environment

County to Pay for and Coordinate Spraying for Spongy (Gypsy) Moths

Those pesky gypsy moths, now renamed spongy moths, won’t know what hit them if St. Clair County’s mitigation strategy works. After county residents reported the infestation of the little caterpillars with the huge appetites, the county adopted a plan to provide aerial spraying in areas identified as spongy moth hot spots.

County Commissioner Jorja Baldwin said, “Through a partnership with multiple county departments, St. Clair County MSU Extension and the Friends of the St. Clair River, an annual Spongy Moth Mitigation Program and 2022 aerial spray both have been successfully designed and implemented.”

Baldwin said that there will be no cost to residents or municipalities for the 2022 aerial spray, which could cost up to $550,000.  The county is picking up the tab this year.

Over 5500 acres of land have been identified as needing treatment. Spraying will begin in May and should be completed no later than the first of June. Affected property owners will be contacted and have the option to decline.

More information will soon be available at stclaircouty.org.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

$3.6 Million in Grants to Help Fight Invasive Species

The Michigan Invasive Species Program is investing heavily in finding and removing the threats that could disrupt the diverse and fragile ecosystem on which so many depend for commerce and recreation in the state. Invasive species include things like gypsy moths and Asian carp.

Cooperation between several state agencies is resulting in the awarding of $3.6 million for invasive species projects. The Lake St. Clair Cooperative Invasive Species Management project will get $100,000 to go toward education and outreach, early detection and response, and organizational structure. The grant was submitted by the Six Rivers Land Conservancy and benefits St. Clair and Macomb counties.

The grants will help local agencies work on preventing the introduction of new invasive species, strengthening the statewide early detection and response network, limiting the spread of recently confirmed invasive species, and managing and controlling widespread, established invasive species.

Thirty-one projects are receiving funding through the grants.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

EGLE to Fund Clean Engines for Great Lakes Shipping

Great Lakes shipping could become cleaner with $9 million available to replace or repower engines on freight switchers, ferry boats, and tug boats, as well as shore-side powering for vessels.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is starting the process of funding grants to pay for the switchover to zero-emission technology. The grants will range from $100,000 to $5 million and will fund between 25% and 70% of each project.

The grants are funded with the money that Michigan received in the Volkswagen settlement. EGLE’s Fuel Transformation Program has the goal of reducing emissions and increasing the use of zero-emission and alternative fuel engines.

Elizabeth Browne, director of the Materials Management Division at EGLE said, “This is a great opportunity to reduce emissions from rail and marine sources to help improve air quality in neighboring communities and protect the environment. While cars get the most attention, other transportation sectors are also integral to Michigan’s transition to zero-emission or cleaner fuels as called out in the draft MI Healthy Climate Plan.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

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

Time to Test for Cancer-Causing Radon in Your Home

It’s easy to test for radon, but homeowners often need a reminder to check for the cancer-causing invisible gas in their homes. This is your reminder.

January was radon action month, but anytime is a good time to test for radon. Radon is present in one out of four Michigan homes. Homes in the Blue Water Area fall into the 10-24% detection rate according to a Michigan testing lab.

Leslie E. Smith, III, Michigan’s statewide indoor radon specialist said, “Residents are encouraged to test for radon every two to five years. And if a radon mitigation system was previously installed in the home, residents are encouraged to test every two years to make sure that radon levels remain below action levels. Buildings settle and shift over time which can change the amount of radon that enters our indoors.”

Smith also advises checking the expiration date on radon tests, as they do expire and can give inaccurate results. Radon test kits can be purchased from health departments and hardware stores, as well as from mi.radon.com.

Visit the following links for more information.

https://mi.radon.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UHDr95nw7E

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Earth Fair Comes to Goodells Park April 29-30

Covid will not be stopping the St. Clair County Earth Fair this year. The 20th annual Earth Fair is being planned for Friday, April 29th and Saturday, April 30th at Goodells County Park. The 2020 and 2021 events were canceled due to COVID concerns.

The Earth Fair is the largest event of its kind in Michigan. Many vendors will be on hand to interact with students and visitors about healthy, sustainable, and green living.

Past events have featured over 70 vendors and thousands of visitors. It’s time for vendors and volunteers to start applying and for school classrooms to plan their field trips. Teachers of 3rd through 5th grade can register for the free field trip that features interactive science lessons in a hands-on environment.

The Earth Fair is also the backdrop of the Green Guardian Award that recognizes environmental champions from the business world, schools and groups that have shown an initiative to enhance, preserve, and protect the Blue Water Area.

www.EarthDayFair.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland