toxic chemicals

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.

A big crowd is expected Thursday at a Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy meeting. The topic is the license renewal and possible expansion of the Wayne Disposal hazardous waste landfill in Van Buren Township. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Legislative Democrats rolled out bills Monday to toughen Michigan’s pollution cleanup standards and force businesses that caused contamination to foot the bill even if it happened decades ago. Rick Pluta reports.

State officials are furthering their investigation of a PFAS contamination site discovered in Scio Township to determine its central cause. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

We have all learned how dangerous and harmful mercury exposure can be. Mercury has long been targeted by the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center. In fact, it is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the National Vehicle Switch Recovery Program it helped launch in 2006. This program was designed to remove mercury switches from vehicles before they were recycled, significantly reducing environmental contamination. WEMU's David Fair talked to the Ecology Center’s Jeff Gearhart about the program’s success and where we go from here.

14th District State Senator Sue Shink is taking aim at a lack of transparency when it comes to so-called "forever chemicals." The Northfield Township Democrat is pushing for the Michigan Legislature to require consumer products with PFAS have a warning label. Senator Shink provided details of what she wants to see on this week's "Issues of the Environment" with WEMU's David Fair.

The Michigan Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday on whether the state is following the law to include the costs of compliance in groundwater cleanup orders. Rick Pluta reports.

The Ypsilanti City Council heard an update Tuesday night regarding the cleanup of the lead and PCB contaminants at the Water Street parcel and when redevelopment might be able to take place. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Michigan Supreme Court will hear arguments today on a challenge to the state’s drinking water rules for PFAS. We have more from Rick Pluta.

The Ypsilanti City Council tonight will hear an update regarding the cleanup of the Water Street PCB contamination and hopefully move toward a redevelopment plan for the site. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.