May 28: A new report from the Healing Our Waters®- (HOW) Great Lakes Coalition indicates that "the Great Lakes can lessen the impact of global warming or become global warming’s victim -- it all depends on Congress." The authors urged Congress to enact a comprehensive plan to restore the health of the Great Lakes. Donald Scavia, Ph.D., report co-author and professor of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan said, “Climate change is already affecting the Great Lakes, and no matter what we do now, the those impacts will increase in the future. But we can counter those impacts by restoring the Great Lakes to make them more resilient. At the same time, we need strong national efforts to cut greenhouse gas pollution so that the impacts don’t become so severe that they overwhelm the Great Lakes.”
The report, Great Lakes Restoration & The Threat of Global Warming, synthesizes current climate change science and presents the likely impacts warming temperatures will have on the lakes, including lower lake levels, more sewage overflows, and increased pressure to divert Great Lakes water. The report describes impacts including: increased temperatures of 5.4 to 10.8 degrees relative to what was typical from 1961-1990; increased evaporation from warming lakes; lake levels declines during the next century of 1-3 feet depending on the lake; worsening water quality leading to drinking water impacts, beach closings, and higher costs to water suppliers; biological dead zones will increase, jeopardizing fish and other aquatic life; and changes in forests and grasslands.
The report recommends several federal policy solutions, including: Restoring the Great Lakes through full funding and implementation of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy, a comprehensive plan put forward by more than 1,500 citizens and backed by the region’s mayors, governors and Congressional delegation; Protecting the Great Lakes from water diversions by passing the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact, a regional agreement to ban diversions outside the region and promoting conservation within the region; Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit the magnitude of change to our climate and ecosystems; and, Generating ecosystem restoration funding through federal global warming legislation.
Access a release with further details and links to the full 36-page report and a presentation (click here).
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Wisconsin Governor Signs Compact Legislation
May 27: Following the May 15, passage by the Wisconsin State Senate (32-1) and the Wisconsin State Assembly (96-1) [See WIMS 5/16/08]; Governor Jim Doyle who also serves as Council of Great Lakes Governors (CGLG) Chair, officially signed Wisconsin’s legislation ratifying an interstate compact for the Great Lakes--St. Lawrence River Basin. According to a release from CGLG the signing "illustrates the regional and bi-partisan consensus that is growing in support of the compact."
CGLG reports that five of the eight Great Lakes States have now completed enactment of the compact’s protections -- Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, New York and Wisconsin. Both legislative chambers in Michigan have passed the compact although final approval is pending further action on related State implementing legislation. One legislative chamber in Ohio and Pennsylvania has passed the compact, and further action is anticipated in coming days and weeks in both States. To become law, the compact must be approved by each of the State legislatures and Congress must give its consent.
Governor Doyle said, "This is an outstanding day for all of Wisconsin. From Lake Superior to the St. Lawrence River, our region is uniting to protect our waters, and I am pleased to lead our state in signing this compact into law. Our Great Lakes waters in many ways define who we are. And now the Great Lakes Compact will ensure that we protect this tremendous resource while responsibly using the water we need to prosper and grow." According to CGLG the five Great Lakes comprise the world’s largest surface freshwater system. The Great Lakes generate $55 billion in tourism for the region and create nearly $377 million in personal income from wages and salaries.
Access a release from CGLG (click here). Access the CGLG status of compact approval and links to the compact and related documents (click here).
CGLG reports that five of the eight Great Lakes States have now completed enactment of the compact’s protections -- Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, New York and Wisconsin. Both legislative chambers in Michigan have passed the compact although final approval is pending further action on related State implementing legislation. One legislative chamber in Ohio and Pennsylvania has passed the compact, and further action is anticipated in coming days and weeks in both States. To become law, the compact must be approved by each of the State legislatures and Congress must give its consent.
Governor Doyle said, "This is an outstanding day for all of Wisconsin. From Lake Superior to the St. Lawrence River, our region is uniting to protect our waters, and I am pleased to lead our state in signing this compact into law. Our Great Lakes waters in many ways define who we are. And now the Great Lakes Compact will ensure that we protect this tremendous resource while responsibly using the water we need to prosper and grow." According to CGLG the five Great Lakes comprise the world’s largest surface freshwater system. The Great Lakes generate $55 billion in tourism for the region and create nearly $377 million in personal income from wages and salaries.
Access a release from CGLG (click here). Access the CGLG status of compact approval and links to the compact and related documents (click here).
Friday, May 23, 2008
USGS Great Lakes Consumptive Water Use Report
May 23: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has released a major 191-page report entitled, Consumptive Water-Use Coefficients for the Great Lakes Basin and Climatically Similar Areas. The report addresses issues of how much of the water is removed from the Great Lakes for use in everyday products such as food, ethanol, household chemicals or paper products; what is not returned; and what type of uses are most likely to cause losses. The new report will be used by water-resource managers and planners in the Great Lakes as they develop policies to encourage efficient and sustainable water use.
Kimberly Shaffer, hydrologist with the USGS and author of the report said, "We found that irrigation and livestock had the largest losses compared with total water withdrawn from the Great Lakes basin. Of the total water withdrawn for irrigation, 70-100 percent was lost to the basin." The authors examined seven consumptive water-use categories: domestic and public supply, industrial, electric power, irrigation, livestock, commercial, and mining. Consumptive water use is water that is evaporated, transpired, incorporated into products or crops, consumed by humans or livestock, or otherwise removed from the immediate environment. It is usually reported as a percentage of the amount of water withdrawn.
USGS said the study is relevant to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement, between eight states and two Canadian provinces that would prohibit major diversions of water beyond counties bordering the basin. For this report USGS compiled, mapped, graphed, and statistically analyzed consumptive water use numbers from more than 100 sources as a starting point for facility managers, water managers, and scientists in determining the amount of water consumed in seven water-use categories. For comparison purposes, consumptive use information for basins and states that have climates similar to the Great Lakes basin are included in the report. Methods for computing and estimating consumptive use are also presented, as is an extensive bibliography.
Access a release and links to a fact sheet, the complete report and related information (click here).
Kimberly Shaffer, hydrologist with the USGS and author of the report said, "We found that irrigation and livestock had the largest losses compared with total water withdrawn from the Great Lakes basin. Of the total water withdrawn for irrigation, 70-100 percent was lost to the basin." The authors examined seven consumptive water-use categories: domestic and public supply, industrial, electric power, irrigation, livestock, commercial, and mining. Consumptive water use is water that is evaporated, transpired, incorporated into products or crops, consumed by humans or livestock, or otherwise removed from the immediate environment. It is usually reported as a percentage of the amount of water withdrawn.
USGS said the study is relevant to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement, between eight states and two Canadian provinces that would prohibit major diversions of water beyond counties bordering the basin. For this report USGS compiled, mapped, graphed, and statistically analyzed consumptive water use numbers from more than 100 sources as a starting point for facility managers, water managers, and scientists in determining the amount of water consumed in seven water-use categories. For comparison purposes, consumptive use information for basins and states that have climates similar to the Great Lakes basin are included in the report. Methods for computing and estimating consumptive use are also presented, as is an extensive bibliography.
Access a release and links to a fact sheet, the complete report and related information (click here).
Groups Warn Of Bias In Canadian Nuclear Repository Proposal
May 23: A coalition of U.S. and Canadian environmental organizations are questioning the independence of an environmental assessment panel review the environmental assessment for a proposed Ontario Power Generation underground radioactive waste depository in Bruce County, Ontario, about a half a mile from the shore of Lake Huron [See WIMS 7/5/07]. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission are now inviting public comment until June 18, on two documents -- the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) guidelines; and the draft Joint Review Panel (JRP) agreement -- related to the proposed Deep Geologic Repository Project to store low and intermediate-level radioactive waste in the municipality of Kincardine, Ontario.
In a release, the groups point out that they fear the assessment panel will be compromised by the presence of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. They said that after pressure from citizen groups and elected officials in both Canada and the United States, the Canadian government has committed to a Full Panel Review, but the presence of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission threatens to bias decision-making in favor of a pro-nuclear position, despite the risks.
Gordon Edwards of the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility said, “The Canadian government wants to build a nuclear waste dump on the shores of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem. There are serious risks involved in doing this and we want to ensure a full and independent assessment of what the consequences will be, free of bias from the nuclear establishment. An independent panel is one that has no conflict of interest because its members are not involved in promoting, defending, or licensing nuclear facilities."
The groups said a nuclear regulator has never had a seat on a panel for environmental assessments, and their role in this one could set a dangerous precedent, downplaying the dump’s radiological risks to health and the environment. Great Lakes United’s Green Energy and Nuclear Free Task Force urges that a completely independent review board be established, without Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission presence. The Task Force also calls on Great Lakes residents on both sides of the border to speak out, given the potential hazards of the proposed dumpsite for the entire Great Lakes watershed.
The proposal involves building a deep repository beneath the Bruce Nuclear plant site near Kincardine, Ontario. The largest nuclear power plant in North America, it is looking to build new reactors which could make it the largest nuclear power plant in the world. The dump site would contain all radioactive wastes, except spent radioactive fuel, from Ontario’s twenty nuclear reactors. Waste to be stored includes transuranic radionuclides, such as plutonium, contaminated filters from irradiated fuel pools; thousands of highly radioactive metallic pipes and other contaminated items.
Last week the Macomb County Water Quality Board and the Macomb County Board of Commissioners in Michigan both passed resolutions opposing any underground radioactive waste dump in the Great Lakes region. Over the past two years, members of Congress have repeatedly spoken out against the proposed dump, including House Energy Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Bart Stupak of northern Michigan, and Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers of Detroit. Kay Cumbow of Citizens Against Chemical Contamination said, “Macomb County is saying very clearly that the actions of its neighbors have a huge impact on the health of its communities and environment. Siting a nuclear waste dump right next to the drinking water supply of over 30 million Canadians and Americans is a disaster waiting to happen.”
Access a release from the environmental organizations (click here). Access the public notice and links to pertinent documents from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (click here).
In a release, the groups point out that they fear the assessment panel will be compromised by the presence of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. They said that after pressure from citizen groups and elected officials in both Canada and the United States, the Canadian government has committed to a Full Panel Review, but the presence of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission threatens to bias decision-making in favor of a pro-nuclear position, despite the risks.
