Industrial pollution taints the fish in a host of Michigan rivers, but anglers often don’t know the risks. River walkers like Jim Bridgforth aim to change that — but not everyone has the luxury of skipping a fresh-caught meal.
Michigan PFAS chemical threats
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Nessel: $10B PFAS settlement with 3M doesn’t resolve Michigan’s claims
Some Michigan water suppliers may be eligible for payouts from the settlement over the chemical that was used in thousands of everyday products and has been linked to cancer and other health woes.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s environmental rules could be stricter than national ones under bill
Democrats say a 2018 law barring state rules that are stricter than federal regulations undercuts state regulators’ ability to address pollution issues. Business groups fear repealing the measure could have unintended consequences.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Amid human health fears over PFAS, Michigan weighs new fish guidance
As evidence mounts about the health risks from the so-called ‘forever chemicals’, state regulators are considering whether PFAS ‘do not fish’ advisories are strong enough to protect Michiganders. If the answer is no, more rivers may be flagged for contaminated fish.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
EPA seeks lower PFAS drinking water standard: What it means for Michigan
The new standards, which could take effect this year, would be stricter than Michigan’s existing standards. EPA officials acknowledged it’s unsafe to drink virtually any of two PFAS compounds, but set proposed limits at the lowest amount technology can detect.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan plastics company forced to probe PFAS contamination, cover costs
The legal settlement with Asahi Kasei Plastics North America over PFAS at its Brighton plant comes as Attorney General Dana Nessel pursues lawsuits against a host of companies tied to Michigan’s PFAS crisis.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan Democrats aim to tighten environment regs, reduce industry control
One of the first bills introduced by the Democratic majority would undo a Snyder-era law that prevents Michigan from adopting stronger pollution regulations than Washington. Dems also aim to lessen industry influence on regulatory decisions.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Keep Michigan water affordable and in public hands
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer must lay out a bold vision to protect our waters, clean up toxic groundwater, keep water services from being privatized and put the onus on chemical companies to show they can operate safely.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Lakes Michigan and Huron join list of lakes with PFAS-tainted smelt
State regulators this week warned anglers to limit their meals of rainbow smelt taken from the two lakes, along with three inland lakes. High PFAS levels had already prompted a smelt consumption advisory in Lake Superior.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan official: DNR should reject Camp Grayling expansion amid PFAS woes
In a harshly-worded letter, a supervisor in the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy wrote that DNR should reject the Camp Grayling expansion unless the National Guard gets serious about cleaning up PFAS at the base.