-
The National PFAS Conference kicked off on Monday in Ann Arbor. The conference held every other year meets to work on solutions to eliminate the so-called “forever chemicals.” WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.
-
The National Conference on PFAS will take place in Ann Arbor from June 10th through June 12th. Experts from all around prepare to converge in Washtenaw County to discuss the best way forward in dealing with chemical contamination. 6th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell is one of the keynote speakers, and the Ann Arbor Democrat previews the event with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak.
-
Ann Arbor will serve as host to the National PFAS conference, which runs June 10th-12th at the Michigan League. Scientists, political leaders and environmental advocates will gather to discuss the best ways forward in dealing with toxic forever chemicals. Among them will be Robert Kerr, who is co-chair of the 2024 National PFAS Conference and Community Leader with the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network. He, along with WEMU's David Fair, previews the conference and why it's so important to Washtenaw County and the state of Michigan.
-
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.
-
Earth Day 2024 is right around the corner, and this year’s theme is “Planet vs. Plastics.” Advocates are calling for a global reduction of 60% in plastics manufacturing to protect the environment and human health. The Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center has been advocating for the introduction and passage of five bills in Michigan that will add teeth to plastic regulation in several important areas. Ecology Center director Mike Garfield joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss our future with plastics.
-
Michigan lawmakers and environmental activists are cheering the news of the first national drinking water standards for PFAS chemicals. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.
-
Ypsilanti Township is continuing legal action against a local, interstate materials hauling company. Last summer, a massive pile of a black, coal-like substance appeared on the property owned by OKD Transport. Since then, nearby testing has turned up toxic carcinogens. The property owner says independent testing has proven the substance to be non-hazardous. WEMU's David Fair talked with Ypsilanti Township attorney Douglas Winters about the ongoing issues and concerns.
-
Did you know that state and local governments collectively spend about $1.3 trillion each year in procurement? That’s products like furnishings, computers, vehicles and pens and staplers. Many of these products are harmful to the environment, and so now, there is a movement towards sustainable procurement policies. It turns out Ann Arbor is leading the way and being used as a model around the country. WEMU's David Fair talks sustainable procurement with Matt Naud. He was the first ever environmental coordinator for the City of Ann Arbor and is now Senior Consultant for the Ann Arbor-based Resource Recycling Systems.
-
Without thinking about it too much, we tend to accumulate a good amount of toxic chemicals in homes—cleaning products, batteries, gas and oil...all sorts of things. If improperly thrown away, these are all materials that can dramatically harm the environment, wildlife and human beings. That’s why there is an expanding home toxics disposal program in Washtenaw County. Learn all about it when WEMU's David Fair speaks to Washtenaw County Public Works Manager, Theo Eggermont.
-
The number of people camping has exploded since the onset of the pandemic. And, there are numerous benefits to getting out in nature. However, sleeping in your tent isn’t one of them. Tents are covered with cancer-causing, fire-retardant chemicals. Ann Arbor Democrat Jeff Irwin has successfully pushed a measure through the Michigan Senate to make it legal to sell tents without that toxic coating. He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss that issue and the ongoing fight to get a better legislative handle on more of the chemicals that pollute the environment and impact public health.