Search Results for: Line 5

Toledo’s 2014 Drinking Water Crisis: What Has Changed and What Hasn’t

In the summer of 2014, residents of Toledo, Ohio awoke to the news that they should avoid drinking the water that came out of their tap. On August 2, 2014, government officials warned against drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth with the algae-trainted water supplies. In total, the “do not drink” advisory was given to over… Read more »

Failing septic systems hurt our lakes, rivers, and drinking water

What is a septic system? A septic system is an underground wastewater treatment system for homes that are not connected to a city sewer system. When regularly pumped and maintained, a septic system efficiently manages the wastewater produced in a house. When you flush a toilet, take a shower, or do dishes, all that dirty… Read more »

Another Illinois City Seeks Lakes Michigan Water

More and more, communities outside of the Great Lakes watershed basin are looking for ways to tap into Great Lakes water, despite the Great Lakes Compact agreement ban on most out-of-basin water diversions. The latest example is the City of South Barrington, Illinois, which announced recently it is paying $154,000 to a consultant to prepare… Read more »

Reports and News Releases

Tribes, Environmental Groups Urge Michigan Appeals Court to Reverse Enbridge <span class="search-everything-highlight-color" style="background-color:#faa500">Line</span> <span class="search-everything-highlight-color" style="background-color:#faa500">5</span> Tunnel Permit ApprovalJanuary 14, 2025January 14, 2025 Lansing, Mich. – Today, attorneys representing several tribal nations and environmental groups asked the Michigan Court of Appeals to reverse the Michigan Public Service Commission’s flawed December 2023 order approving a permit… Read more »

Policy Brief: The hidden environmental and economic costs of anaerobic digesters and biogas

  Policy Brief: Impacts of Anaerobic Digesters (PDF)   Anaerobic digesters are facilities that decompose organic waste, separating biogas from solids and liquids, called “digestate.” Biogas can be used on-site or processed into purified pipeline-grade biomethane for electricity or transportation. On confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), a biodigester may be a cover on a cesspit…. Read more »

ART MEETS WATER: A conversation with author, FLOW founder Jim Olson

Watch the webinar   With a formal launch 7 p.m. June 26th at The Alluvion in Commongrounds, 414 E. Eighth in Traverse City, People of the Dune is about to stir the debate and express Jim’s own deep commitment to protecting the natural world and honoring indigenous knowledge. The book can be found at local bookstores, or… Read more »

FLOW Benefit on July 11: Charlie Millard Band at Betsie Bay Furniture

Charlie Millard Band @ Betsie Bay Furniture 311 Main Street in Frankfort, MI Thursday, July 11 at 6:30pm Tickets $30 (order online, or buy at the door) Kids 12 and under: free/by donation Join us in downtown Frankfort on July 11 for an evening of terrific live music, tasty bites, and good times, all in… Read more »

The Environment and You: A Summer Data Guide

Summer’s here.  That means more time outdoors on the water, at the beach and under the sun. With each type of enjoyment comes the need for accurate information to protect against polluted water and air, excessive UV rays and fish contaminants. Great Lakes recreational risks include: Rip currents. In 2023, 85 people drowned in the… Read more »

Political Winds Threaten the Mackinac Bridge on its 61st Birthday

Photo credit: Nancy May Happy Birthday to the Mackinac Bridge! Today marks its 61st birthday. The Mighty Mac, as it is affectionately known, opened to traffic on November 1, 1957. Perhaps no other piece of public infrastructure in Michigan evokes the same pride and sense of majesty as does the Mackinac Bridge. It draws tens… Read more »