Summer Gasoline Rules Take Effect on Saturday

Summer Gasoline Rules Take Effect on Saturday

by | May 28, 2024 | Environmental

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For immediate release: May 28, 2024      
Media contact: Chelsea Lewis-Parisio, 517-331-1151

Reminder: Summer Gasoline Rules Take Effect on Saturday, June 1 in Southeast Michigan

LANSING, MI – Ozone monitoring will return to eight counties in Southeast Michigan as extra measures are implemented to lower smog levels in the area. Effective Saturday, June 1, 2024, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties must only sell or dispense gas that does not exceed 7.0 pounds per square inch vapor pressure.

The summer gasoline program was introduced in 1996 due to monitored violations of the National Ambient Air Quality for ozone in the Detroit area, as outlined in the EPA’s Clean Air Act. Enforcing the low-RVP requirement by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development ensures Michigan continues to receive federal highway funding dollars.

“Governor Whitmer has taken bold actions to protect Michigan’s environment, which we echo at MDARD,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Our department is committed to protecting Michigan’s environment as our industry continues to implement climate-smart practices focused on combating climate change in Michigan.”

MDARD, as part of its duties under Michigan’s Motor Fuel Quality Act, Public Act 44 of 1984, is charged with enforcing ozone protection measures and assuring the quality of the gasoline being dispensed in the state.

“Summer formula gasoline increases fuel efficiency and helps prevent smog-causing compounds from being released into the atmosphere,” said Craig VanBuren, Laboratory and Consumer Protection Bureau Director. “MDARD inspectors will conduct on-site testing during the summer gas season, which runs from June 1 to September 15.”

Anyone who suspects problems at the pump is encouraged to call MDARD’s 24-hour hotline for reporting complaints, 1-800-MDA-FUEL (1-800-632-3835). For information on gasoline, please visit: MDARD – Gasoline Information – michigan.gov

For additional information on MDARD’s Weights and Measures Program, please visit:  MDARD – Weights and Measures (michigan.gov)
Tips to stay healthy during poor air quality days

Tips to stay healthy during poor air quality days

by | May 21, 2024 | Environmental

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2024

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS offers tips to stay healthy during poor air quality days

 

LANSING, Mich. – As the 2024 North American wildfire season continues and warmer weather increases the risk of higher ozone levels, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is providing Michigan residents steps to take to protect themselves from risks related to poor air quality.

 

“Last summer, Michigan experienced unique levels of poor air quality due to smoke from neighboring Canadian wildfires,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “This year, in the event that wildfire smoke reaches Michigan again, we urge residents to be proactive in checking the Air Quality Index online regularly to determine if there are any actions they should take. Other than the risk of wildfire smoke, it is still helpful to monitor the Air Quality Index for poor air quality due to other hazards such as ozone.”

The Air Quality Index (AQI), which can be found on the AirNow website, is a color-coded way for residents to see what the levels of some types of air pollution are in their area. Higher AQI values indicate there is a higher concentration of pollutants in the air and a need for Michiganders to take steps to protect their health.

Residents can also sign up for alerts through the EnviroFlash system. This subscriber system allows you to choose the area you would like to get alerts for, and it will send them directly to your email or through a text message.

Before a wildfire smoke event, MDHHS recommends you:

  • Familiarize yourself with your forced air HVAC system or your window air conditioning unit. If it has a fresh air intake or outdoor air damper, you will need to close it during a smoke event.
  • Ensure you have replacement air filters that are rated MERV-13 or higher.
  • Consider purchasing a portable air cleaner. If you do not have one, you can make a do-it-yourself air filter.
  • Help neighbors and family members make a plan for possible wildfire smoke.
  • If you have asthma or other respiratory illnesses, heart disease, diabetes or another health condition that may make you more sensitive to wildfire smoke, talk to your health care provider ahead of time to make a plan.
  • Children under the age of 18, pregnant people, outdoor workers and older people (age 60+) are also more at risk. Talk to your health care provider ahead of time to make a plan.
  • Check your local fire risk and read tips from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for preventing wildfires in Michigan.

