The suit blames FKI Hardware Inc. for contaminating nine west Michigan properties with PFAS, volatile organic compounds and metals before exiting Michigan in 2016. It’s the latest in a slew of actions by Nessel’s office against alleged groundwater polluters.
Kelly House
Kelly House covers Michigan environmental issues for Bridge. She joined the Bridge staff in March 2020. Previously, Kelly reported for the Oregonian, where her coverage of the environment and other topics garnered national honors and sparked state efforts to better protect Oregon’s natural resources. She has a master’s degree in environmental law from Lewis & Clark Law School and a bachelor’s in journalism from Michigan State University. She is from Harrison and lives in Lansing. You can reach her at khouse@bridgemi.com or on Twitter at @Kelly_M_House.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
As septic pollution roils Higgins Lake, Michigan lawmakers consider reform
A Lansing bill would require inspection of septic systems when homes are sold. It’s meant to address worries that old systems are failing, leaking E. coli and other bacteria into waterways. The bill faces opposition from the real-estate industry.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan State Police hand off Lee Chatfield probe to Attorney General
A spokesperson for Dana Nessel’s office said the criminal investigation prompted by allegations of sexual assault by Chatfield’s sister-in-law remains “open and ongoing.”
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Under current climate trends, Michigan’s Up North forests could be doomed
World nations’ current climate action plans would still allow moderate warming. A new study shows without more aggressive action to slow climate change, the world’s boreal forests could see dramatic losses.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Judge keeps Enbridge Line 5 suit in federal court, a loss for Dana Nessel
A federal judge ruled the attorney general’s suit seeking a Line 5 pipeline shutdown should be heard in federal court. Nessel wanted the matter kept in state court, where she saw a more secure path to victory.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan aims to revive Arctic grayling. But first, where to put them?
Nearly a century after logging and fishing practices wiped out Arctic grayling, state and tribal leaders are scouting northern streams where they can thrive. The must-haves: cold water, plenty of shade, and trout anglers who won’t be hostile to their return.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Reports: Huron River largely dodged hexavalent chromium scare
No-contact order lifted after investigators conclude that most of the chromium released from a tank at Tribar Manufacturing in Wixom never made it into the Huron River.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Invasive spotted lanternfly arrives in Michigan: bad news for wine lovers
First detected in Pennsylvania eight years ago, the pest attacks grapes by sucking sap and leaving a ‘honeydew’ that can breed mold and wreak havoc.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
State: Tribar staffer ignored 460 alarms in Huron River chromium release
A series of violation notices raise new questions about the events at the plant. State regulators indicate that on-site alarms at the company were overridden hundreds of times during a weekend evening when “no one should be at the facility.”
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Huron River chromium spill prompts call for stricter Michigan pollution law
After a Wixom chrome plater released hexavalent chromium into sewers that lead to the Huron River, locals and activists are calling for tighter regulation to prevent future spills, if not an outright ban on nonessential uses of the toxic metal.