toxic chemicals

PFAS. Few environmental issues have affected Michigan communities more directly than these so-called "forever chemicals," which have been found in our waterways, groundwater, and drinking water systems across the state. In her first segment as host of "Issues of the Environment," Rebekah Warren was joined by U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan. They discussed what local and national actions have been taken and what is needed to prevent further PFAS contamination.

The Huron River Watershed Council is holding a public meeting to discuss PFAS being detected in Dexter-area wastewater. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

Chloride from excessive road salt runoff is endangering several Ann Arbor creeks and other waterways. That’s the findings of a workgroup of the city’s Sustainability Commission. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Michigan will receive as much as $240 million as part of a legal settlement with the chemical company Monsanto to help clean up PCB contamination across the state. We have more from Rick Pluta.

The Willow Run Airport is among those dealing with PFAS contamination. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has placed the airport within the state’s environmental mitigation efforts tied to aviation contamination. Willow Run will get a $250,000 grant to test and monitor for current pollution and to control or reduce additional contamination and to evaluate clean-up strategies. WEMU's David Fair spoke with EGLE Senior Geologist Eric Larson about the problem and potential solutions to aviation PFAS contamination at Willow Run and around the state.

While we ring in the New Year, 2026 will see a continuation of many of the same environmental issues we experienced through 2025. But this year is also a mid-term election year, and that could further complicate issues. 48th District State Representative Jennifer Conlin discusses what may come in 2026. The Ann Arbor Democrat joined WEMU's David Fair and co-host Lisa Wozniak to explore current and new challenges.

The Ypsilanti City Council tonight is expected to start the next phase of the Water Street redevelopment project. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

County water management officials are asking residents to drop off any hazardous household waste at their disposal location in Scio Township this Saturday. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

Bills passed in the Michigan Senate Tuesday would raise fees for dumping certain types of hazardous waste in the state. Colin Jackson has more.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has kicked off the new public comment period regarding the proposed expansion of Wayne Disposal in Van Buren Township. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.