Huron 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.

The repercussions of PFAS contamination continue to grow. Not only has it impacted fishing and recreation on the Huron River, it's affecting farmers and agriculture. Jason Grostic is owner of Grostic Cattle Company in Livingston County. His operations have been shut down because his cows tested positive for PFAS. As such, he’s gone nearly two years without a source of income and is now suing the source of the contamination, Wixom-based Tribar Manufacturing. He's also pushing state lawmakers to pass polluter-pay legislation that may prevent such occurrences in the future. Grostic shared his emotional story with WEMU's David Fair.

Thousands of Washtenaw County residents are without power Wednesday evening after a major storm this afternoon. WEMU's Josh Hakala reports.

A Huron River shoreline clean-up is taking place in downtown Ypsilanti this weekend. It’s put on by the owner of 2 West, the planned musical ecosystem in the old Materials Unlimited building in Ypsilanti. WEMU’s Josh Hakala reports.

The process of re-developing Water Street in downtown Ypsilanti continues to take steps forward. As WEMU's Josh Hakala reports, city council now has a roadmap to cleanup-contamination andmove the project through the rest of the year and beyond.

Ann Arbor police are reminding the public that anyone on a railroad bridge or jumping from that bridge will be prosecuted. As WEMU’s Cathy Shafran reports, the warning comes after an incident earlier this week.