[dailynews] March 4, 2013

Great Lakes Daily News: March 4, 2013
For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/


Could proposed iron mine be swallowed up in court?
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This week, Wisconsin's divisive mining bill will hit the Assembly floor and 
its likely path to Gov. Walker's desk. Critics of the bill maintain the 
environmental damage would outweigh the benefits of mining. Source: WUWM - 
Milwaukee, WI (3/4)


Enbridge declines to pay for new studies on oil spill damage
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The pipeline company responsible for the 2010 tar sands oil spill that 
fouled almost 40 miles of Michigan's Kalamazoo River is refusing to pay 
$800,000 to complete two new studies to assess the spill's damage. Source: 
Detroit Free Press (3/4)


Water levels could cause problems for future dredging
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The City of Alpena, Mich., is in line for an $800,000 grant to dredge the 
downtown harbor. The declining water levels in Lake Huron coupled with the 
fact that the harbor hasn't been dredged in more than 20 years is causing 
problems for larger vessels. Source: The Alpena News (3/3)


Can water save Milwaukee's economy?
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The old "rust belt" mainstays of Milwaukee, Wis. - like breweries, tanneries 
and meatpacking plants - have largely packed up and left. Now, the city is 
hoping water will be the key to designing an economy for Milwaukee's future. 
Source: WITI-TV - Milwaukee, WI (3/3)


Caution still advised when consuming fish from Muskegon, White lakes despite 
decreased contamination levels
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The Michigan Office of the Great Lakes announced that environmental cleanup 
operations have significantly reduced the level of pollutants in Muskegon 
Lake and White Lake. However, there are still fish advisories in place. 
Source: MLive (3/3)


Great Lakes levels up slightly, but 'boaters are going to be shocked'
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In February, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron bounced back slightly from 
all-time record lows set in January, according to preliminary numbers 
released last week. However, boaters are still advised to be careful on the 
water. Source: The Detroit News (3/1)


Group wants higher Lake Michigan-Huron level
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Restore Our Water International, an alliance of U.S. and Canadian groups, is 
demanding action to raise water levels in Lakes Michigan and Huron. Source: 
Duluth News Tribune (3/1)


100% of ships entering St. Lawrence Seaway had ballast water tested for 
invasive species, working group says
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The Great Lakes Ballast Water Working Group says that 100 percent of ships 
bound for the Great Lakes via the St. Lawrence Seaway from outside the 
200-mile coastal zone last year received a ballast tank exam. Source: North 
Country Now (3/1)


How the sequester might affect cleanup projects in the Great Lakes
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The $85 billion in federal budget cuts might affect environmental programs 
in Michigan, such as programs for clean water, air quality and toxic 
pollution, as well as programs for fish and wildlife protection. Source: 
Michigan Radio (2/28)

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