County awarded record-breaking $1.6M from EGLE to expand recycling
Recipients include Ann Arbor Public Schools, Recycle Ann Arbor, city of Ypsilanti, Dexter Community Schools, Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority and Washtenaw Regional Resource Management Authority. The departmentโs support of new research, education and recycling activities in Washtenaw County comes as Michigan sees an increase in curbside recycling as residents work from home, according to a release from EGLE. In addition to the $1.58 million in Washtenaw County grants, EGLE will build on the state-wide Know It Before You Throw It recycling education campaign, which launched last year. Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority (WWRA) was awarded $458,370 to purchase sorting equipment and a new truck. Another goal of the Washtenaw County funding is to reduce the number of contaminated recyclables that end up in recycling bins by providing educational messaging.
State dismisses case challenging Nestleโs water withdrawal permit in Michigan
A 2018 case challenging Nestleโs permit to extract Michigan water and sell it for a profit has been dismissed by the stateโs environmental department on Friday. Residents have also shown outrage over the company taking Michigan water almost for free and turning it into a huge profit. In 2018, residents told Local 4 that the creek was thriving a few years ago, but things have changed because of the water Nestle is pumping out. In an effort to ramp up the legal fight against Nestleโs use of Michigan water, environmental groups requested that Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel step in back in July of this year. Our water use in Michigan ranks us far down on the list of the stateโs top water users.
Where things stand in cleanup of toxic green ooze site in Madison Heights, demolition battle
MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. โ The owner of the toxic green ooze site in Madison Heights has gotten off some of his probation restrictions, and that could have an effect on cleanup efforts. RECENTLY: Funding approved to demolish site, but fight is far from overFunding has been secured to help pay for the demolition of the Madison Heights building responsible for leaking green ooze onto the highway, but the fight over the future of the property is far from over. Sayers has been working to maintain control, and Local 4 has learned heโs also inquired about wanting to visit the site. Funding approved to demolish green ooze site, but fight is far from overFunding has been secured to help pay for the demolition of the Madison Heights building responsible for leaking green ooze onto the highway, but the fight over the future of the property is far from over. The mayor of Madison Heights has reason to be optimistic about the site because money is making its way to the city to not only clean the property, but eventually tear it down.
Deal reached to fix Detroit Riverfront where dock collapse spilled contaminated soil into river
DETROIT โ A deal has been reached to fix the Detroit Riverfront where a dock collapsed, spilling contaminated soil into the river. On Monday, Revere Dock signed an administrative consent agreement with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. As part of the deal, the restoration work at the site is expected to be done by July 2021. In May, this litigation produced an agreement, requiring Revere Dock, LLC to obtain permits from EGLE and the US Army Corp of Engineers for a dock restoration. In May, this litigation produced an agreement, requiring Revere Dock, LLC to obtain permits from EGLE and the US Army Corp of Engineers for a dock restoration.
Review concludes Michiganโs Dam Safety Unit is understaffed, constrained by time and budget
LANSING, Mich. โ The Association of State Dam Safety Officials' (ASDSO) review of Michiganโs Dam Safety Unit was presented at a meeting of the Michigan Dam Safety Task Force. READ: Michigan department publishes dam failure reportIt concluded that Michiganโs program is understaffed and constrained by limited time, resources and budget. Officials said Michiganโs investments in dam safety have been lacking for decades, which increases the risk to public safety and the environment. Currently, Michiganโs program has two dam safety engineers and one supervisor with a third dam safety engineer to be hired soon. In the Fiscal Year 2021 there is funding for hiring two more dam safety engineers.
Funding approved to demolish green ooze site in Madison Heights, but fight is far from over
MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. โ Funding has been secured to help pay for the demolition of the Madison Heights building responsible for leaking green ooze onto the highway, but the fight over the future of the property is far from over. The mayor of Madison Heights has reason to be optimistic about the site because money is making its way to the city to not only clean the property, but eventually tear it down. Michigan officials pledged $600,000 in the effort to tear down the building, and now Oakland County leaders are stepping up to pledge $400,000 to get the job done. That means $1 million is going into the effort to take care of the ongoing problem. You can watch Hank Winchesterโs full update in the video posted above.
Michigan lake known for turquoise water sees algae outbreak
CENTRAL LAKE, Mich. A northern Michigan lake thats famous for its turquoise waters is facing an outbreak of brown algae thats left its sandy bottom covered with mushy, squishy mats. Rick Welsh, a part-time lakeshore resident, said the brown algae was first noticed about a decade ago, but now the golden-brown algae grows in thick mats and sticks to the otherwise sugar-sand bottom of the lake in Antrim Countys Torch Lake, according to the Traverse City Record-Eagle. Its oozy, yucky and mucky, Welsh said. It easily comes up when disturbed.Welsh, a member for the Torch Lake Protection Alliance, said that there are investigations into the algae with results due in the fall. Officials with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, have said it appears to be a non-harmful form of algae.
Michigan department publishes dam failure report
The report provides an update on the ongoing investigation into the Edenville Dam, plans to restore the Tobacco River's flow and the lack of coordination with the dams' owner Boyce Hydro. But while awaiting the conclusion of the investigation, EGLE provided the first of a series of reports requested by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that will provide information about how the dam failures came to be and reviewing dam safety policies in Michigan. The report doesnโt address any parties at fault for the dam failures, but addresses what EGLE will do next to address the safety concerns left by the Edenville dam. Read more: Frustrated Michigan officials issue emergency order to Edenville Dam owners ignoring deadlines
Frustrated Michigan officials issue emergency order to Edenville Dam owners ignoring deadlines
Theyre frustrated that the owners of the Edenville Dam are ignoring deadlines, so they issued them an emergency order. The Edenville Dam failed May 19, leaving 11,000 people evacuated and 2,500 structures damaged by the 500-year flood. With Tuesdays emergency order, Boyce Hydro is forced to alter the Edenville Dam to ensure public safety and have that project done by the end of the year. State officials believe that is the best option to address dam safety concerns right now. They will take a look at Michigans Dam Safety Program and an independent investigation is looking at the factors that led to the dam failure.
