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  1. Deborah Blower on

    This is terrible news. I remember all my childhood days vacationing at my grandparents cottage in Kalkaska County over 30 years ago.
    The area is beautiful and a place that many Michiganders visit on vacations.
    I see a bad future for the area after the frackers have done their damage.

    Reply
  2. Nancy on

    Thanks for publishing this. I’d love to hear the follow-up on the test results for the water safety that were submitted by Mr. Grobbel to the MDEQ lab!

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  3. flow admin on

    Thanks for pointing that out, Matt. Horizon books hosts the video on their site and it looks like it has expired! We will work on getting the video up permanently.

    Reply
  4. Sherri Lange on

    It is a shame that Maude will not protect the Great Lakes from industrial wind. We have asked her repeatedly to take a stand, but she is now aligned with promoters and takers of profits, such as Sierra. Shame. This will be the biggest threat to the Lakes in our lifetime. Let even one in, and the floodgates will open. Each turbine contains as much as 1000 gallons of oil and lubricants. They are the child of oil and gas. Manufactured and transported thousands of miles using oil and gas. Wrecking havoc on the water of China as they mine for highly toxic rare earth elements needed in the magnets. Totally contaminating, killing fields, for no meaningful energy. Please Maude, reconsider this.

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  5. Suz McLaughlin on

    So excited to see this…I always knew there were planning & zoning guidelines we could do at the local level to protect communities from fracking out our back door!

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  6. Carley J. on

    Please STOP fracking, ’cause it’s bad for the environment, and for you, and I, etc. Thank you for hopefully considering this? Take care and God bless. :>)

    Reply
  7. Ruth Lenz on

    This is such welcome news. We are so grateful for FLOW’s diligence and work on this. I wonder though how (and if) townships in Kalkaska Co. will stand behind their zoning authority to regulate these oil and gas activities in such an area where current fracturing wells reside.

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  8. David Sheaffer on

    I’m very pleased to see that communities are taking action at the local level since the federal government has refused to tighten regulations on natural gas drilling. Thank you FLOW for facilitating this and keep up the good work.

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  9. sandra dodgens on

    It is not one isolated thing that makes water vulnerable-but a culmination of years of abuse. It is going to take collective action to ensure the future of . I like having crisp, clear and clean well well water and wished that for more of the planet.

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  10. Jim Olson on

    Congratulations, FLOW, Allison Vogelsong and Eric Olson, our Communications Team. Thank you GLIN and Great Lakes Commission for your program.

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  11. James Bosch on

    Please review these developments, as well as any environmental assessments and protect the Great Lakes Watershed and Basin.

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  12. Barbara Spring on

    An oil spill under the straits of Mackinac would be much more serious than an oil spill in the Atlantic or Pacific. Except for Lake Superior, the oil could then contaminate four of our freshwater Great Lakes and their connecting waters and the life in and around them. Read more about this in my book, The Dynamic Great Lakes.

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  13. JoAnne Beemon on

    I was concerned about the actual composition of the product going through the pipes. They made the comment that pressure is less, even though the volume going through the pipes is more. Surfactants and Drag inhibitors are toxic in small amounts.

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  14. Bob Dunn on

    Good luck with Public Trust Doctrine, and Navigation Servitude trumping that on Enbridge Line #5 ….

    As with uncompensated accelerated outflow of our Michigan water resource thru Lake M/H via the St Clair River (from commercial ship dredgings) …. Governor Snyder and his chimps DNR Director Kreagh, and DEQ Submerged Lands Chief Tom Graf will not protect our water resource for future generations enjoyment … it’s too political for them !!!

    They certainly are not behaving like trustees. What the state is not doing to protect our water resource is criminal, and morally reprehensible.

