MiCorps volunteer stream cleanup

MiCorps volunteer stream cleanup

by | Feb 2, 2022 | Environmental
EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 2, 2022
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278
Tamara Lipsey, Aquatic Biologist, [email protected], 517-342-4372

MiCorps volunteer stream cleanup
and monitoring grants available

The Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps), a network of volunteer monitoring programs that collect and share surface water quality data throughout the state, is accepting 2022 funding proposals for two grant programs.

Volunteer Stream Cleanup Program:  A total of $25,000 (ranging from $500 to $5,000) is available for grants to support local units of government in efforts to clean up garbage from Michigan’s rivers, streams and creeks. This program is funded by fees from the sale of Michigan’s specialty water quality protection license plates, available from the Secretary of State’s Office.

Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program:  A total of $75,000 is available across three grant types for volunteer benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring and habitat assessment in wadeable streams and rivers. Local units of government and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. These grant types include:

  • Startup Grants: These grants are for organizations that seek to learn the MiCorps monitoring protocols and set themselves up to submit successful Implementation grant proposals in future years. There is a maximum amount of $5,000 per grant award for one-year projects under this funding area.
  • Implementation Grants: These funds support volunteer training and macroinvertebrate data collection for the purpose of assessing water quality that helps state and local efforts to protect and manage water resources. Grants may be used to fund a monitoring coordinator and/or to buy water quality monitoring supplies. There is a maximum amount of $20,000 per grant award for two-year projects under this funding area.
  • Maintenance Grants: These one-year grants are for groups that are already monitoring with MiCorps procedures. Funds can pay for staff time, equipment, and travel to MiCorps trainings and conferences and are a maximum of $2,000.

The request for proposals for each of the grant opportunities can be found at the MiCorps Stream Monitoring and Cleanup Grants page. With the exception of the startup grants, the grants require a 25 percent local match commitment.

Grant applications are due by 5 p.m. March 7, 2022. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for funding. Questions about the grant application process should be directed to Dr. Paul Steen, Huron River Watershed Council, at 734-769-5123 or [email protected]; or Tamara Lipsey, Lake Michigan Unit, Surface Water Assessment Section, Water Resources Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, at 517-342-4372 or [email protected].

The MiCorps program was established in 2004 to assist EGLE in collecting water quality data for use in water resources management and protection programs.

Whitmer declares January 2022 Radon Action Month

by | Jan 6, 2022 | Environmental

EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 6, 2022
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278
Jill A. Greenberg, EGLE spokesperson, [email protected], 517-897-4965
Leslie E. Smith, III, Indoor Radon Specialist, [email protected], 800-723-6642

Gov. Whitmer declares January 2022 Radon Action Month in Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared January 2022 as Radon Action Month in Michigan, and she encourages all Michigan residents to learn more about this environmental hazard and test their homes during the heating season.

You cannot see, smell or taste radon, and there are no short-term side effects that could cause alarm or warn of its presence. However, long-term exposure to radon increases the risk of developing lung cancer, which accounts for more deaths in both men and women than any other form of cancer in the United States, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), which aims to increase awareness of health risks associated with elevated indoor radon levels, promote home testing and encourage citizens to take action to reduce exposure once elevated radon levels are found.

Behind smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and considered a leading environmental cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon is responsible for about 20,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year. The risk of lung cancer from radon exposure is higher for people who smoke than for people who don’t smoke. However, the USEPA estimates that more than 10 percent of radon-related cancer deaths occur among people who have never smoked cigarettes.

Radon testing takes on increased importance due to many Michiganders now working from home. Testing is easy, inexpensive and the only way to determine if a radon problem exists. Residents are encouraged to test for radon every two to five years. If a radon mitigation system was previously installed in the home, residents are encouraged to test every two years to make sure that radon levels remain in the acceptable range.

One in every four Michigan homes is expected to have radon levels exceeding the federal action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter. Elevated radon levels have been found in all 83 Michigan Counties. Radon poses a serious threat to our community’s health, but high radon concentrations also are easily fixed.

For more information about radon testing and other information, including resources for homeowners builders, realtors, teachers and healthcare providers, go to Michigan.gov/Radon, or call EGLE’s Indoor Radon hotline at 800-RADONGAS or 800-723-6642.

To receive updates on other EGLE news, go to Michigan.gov/MIEnvironment.
MiCorps volunteer stream cleanup

Grants available for counties to improve materials management

by | Nov 1, 2021 | Environmental

EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 1, 2021
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278
Materials Management Planning, EGLE-MaterialsManagementPlanning@michigan.gov

EGLE grants available for counties to improve materials management in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy today announces a new materials management grant for counties. The purpose of this grant is to help counties transition from Solid Waste Management Plans to more comprehensive Materials Management Plans and to engage counties in future planning activities.

Currently, Michigan uses outdated Solid Waste Management Plans that focus on ensuring waste disposal capacity for each county. Michigan is evolving to recognize waste as a resource and focus on comprehensive materials management, including recycling, composting and other more sustainable management practices.

This grant will require grantees to complete several tasks designed to prepare counties or regions to think about the flow of materials in anticipation of updating their Solid Waste Management Plans to Materials Management Plans in the future.

Completing these activities will help counties to:

  • Create partnerships within regions and counties.
  • Understand current materials management gaps and challenges.
  • Highlight future changes to the planning process.
  • Outline steps that can occur now at the county/regional level to assist with the development of future materials management programs and infrastructure.

Counties are encouraged to collaborate regionally. Counties that work together will receive $12,000 per county. Counties that work alone are eligible to receive $10,000.

For more information on the grant requirements, review the MMCE Grant Requirements and Deliverables.

To apply for this grant, submit a Notice of Funding through Survey Monkey.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/EGLEM3.

To stay up to date on other EGLE news follow us at Michigan.gov/MIEnvironment
MiCorps volunteer stream cleanup

EGLE creation of external technical panel

by | Oct 1, 2021 | Environmental

 
EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2021
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278

EGLE announces creation of external technical panel to advise on lead reduction, corrosion control in municipal drinking water systems

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) today announced the creation of a panel of drinking water experts to advise the agency on lead reduction strategies.

The announcement comes as the state accelerates efforts to reduce lead exposures caused by aging water distribution infrastructure in several communities throughout the state, with the ultimate goal of removing lead contamination from Michigan drinking water statewide.

The seven-member panel of technical experts will bolster EGLE’s ongoing effort to advise drinking water systems with aging lead service lines on effective corrosion control strategies.  The panel will report to EGLE’s Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division (DWEHD), which regulates 2,685 public drinking water systems under the state’s Lead and Copper Rule (LCR).

“Corrosion control is particularly important in many communities where older, outdated water treatment infrastructure creates challenges in keeping lead out of drinking water. Those older systems often serve communities of color and low-income neighborhoods, many of which are disproportionately impacted by health and environmental challenges,” said EGLE director Liesl Clark. “EGLE is already in action helping cities and towns across the state where lead levels exceed regulatory standards. This panel will be an added asset in ensuring the best water treatment programs are in place for communities while we move aggressively toward total replacement of these lead service lines.”

Lead in old service lines and home plumbing can enter the drinking water through various mechanisms related to the corrosivity of the water. The LCR requires systems to provide corrosion control when they exceed the federal lead or copper action level. Phosphate is typically added, which coats the old plumbing materials and prevents water from contacting the metals. This corrosion control is intended to limit leaching of metals into drinking water to protect Michiganders while a statewide effort is underway to eliminate all lead service lines.

Among potential roles of the panel:

  • Provide advice on strategies to ensure compliance with LCR corrosion protection requirements at drinking water systems where corrosion protection is triggered, is not effective or needs to be optimized
  • Provide input into the selection and optimization of corrosion protection methods
  • Advise on interim actions that would be most effective to ensure public protection while corrosion protection is implemented
  • Recommend and assess corrosion control studies and evaluate corrosion protection effectiveness
  • Identify metrics used to assess corrosion control effectiveness
  • Provide general guidance on implementing the LCR, which requires sampling and implements timelines when an action level is exceeded

EGLE is in the process of selecting academic and water system engineering experts for the panel and expects to recruit experts both from within and outside the state. The panel will meet on a regular schedule and be available as a resource to EGLE on an as-needed basis.
Do your part and be SepticSmart!

Do your part and be SepticSmart!

by | Sep 16, 2021 | Environmental

EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 16, 2021
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278

Dale Ladouceur, Environmental Quality Specialist, [email protected], 517-242-4010

Do your part and be SepticSmart!

