environment

The aging Ann Arbor water treatment facility is going to change. The 10-year project is one of the most substantial infrastructure improvements Ann Arbor has undertaken and is estimated to cost $100 million. Where are we in the process, and what comes next? Glen Wiczoric is Senior Utilities Engineer at the facility. He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss progress and the ongoing challenges of keeping the drinking water supply safe and free of contamination.

Hearings on the Michigan Senate’s proposed clean energy plan could start next month. Colin Jackson has more.

Eastern Michigan University will soon sign a $115 million, 50-year contract to privatize management of its utilities. Houston, Texas-based CenTrio Energy will then be in charge of electric and water utilities and heating and cooling systems. The decision to move forward comes despite some concerns and objections raised by members of the EMU community. EMU vice president of communications, Walter Kraft, joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the deal in further detail.

Michigan government regulations could become stricter than federal standards under a bill that passed the state Senate yesterday. Colin Jackson has more.

On May 21st, you can join in a celebration of the Huron River. Huron River Day festivities include recreational opportunities, educational programs, food, and live music. So, how is the health of the river? Huron River Watershed Council executive director Rebecca Esselman joined WEMU's David Fair to provide updates on PFAS contamination, the threat of hexavalent chromium, and to explain why the river is fully available for fun and recreation.

In an effort to protect pollinators many communities are pushing a "No Mow May" movement. It essentially asks you allow grass to grow six to 12 inches before cutting it for the first time. The City of Ann Arbor is evolving its effort and is advocating a "Pollinator-Aware Yard Care" education and practice program. Community Sustainability Coordinator Sean Reynolds joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the distinctions and offer advice on making sure our pollinators flourish.

Those affected by PFAS contamination are pushing Michigan lawmakers for more action. But, as Colin Jackson reports, House legislation could take a few more weeks to be introduced.

The Michigan Legislature is putting final touches on its budget proposal, and environmental issues are prominent. This is the first time in 40 years both chambers and the governor’s office are led by Democrats at the same time. WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conversation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, went straight to the source. State Senator Sarah Anthony chairs the Appropriations Committee. They discussed planned funding for environmental protections and more equitable distribution of funding for environmental and social justice programs.

The City of Ypsilanti is taking steps to help protect bees and other pollinating insects this spring. We get more from WEMU's Taylor Pinson.

The future is going to be dropped off at your doorstep in 2024. Michigan Medicine is planning to begin using drone service for patients needing medications delivered. The air over Washtenaw County will be busier, but more fossil-fuel delivery vehicles will be taken off the road. What are the environmental implications? We'll find out together when Dana Habers, the Chief Operating Officer of Pharmacy Services and Chief Innovation Officer for University of Michigan Health, joins WEMU's David Fair for this week's "Issues of the Environment".