Updates on local efforts by HRWC are highlighted in this News to Us with articles on the Gelman dioxane contamination, Putnam Township green infrastructure planning and Huron River Day. Also learn how the EPA is changing under Chief Pruitt and a forecast for Lake Erie as algal bloom season draws near.
Court of Appeals rejects polluter’s request in Gelman plume case The Huron River Watershed Council will continue to have a seat at the table for negotiations around the dioxane contamination of groundwater in Ann Arbor and Scio Township. An appeal by Gelman Sciences, Inc. was rejected by the Michigan Court of Appeals allowing HRWC, the City of Ann Arbor, Scio Township and Washtenaw County to be involved in clean up negotiations with the State and Gelman.
Putnam Township Looks To Establish “Green Infrastructure” Putnam Township is the latest community to be working with HRWC to plan for development and the protection of valuable natural resources at the same time. Learn more about HRWC’s Green Infrastructure Planning program here.
37th annual Huron River Day brings thousands to the water Enjoy a fun gallery of photographs of people enjoying the river on Huron River Day earlier this month. This annual event brings many to the river, providing an opportunity to teach people about the Huron and how to care for it.
Counseled by Industry, Not Staff, E.P.A. Chief Is Off to a Blazing Start So much of what HRWC is able to accomplish is supported by the work of the EPA. The Clean Water Act and associated funding streams help determine standards for water quality and provide money for projects to clean up impaired waters. This article summarizes the ways that EPA Chief Pruitt is undermining all this country has worked for to provide clean and safe air, water and land. The implications are far reaching and potentially devastating.
Forecasters: Lake Erie algae bloom shaping up as big and possibly harmful Algal bloom season is upon us and predictions don’t look good for Lake Erie. The Huron River’s receiving waters, are expected to experience an algal bloom that rivals those that occurred in 2011 and 2015 which were the two largest blooms since the 1990’s.