During a poor air quality day, take action to protect your health based on the AQI Index. Some recommendations may include:

  • Reduce the time you are active outdoors.
  • Consider less intense activities that require less physical exertion.
  • If ozone levels are unhealthy, schedule outdoor activities for the morning or evening when ozone levels are usually lower.
  • In the event of wildfire smoke, avoid activities that create more fine particles indoors, including smoking cigarettes; using gas, propane or wood-burning stoves and furnaces; frying or broiling food; and burning candles or incense.
  • In the event of wildfire smoke, create a clean air room. If you can’t stay cool at home, the electricity goes out or too much smoke is still getting in your home, it may be best to seek shelter elsewhere. Call Michigan 211 information on cooling centers.

For additional guidance on protecting your health during poor air quality visit the MDHHS Health and Wildfire webpage.
EGLE: Septic Replacement Loan Program

EGLE: Septic Replacement Loan Program

by | May 21, 2024 | Environmental

 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2024
Jeff Johnston, EGLE Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-231-9304
Lauren Detwiler, VVK PR + Creative, [email protected], 248-884-1421
Anne Mitchell, SRLP Manager, [email protected], 517-914-4254

EGLE and Michigan Saves launch Septic Replacement Loan Program

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has partnered with Michigan Saves, the nation’s first nonprofit green bank, to offer financing for the replacement of failing or near-failing septic systems through the Septic Replacement Loan Program (SRLP).  The program provides low-interest financing options for loans up to $50,000 to Michigan homeowners looking to replace their septic systems.

“A working septic system is an essential part of a home,” said Anne Mitchell, Septic Replacement Loan Program Manager at EGLE. “According to a 2024 Bankrate survey, 56% of Americans struggle to cover a $1,000 emergency, so we’re thrilled to offer this financial benefit to anyone facing the daunting task of replacing a failing septic system.”

A failing septic system can back up wastewater into homes, posing serious health risks. Failing septic systems discharge untreated wastewater, posing environmental risks such as the contamination of surface water and drinking water resources. This poses a significant health risk, especially to children who may come into contact with dangerous bacteria and viruses. To address this issue, the SRLP offers affordable loan options to homeowners to help them overcome the unexpected financial burden of septic system replacement.

The Michigan Legislature has allocated $35 million to EGLE’s Onsite Wastewater Management Unit for the development and implementation of the statewide program. EGLE has partnered with Michigan Saves to develop and manage the SRLP. This collaboration ensures that the program adheres to EGLE’s program minimum standards, assuring that supported septic systems are evaluated, designed, and installed to be protective of both public and environmental health.

“Michigan Saves is honored to be selected to manage the Septic Replacement Loan Program in collaboration with our partners at EGLE,” said Chanell Scott Contreras, president and CEO of Michigan Saves. “With the launch of income-qualified loans, we’re ensuring the process of replacing failing septic systems becomes more equitable, providing financial support where it’s needed most and leveling the playing field for all Michigan families.”

The SRLP is divided into two tiers: income-based financing (Tier One) and market-based loans (Tier Two). Loans will range up to $30,000 per project for Tier One and up to $50,000 per project for Tier Two, with rates, terms, and loan amounts varying. To be eligible for the program, septic systems must be permitted by the local health department in accordance with EGLE’s program minimum standards and be installed by a Michigan Saves authorized septic installation contractor.

Through the initiative, EGLE and Michigan Saves aim to protect Michigan’s water resources and safeguard the well-being of its residents. They are committed to ensuring all Michigan homeowners have access to safe and reliable septic systems.

For more information about the SRLP, to find a Michigan Saves authorized contractor, and to begin the financing process for septic system replacement, please visit MichiganSaves.org/Septic/.

To stay up to date on other EGLE news, follow us at Michigan.gov/MIEnvironment.
EGLE: Septic Replacement Loan Program

State wins $1.9 million federal award

by | Apr 29, 2024 | Environmental

 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2024
Jeff Johnston, EGLE Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-231-9304

State wins $1.9 million federal award to support local renewable energy planning and deployment

EGLE to launch the Michigan Renewable Energy Academy to provide community support

Michigan is set to launch the Michigan Renewable Energy Academy (REA) with new resources from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The State will receive $1.9 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Renewable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program to improve planning, siting, and permitting processes for large-scale renewable energy facilities.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will lead the REA in partnership with the University of Michigan’s Graham Sustainability Institute, Michigan State University Extension, 5 Lakes Energy, and the Michigan Association of Planning.