Gordon Edwards of the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility said, “The Canadian government wants to build a nuclear waste dump on the shores of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem. There are serious risks involved in doing this and we want to ensure a full and independent assessment of what the consequences will be, free of bias from the nuclear establishment. An independent panel is one that has no conflict of interest because its members are not involved in promoting, defending, or licensing nuclear facilities."
The groups said a nuclear regulator has never had a seat on a panel for environmental assessments, and their role in this one could set a dangerous precedent, downplaying the dump’s radiological risks to health and the environment. Great Lakes United’s Green Energy and Nuclear Free Task Force urges that a completely independent review board be established, without Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission presence. The Task Force also calls on Great Lakes residents on both sides of the border to speak out, given the potential hazards of the proposed dumpsite for the entire Great Lakes watershed.
The proposal involves building a deep repository beneath the Bruce Nuclear plant site near Kincardine, Ontario. The largest nuclear power plant in North America, it is looking to build new reactors which could make it the largest nuclear power plant in the world. The dump site would contain all radioactive wastes, except spent radioactive fuel, from Ontario’s twenty nuclear reactors. Waste to be stored includes transuranic radionuclides, such as plutonium, contaminated filters from irradiated fuel pools; thousands of highly radioactive metallic pipes and other contaminated items.
Last week the Macomb County Water Quality Board and the Macomb County Board of Commissioners in Michigan both passed resolutions opposing any underground radioactive waste dump in the Great Lakes region. Over the past two years, members of Congress have repeatedly spoken out against the proposed dump, including House Energy Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Bart Stupak of northern Michigan, and Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers of Detroit. Kay Cumbow of Citizens Against Chemical Contamination said, “Macomb County is saying very clearly that the actions of its neighbors have a huge impact on the health of its communities and environment. Siting a nuclear waste dump right next to the drinking water supply of over 30 million Canadians and Americans is a disaster waiting to happen.”
Access a release from the environmental organizations (click here). Access the public notice and links to pertinent documents from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (click here).
Great Lakes & Mississippi River Panels To Meet
May 22: The Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species will be meeting jointly with the Mississippi River Basin Panel in Milwaukee, WI on June 17-19, 2008. An important goal of this meeting is to provide a forum that will facilitate further communication and coordination among members of both Panels given the shared issues of concern existing within these interconnected watersheds. The meeting will focus on common priority issues, such as the transfer of species between basins, viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, (VHS or VHSv) and ballast water. Detailed meeting information, including a preliminary agenda, registration information and other meeting materials are available.
Access the Great Lakes Panel meeting website for details (click here). Access the Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species for more information (click here).
Access the Great Lakes Panel meeting website for details (click here). Access the Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species for more information (click here).
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
House Hearing On Great Lakes Legacy Act
May 21: The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment, Chaired by Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), held a hearing on the reauthorization of the Great Lakes Legacy Act (S. 2994). Witnesses testifying at the hearing included: U.S. EPA's Benjamin Grumbles; Michigan Lt. Governor and Chairman of the Great Lakes Commission, John Cherry; the Alliance for the Great Lakes; Great Lakes Programs Sierra Club; and the Council of Great Lakes Industries.
In an opening statement full committee Chairman, Representative James Oberstar (D-MN) said, "When I worked with Congressman Ehlers [R-MI] on this legislation in 2002, we -- along with many members of this body -- had high hopes for its success. And we have seen some successes; sites have been cleaned up. But, truth be told, results from this program have been underwhelming. . . My hope is that today’s hearing will provide the Subcommittee with information whereby positive and constructive changes can be made in reauthorizing this legislation. The framework remains sound, but it must be fine-tuned to increase the pace at which these many contaminated sites in the basin are addressed and ultimately delisted."
Representative Johnson said, "Of the 31 Areas of Concern [AOCs], one -- Oswego River in New York -- has been delisted. Cleanup has been completed at four sites. I want to highlight, however, that this is cleanup of only four sites -- not four Areas of Concern. Many of the sites targeted by the original Legacy Act remain as they were in 2002 -- untouched and continuing to leach their toxic legacy into the Lakes. . . To be blunt, that so many hazardous waste sites remain unaddressed is a public health risk of the first order. . . we would be remiss if we did not find a way to clean these toxic hotspots at a far faster pace than we have over the past five years. We cannot shirk from our responsibility on that front."
Access the hearing website for links to a background document, all testimony, a webcast and opening statements (click here). Access the opening statement from Representative Oberstar (click here). Access legislative details for S. 2994 (click here).
In an opening statement full committee Chairman, Representative James Oberstar (D-MN) said, "When I worked with Congressman Ehlers [R-MI] on this legislation in 2002, we -- along with many members of this body -- had high hopes for its success. And we have seen some successes; sites have been cleaned up. But, truth be told, results from this program have been underwhelming. . . My hope is that today’s hearing will provide the Subcommittee with information whereby positive and constructive changes can be made in reauthorizing this legislation. The framework remains sound, but it must be fine-tuned to increase the pace at which these many contaminated sites in the basin are addressed and ultimately delisted."
Representative Johnson said, "Of the 31 Areas of Concern [AOCs], one -- Oswego River in New York -- has been delisted. Cleanup has been completed at four sites. I want to highlight, however, that this is cleanup of only four sites -- not four Areas of Concern. Many of the sites targeted by the original Legacy Act remain as they were in 2002 -- untouched and continuing to leach their toxic legacy into the Lakes. . . To be blunt, that so many hazardous waste sites remain unaddressed is a public health risk of the first order. . . we would be remiss if we did not find a way to clean these toxic hotspots at a far faster pace than we have over the past five years. We cannot shirk from our responsibility on that front."
Access the hearing website for links to a background document, all testimony, a webcast and opening statements (click here). Access the opening statement from Representative Oberstar (click here). Access legislative details for S. 2994 (click here).
Monday, May 19, 2008
Legislators Take Aim On Reducing Phosphorous
May 15: Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and George Voinovich (R-OH introduced legislation to limit the use of phosphates in automatic dish detergents, which would help to reduce phosphates that wreak havoc on aquatic plants and fish in the Great Lakes and other waters. The Levin-Voinovich bill (S. 3022) would limit the use of phosphates in residential dish detergent by requiring the EPA, beginning in 2010, to ban the sale of residential dish washing detergent that has more than 0.5% phosphorous nationally.
Levin said, “We have known for years that excessive phosphates can cause great harm to aquatic life. When I was on the Detroit City Council, I worked to ban phosphates in laundry detergent to protect our water. It is important that we follow suit and place similar limits on phosphates in dishwashing detergent.” Voinovich said, “Protecting and restoring the Great Lakes has been a top priority of mine throughout my political career. This mandated nationwide change to a household product Americans use everyday will make a difference in the health of nation’s most important natural resources from this day forward. By limiting phosphates that enter Lake Erie, we will reduce harmful algal blooms and the Dead Zone that emerges every summer in the lake, helping to protect the Great Lakes and its ecosystems for generations to come.”
A Minnesota study published in 2005 estimated that dishwashing detergent accounts for nearly 19 percent of the total amount of phosphorus entering municipal wastewater systems each year. According to a release from the two Senators, advances in detergent formulation in recent decades have allowed many companies to produce phosphate-free automatic dish detergents that work as effectively as those containing phosphates. Thirteen states plus the District of Columbia, including Michigan and Ohio, have either passed legislation or have legislation pending that would ban phosphates in automatic dish detergent in 2010. A few states, including Washington, Massachusetts, and Maryland, have already adopted a restriction on phosphates in residential dish detergents.
Phosphorus is a nutrient essential to both plant and animal life, but aquatic plants require far less phosphorus than land-based organisms. Excess amounts of phosphorus in water-bodies accelerate a process known as eutrophication, or the rapid growth of algae, which causes dense algal blooms to occur. Algal blooms can become so dense that they block submerged aquatic vegetation’s access to light, which restricts their ability to photosynthesize and survive. As algae blooms and takes over the remaining light and kills submerged aquatic vegetation, bacteria consume the dead vegetation, which deprives the water-body of its remaining oxygen. Algal blooms also cause severe environmental damage by killing fish and other aquatic organisms and result in “dead zones” that favor the survival of invasive species such as carp over native species. Algal blooms also cause human health problems with the formation of blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, which can produce neurotoxins and hepatotoxins, which affect the liver. These toxins are deadly when ingested by humans.
On May 12, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, Chaired by Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) held a field hearing in Port Huron, MI on The Impacts of Nutrients on Water Quality in the Great Lakes.
Full Committee Chairman, James Oberstar (D-MN) issued a statement saying, "While the focus of this hearing is on the impacts of nutrient contamination in the Great Lakes, the issue of widespread nutrient contamination is a national issue, and one that deserves continued attention." He cited two leading examples of widespread nutrient pollution are in the Chesapeake Bay and in the Mississippi River system. He also cited, "widespread outbreaks of harmful algal blooms have occurred throughout the Lakes, but most notably at Bear Lake, Michigan; Muskegon Lake, Michigan, Saginaw Bay, Michigan; and in Western Lake Erie." He said, "Today’s hearing should start the debate on how best to take on the national problem of nutrient pollution in the Great Lakes and elsewhere."
Representative Candice Miller (R-MI), a member of the committee also issued a statement. She is a cosponsor of H.R. 6017, introduced by Representative Bart Stupak (D-MI) on May 9, to ameliorate the effects of harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes by reducing phosphorus inputs. Additional legislation, by Representative Brian Higgins (D - NY), H.R. 3331 to prohibit, as a banned hazardous substance, certain household dishwashing detergent containing phosphorus was introduced in August last year.
Access a release from the Senators (click here). Access the Minnesota study referenced above (click here). Access legislative details for S. 3022 (click here). Access a background paper on the Port Huron field hearing (click here). Access a statement from Representative Oberstar (click here). Access a release from Representative Miller (click here). Access legislative details for H.R. 3331(click here). Access legislative details for H.R. 6017 (click here).
