[dailynews] October 11, 2011

Great Lakes Daily News: October 11, 2011
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/


Mercury contamination in Great Lakes wildlife more widespread than thought
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Despite decades of cuts in mercury emissions which have led to a 20% decline 
in the presence of the contaminant, levels in some species have begun going 
up again in the last 10 years in the Great Lakes region, scientists said in 
a new report issued today. Source: Detroit Free Press (10/11)


Report: Mercury levels mostly down in Great Lakes but contamination still a 
problem
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Efforts to curb mercury contamination in the waters of the Great Lakes 
region have produced mixed results in recent decades. In some areas of the 
lakes, according to a new report, mercury remains a problem. And in fish and 
bird species in certain areas, mercury contamination levels have increased 
in recent years. Source: The Detroit News (10/11)


Despite tight budget, money to restore battered Great Lakes still flows - 
but how much longer?
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At a time when many federal programs are fighting for survival, money still 
flows to a long-sought Great Lakes cleanup. President Barack Obama has 
requested $350 million more for 2012, but it's uncertain what will happen 
with lawmakers deeply divided over government spending. Source: The 
Washington Post (10/11)


COMMENTARY: Lake Erie's ills call out for immediate attention
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Lake Erie's dead zone -- regions without enough oxygen to support life -- is 
now as large as it was when the lake was declared dead. Toxic and nuisance 
algae dominate the western end at levels not seen even back in the 1960s. 
What's going on? Are we going to let it die for real this time? Source: The 
Detroit Free Press (10/11)


Algae bloom/ fishery problems minimal in Lake Ontario and other local 
waterways
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What's the story with algae blooms and invasive species in Lake Ontario, 
Oneida Lake and other inland waterways around Central New York? Officials 
continue to keep a close watch on invasive species and the impacts of 
agriculture and other development. Source: The Syracuse Post-Standard 
(10/10)


Portage Creek restoration delayed by discovery of underground tanks, 
oil-saturated soil
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Restoration of a stretch of Portage Creek on Kalamazoo's south side has been 
delayed because of a surprising find. Excavation crews in early August 
discovered underground petroleum tanks and oil-saturated soil. Source: 
Kalamazoo Gazette (10/10)


Back to nature for detention pond
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Save the Dunes has received a $607,000 federal grant to naturalize the 
Thorgren detention basin, a joint project with the city of Valparaiso, Ind., 
that will improve local streams, provide wildlife habitat and ultimately 
protect Lake Michigan waters. Source: Post-Tribune (10/10)


Mining in Wisconsin: Promise or peril?
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Gogebic Taconite wants to bring mining back to Wisconsin, but only if the 
state agrees to change the way it regulates them - changes critics say could 
pose dangers to the state's water and air. Source: Madison State-Journal 
(10/10)


Drilling leases: Some wary, many welcoming
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The potential impact from hydrofracking, especially on the Finger Lakes 
region in New York, is becoming clearer. About 810,000 acres in the Finger 
Lakes - if put together, an area slightly larger than Rhode Island - has 
already been leased to natural gas companies. Source: Rochester Democrat and 
Chronicle (10/9)

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