[dailynews] April 15, 2011

Great Lakes Daily News: April 15, 2011
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/


Lakes advocates express relief
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The nonprofit group Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition expressed 
relief that a spending bill passed in the House, and nearing enactment, 
preserved more funding for Great Lakes restoration than House Republicans 
initially proposed. Source: Watertown Daily Times (4/15)


Quagga mussels: 950 trillion tiny time bombs in our lakes?
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Quagga mussels are widely regarded as the most destructive invasive species 
to colonize the Great Lakes, surpassing even the ravenous sea lamprey. 
Source: Muskegon Chronicle (4/15)


Lake Huron walleye numbers increase
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In Lake Huron, the first match might have gone to the invasive species --  
zebra and quagga mussels, sea lamprey and worse -- but now we're in the 
first round of the rematch. Source: Port Huron Times Herald (4/15)


Algoma completes acquisition of Upper Lakes Group interests in SMT
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Under the terms of the transaction, Algoma has acquired 11 vessels outright 
and has acquired ULG's interest in four jointly owned vessels. In addition, 
Algoma acquired ULG's interest in a fifth vessel that is currently under 
construction in China. Source: CNW (4/15)


Hydro power's dirty side
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Lost in the politics of dam building are the rivers. From the Ontario border 
to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, only three major or mid-size rivers have not 
been harnessed for their electric power. Once Hydro-Quebec finishes damming 
the Romaine, it plans giant hydro dams for the neighbouring Petit Mecatina 
and Magpie Rivers. Source: Montreal Gazette (4/15)


US researchers say location of algae ponds could boost output, cut water use
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Researchers at the US Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National 
Laboratory have found that siting algae growing facilities in the Gulf 
Coast, Southeastern seaboard and Great Lakes states could significantly 
boost the production of algae-based fuels. Source: Platts (4/14)


COMMENTARY: Offshore wind is about balance
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The key to successful offshore wind development in the Great Lakes will be 
balance: finding middle ground between blanket opposition and support. 
Source: Rochester City Newspaper (4/14)


What do Lake Michigan salmon, quagga mussels and rabbits in Great Britain 
have in common?
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Unlike most of their fellow invasives, salmon were brought here 
intentionally, and their introduction is widely regarded as a success. But 
there is an irony that the health of the salmon fishery depends in large 
part on whether other invasive species are held in check. Source: Grand 
Rapids Press (4/14)


Judge dismisses Town of Waukesha lawsuit against WI DNR
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The city is looking to install five high-capacity wells on the property in 
the town. The wells would either be used as a back up water supply if the 
city obtains Great Lakes water or the wells could be used on a permanent 
basis if the city does not receive Lake Michigan water. Source: Waukesha 
Patch (4/14)


Update on Zion IL nuclear site in aftermath of Japanese disaster
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State Sen. Susan Garrett, D-Lake Forest, along with many other Lake 
Countians, has been wondering what's going on in decommissioning the former 
Zion Nuclear Reactor site on the shores of Lake Michigan. They received some 
answers at a forum held Saturday. Source: Lake Forester (4/14)


Avon Lake, OH seeks to keep Asian carp out of Lake Erie
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Avon Lake City Council passed a resolution April 11 urging "immediate 
 action" from the state of Ohio and the federal government to close the 
locks in Illinois and put in dam structures preventing any water flow 
between Lake Michigan and associated waterways. Source: Avon Lake Patch 
(4/14)


Scuba school proposed on St. Lawrence at Ogdensburg
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A decade-old proposal to set up a scuba diving school on the St. Lawrence 
River has been resurrected, with its supporters insisting the time is right 
now that the desired property has a clean bill of environmental health. 
Source: Watertown Daily Times (4/14)


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