Levin said, “We have known for years that excessive phosphates can cause great harm to aquatic life. When I was on the Detroit City Council, I worked to ban phosphates in laundry detergent to protect our water. It is important that we follow suit and place similar limits on phosphates in dishwashing detergent.” Voinovich said, “Protecting and restoring the Great Lakes has been a top priority of mine throughout my political career. This mandated nationwide change to a household product Americans use everyday will make a difference in the health of nation’s most important natural resources from this day forward. By limiting phosphates that enter Lake Erie, we will reduce harmful algal blooms and the Dead Zone that emerges every summer in the lake, helping to protect the Great Lakes and its ecosystems for generations to come.”
A Minnesota study published in 2005 estimated that dishwashing detergent accounts for nearly 19 percent of the total amount of phosphorus entering municipal wastewater systems each year. According to a release from the two Senators, advances in detergent formulation in recent decades have allowed many companies to produce phosphate-free automatic dish detergents that work as effectively as those containing phosphates. Thirteen states plus the District of Columbia, including Michigan and Ohio, have either passed legislation or have legislation pending that would ban phosphates in automatic dish detergent in 2010. A few states, including Washington, Massachusetts, and Maryland, have already adopted a restriction on phosphates in residential dish detergents.
Phosphorus is a nutrient essential to both plant and animal life, but aquatic plants require far less phosphorus than land-based organisms. Excess amounts of phosphorus in water-bodies accelerate a process known as eutrophication, or the rapid growth of algae, which causes dense algal blooms to occur. Algal blooms can become so dense that they block submerged aquatic vegetation’s access to light, which restricts their ability to photosynthesize and survive. As algae blooms and takes over the remaining light and kills submerged aquatic vegetation, bacteria consume the dead vegetation, which deprives the water-body of its remaining oxygen. Algal blooms also cause severe environmental damage by killing fish and other aquatic organisms and result in “dead zones” that favor the survival of invasive species such as carp over native species. Algal blooms also cause human health problems with the formation of blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, which can produce neurotoxins and hepatotoxins, which affect the liver. These toxins are deadly when ingested by humans.
On May 12, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, Chaired by Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) held a field hearing in Port Huron, MI on The Impacts of Nutrients on Water Quality in the Great Lakes.
Full Committee Chairman, James Oberstar (D-MN) issued a statement saying, "While the focus of this hearing is on the impacts of nutrient contamination in the Great Lakes, the issue of widespread nutrient contamination is a national issue, and one that deserves continued attention." He cited two leading examples of widespread nutrient pollution are in the Chesapeake Bay and in the Mississippi River system. He also cited, "widespread outbreaks of harmful algal blooms have occurred throughout the Lakes, but most notably at Bear Lake, Michigan; Muskegon Lake, Michigan, Saginaw Bay, Michigan; and in Western Lake Erie." He said, "Today’s hearing should start the debate on how best to take on the national problem of nutrient pollution in the Great Lakes and elsewhere."
Representative Candice Miller (R-MI), a member of the committee also issued a statement. She is a cosponsor of H.R. 6017, introduced by Representative Bart Stupak (D-MI) on May 9, to ameliorate the effects of harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes by reducing phosphorus inputs. Additional legislation, by Representative Brian Higgins (D - NY), H.R. 3331 to prohibit, as a banned hazardous substance, certain household dishwashing detergent containing phosphorus was introduced in August last year.
Access a release from the Senators (click here). Access the Minnesota study referenced above (click here). Access legislative details for S. 3022 (click here). Access a background paper on the Port Huron field hearing (click here). Access a statement from Representative Oberstar (click here). Access a release from Representative Miller (click here). Access legislative details for H.R. 3331(click here). Access legislative details for H.R. 6017 (click here).
USGS Announces Major Beach Managers Information Program
May 19: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced a new Great Lakes collaborative project aimed at improving information for beach managers when they are faced with deciding whether to close beaches to protect public health. The collaborative effort will draw on the expertise of USGS and other Federal, state and local agencies. The project has been funded through interagency implementation of the President's Ocean Action Plan for $700,000 in fiscal year 2008, and is expected to increase to over $1 million per year for each of the following 4 years. This research represents a broad commitment by USGS to the Plan.
John Haines, USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Program Coordinator said, "The strong existing partnerships and scientific expertise needed to address Great Lakes recreational water quality issues made this Great Lakes partnership a perfect candidate to address the Ocean Action Plan and its near term research priorities. This partnership will significantly improve our understanding of the factors related to beach closures, and will provide important new tools and information Great Lakes beach managers need for effective decision making."
Scientists will focus on improving water-quality forecasting by enhancing and expanding models that help beach managers decide if beach advisories or closures are necessary. They will continue work to identify processes that influence the occurrence and abundance of pathogens; identify and evaluate rapid methods of monitoring pathogens at beaches; and improve communication with beach managers. Dr. Shannon Briggs, Toxicologist at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality said, "Beach monitoring has raised significant and complex questions. Local beach managers are looking to scientists with expertise in diverse fields to gain a better understanding of their beaches. This effort will enhance our knowledge and improve communication between scientists and beach managers."
To strengthen the partnership, the Beach Health Initiative Steering Committee was formed consisting of key partners that will provide input and guidance on research direction for this project. This committee will continue the communication that began at the joint 2005 EPA, NOAA, USGS and Great Lakes Beach Association Beach Health Research Needs Workshop where beach managers provided input and feedback on the information and decision making tools they needed to assist them in protecting public health at their beaches.