“This investment from the U.S. Department of Energy is another tool to help Michigan communities continue to build out renewable energy at the scope and scale necessary to meet the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, the state’s climate action roadmap,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “EGLE’s Renewable Energy Academy will be a one-stop-shop where communities can receive technical assistance and support as they pursue more sustainable, clean energy resources.”

The academy will be a community-centered resource for expertise in renewable energy siting, providing technical aid at no out-of-pocket cost to Michigan communities. The program will prioritize local participation and capacity building, especially to underserved communities, and help local and tribal governments navigate the complexities and harness the benefits of hosting renewable energy facilities.

“Clean wind and solar energy and storage systems are keys to a climate-healthy future for our state and world,” said Liz Browne, director of EGLE’s Materials Management Division. “EGLE and its partners in the Michigan REA are ready to offer guidance and expertise to communities for renewable energy planning and siting.”

Nationally, seven states will share a total of $10 million through R-STEP to develop and expand statewide initiatives comparable to the REA. These collaboratives will bring together stakeholders from all perspectives in the energy planning process: state and regional agencies, universities, developers, technical experts, public service commissions, farmers, unions, tribes, community organizations, and others. Learn more online about the selected state-based collaboratives, including the full list of partners.

The DOE also announced it will open a second round of the program with up to $12 million available for states.

In Michigan, R-STEP dollars will fund a consolidation of all resources, services, and experts relevant to energy planning and zoning into the one-stop shop with the REA.

These R-STEP dollars complement existing EGLE efforts to support communities in playing a role in the clean energy transition and helping Michigan meet the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, including the Catalyst Communities program and the recently announced Renewable Ready Communities Award funding opportunity.

Through a grant from EGLE, the University of Michigan’s Graham Sustainability Institute – one of the state’s partners on the REA – already is promoting a menu of offerings and services for communities that includes an introduction to renewables planning and zoning for elected and appointed officials, a series of mini-workshops on zoning for principal- and accessory-use wind and solar, tours of renewable energy sites, individualized presentations and workshops for township and county officials with no out-of-pocket cost, no-charge reviews of zoning ordinances, and more.

To meet the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan and recently enacted laws that require 100% renewable energy by 2040, removing barriers to rapid renewable deployment is critical. Enabling large-scale renewable energy projects can unlock opportunities for community wealth-building, create good-paying jobs and support workforce development, increase grid resilience and energy independence, and support electricity bill savings, especially in rural or underserved communities.

R-STEP is funded by the DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office and Wind Energy Technologies Office. The DOE website also includes more information about large-scale renewable energy siting.

Learn more about renewable energy initiatives in Michigan on EGLE’s Renewable Energy webpage.
EGLE: Septic Replacement Loan Program

27 grants to conduct stream cleanups and monitoring

by | Apr 22, 2024 | Environmental

 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2024
Jeff Johnston, EGLE Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-231-9304
Tamara Lipsey, Aquatic Biologist, [email protected], 517-342-4372

EGLE awards 27 grants to conduct stream cleanups and monitoring

More than $100,000 will help local governments and nonprofit organizations improve Michigan waterways

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) today announced $102,273 through 27 grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations for stream cleanup and monitoring through the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) Program. These annual grants help foster local stewardship and a sense of community while providing valuable data used to protect Michigan’s waters.

The MiCorps Volunteer Stream Cleanup Program provides grants to local units of government to clean and improve Michigan waterways. Local governments often partner with nonprofits or other volunteer groups for the cleanups, which include removal of trash and other manmade debris from streams and stream banks.

The cleanup grant program began in 1998 and is funded by fees from the sale of Michigan’s specialty water quality protection license plates, available from the Secretary of State’s Office.

The local governments selected to receive cleanup funding in 2024 are:

  • City of Ann Arbor, $4,020.
  • City of Battle Creek, $2,878.
  • City of Ecorse, $5,000.
  • City of Lansing, $5,000.
  • Grand Traverse Conservation District, $2,168.
  • Macatawa Coordinating Council, $3,540.
  • Muskegon Conservation District, $2,663.
  • Newaygo Conservation District $5,000.
  • Ottawa County Water Resources, $1,250.
  • Joseph Conservation District, $1,926.
  • Shiawassee County Health Department, $5,000.
  • Van Buren Conservation District, $1,708.

The MiCorps Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program provides grants to enable local governments and nonprofits to conduct volunteer-based water quality and stream habitat monitoring through benthic macroinvertebrate surveys and habitat assessments. Three types of monitoring grants are available. Startup grants get groups started with learning and planning, implementation grants fund the first two years of official monitoring, and maintenance grants help groups that are already monitoring replace equipment and continue their program.

The Ottawa Conservation District received a startup grant of $4,701. The Barry Conservation District received an implementation grant of $19,923. Receiving maintenance grants are:

  • Berrien Conservation District, $3,000.
  • Clinton River Watershed Council, $3,000.
  • Friends of the Rouge, $3,000.
  • Grass River Natural Area, Inc., $1,839.
  • Kalamazoo Nature Center, $3,000.
  • Little Forks Conservancy, $2,999.41.
  • Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, $2,999.
  • Manistee Conservation District, $3,000.
  • Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, $2,932.55.
  • The University of Olivet, $2,964.
  • The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, $3,000.
  • Tip of the Mitt, $3,000.
  • Joseph Conservation District, $2,760.

EGLE established MiCorps in 2004 to engage the public in collecting water quality data for use in water resources management and protection programs. MiCorps is administered for EGLE by Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association and Huron River Watershed Council.

Questions about the grant award process should be directed to Dr. Paul Steen, Huron River Watershed Council, 734-519-0449 or [email protected]; or Tamara Lipsey, Lake Michigan Unit, Great Lakes Watershed Assessment, Restoration, and Management Section, Water Resources Division, EGLE, 517-342-4372 or [email protected].

To stay up to date on other EGLE news, follow us at Michigan.gov/MIEnvironment.
$2M for Scrap Tire Market Development Grants

$2M for Scrap Tire Market Development Grants

by | Apr 2, 2024 | Environmental

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2024
Kirsten Clemens, Coordinator, Scrap Tire Program, [email protected] or 517‑614‑7431
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278

EGLE awards $2M for Scrap Tire
Market Development Grants

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced the funding of more than $2 million in grants to develop new markets for used vehicle tires.  When illegal dumping in the environment occurs, scrap tires pose both a fire hazard and a human health risk as a mosquito breeding ground.

These scrap tire grants support building sustainable markets for recycled tire materials in Michigan. Grants have traditionally included support for essential equipment and materials that aid in the establishment of new markets, including various manufacturing processes, implementation and testing of paving materials, energy generation, and other innovative approaches.

These grants contribute to a more sustainable business model for the scrap tire industry through increased market opportunities for scrap tire processors, end users, and manufacturers.  This fiscal year funding will be used to support the following projects:

Entech Inc.: $300,000

Equipment to support the expansion of the use of rubber modified surface treatment for roads.

St. Joseph County Road Commission: $202,860

To apply 18.14 lane miles of rubber modified surface treatment.

Michigan Technological University: $210,070

Research partnership to install and study rubber modified rubber epoxy concrete on a bridge deck in St. Clair County as a lightweight bridge decking preservation method.

Washtenaw County Road Commission: $377,877

Rubber modified asphalt paving of four lane miles of Golfside Road between Packard Road and Clark Road that will utilize over 7,600 scrap tires. This project will be a research partnership with Michigan Technological University.

Clinton County Road Commission: $450,000

Portable small-scale blending unit for devulcanized rubber modified hot mix asphalt binder, which will be used on 3.66 lane miles of Airport Road from Grand River Avenue to Herbison Road. This project will be a research partnership with Michigan State University.

Road Commission of Kalamazoo County: $499,999

This will be used to apply approximately 20 land miles of rubber modified surface treatment.

Match funding for partnership grant: $25,000

Match funding for the Michigan Department of Transportation’s State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC) grant, in partnership with the County Road Association of Michigan (CRA), related to Rubber Modified Asphalt and Rubber Modified Surface Treatment for roads.

For more information, call the EGLE’s Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278, or visit Michigan’s Scrap Tire Program: Mi.gov/ScrapTires.

To stay up to date on other EGLE news follow us at Michigan.gov/MiEnvironment.