The percentage of Michigan children with elevated blood lead levels has been falling for decades, but the toxic metal continues to inflict an uneven toll in Michigan cities, from Detroit to Grand Rapids.
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
Why are so many Michigan water systems finding lead? They're looking harder
New rules, imposed after Flint, forced public water providers to look harder for lead leaching into drinking water. Violations of state lead standards are up nearly 50 percent, with new urgency to remove lead from water lines.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
‘What changed?’ Lawmakers press Whitmer admin on Benton Harbor’s water
Republican lawmakers decried the Whitmer administration’s response to Benton Harbor’s lead-in-water crisis as a failure while state officials defended their actions Thursday. National Republicans are also entering the fray.
Posted inQuality of Life
Custer and other Michigan historical markers may get a history update
The Michigan Historical Commission has begun reviewing historical markers to weed out inaccuracies and omissions that don’t tell the subject’s full history, including the roles played by Blacks and Native Americans. The process may get messy.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan Legislature launches probe into Benton Harbor water crisis
Senate Oversight Committee Chair Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, is looking into state environmental regulators’ response to elevated lead levels first detected in the city’s drinking water in 2018
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan’s balmy October means more mosquitos, peril for coldwater fish
Above-average temps are becoming the norm in October. Climate change means warmer waters that threaten salmon and trout, a possible rise in tick-borne illnesses and delays in bird migration.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
As Michigan lawmakers ponder septic repair funds, Ohio offers a model
Unlike Michigan, the buckeye state regulates septic systems and provides money to fix the ones leaking sewage into waterways. Could such a program in Michigan address the pollution that fouls our lakes and streams?
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan announces 18-month goal to remove Benton Harbor lead water lines
The state’s stepped-up timeline follows pressure from local water activists who argue state and local government officials have been too slow to respond to lead-tainted water that has plagued the city for years.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan tribes to Biden: Enbridge Line 5 threatens our treaty rights
Tribal leaders have called upon the Biden administration to make “a serious commitment” to uphold the rights of Michigan tribes and shut down Line 5. Last week, Canada cited a 1977 treaty with the U.S. in hopes of keeping Line 5 open for the Canadian-based company.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
In Benton Harbor, residents’ complaints of lead-tainted water carry echoes
Dangerously high lead levels have appeared in water tests in this low-income, majority Black community since 2018. Residents and activists say they fear the problem dates back longer, with Flint’s crisis as a backdrop.