Access a release from USGS (click here). Access more information on USGS Great Lakes Beaches research projects (click here).
John Haines, USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Program Coordinator said, "The strong existing partnerships and scientific expertise needed to address Great Lakes recreational water quality issues made this Great Lakes partnership a perfect candidate to address the Ocean Action Plan and its near term research priorities. This partnership will significantly improve our understanding of the factors related to beach closures, and will provide important new tools and information Great Lakes beach managers need for effective decision making."
Scientists will focus on improving water-quality forecasting by enhancing and expanding models that help beach managers decide if beach advisories or closures are necessary. They will continue work to identify processes that influence the occurrence and abundance of pathogens; identify and evaluate rapid methods of monitoring pathogens at beaches; and improve communication with beach managers. Dr. Shannon Briggs, Toxicologist at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality said, "Beach monitoring has raised significant and complex questions. Local beach managers are looking to scientists with expertise in diverse fields to gain a better understanding of their beaches. This effort will enhance our knowledge and improve communication between scientists and beach managers."
To strengthen the partnership, the Beach Health Initiative Steering Committee was formed consisting of key partners that will provide input and guidance on research direction for this project. This committee will continue the communication that began at the joint 2005 EPA, NOAA, USGS and Great Lakes Beach Association Beach Health Research Needs Workshop where beach managers provided input and feedback on the information and decision making tools they needed to assist them in protecting public health at their beaches.
Access a release from USGS (click here). Access more information on USGS Great Lakes Beaches research projects (click here).
Friday, May 16, 2008
Wisconsin Approves Compact; Michigan Moves Closer
May 15: Governor Jim Doyle issued the following statement on the Wisconsin State Senate (32-1) and the Wisconsin State Assembly (96-1) passing the Great Lakes Compact. Governor Doyle said, "Wisconsin has been blessed with one of the world’s most incredible natural resources. One of our greatest responsibilities is to preserve and protect the Great Lakes so that our children and grandchildren have the same opportunities to enjoy the Lakes that we have today. The Great Lakes waters are also one of our greatest competitive advantages in a 21st Century global economy. In a world where water is becoming more precious, the Great Lakes help Wisconsin businesses grow and attract new businesses to our state. Thank you to the Legislature for bringing us a step closer towards enacting this compact that will help ensure a strong Wisconsin future." The bill now awaits the Governor's signature.
The Alliance for the Great Lakes issued a statement saying, "The Alliance applauds Wisconsin's endorsement of the compact before ending the session. We're over the halfway mark on the number of states that need to pass the compact before the U.S. Congress has an opportunity to ratify."
Already endorsed by Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana and New York, the compact must pass each of the Great Lakes states before being ratified by Congress. Michigan lawmakers are working toward adoption of an implementing package tied to the compact, and both the House and Senate have voted unanimously in support of the compact itself. However, there remain significant differences between Republicans and Democrats on the implementing package.
Access a release from the Alliance and links to related information (click here). Access a release from Governor Doyle (click here). Access a release from WI Representative Scott Gunderson (R-Waterford) (click here). Access releases from other WI politicians and organizations (click here, scroll down or search "compact"). Access the Council of Great Lakes Governors Compact status website (click here).
The Alliance for the Great Lakes issued a statement saying, "The Alliance applauds Wisconsin's endorsement of the compact before ending the session. We're over the halfway mark on the number of states that need to pass the compact before the U.S. Congress has an opportunity to ratify."
Already endorsed by Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana and New York, the compact must pass each of the Great Lakes states before being ratified by Congress. Michigan lawmakers are working toward adoption of an implementing package tied to the compact, and both the House and Senate have voted unanimously in support of the compact itself. However, there remain significant differences between Republicans and Democrats on the implementing package.
Access a release from the Alliance and links to related information (click here). Access a release from Governor Doyle (click here). Access a release from WI Representative Scott Gunderson (R-Waterford) (click here). Access releases from other WI politicians and organizations (click here, scroll down or search "compact"). Access the Council of Great Lakes Governors Compact status website (click here).
Monday, May 12, 2008
Senators Introduce Great Lakes Legacy Act
May 8: Senator Carl Levin, (D-MI) and Senator George Voinovich (R-OH), co-chairmen of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, introduced the bipartisan Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2008 (S. 2994), to expand on legislation passed six years ago. The bill aims to clean up contaminated expanses in the Great Lakes known as “Areas of Concern” (AOCs) within 10 years. The bill focuses on the forty-three AOCs that have been identified in the Great Lakes, 13 of which are in Michigan and four in Ohio. The bill would authorize $150 million annually for clean up of the AOCs. The cosponsors of the bill are Senators Debbie Stabenow, D-MI, Sherrod Brown, D-OH, Hillary Clinton, D-NY, Norm Coleman, R-MN, Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, Barack Obama, D-IL, and Charles Schumer, D-NY.
