George James

Climate Change Addressed with MI Healthy Climate Plan

Could Michigan be carbon neutral by 2050? A plan has been introduced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office to create the MI Healthy Climate Plan with carbon neutrality in the next thirty years as the goal. 

In introducing the plan by way of Executive Order 2020-182 and Executive Directive 2020-10, Whitmer said, “The science is clear – climate change is directly impacting our public health, environment, our economy, and our families.” 

The plan does not specify the methods, but tasks the Office of Climate and Energy in the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to develop and implement the MI Healthy Climate Plan. The Governor’s goal is to have state government lead the effort with the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget regulating new state buildings and facilities in accordance with the Healthy Climate Plan.

The plan has been endorsed by leaders from Steelcase, Utility Workers Union of America, the Sierra Club, and the American Lung Association. Those interested in being appointed to the Council for Climate Solutions can go to www.michigan.gov/appoinments and fill out an application by November 1, 2020.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

More Bottle and Can Return Options Starting October 5th

Phase 2 of the Michigan bottle and can deposit return program will begin on October 5th. Some retailers have been unable to accept returns if they do not have certain machinery that processes the materials.

The new order from the Michigan Department of Treasury mandates that all “grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations and other retailers with reverse vending machines must reopen their bottle return facilities and resume the collection of returnable bottles and cans to refund outstanding deposits.”

Phase 1 retailers were those that exclusively provided a return area in a separate area of the store.

The Michigan Department of Treasury is allowing retailers that don’t have mechanized bottle counters and rely on employees to count and sort the returns to start accepting cans and bottles at their discretion.

Safety precautions required of retailers include limiting returns to $25 per day per person, establishing special or limited hours of operation for return facilities, limiting the number of available and operating reverse vending machines, periodically closing for cleaning, and implementing any other procedures to maintain safety.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

St. Clair County Qualifies for Extra Help to Combat Hunger and Homelessness 

The United Way of St. Clair County has announced the receipt of a grant to assist agencies in St. Clair County to assist with hunger and homelessness. 

The $9,925 grant is from the Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program, which was started by Congress in 1983. The United Way is one of six charities on the National Board for the program, which also has representation from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

United Way of St. Clair County was chosen for the grant based on data gathered state-wide to determine local needs and make responsible funding allocations. The deciding factors in the region include state counts of homeless populations, welfare caseloads, cost of living index, plant closings, and food stamp application levels. 

The funds are to be used to provide aid to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, food pantries, and organizations who provide emergency utility and mortgage help. Qualified agencies may apply for funding at uwstclair.org by September 28. 

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

EEE Cases Mounting; More Aerial Mosquito Spraying Underway

The battle against Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or “triple E”, rages on with a hard freeze being the only sure way to kill off the mosquitoes that carry the virus. Aerial insecticide treatments of 226,000 acres began last week, with more treatments scheduled for this week. Infection with EEE has serious neurological symptoms for both humans and animals.

Temperature plays a crucial factor in the treatment plan as the mosquitos don’t fly when it is below 50 degrees, but they don’t die until there is consistent nighttime temperatures below 28 degrees, according to a press release from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The urgency of the mosquito control has been ratcheted up with the first case of human infection of EEE being identified in Barry County. The infections in horses have increased to thirty, and the number of affected counties has increased. An infected deer was found in Allegan County.

Oakland and Genesee Counties are the regions closest to the Blue Water Area that are getting treated. No cases have been reported in St. Clair County. At least one case has been reported in Ontario, but not near the Michigan border.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Pollution Prevention Week Aims to Keep Michigan’s Environment Clean

This week is “Pollution Prevention Week” and “Michigan Environmental Compliance Week” throughout the state. The observances are intended to draw attention to environmental stewardship. 

Toxic substances, like PFAS and abandoned industrial waste sites, have been hot topics in the state. Efforts are underway to reduce the use of toxic substances, recycle and reuse when possible, and to educate businesses, communities, and environmental professionals on how to protect Michigan’s environment.   

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is hosting a series of free online workshops for interested citizens and professionals. 

In St. Clair County, residential consumers can dispose of hazardous materials at the Smiths Creek Landfill. An appointment needs to be made and a detailed list of all materials being brought in needs to be submitted. 

The full list of materials that are accepted at the Smiths Creek Landfill, along with ideas on how to reduce use of toxic chemicals, and information about properly disposing of all kinds of toxic materials can be found www.stclaircounty.org/offices/landfill/. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Rec Department Announces Fall Schedule

Port Huron, MI — The Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department has published their Fall 2020 Guide. After a successful summer full of adjusted and modified programs, they are ready to ring in autumn with a full roster of socially distant recreation.

One of the biggest events is the first ever Fall Edition of Walk Michigan. The routes are provided and walkers have one week to complete each walk. Walkers need to register online to get the routes.

The Halloween Stroll is on the schedule this year, but with a new twist. After many years of being held at Sanborn Park, the Halloween Stroll will be held in Downtown Port Huron for 2020. Trick or treating stations will be set up alongside a “Touch a Truck” event. The event will be held on Halloween, October 31st, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and registration is required. Social distancing regulations will be enforced.

Looking ahead to Christmas, the Rec. Department is planning to illuminate Pine Grove Park with Christmas Decorations this year and is looking for businesses to sponsor spots in the park.

There are also family classes and events both online and outdoors. Full details can be found at porthuronrec.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland