environment

Safety Advisory: Exercise Caution During Firework Celebrations, Respect City Park Regulations

In anticipation of the upcoming 4th of July celebrations, local authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when using fireworks. 

It is vital to note that city parks prohibit fireworks and close at dusk. To ensure a safe experience, officials recommend never allowing young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers, which burn at scorching temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Preventative measures suggested by the US Product Safety Commission include refraining from using fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Individuals are advised to light fireworks individually, promptly moving away from the ignited device. Malfunctioning fireworks should never be relit or handled but instead soaked with water and disposed of appropriately.

Moreover, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance when lighting fireworks and never aim or throw them at others. After the fireworks have finished burning, individuals are advised to douse the spent devices with water before disposing of them.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Swimming Advisory Issued For Lakeside Beach Due To E. Coli

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued a swimming advisory for Lakeside Beach in Port Huron due to concerns over water quality. 

The SCCHD Environmental Health Division will collect water samples until E. coli test results meet the State of Michigan’s acceptable range. To ensure safety, water sample results must be below 300 E. coli per 100 milliliters. 

E. coli bacteria, commonly found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals’, can indicate fecal contamination. Multiple sources may contribute to bacterial contamination, such as septic systems, stormwater runoff, wildlife, and agricultural runoff. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and turbulent waters can elevate E. coli levels. 

For more information, visit: scchealth.co or contact the SCCHD Environmental Health Division at (810) 987-5306.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Air National Guard Will Perform Flyovers As A Celebration Of 100 Years Of Ariel Refueling

The Michigan Air National Guard is set to showcase its aerial prowess as it conducts flyovers across nine communities Tuesday, June 27th. This demonstration is part of the United States Air Force’s celebration of 100 years of aerial refueling excellence. 

The flyovers will allow residents of Michigan to witness the crucial role of KC-135 Stratotankers and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs in the Air Force mission. 

The event will commence with a formation flight over the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron at around 10:20 a.m. Other locations to be graced by the flyovers include Alpena, Mackinaw City, Maple City, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Lansing, the Detroit River, and Selfridge Air National Guard Base. These aircraft are operated by the 127th Wing, which comprises about 1,700 military and civilian personnel. Similar flyovers will take place nationwide to commemorate the centennial milestone.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Sheriff Advises Boat Safety During Jobbie Nooner

Boating enthusiasts are gearing up for the highly anticipated Jobbie Nooner event, and a multitude of agencies will be out in full force today to ensure the safety of all participants and handle any potential emergencies.

Sheriff Mat King emphasizes the importance of boater education and preparedness. To ensure a safe boating experience, Sheriff King advises boaters to take essential precautions, such as having an adequate number of life vests onboard, abstaining from alcohol consumption while operating a vessel (with the legal limit being .08), maintaining properly functioning navigation lights for after dusk, being mindful of underwater hazards, and always knowing their location and carrying a cell phone or marine radio for emergencies.

Boaters are encouraged to celebrate responsibly and seek assistance from law enforcement or call 911 in case of an emergency.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

U.S. EPA Seeks Public Input on Ten-Mile Drain Superfund Site Cleanup Plan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has commenced a 30-day public comment period on a proposed plan to remediate the pipes and vaults of the storm sewer system at the Ten-Mile Drain Superfund site. The EPA has identified this site in St. Clair Shores as heavily contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Under the recommended cleanup plan, crews will excavate six manhole vaults and 2,110 feet of pipe, along with contaminated bedding and backfill. These areas will then be backfilled, and new piping and manhole vaults will be installed. All excavated material will be properly disposed of at an EPA-approved off site landfill.

The meeting will be held Thursday, June 22nd, at St. Clair Shores City Council Chambers located at 27600 Jefferson Ave, St Clair Shores. The Open House will be from 5pm – 6pm, with the public meeting beginning at 6:30pm.  

For more information, visit: cumulis.epa.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Residents Advised to Take Precautions Against Virus Transferred Via Mosquito Bites

Michiganders are urged to prioritize protective measures against mosquito bites after recent collections of mosquitos in Saginaw County tested positive for the Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories (MDHHS BOL). These are the first infected mosquitos identified for any virus in 2023.

“It takes just one bite from an infected mosquito to cause severe illness,” cautioned Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “We urge Michiganders to take precautions, including using EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors, avoiding mosquito-prone areas if possible, and wearing protective clothing to minimize bites.”

JCV is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitos, predominantly occurring from late spring to mid-fall. Symptoms may manifest within days to two weeks post-bite and commonly include fever, headache, and fatigue. While most individuals remain asymptomatic, severe cases can result in encephalitis and meningitis affecting the brain and/or spinal cord.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell