This month’s News to Us includes stunning footage of a massive summer mayfly hatch, exciting news about a local green infrastructure project, and the latest developments on state PFAS standards in Michigan.
Weather radar captures billions of mayflies hatching on Lake Erie
A radar, provided by the National Weather Service, captured footage of billions of mayflies migrating over western Lake Erie on June 27 (see below). While a nuisance to communities, these mayfly swarms are an indicator of good water quality. These insects spend most of their lives as larvae in rivers and streams, living only a few days as flies on land.
Scientists advise Michigan to set tougher PFAS standards
A science advisory workgroup, order by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, released its drinking water standard recommendations for seven PFAS compounds. The workgroup presented their health-based recommendations to the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team, who will use these recommendations in their rulemaking process for PFAS. If all goes as planned, finalized standards are expected to be adopted next spring.
As floods keep coming, cities pay residents to move
Rather than spending money to help folks rebuild after natural disasters, some cities across the country are developing voluntary home buyback programs to relocate residents away from flood-prone areas. With increased flooding due to climate change, such programs proactively protect the safety of community members and ensure future development avoids floodplains.
$76K awarded for green infrastructure near Ypsilanti Township skate park
The Washtenaw County Water Resource Commissioner recently received a grant to implement green infrastructure features in a proposed skate park project in Ypsilanti Township. With the funding, provided by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Water Resources Commissioner Office will install bioswales and rain gardens to slow stormwater runoff to the Huron River.
Michigan tribe seeks to set its own water standards
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in the Upper Peninsula is petitioning the federal government for the authority to set its own water quality standards. Such provisions are granted under the Clean Water Act and have already been granted to 60 other tribes in the U.S. If approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community would become the first tribe in Michigan to receive such authority.