Blog posts by FLOW team and guest writers
This fall, the Michigan legislature will have an opportunity to correct a grievous and egregious deficiency in Michigan’s water policy. How is it that in the third decade of the 21st Century, Michigan, the Great Lakes State, is the only state of 50 without a statewide code setting minimum standards for the design, construction, and… Read more »
This week marks the unlucky 13th anniversary of one of the largest inland oil spills in U.S. history. On July 25, 2010, a pipeline operated by Enbridge – the same corporation operating the risky Line 5 in the Strait of Mackinac – burst and released dirty tar sands oil into Talmadge Creek, a tributary of… Read more »
FLOW Statement Commending Appointments of EGLE Director Phil Roos and EGLE Chief of Staff Kara Cook Traverse City, MI – FLOW commends the appointment of business entrepreneur and strategist, Phil Roos, to serve as director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. “Phil Roos is an outstanding strategist and environmental thought leader… Read more »
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzO-NA-qjfw Download the Line 5 Fact Sheet (PDF) Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline is over 70 years old and remains a threat to the waters and people of the Great Lakes region. On Wednesday, July 19 2023, FLOW and Oil & Water Don’t Mix presented a special live webinar, featuring a panel of… Read more »
A new U.S. government study that finds toxic PFAS chemicals could be present in nearly 50% of the nation’s tap water “should sound alarm bells for people across the country,” says a Michigan citizen leader on PFAS policy. Tony Spaniola, who co-founded and co-chairs the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network and serves on the Leadership… Read more »
If you’re in the midwest or the mid-Atlantic, chances are you’ve been affected by dangerous air quality this summer. Here in northern Michigan, the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared above 200 in late June, as smoke clogged the atmosphere. Our most basic, life-sustaining element was rated “Very Unhealthy” to breathe. This unthinkable situation stems from… Read more »
FLOW is pleased to announce that Kyle Plummer has recently joined our staff as Development Director. In his new role, Kyle will help FLOW build the capacity to achieve its mission and connect with supporters. Kyle and his family are relocating to the Grand Traverse area from Washington state, and enjoy a variety of outdoor… Read more »
Manipulating Great Lakes Water Levels By Dan MacFarlane Daniel Macfarlane is an Associate Professor in the School of the Environment, Geography, and Sustainability at Western Michigan University.He is also a senior fellow at the Bill Graham Center for Contemporary International History, University of Toronto, and President of the International Water History Association. His research and… Read more »
Sackett v. EPA: Supreme Court Takes a Whack at Wetlands, but Michigan Has a Shield A U.S. Supreme Court ruling issued on May 25 will remove federal protection for millions of acres of wetlands across the country, but will have much less impact in Michigan thanks to a state law that goes beyond federal limits…. Read more »
Our enjoyment of beach outings, picnics, or time outside often rises or falls depending on environmental conditions from pollution to excessive heat. Before you head out, you can check on relevant conditions at these websites. Stay safe and have fun out there this summer! Public beach closures: Beachguard Great Lakes Surface Water Temperatures: NOAA… Read more »
