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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.
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A federal appeals court heard arguments Thursday on whether the Michigan’s efforts to shut down Enbridge Line 5 belong in a state or federal court. We have more from Rick Pluta.
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There are a great number of positives when people operate and work on urban farms and community gardens: access to fresh and healthy foods, community building and reduced transportation needs in areas known as food deserts. A new study from the University of Michigan discovered some areas where improvement is needed with some urban farms and gardens creating a carbon footprint much greater than conventionally grown produce. WEMU's David Fair checked in with Benjamin Goldstein to learn more about the research and why it caused such an uproar. Goldstein is co-lead author of the study.
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Washtenaw County Water Resources to provide weekend opportunities for residents to dispose of their hazardous wastes at sanctioned drop-off locations. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more.
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State regulators would again have the power to create new water protection rules under legislation that made it out of a Michigan Senate committee Thursday. Colin Jackson has more.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed adding the Gelman Sciences site, also known as "The Plume," to the Superfund National Priorities List. We have more from WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert.
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There has been an intensified effort to invest in Michigan’s infrastructure. Certainly, you’ve noticed all of the road and bridge construction. There is much more work on being done on various kinds of infrastructure. Zach Kolodin is the state's chief infrastructure officer and the director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. He discussed the ongoing efforts with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak.
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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.
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The public is invited to learn more about Ann Arbor’s Home Energy Rating Disclosure, or “HERD” ordinance, at an informational meeting tonight. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more.
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Ann Arbor voters could decide in November if they want to a create a city-owned electric grid that uses only renewable energy. More from WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert.