lead contamination

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has put her proposed budget before the state Legislature, and it includes a significant investment in environmental initiatives. The state Legislature is now divided, and it's unclear what the final version of the budget will look like. Additionally, there is uncertainty from the federal level as what kind of money will be allocated to support protections and clean-ups. WEMU's David Fair spoke with 15th District State Senator Jeff Irwin of Ann Arbor about how things are playing out in Lansing.

There is something rejuvenating by looking out the window and seeing the first robin of the year. For those taking a closer look, the robins are telling an important environmental story. A recent study out of Eastern Michigan University has found that robins can accurately predict areas with contaminated soil. How? WEMU's David Fair talked with one of the lead researchers, Dorothy Zahor, about her findings and its implications.

The Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) is looking for heavy metal. This past summer, the YCUA recieved funding as part of the Environmental Protection Agency's "Get the Lead Out" initiative. It's designed to remove lead water pipes that can impact drinking water. Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale provides more details on the work being done in Ypsilanti area in a conversation with YCUA executive director Luke Blackburn on this week's "On the Ground Ypsi."

Ypsilanti is making progress on one of the city’s last pieces of undeveloped properties: the Water Street Redevelopment Area. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

6th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) stopped by the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority on Thursday to hear about the progress being made locally to remove lead in drinking water. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert was there and has this report.

Governor Whitmer has signed measures into law to require all children be tested for lead exposure. Additionally, a new law requires installation of lead water filters in all schools and childcare centers. It is progress, but there is still a lot of work to be done. WEMU's David Fair discusses its impacts with lead policy expert Mary Sue Schottenfels.

Bills meant to prevent lead and other contaminant exposure in schools are being set up for a vote in the Michigan House this week. Colin Jackson has more.

The Michigan Supreme Court has refused a request to reinstate criminal charges related to the Flint water crisis against seven state government defendants. We have more from Rick Pluta.

The latest check in a twice-a-year look at Flint’s water pipes shows drinking water is safe, and the city is close to reaching a goal of replacing all lead service lines. We have more from Rick Pluta.

Not long after enrolling her son in kindergarten, U-M medical anthropologist Abby Dumes took notice of the lead levels in the drinking water used in the…