Governor Whitmer declares September 20-24 as SepticSmart Week

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed September 20-24, 2021, as SepticSmart Week.  On Monday, September 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) – in conjunction with federal, state, and local governments, and private sector partners – will kick off its ninth annual SepticSmart Week to encourage homeowners and communities to properly care for and maintain their septic systems EPA.gov/Septic.

More than 1.3 million homes and businesses in Michigan depend on septic systems to treat wastewater. If not maintained, failing septic systems can contaminate water resources and harm the environment by releasing bacteria, viruses, household chemicals and other pollutants to local waterways. Proper septic system maintenance protects public health, the environment, and saves the homeowner money by limiting costly repairs.

Simple tips for homeowners:

  • Protect It and Inspect It: Homeowners should generally have their system inspected every three years by a qualified professional or according to their state or local health department’s recommendations. Regular septic system maintenance can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs and protect public health.
  • Think at the Sink: What goes down the drain has a big impact on your septic system. Fats, grease, and solids can clog a system’s pipes and drainfield.
  • Don’t Overload the Commode: A toilet is not a trash can. Disposable diapers and wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, condoms, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, and cat litter can damage a septic system.
  • Don’t Strain Your Drain: Use water efficiently and stagger use of water-based appliances. Too much water use at once can overload a system that has not been pumped recently. Fix plumbing leaks and install faucet aerators and water-efficient products.
  • Shield Your Field: Tree and shrub roots, cars, and livestock can damage your septic drainfield.
  • Pump your Tank: Ensure your septic tank is pumped at regular intervals as recommended by a professional and/or local permitting authority.
  • Keep It Clean!: Contamination can occur when a septic system leaks due to improper maintenance. Be sure your drinking water is safe to drink by testing it regularly.The U.S. EPA’s SepticSmart Program educates homeowners about proper septic system care and maintenance all year long. In addition, it serves as an online resource for industry practitioners, local governments, and community organizations, providing access to tools to educate clients and residents.For information on Septic Systems, SepticSmart Week, or tips on how to properly maintain your septic system, visit Michigan.gov/EGLEOnsiteWastewater or the EGLE SepticSmart website at: EGLEOnsiteWastewater/SepticSmart.
NotMISpecies webinars, Register now for fall sessions

NotMISpecies webinars, Register now for fall sessions

by | Sep 13, 2021 | Environmental
Sept. 13, 2021

Contact: Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814

NotMISpecies webinars focus on phragmites and woody invasives

Register now for fall sessions

NotMISpecies webinar bannerManaging invasive plants, pests and animals in Michigan is a year-round endeavor. The Michigan Invasive Species Program’s NotMISpecies webinar series explores how agencies, universities and locally led organizations are working together to protect Michigan’s natural resources.

If you are concerned about the impacts of invasive species or interested in the techniques used to control them, join us as we examine species-specific actions, innovations in research and technology, and programs designed to help communities prevent and manage harmful invasive species.

Follow the link in each webinar title to register.

“Fowl play” (9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15) explores the work of protecting Michigan’s managed waterfowl hunt areas from the threat of invasive species including phragmites. DNR wildlife biologists Jeremiah Heise from Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area and Zach Cooley from Pointe Mouillee State Game Area share their experiences and techniques for managing and restoring Michigan’s Wetland Wonders to provide prime habitat for waterfowl viewing and hunting.

“Just do it!” (9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 21) offers an invitation to learn about invasive species management by volunteering for a state park stewardship workday. DNR natural resource stewards Kelsey Dillon and Emily Leslie will share information about the program and its focus on special habitat areas in need of protection. Fall opportunities include woody invasive plant removal at state parks. Learn how you can get involved in preserving your favorite places for future generations.

If you are new to the series, it’s easy to catch up on topics including collaborative efforts in invasive carp management, early detection and response for aquatic invasive species, and the threat posed by spotted lanternfly. Recorded versions of all previous NotMISpecies webinars are available at Michigan.gov/EGLEEvents under “Featured Webinar Series.”

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program, a collaborative effort of the departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development, coordinates and supports invasive species initiatives across the state and provides support through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.
Dept of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy logoDNR Logo 24 bit PNGMDARD Logo