Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Wildfire smoke from Canada has led to hazardous air quality in Michigan, prompting closures of government offices, courts, and events like the Rx Kids Baby Parade. The Upper Peninsula faces 'Hazardous' conditions, while the Lower Peninsula experiences 'Very Unhealthy' air quality, with officials advising residents to limit outdoor activities.

Michigan regulators approved key permits for Enbridge Energy's Line 5 tunnel project in the Straits of Mackinac, arguing it is necessary to prevent oil spills in the Great Lakes. Opponents, including environmental and tribal groups, criticized the decision as environmentally and culturally harmful, citing destruction of wetlands and historic resources.

A 4Warn Weather Alert and Air Quality Alert have been extended through Friday in Southeast Michigan due to hazardous wildfire smoke, with air quality reaching record levels. The smoke contains PM2.5 particles, posing health risks to everyone, and officials advise staying indoors and avoiding outdoor exertion.

Michigan state agencies approved permits for Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel project, advancing the company's efforts to construct a utility tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. Tribes and environmental advocates oppose the project, citing risks of oil spills and unstable geological conditions, while Enbridge claims the tunnel will mitigate future anchor strike risks.

State regulators approved two environmental permits for Enbridge Inc.’s Great Lakes Tunnel Project, allowing the company to replace a segment of Line 5 pipeline with a tunnel beneath the Straights of Mackinac. The permits include conditions to mitigate environmental impacts, but environmental groups argue the measures are insufficient to address risks of oil spills and ecological harm.

Metro Detroit and Michigan are experiencing hazardous air quality due to smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires and northern Minnesota fires. Michigan officials have issued an air quality alert and advised residents to limit outdoor activities, while Canada reports over 850 active wildfires, 113 of which are out of control.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources issued key permits for Enbridge’s proposed Line 5 tunnel, despite acknowledging the project’s 'significant impacts.'

Canadian wildfire smoke has triggered a statewide air quality alert in Michigan, with residents experiencing smoky smells and hazy skies. Wayne County leads monitoring efforts, and officials warn conditions may worsen, urging people to limit outdoor activity. Health concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups like infants, are highlighted.

Brian Powell, a Brighton man, was sentenced to two years' probation for falsifying water safety reports at Michigan mobile home parks. He pleaded guilty to three counts of forgery and violated the Safe Drinking Water Act by submitting falsified test results for private water systems.

Detroit is experiencing dangerously high ozone levels due to heat and pollution, leading to severe health impacts like asthma. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) issued air quality alerts but faces criticism for ignoring long-term industrial and transportation pollution. Ozone concentrations in Detroit have consistently exceeded EPA standards, with asthma hospitalizations significantly higher than statewide averages.

Scientists confirmed the invasive bloody red shrimp, originally from Eastern Europe, has spread to all five Great Lakes, including Lake Superior. The shrimp, introduced by cargo ships, is half an inch long, bright red, and changes its diet as it matures. Ceci Weibert from Michigan's environmental department discussed the issue in an interview.

A Canadian-owned waste oil reclamation company, Aevitas Specialty Services Corp., plans to reopen and expand a Detroit facility after a 2025 fire caused by electrical failure led to its closure. Residents report significantly improved air quality post-closure, citing persistent odor complaints linked to sulfuric compounds used in the facility’s operations. The company faces 64 air complaint investigations and multiple violation notices from Michigan’s EGLE since 2012, with community opposition to its reopening plans.

A coalition of over 200 Great Lakes business owners opposes Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project following a 1,900-gallon drilling fluid spill in Wisconsin. The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and environmental advocates argue the spill violates permits and threatens tribal lands, while Enbridge claims the cleanup is underway and compliance is ongoing.

Environmental advocacy groups in Michigan are appealing a court ruling that invalidated parts of a permit regulating factory farm waste management. The court, led by Judge Richard Garcia, struck down regulations added by the state's environmental director but upheld others, including winter waste application bans. The groups argue the decision conflicts with legal precedents and undermines environmental protections.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a groundwater cleanup plan for BASF’s site in Wyandotte, Michigan, addressing contaminants like heavy metals, PFAS, and organic compounds. The plan includes perimeter barriers, groundwater extraction, and on-site treatment, with construction starting in 2027. Local groups have long criticized pollution at the site, which borders the Detroit River and a drinking water intake.

The public comment period for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel wastewater permit ends Tuesday, with environmental groups opposing the discharge of 7 million gallons of treated industrial wastewater into the Great Lakes daily. Enbridge claims the project includes environmental safeguards and AI monitoring, but critics question the adequacy of these measures to protect the lakes.

Michigan awarded over $3.5 million in brownfield grants to Ann Arbor, Oak Park, Holland, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo for redevelopment projects expected to create 80 jobs and 378 housing units. Projects include demolishing contaminated sites, expanding public transit, and constructing affordable housing.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging immediate disposal of 'Monkee' Orb Funkee-brand squeeze toys recalled for potential asbestos contamination. Sold at Walmart and Ollies Bargain Outlet, the toys pose health risks due to asbestos exposure, with specific disposal instructions provided for intact or damaged items.

The EPA and Michigan are providing $6.5 million and $3.5 million respectively to clean up contaminated sediment and restore habitat along the Detroit River. The project focuses on Upper Trenton Harbor and other sites within the 700-acre Detroit River Area of Concern, aiming to address 3.5 million cubic yards of toxic sediment containing bacteria, PCBs, metals, oil, and grease.

Marathon Petroleum and MPLX seek permits to expand operations in Detroit’s 48217 zip code, which would increase emissions of ozone-forming pollutants and sulfur dioxide. State officials assert they must approve permits meeting health standards regardless of cumulative pollution impacts, while residents argue the process ignores their community’s existing industrial burden. Proposed legislation aims to require consideration of regional health impacts before issuing permits.