Senator Levin said, “The Great Lakes are an indispensable natural, economic and recreation resource for Michigan and many other states. We must continue the progress we’ve made on cleaning up the contaminated sites in the lakes. This legislation builds on the existing Legacy program in several crucial ways and will help protect and restore this unique treasure for the benefit of citizens throughout the Midwest and across the nation.”
Senator Voinovich said, “Protecting and restoring the Great Lakes has been a top priority of mine throughout my political career. As co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, I am focused on working with the Great Lakes delegation to advance restoration efforts in this critical region. This bill will provide EPA with the tools and resources to remove contaminated sediment and clean up Areas of Concern and is a vital piece of a comprehensive strategy that is absolutely necessary to protect the Great Lakes for generations to come.”
The AOCs do not meet the water quality goals established by the United States and Canada in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, mainly because of contaminated sediments from historic industrial activity. This contamination results in several detrimental consequences including fish advisories, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, taste and odor problems with drinking water, beach closures, and bird and animal deformities or reproductive problems.
The legislation would give EPA greater flexibility to manage funds by allowing the EPA to distribute funds directly to contractors and would provide relief to states from burdensome requirements. Under this bill, eligible projects would be expanded to include habitat restoration. Many Areas of Concern cannot be delisted until habitat restoration work is done. Also, the bill would give the EPA the discretion to provide Legacy Act monies to demonstration and pilot projects.
The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes (HOW) Coalition consisting of more than 90 zoos, aquariums, museums, and hunting, fishing, and environmental organizations representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes issued a statement saying, "Cleaning up toxic pollution in the Great Lakes is essential to our public health, economy and way of life. We urge the U.S. Congress to pass and fund this important, efficient and successful clean-up program. . . The pace of clean-up has been inadequate. We can do better and need to do better. We know that healthy lakes go hand-in-hand with healthy communities and a healthy economy. The time to act is now.”
Access a release from Senators Levin and Voinovich including a brief summary of key provisions (click here). Access a release from the HOW Coalition (click here). Access legislative details for S. 2994 (click here). Access complete information on AOCs (click here).
Senator Levin said, “The Great Lakes are an indispensable natural, economic and recreation resource for Michigan and many other states. We must continue the progress we’ve made on cleaning up the contaminated sites in the lakes. This legislation builds on the existing Legacy program in several crucial ways and will help protect and restore this unique treasure for the benefit of citizens throughout the Midwest and across the nation.”
Senator Voinovich said, “Protecting and restoring the Great Lakes has been a top priority of mine throughout my political career. As co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, I am focused on working with the Great Lakes delegation to advance restoration efforts in this critical region. This bill will provide EPA with the tools and resources to remove contaminated sediment and clean up Areas of Concern and is a vital piece of a comprehensive strategy that is absolutely necessary to protect the Great Lakes for generations to come.”
The AOCs do not meet the water quality goals established by the United States and Canada in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, mainly because of contaminated sediments from historic industrial activity. This contamination results in several detrimental consequences including fish advisories, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, taste and odor problems with drinking water, beach closures, and bird and animal deformities or reproductive problems.
The legislation would give EPA greater flexibility to manage funds by allowing the EPA to distribute funds directly to contractors and would provide relief to states from burdensome requirements. Under this bill, eligible projects would be expanded to include habitat restoration. Many Areas of Concern cannot be delisted until habitat restoration work is done. Also, the bill would give the EPA the discretion to provide Legacy Act monies to demonstration and pilot projects.
The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes (HOW) Coalition consisting of more than 90 zoos, aquariums, museums, and hunting, fishing, and environmental organizations representing millions of people, whose common goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes issued a statement saying, "Cleaning up toxic pollution in the Great Lakes is essential to our public health, economy and way of life. We urge the U.S. Congress to pass and fund this important, efficient and successful clean-up program. . . The pace of clean-up has been inadequate. We can do better and need to do better. We know that healthy lakes go hand-in-hand with healthy communities and a healthy economy. The time to act is now.”
Access a release from Senators Levin and Voinovich including a brief summary of key provisions (click here). Access a release from the HOW Coalition (click here). Access legislative details for S. 2994 (click here). Access complete information on AOCs (click here).
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Great Lakes For Sale: From Whitecaps to Bottlecaps
May 7: The UM Press has released an announcement and interview with Dave Dempsey, author of, Great Lakes for sale from Whitecaps to Bottlecaps. According to the UM Press announcement, "This is a book for anyone interested in saving the Great Lakes, a huge fresh-water system that contains about 25 percent of the world's fresh surface water. The book asks -- and answers -- important questions about the export and diversion of Great Lakes water. Not only does Great Lakes for Sale examine past and present water-diversion practices; it also shows readers what they can do to save this natural resource." The book contains a Foreword by Congressman Bart Stupak (D-MI).
Congressman Stupak says, "Dave Dempsey's book is an important part of the effort to remind people why commercialization of Great Lakes water is a dangerous threat. It's not simply a matter of how much water in the short term is bottled and shipped away; the long-term threat is control of water and the possibility that private interests will assert ownership of the very substance of the Great Lakes. This is an issue that could determine the fate of the Great Lakes."