Delta County fish kill blamed on black liquor from paper mill
Asmus said when the pipe failed a black liquor was released to the wastewater treatment plant. Black liquor is a high-strength organic pollutant derived from the breakdown of pulpwood. The black liquor overwhelmed the facilitys wastewater treatment system causing effluent (outflow) violations, Asmus said. The wastewater system remained functional however, it was not capable of treating the black liquor entirely. Black liquor is a byproduct of a process at the mill, not a chemical purchased and stored on site for a specific purpose, Asmus said.
6 dams in SE Michigan considered โhigh hazard potential damsโ -- hereโs the list
It turns out six dams in the area are considered โhigh hazard potential." A high hazard dam might cause serious damage to homes, buildings, highways and lives, according to experts. The Pontiac Lake Dam is also considered a high hazard potential -- upsetting news to those who live and fish on the lake. According to EGLE, there are 85 high hazard potential dams in the state. The Defenders asked for copies of the inspection reports and lists of violations for the six high hazard potential dams in Southeast Michigan, but we are still waiting for that paperwork.
More mid-Michigan residents sue Edenville, Sanford dam owners after flooding devastation
DETROIT โ Buckfire Law Firm announced Tuesday two class-action lawsuits filed against Edenville and Sanford dam owners and the state of Michigan following the devastating flood emergency in central Michigan last month. Nearly 11,000 mid-Michigan residents evacuated their homes on May 20 after multiple dams were breached, causing a massive flooding emergency in the region. Tuesdayโs lawsuits are part of a series of filings against the dam owners and state for allegedly neglecting to ensure the dams operated in accordance with federal guidelines. The dam owners have previously received multiple citations from federal regulators for failure to meet safety guidelines over the last decade. MORE: Residents want answers in Edenville Dam failure that led to devastating floodsBuckfire Law is representing 19 mid-Michigan residents in the federal class-action lawsuit against dam owners Boyce Hydro and its manager Lee Mueller.
Initial test results show contamination from Madison Heights Electro-Plating Services not impacting water or moving southward from site
LANSING, Mich. โ Preliminary test results from drinking water and groundwater announced Friday indicate that contamination from the polluted Madison Heights Electro-Plating Services facility are neither impacting drinking water nor moving southward from the site. Test results from Madison Heights municipal water released this morning show no contaminants exceeding drinking water standards, a consultant for the city reported. Initial soil and surface water testing showed no evidence that contaminants were dumped on the property. Officials also discussed logistics for a public informational briefing on the Electro-Plating Services emergency response in Madison Heights that is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 3. For information about EGLE programs call our Environmental Assistance Center, 800-662-9278, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Sanilac County asking for re-inspection of Madison Heights contamination site
SANILAC COUNTY, Mich. โ The Office of Emergency Management has received inquiries concerning a parcel of property located in Marion Township. This parcel has connection to the currently active hazardous material incident in Oakland County. Emergency Management visited the site Thursday and has contacted EGLE concerning this property. Emergency Management has also requested a re-inspection of the property to ensure there is no hazardous material or other public health issues at the location. Emergency Management will continue to monitor this situation, and will provide updates as they become available.
Samples taken as investigation into Madison Heights contamination site moves forward
MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. โ Groundwater and soil samples were taken Friday from the Electro-Plating Services contamination site in Madison Heights as part of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initial site characterization. Twenty-five wells for testing were drilled on and near the site. Additional testing and investigation are likely to be based on the results of the initial analyses. Responders from the EPA and EGLE secured the site and installed sump pumps to capture and store contaminated groundwater. โWe must clean up contaminated sites sooner.
Know the do's and don'ts of recycling cardboard, including what to do with pizza boxes
We've seen the cute recycling raccoons tell us how to take proper care of our plastics and glass, but they also have rules for cardboard. For instance, all cardboard boxes should be broken down and flattened when stored in the recycling container. When it comes to pizza boxes, if the container is saturated with grease and debris, it is not recyclable. However, if the box is pretty clean, remove and throw away the pizza plate that comes on the bottom of the box, then break down the rest, and send it to the recycling center. For more information about recycling, visit recyclingraccoons.org or to learn more about the recycling center, visit recyclehere.net.
Learn the right rules of recycling cardboard with EGLE
After the last piece of pizza has been eaten, and the clothes from your online shopping spree have been hung with care, what do you do with all of those cardboard boxes? We've seen the cute recycling raccoons tell us how to take proper care of our plastics and glass, but they also have rules for cardboard. For instance, all cardboard boxes should be broken down and flattened when stored in the recycling container. When it comes to pizza boxes, if the container is saturated with grease and debris, it is not recyclable. For more information about recycling, visit recyclingraccoons.org or to learn more about the recycling center, visit recyclehere.net
City of Trenton awarded $250,000 EGLE Grant for new entertainment center
A contaminated property in Trenton will be redeveloped as an entertainment venue. (WDIV)TRENTON, Mich. - A contaminated property in Trenton will be redeveloped as an entertainment venue with help from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The city of Trenton was awarded a $250,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant to revitalize and safely reuse the former Trenton Lanes at 3336 and 3360 West Jefferson Avenue. Trenton Lanes was built on the site of an old gas station. When brownfields are redeveloped, property values increase both on the revitalized site and on other nearby properties.