Huron River

The Michigan Attorney General has filed a civil lawsuit against a Wixom-based automotive supplier for allegedly continuing to release harmful chemicals into the Huron River after multiple violations. WEMU's David Fair checked in with Huron River Watershed Council Climate Resilience Strategist, Daniel Brown. They discuss the lawsuit and the ongoing impacts to the health of the Huron River.

Throughout the Huron River Watershed, there are areas plagued with invasive species. A group of environmentalists are looking for the best ways to replace them with native plants. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

You may have noticed there have been some changes in the nature of our weather. Climate change is cited as the reason for some notable changes in precipitation patterns in our corner of the world. What does that tell us about the near- and longer-term future in Washtenaw County? WEMU's David Fair discussed this with Dr. Drew Gronewold, Associate Professor at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability.

The Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy in Ann Arbor has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

The Trump administration has rolled back a Biden administration plan that would have set more stringent PFAS discharge limits into water sources. The Huron River is already contaminated with the forever chemicals. WEMU's David Fair checked in with Huron River Watershed Council executive director Rebecca Esselman, who gave an update on the current health of the Huron and what rollbacks in environmental protections may mean for the future health of the river.

Over the summer, the Huron River Watershed Council conducted an extensive survey of freshwater mussels in the Huron River to determine potential impacts when the Peninsular Paper Dam is removed. It found that removing the Pen Dam could release sediment, potentially smothering downstream mussel populations. Once the dam is removed, though, the river will return to a more natural state, benefiting mussel species over time. WEMU's David Fair looked at the research and its implications with Huron River Watershed Council Ecologist Dr. Paul Steen.

The outdoor recreation season is getting into full swing and, for many, the summer fun will center around the Huron River. The Annual Huron River Day celebration will be held Sunday, May 19th at Island Park. As festivity preparations continue, we wanted to get an update on the health of the river and its watershed. New grades put it at about a C+. There are challenges, there are victories and there is more work to be done. WEMU's David Fair checked in with Huron River Watershed Council executive director Rebecca Esselman for the latest.

Ann Arbor City Council will consider approving funds to replace the city’s UV wastewater disinfection system. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more.

They say, “It takes a village.” Usually, it references the process of raising a child, but it also applies when talking about protecting and stewarding a watershed. Keeping the waters in Washtenaw County clean and safe is quite an undertaking, and it takes a variety of community organizations and volunteers to be effective. WEMU's David Fair is joined by Washtenaw County Water Resources Commission Evan Pratt to discuss the Michigan Clean Water Corps and others that contribute to improving the health and safety of our local waters.

Ann Arbor City Council voted unanimously to join a class action settlement, seeking compensation from companies that contributed to PFAS contamination. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more details.