As some rural towns lose population and government funds shrink, some drinking water systems are one failure away from crisis.
Lester Graham, Michigan Public
A guest author for Bridge Magazine.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Gas and oil industry report projects fuel price hikes if Enbridge Line 5 is shut down
A report suggests two regional refineries would close because they couldn’t get enough oil. Environmentalists dispute the report’s projections.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan may restrict withdrawals for bottled water like Nestle
Legal experts say the public trust doctrine in Michigan should be expanded to protect groundwater, but they don’t think legislators should target water bottling operations. They believe all users should be treated the same.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Line 5's impact on climate change being reviewed as part of tunnel decision
The Michigan Public Service Commission included climate change impact as it considers Enbridge Energy’s request to move its Line 5 oil pipeline from the lake bed of the Mackinac Straits to a proposed tunnel under the Straits.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan legislation would help homeowners pay for failing septic systems
There are an estimated 330,000 failing systems across Michigan, costing many thousands of dollars to repair. A measure touted as having bipartisan support would use American Rescue Plan funds to help pay the expense.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Ignore the buzz, here’s why Enbridge Line 5 won’t likely close anytime soon
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered Line 5 closed a year ago, citing safety concerns. The Biden administration is now involved. But chances of an imminent shutdown appear slim. We lay out some of the hurdles.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Reduce flooding from backed up sewers? There’s an app for that in Michigan
By using sensors to identify choke points in sewer systems, cities are managing water more efficiently to make basement backups less likely.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
On eve of Line 5 shutdown deadline, Enbridge vows to defy Michigan order
The Canadian petroleum company technically has until Wednesday night to stop piping oil through the Straits of Mackinac, according to the state of Michigan. But what happens if the company refuses to abide by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order?