In the interview, Dempsey, former environmental advisor to Michigan Governor James Blanchard (1983-89) says, "The public trust doctrine reaches back to the Roman empire. It essentially says that some natural resources are so precious they are the common heritage of humankind. Water, the source of life, is one of those. By adhering to the doctrine, the people (through their governments) can assure Great Lakes water is accessible to all now and in the future – not hoarded and owned and sold by giant special interests." Dempsey is the author of two other books: Ruin and Recovery: Michigan's Rise as a Conservation Leader and William G. Milliken: Michigan's Passionate Moderate. He now lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Access the announcement and interview (click here). Access additional information from UM Press on obtaining the books and links to related websites (click here).
Congressman Stupak says, "Dave Dempsey's book is an important part of the effort to remind people why commercialization of Great Lakes water is a dangerous threat. It's not simply a matter of how much water in the short term is bottled and shipped away; the long-term threat is control of water and the possibility that private interests will assert ownership of the very substance of the Great Lakes. This is an issue that could determine the fate of the Great Lakes."
In the interview, Dempsey, former environmental advisor to Michigan Governor James Blanchard (1983-89) says, "The public trust doctrine reaches back to the Roman empire. It essentially says that some natural resources are so precious they are the common heritage of humankind. Water, the source of life, is one of those. By adhering to the doctrine, the people (through their governments) can assure Great Lakes water is accessible to all now and in the future – not hoarded and owned and sold by giant special interests." Dempsey is the author of two other books: Ruin and Recovery: Michigan's Rise as a Conservation Leader and William G. Milliken: Michigan's Passionate Moderate. He now lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Access the announcement and interview (click here). Access additional information from UM Press on obtaining the books and links to related websites (click here).
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Using Computer Models In Great Lakes Decision-Making
May 2: A new publication by researchers at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) and the University of Michigan -- The Use of Models in Great Lakes Decision Making, An Interdisciplinary Synthesis -- examines how computer simulation models were used in four case studies in the Great Lakes. The four cases were chosen because they represent the increasing demands being placed on both environmental managers and computer modelers. They covered high interest topics as diverse as fish stocking and lake levels. Dr. Jack Manno of ESF said, “Computer models have been used for a long time, but no one asked how to do the modeling to best promote good decision making. The issue is whether the models really answer the right questions.”
Manno said the researchers looked at how models were used and which ones worked well in addressing the issue at hand and communicating the model's meaning to stakeholders. He said the publication suggests a process that can be used when facing a policy issue that has environmental aspects. The research project, “The Development and Use of Predictive Models in Great Lakes Decision-Making: An Interdisciplinary Synthesis,” was funded with a one-year, $65,330 grant from New York Sea Grant.
Access an announcement of the report (click here). Access a copy of the 96-page publication (click here).
Manno said the researchers looked at how models were used and which ones worked well in addressing the issue at hand and communicating the model's meaning to stakeholders. He said the publication suggests a process that can be used when facing a policy issue that has environmental aspects. The research project, “The Development and Use of Predictive Models in Great Lakes Decision-Making: An Interdisciplinary Synthesis,” was funded with a one-year, $65,330 grant from New York Sea Grant.
Access an announcement of the report (click here). Access a copy of the 96-page publication (click here).
Monday, May 5, 2008
Next IJC Biennial Meeting October 6-7, 2009, In Windsor, Ontario
May 1: The International Joint Commission's (IJC's) next Biennial Meeting will take place on October 6-7, 2009, in Windsor, Ontario. The meetings will be held at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts. The IJC holds a Biennial Meeting every two years to hear from scientists and the public about issues relating to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and to assist the Commission with preparing its Biennial Report on the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. These reports assess the governments’ progress in meeting the goals of the Agreement to restore the physical, biological and chemical integrity of the Great Lakes waters. The upcoming meeting in Windsor will assist the IJC in preparing its 15th Biennial Report.
The IJC was established under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 to help prevent and resolve disputes by the United States and Canada over the use of the waters they share. Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the Commission is charged with making a full report to the federal, state and provincial governments in the Great Lakes basin every two years on progress toward achieving the general and specific objectives of the Agreement.
Access an IJC announcement (click here). Access the IJC website for additional information (click here).
The IJC was established under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 to help prevent and resolve disputes by the United States and Canada over the use of the waters they share. Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the Commission is charged with making a full report to the federal, state and provincial governments in the Great Lakes basin every two years on progress toward achieving the general and specific objectives of the Agreement.
Access an IJC announcement (click here). Access the IJC website for additional information (click here).
Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Teleconference May 13
May 5: The Great Lakes Regional Collaboration (GLRC) Executive Subcommittee invites interested stakeholders to participate in or observe teleconference discussion on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM CDT regarding ongoing and planned activities of the GLRC. The topics for discussion include: Update on GLRC Initiatives; Future actions on GLRC Initiatives; Continuing follow-up from previous Public Call; and Questions and Comments from Stakeholders.
Persons wishing to participate in the call should email GLRC staff prior to the call to let them know who will be participating in the teleconference. The teleconference will accommodate up to 125 participants with participation on a first come, first serve basis. However, persons may listen to the call on the Internet without participating.
Access complete instructions for participating or listening only (click here). Access current information on the GLRC Initiatives (click here). Access a summary of the February 19 teleconference call (click here). Access the GLRC website for additional information (click here).
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