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    • kootzie on

      there must be a way to enforce the responsibilities of the trustees – even in the cases of otherwise unemployable treasonists who occupy public office, are bound by oaths of office, by duty-of-care obligations, and yet aid and abet harmful agendas for parties known and unknown and extend themselves the protections of immunity, secrecy, selective discrimination, misappropriation

      there must be lawyers who have transcended allegiance to the clique, who have both the expertise to navigate the byzantine legislative scribblings, the integrity to pursue the presumption of lawful and honourable intention underlying the codes, and the temerity to ensure that exposure of the frauds and enforcement of the lawful consequences is executed

      Reply
  15. K M Kraimer on

    Good to note how Enbridge has responded to public concern in a relatively short time period. Encourages public to keep at it- education and awareness at heart of it- Lets keep sharing this information with all who like swimming in the great lakes and eating fish. Astonishing that Enbridge has sustainability award… what kind of sustain-ing-ability? Keep up the good work FLOW!

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  16. Sherry Hummel on

    This needs to begin in grade school sciences, introduced again in junior high science and language structure and repeated again and again in high school sciences, literature and debate to EVERY child in Michigan. Their future lives depend on this basic comprehension.

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  17. Martha Pierce on

    Great article! Are you aware of the current exhibit at the Chicago Architecture Foundation? Called “Great Cities, Great Lakes, Great Basin” sponsored by architecture firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrel, among others, focusing on regional planning to preserve the Great Lakes. I am planning to attend a symposium there on Thurs. March 13 at 6 pm.

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  18. Jim on

    I hope to be there Saturday, March 15!
    “God’s counting on me, God’s counting on you!”
    No more drill baby drill, no more spill baby spill!
    let us all leave our home, our campsite, Earth, cleaners then we arrived!

    Reply
  19. Julye Raycraft on

    The prsentation assumed we (straits area residents) are a bunch of [redacted] idiots. Not answering so many ?s. Who was that Mackinac county official that was quoted on WCMU radio station. He said all as okay. Never heard of this guy.

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  20. Barb on

    Do not understand why this info is not blasted out on state TV channels and on front pages of newspapers. Why is it being kept so quiet? I called a lot of gov offices today and only Stabenow’s office said that they had knowledge of it.

    Reply
  21. Bill Hansen on

    The concern of FLOW with Fracking is commendable and obviously unavoidable. However what is lacking is an emphasis on future ramifications for the environment if this “unconventional” removal of fossil fuels continues. As long as we remain focused only on present, local impacts, fracking can be made to appear “safe” through better “regulations”. Fracking may
    occur locally, but it is a universal hazard. To reduce it to localities makes it vulnerable to succumbing to politicization which is what FLOW contends it is trying to avoid.

    Reply
    • flow admin on

      Thank you for your thoughtful response. We at FLOW recognize that our local government ordinance program is not the panacea, but it does empower local governments to address the impacts of fracking in their community in light of the vacuum of state and federal regulations of this process. Its aim, like the rest of FLOW’s programs, is to educate and galvanize meaningful action around such an important issue. FLOW is also working on addressing fracking at the state government level in Michigan, including addressing state land leasing, and we anticipate commenting on the forthcoming DEQ rules regarding fracking.

      Most important to highlight is FLOW’s focus on the nexus – that is the intersection of water with climate change, energy, and agriculture. Our other programs address “unconventional” extreme energy development, its transport, and the overall threats these pose to the Great Lakes. This includes our work on the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac, the Alberta Clipper pipeline, oil barges and shipments across the Great Lakes, and the Michigan Governor’s energy plan and the role of renewable energy in Michigan’s future.

      Reply
  22. Mary on

    Thank-you, Eric, for all that you do to help preserve the Great Lakes. You are an inspiration to me. Take care, friend.

    Reply
  23. colleen okeymow on

    can you please send e-mail out for those who possibly missed the webinar (like me), when ‘A recording of the webinar will be posted here when available. Thank you.

    Reply
    • flow admin on

      Hi Colleen, we are happy to send out an email with the recorded webinar when it is available. Thank you for your interest!

      Reply
  24. Pat Noonan on

    Inspirational!!! Just living 15 minutes away (Windsor),I was shocked at how far privatization had eroded Detroit’s water system. Your Water Warriors are so committed…it has to change. We are one with your struggle…one water…one fight!!!

    Reply
  25. Jim Olson on

    Dear All,
    I had the honor of appearing with Maude Barlow on the program at Wayne State last Thursday evening, regarding the injustice arising out of what is happening with the threat of privatization and shut-offs of 120,000 homes, mostly impoverished neighborhoods. Given the human right to water and sanitation, the continuing lack of significant help from federal and state governments, and the Water Board and “emergency manager” efforts to even lease or privatize to an extent the public water system, there is a serious question here: namely, the violation of human rights under UN resolutions and proceedings, the federal civil rights laws, the due process and equal protection clauses of the US Constitution, and the public trust and state constitution regarding water and public taxpayer property and services. There is a public trust in the water from Lake Huron and Detroit River, and it does not change just because it flows through water services infrastructure. In fact, it is a continuing public trust because the infrastructure, like the water, is public. The water board should not be able to shut-off services like this, and should not be able to allow subsidies, leasing, or any other transfer of interests or control to private purposes. Thank you, Maude, for this guest comment.

    Reply
    • flow admin on

      Hi Bob,

      We are glad you may join the discussion. We do not handle registrations for the event, so please be sure to register with the event hosts as listed above to ensure your spot at the presentation.

      Thanks!
      FLOW admin

      Reply
  26. Al Isselhard on

    Please have Courtney Hammer contact me as Id like to review with her the public trust doctrine and how it may apply to offshore wind factories. Thanks.

    Al Isselhard
    Wolcott, NY
    315-594-2742

    Reply
  27. coffee clubs on

    Also, see to it that you follow the correct coffee beans and water proportion. Putting too much water and little coffee beans in the coffee maker will certainly yield a poor and “weak” brew. A general rule when brewing is to put 2 tablespoons of grounded coffee beans for every 6 ounces of water.

    Reply
  28. Billie on

    As a life long resident of our great state of Michigan I hope you protect our Great Lakes for my children and theirs.

    Reply
  29. Brian Ritchie on

    Thank you. I deeply appreciate your pursuit and writing on this important situation. I will start an Avaaz petition in Ontario if you can help me with setting it up. We have a new Liberal majority government under Kathleen Wynne. and she may show some strength and courage. She has her chance now to be a champion for what is truly the good of the nation.

    Reply
  30. Robert Dunn on

    Ohio DNR needs to educate the farmer of the costly damage they are causing … and let them know they are totally liable and accountable. They don’t need some government grant or bailout.

    Reply
  31. Steve Krause on

    Thanks for the informative article. I’ve been alarmed about this issue since first learning about it several months ago. We need to sound the alarm and FORCE authorities to take action. As mentioned in the story, this IS a disaster waiting to happen.

    I would be interested in participating in a march on Lansing to help generate awareness among the public and our state officials.

    Instead of planning how to RESPOND to an oil spill, let’s work on PREVENTING one. And that starts with replacing this 61-year old pipeline NOW!

    Reply
  32. Steve Krause on

    Thanks to FLOW for helping lead the charge on this important issue.

    I am curious why FLOW and similar organizations are not requesting that this 61-year old pipeline be replaced?

    In my mind, simply asking Enbridge to provide certain information about the pipeline (its contents, flow pressures, etc) does not go far enough.

    What good is having this information if there if no action is taken to have Enbridge either decommission the line or replace it?

    Thanks for your respond and your great work in helping protect Michigan waters!

    Reply
  33. Leslie Watson on

    Thank you for your concern for the health and safety of others. I think Michigan citizens have been uninformed about the pipeline to begin with. We have trusted the State of Michigan to insure that our waters are safe.

    I am writing a paper on this issue for my class at Northern Michigan University. May I use the information from your Web site?

    Thank you.
    Very truly yours, Leslie Watson

    Reply
    • flow admin on

      Hello Leslie,
      Thank you for your comments and in regards to your question, you may use the information listed on our website as it relates to your study paper. Please be sure to cite and credit FLOW and FLOW staff in your work. Thank you.

      Reply
  34. flow admin on

    “This is an important study that points to the “nexus” between effects and impacts on water, fisheries, and habitat and climate change and fossil fuels. It also makes the case that governments and private interests have not lived up to their affirmative duty under the public trust law of the Great Lakes to prevent harm to protected public trust uses like fishing, boating, swimming, and drinking water from such causes. These public trust uses, which belong to each citizens individually and in common, are paramount and so is the water and aquatic resources that these uses depend on.”
    -Jim Olson

    Reply
  35. b lambdin on

    It is great to see folks interested in and in action concerning fracking. In Clare county we not only have fracking going on, but dcp midstream wants to place a large natural gas facility in our rural neighborhood amongst homes and farms!And DEQ could care less about our concerns.

    Reply
  36. Patricia Vestevich on

    Steve much appreciate your comments above (9-12-14) Just reading Dec. 23, 2014
    HOWEVER ~ I adamantly disagree with “replacing” I think we should rather STOP this from being allowed (GREED for some private corporation I’m sure!) Let Canada take care of building their own refineries to get their mined oil ready for export!!! Why should this EVER have started? !! REMOVE, REMOVE, REMOVE the oil from flowing.

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  37. La Mer on

    Great article, Liz K. I must say, here in Wisconsin, one year later, we may be just waking up (like hibernating bears)to the fact that Enbridge lies, destroys water, continues to claim that pipeline expansion is safe and pretends to tell the truth about what’s being shipped through pipelines that are laid underground and worse under the Great Lakes.
    Here’s a telling comment from PM,
    a Michigan resident on this blog http://grangehallpress.com/Enbridgeblog/2015/02/04/no-rover-vector-expansions-for-now/
    re: Enbridge Line 6B

    “February 5, 2015

    To clarify: Enbridge knew I was going to fight very hard against line 6B and they thus sent us a letter that they intended to stay off our property. This made it harder as we were no longer stakeholders. As soon as they got their go ahead, they said they changed their intent, were going to build the pipeline on our property, and laughed about it. “Intent has no legal meaning.” “Plans changed.” This is a game they play so everyone needs to stay vigilant.
    It’s a problem for everyone in the state, the country, and even the world. I make this clear when I give talks about the Marshall spill and its aftermath and how we need to work to change the laws. It’s important to hold these companies to much higher standards….”

    Reply
  38. Brad Geyer on

    Enbridge public relations people treated us like idiots also.

    “Most of the residents’ questions were answered with canned company talking points, not taken seriously, or in some cases completely ignored, as was the case when a representative of Enbridge was asked to explain the chemical make-up of the diluent used by the company to help transport thick tar sands. The company officials never gave a straight answer to this question.”

    Enbridge “Coffee and Conversation”
    http://occupyriverwest.com/us/line-61-hearing

    Reply
  39. Stacey chacon on

    We need more information on aging Pipeline 5. A spill will be catastrophic to the Great Lakes and surrounding areas. Ebb ridge is hiding something and they need to be held responsible!

    Reply
  40. Patti Barrette on

    I live in Cheboygan and in Straits Area Concerned Citizens for Peace,Justice and the Environment. We haven’t heard what people are doing for the Gov mtg the 24th. Is there any action or work being done? Your article here was outstanding as I was there. Your last article was in Cheb Trib and great. Thanks

    Reply
  41. John McLane on

    Someone should ask them the specific questions: 1) How does one get an on line inspection tool ( Smart PIG) into the Straits xing when there is NO launcher barrel pointed to the crossing? 2) How was seamless longitudal pipe available in 1953 before the process was commercially available? 3) Where is the x-ray record from the Lakehead system for the xing? 4) Was the coating actually coal tar?

    Reply
    • flow admin on

      Liz and John,

      Quick answers.

      1. There appear to be two 20” pig launchers and one 30” pig receiver in St. Ignace.

      2. Seamless pipe was first produced by the Mannesman brothers in 1880. See attached document on pipe production processes.

      3. X Ray work on Line 5 was done by the famous Pittsburgh Testing Laboratory. Now defunct.

      4. The coating question is a good one. The Straits easement and the MPSC 1953 order both say asphalt but Enbridge says coal tar. Based on best practice at the time

      I believe it was coal tar with a fiberglas wrap and an overwrap of either asbestos felt or more fiberglas.

