George James

PIPES Act Legislation Introduced to Keep Disposable Wipes Out of Sewer Systems

The PIPES Act legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Democratic Congressman Dan Lowenthal of California and local Republican Representative Lisa McLain of Michigan’s 10th District. PIPES stands for “Protecting Infrastructure and Promoting Environmental Stewardship”.

The Act pertains to disposable wipes that are causing severe damage to municipal sewer systems. The Act would establish standards for “flushability”.

Representative McClain said that the PIPES Act would help address the “damage to our sewage systems made by wipes that have caused massive clogs that can’t be easily removed.”

If passed, the legislation would impose penalties on manufacturers who do not comply with the labeling standards.

A longtime critic of flushable wipes, Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice S. Miller said, “This is extremely important legislation to help us all protect our critical underground infrastructure. Packaging on all wipes should clearly say ‘Do Not Flush.’ They may be flushable but they are not biodegradable and these wipes are wreaking havoc on our sewers.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Snowy Owls Make Annual Appearance

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reminding Michiganders that the elusive Great Snowy Owl could be making an appearance in backyards around the state. Catching a glimpse of the rare, large bird is a highlight of the winter for many bird watchers.

The DNR warns that winter is a stressful time for the bird that spends most of its time in the arctic tundra. Being around humans and urban landscapes are unfamiliar experiences for the owls. Great snowy owls face threats like collision with vehicles and power lines, ingestion of rodent poison, and invasion of their personal space from curious humans.

The DNR says to give snowy owls space. Expect to use binoculars to view the seasonal visitors. If you make the owl fly away, you got too close.

While it might be tempting to call in the owl with audio recordings, don’t do it. Hearing another owl’s call is very stressful for Great Snowy Owls.

Finally, leave “live baiting” to professionals. This is only done for the sake of the owls and can be harmful if used for photography. Owls will start hanging around dangerous places to get easy meals and it will ultimately be detrimental to the owl.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

City Proposes Addressing Housing Needs, Sidewalk Accessibility, and Cruise Ship Docking

Port Huron City Manager James Freed has presented the proposed goals and priorities for the city of Port Huron. The list covers nine initiatives.

The city administration plans to address housing concerns by developing a community housing strategy to look at current and future housing needs along with addressing workforce housing needs in the community.

As the city prepares to spend the windfall of one-time funding from the American Rescue Plan, investment into city assets like Palmer Park, McMorran, and Department of Public Works facilities are on the docket.

Those who try to navigate the city on foot or in a wheelchair or motorized device will be interested to hear the plan to enhance crosswalks to make them more accessible.

Citizen engagement town halls, sidewalk improvements, improved signage for visitors trying to find their way in the city, and business corridor improvements are also on the list, but the most unique item may be the plan to work with regional stakeholders on docking for the Viking Cruise Line Great Lakes Cruise scheduled for 2023.

Stay tuned to WGRT as these proposals develop.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Dennis Gardner Wins Prestigious Master Farmer Award

What does it take to be a Master Farmer? Ask Fremont Township farmer Dennis Gardner. Gardner is a recipient of the 2022 Michigan Master Farmer Award, given out at the Great Lakes Crop Summit.

The award is for farmers who have demonstrated a lifetime of achievement on their farms, and also in their communities and the agriculture industry. It is the most prestigious award for achievement in the industry that feeds the world.

Gardner said he was totally honored and shocked to receive the award. He was quick to thank his wife, Reta, for her partnership in running their 2000-acre cash crop farm that stretches across both St. Clair and Sanilac counties.

Dennis and Reta Gardner have made farming a family affair with help from both Gardner’s parents, his sister, brother-in-law, and his four daughters, two of whom are already getting their careers started in the agriculture industry. The Gardner team uses the latest in technology to produce corn, soybeans, wheat, and sugar beets.

When asked about the future of family farming, Gardner said it will be hard for some farms to absorb the rising costs of growing food, but that there are still fair amounts of successful family farms.

A link to a video highlighting Gardner’s accomplishment can be found below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL6r0xRnFN4

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

St. Clair Wins MI Clean Water Grant

The City of St. Clair has received a MI Clean Water Grant. It is one of eleven cities, villages, and townships that split the $5 million total award. St. Clair will receive $210,142 from the Drinking Water Asset Management Grant.  

Liesl Clark, director of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, said, “Michigan continues to be committed to helping communities address longstanding water infrastructure deficits. With more federal support on the way for work like removing lead service lines and other pressing needs, we’re pleased to complement those efforts with these innovative grant programs that have been assisting local water systems.” 

The MI Clean Water Plan is investing $500 million into the state’s water infrastructure. The grants are aimed at reducing the risks associated with lead in the drinking water and making improvements to ensure safer tap water.

The MI Clean Water Plan funds improvements to lead lines, toxic contamination, constrained local budgets, unaffordable water rates, and other needs of municipalities.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland