To Flush or Not to Flush

Confusion about what kind of wet wipes can be flushed down the toilet is still causing problems for wastewater infrastructure in many communities, and Congresswoman Lisa McClain hopes to reduce it by creating a national labeling standard for non-flushable wet wipes.

McClain said, “Too often, false marketing leads people to flush wipes that are not safe for our plumbing infrastructure. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation, which is key to maintaining and protecting our sewage systems.”

Some wet wipes are safe for flushing, but their appearance is so similar to other wet-wipes, that it’s difficult to tell the difference. Wipes need to be free of plastic fibers and completely break down after flushing in order to be compatible with sewer systems.

Many wipes are marketed as flushable, but in reality there are disclaimers on the packaging with ambiguous messaging such as “safe for well-maintained sewer and septics” or warnings about using in basement pump systems or flushing more than one wipe at a time.

Make-up remover wipes, baby wipes, surface-cleaning wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products do not break down in sewer systems and can wreak havoc on both municipal and septic systems.

The new WIPPES Act would require that non-flushable wipes come with a “Do not flush” warning on their packaging, and it provides for consumer education on the new labeling and the adverse effects flushing the wrong products has on sewer systems.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Delta Variant Identified in St. Clair County

Two individuals with the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant of COVID-19 has been identified in St. Clair County as of  7/22/2021.  

When a positive result is found, a small percentage of these samples are sent on for genetic sequencing to  identify any variant strains. Therefore, it is very likely there are more unidentified cases of the Delta variant  in St. Clair County. 

Case #1: Individual in their 30’s; not vaccinated 

Case #2: Individual in their 40’s; not vaccinated  

“The Delta variant is more contagious and by the time it has been identified, an infected individual(s) may  have already exposed many more people”, said Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer of the St.  Clair County Health Department. Mercatante continued, “Less than 50% of our residents are fully vaccinated,  making our population especially vulnerable to this variant. This will likely result in a surge/increase in serious  cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. We strongly encourage those who have not been vaccinated yet to do  so now. Additionally, cooperate (answer your phone, text, etc) with public health staff during contact tracing  efforts so we can help control further spread.” 

The St. Clair County Health Department is urging individuals to continue to take precautions against COVID 19, especially as new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 to become more prevalent.  Recommendations include: 

∙ Get fully vaccinated  

∙ Wear a mask around others if not vaccinated; especially in crowded indoor or outdoor areas ∙ Stay six feet apart from others if not vaccinated 

∙ Wash hands often 

∙ Stay home when you feel ill. Get tested if you have symptoms 

∙ Ventilate indoor spaces 

Vaccines are available at the St. Clair County Health Department and many other locations throughout the  community. Schedule an appointment at www.scchealth.co or call (810) 987-5300; Email questions to the  COVID-19 hotline covid19@stclaircounty.org or call (810) 966-4163. 

Further updates will be shared on www.scchealth.co and social media @scchdmi. 

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department

Holland Road Beach Closed for E. coli

At the present time, the St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued a swimming advisory for Holland Road Beach in Port Huron. Water samples will be collected at the beach until E. coli test results are within the acceptable water quality range.

The SCCHD Environmental Health Division conducts environmental monitoring at eight public beaches in St. Clair County for the presence of E. coli bacteria from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Water samples must be below 300 E. coli per 100 milliliters for the water to be considered safe for swimming. E. coli bacteria is a common microbe found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and can indicate the presence of fecal contamination. There are a variety of sources that contribute bacteria and other pathogens to surface water, including septic systems, combined and sanitary sewer overflows, storm (rain) runoff, wild and domestic animal waste, and agriculture runoff. Elevated E.coli levels are possible after a storm or strong winds because bacteria are carried in storm runoff or stirred up from waves. If there has been a recent heavy rainfall or high winds, or if the water appears cloudy or turbid, individuals should choose not to swim that day.

Advisories for St. Clair County’s public beaches are shared on the SCCHD’s 24-hour Water Quality Hotline at 877-504-SWIM, “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page, and Michigan BeachGuard website at www.egle.state.mi.us/beach/.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department

What is the Social District in Port Huron?

Port Huron, MI — With Boat Week festivities starting today, many people may be wondering exactly what the rules are for the Downtown Port Huron Social District.

A social district is a designated area where alcoholic beverages can be purchased from participating restaurants and then carried around inside its boundaries. It is not an opportunity to bring your own alcoholic beverages into the city for drinking.

Social District drinks are in specially marked cups and can be purchased at Casey’s, City Flats/City Floats, Lynch’s Irish Tavern, Martina’s Grill, Raven Cafe, Wings, Etc., and Vintage Tavern.

After you purchase a beverage from a participating restaurant, you must stay on main street sidewalks while enjoying it. The Social District runs from Glenwood to Union Street down Huron and Military. Check with business owners before bringing your drink into their stores; many allow it, but it’s best to ask!

The Social District operates 7 days a week and closes at midnight each night, and local and state laws still apply to serving minors, public intoxication, and impaired driving, so stay safe and be responsible if you choose to take advantage of this downtown perk.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Latest Text Message Scam Promises Food Stamp Eligibility

A text messaging scam has been reported that targets people who may be looking to receive food benefits from the government. Text messages that say something like “you are eligible for food stamps” are scams that are just trying to get personal information. This style of criminal activity is called “smishing”.

A warning has been put out by the Office of the Attorney General and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Criminals are impersonating government agencies, and preying on the vulnerable, in this instance.

Elizabeth Hertel, Director of MDHHS said, “I urge people to be on the alert for suspicious emails or texts about public assistance benefits.” 

Consumers are reminded not to assume a text is legitimate because of a familiar area code or phone number, not to click links in suspicious texts, and not to provide personal or financial information to unsolicited texts or linked websites.

Even if the message says to “text STOP”, don’t do it. Report the message to your cell phone service provider by copying the message and texting it to 7726 (SPAM) to report it as suspicious.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lake Huron Medical Center July Employee of the Month

Port Huron, MI – Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) is pleased to announce its July 2021 Employee of the Month, Ashleigh Sprowl, RN. LHMC is honored to have a strong team of staff and volunteers working hard to deliver high-quality care to the Blue Water Area.

Ashleigh works as a Registered Nurse in the Med/Surge Department and has been an employee at LHMC since January 2015. She was nominated by a patient who commented, “Ashleigh is a very caring, loving RN who knows her job and does it beyond the job description. Because of Ashleigh’s quick action in calling code blue for me and getting me to CT scan and ICU I am alive today. I am a three-time stroke survivor now. I could not see or speak but Ashleigh had a hold of my left hand and promised she wouldn’t let go. She still had my hand in ICU and helped transfer me to their bed. Ashleigh will forever be in my heart. She is the most dedicated caring nurse I have ever had.” 

Lake Huron Medical Center is proud of each of its employees and volunteers; and extends a special thank you and congratulations to all our team members, especially Ashleigh, as we celebrate their accomplishments.

To learn more about the programs and services offered at Lake Huron Medical Center, visit www.mylakehuron.com.