Standing with Protect the Porkies: No State Funds for Sulfide Mine on Lake Superior
A proposed mine near Lake Superior and adjacent to the Porcupine Mountains State Park is seeking a $50 million grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The Michigan Strategic Fund deferred a decision on the grant at the January meeting, with board members stating concerns about the size of the investment and a lack of other investors. Freshwater Future has prepared a simple form for you to submit comments to the Michigan Strategic Fund board and leadership to share concerns about threats from the proposed mine. The deadline for comments is at noon on February 26th (before their next meeting on Tuesday, February 27th at 10 am). You can also sign up to give comments virtually at the meeting!
Clean-Up at Michigan’s Bear Creek Completed by U.S. EPA
An unoccupied custom plating shop in Warren, MI was responsible for the release of electroplating chemicals that colored Bear Creek, a tributary of the Clinton River, bright blue-green. Reported on February 7th, the U.S. EPA completed clean-up efforts included deploying booms to slow flow downstream and vacuuming operations to remove plating material from storm sewers. Oversight of continued clean up efforts by the property owner has been turned over to Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). First round testing from the creek and plating shop identified the spilled materials as PFAS and metals, with total copper concentrations above safe levels for aquatic life. Officials say that the spill does not pose a human health risk and that local drinking water is unaffected.
Actions Needed to Address Pharmaceutical Pollution in the St. Lawrence River
A recent study reveals alarming levels of toxic medicinal drugs like caffeine and ibuprofen in water and sediment samples in the St. Lawrence River. The pollution originates from wastewater treatment plants and poses immediate risks to the health of both the river and its aquatic life. Although the study confirms pharmaceutical pollution in the St. Lawrence, it is a widespread problem in waters globally. At Freshwater Future, we believe that regulatory actions are needed to safeguard the St. Lawrence River and water across the Great Lakes region. One thing that individuals can do to reduce pharmaceutical pollution is to avoid flushing or dumping old medicine down the drain – Use this link to find a DEA-authorized collector in your community.
Good Coffee Starts with Clean Water – Buy a Lead Water Testing Kit and Get a Free Bag of Coffee from Superior Coffee Roasting Co.
Delicious coffee starts with clean water. Superior Coffee Roasting Co. in collaboration with Freshwater Future and the Flint Community Lab, is offering a lead water testing kit for $40 with the bonus of receiving a complimentary 12oz. bag of coffee. If you’ve never had your home’s tap water tested for lead, now is the perfect opportunity to take action! You can purchase the kit through Superior Coffee Roasting Co. The kit includes testing supplies, instructions, and a box with free return shipping to the Flint Community Lab where your water sample will be tested for lead. After analysis, you will receive a report about your water. Take advantage of this great deal to indulge in the pleasure of a great cup of coffee from Superior Coffee Roasting Co. and gain information about lead in your drinking water. To purchase a kit, click HERE now!