      The quotes below are clipped from one of my PowerPoint slides.

      1953 Easement Restrictions Regarding Corrosion Protection
      (8) Cathodic protection shall be installed to prevent deterioration of the pipe

      (9) All pipe shall be protected by asphalt primer coat, by inner wrap and outer wrap composed of
      glass fiber fabric material and one inch by four inch (1” x 4”) slats prior to installation.

      “Engineering and Construction Considerations for the Mackinac Pipeline Company’s Crossing of the
      Straits of Mackinac” submitted by Mackinac Pipeline Company/Lakehead Pipeline Company
      to the Michigan Department of Conservation, January, 1953
      “After coating with asphalt primer, fiberglass inner wrap and an asbestos felt outer wrap, and after attaching
      1” x 4” wood slats to the full circumference of the pipe, it will be lowered onto a previously prepared “bed”
      on the floor of the Straits.”

      A most important question concerns the slats or lagging used to protect the coating system from abrasion.
      In the below picture I believe the NWF mis -identified the “broken supports’, they are really rusted out circumferential straps used to hold the lagging in place.
      Also shown is a jpg of a pipe with lagging for protection taken from my presentation.

      Finally an Enbridge underwater pic that I believe shows detached lagging.

      Regards,
      Ed

      Reply
    • flow admin on

      Hi Laurie,

      If it’s okay with you, we can add you to our email list and keep you up to date on volunteer opportunities. Let me know your contact info and I will add you to our database.

      Best,
      Claire

      Reply
  42. Karen Bednarek on

    We, in Muskegon, in solidarity with the people poisoned in Flint and in support of protecting our water and Great Lakes, have written a resolution regarding the outrage in Flint.
    Would FLOW be willing to sign on?
    Whereas the people of Flint, in order to save money, were forced to change their source of drinking water from the Detroit Water Supply to the Flint River by the Emergency Manager, hired by the Governor of the State of Michigan;

    Whereas the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) failed in its responsibility to protect the environment, public health and safety of the citizens of Flint;

    Whereas the DEQ failed to follow federally mandated procedures to guarantee the new water source from the Flint River did not violate the corrosive pipe federal statute;

    Whereas the citizens of Flint, including children, babies and pregnant mothers, were, as a result of the above failures, subjected to lead in the water;

    Whereas Flint doctors discovered elevated lead levels in the children of Flint;

    Whereas, as a result, children, babies and the unborn, can develop lead poisoning which leads to costly life-long learning and behavior problems;

    Whereas Flint residents, since being switched to the Flint River for their household water, reported discolored and foul-smelling water, in addition to rashes and hair falling out;

    Whereas the residents of Flint formally complained to a variety of agencies and were repeatedly assured that the water was safe;

    Whereas this step was taken to save $5 million but will now cost the state $12 million to reconnect to the Detroit River supply,

    And whereas records were falsified to assure Flint residents that the water was safe for drinking;

    Therefore be it resolved that a complete investigation be launched to determine the causes of the increased lead level in the Flint water supply and why the citizens were not warned when it became known that the lead levels were increased and that the full investigation results be reported to the public.

    Be it further resolved that the DEQ staff responsible for the situation, including the Director, be severed from all state employment and benefits, and that they, in addition to the Emergency Manager and the governor, be subject to applicable criminal charges.

    Be it further resolved that all Flint residents, and the unborn, who were exposed to the increased lead levels in the water, be tracked as long as medically necessary, and fully compensated for all health, education and other expenses due to this water contamination.

    Reply
  43. mark on

    I find it really outrageous that the people of flint have to suffer through this crap ! But when we converted to digital tv our government handed out $40 digital tv converter box coupons at 2 per household for the first 22 million people. So do quick math that’s 88 million shelled out so people can watch TV.

    But when people really need them our government is failing in every way! A FM-3500B PUR Advanced Water Faucet Filtration System which removes 97 to 99% of lead at a cost of $38.99 . Can you tell me why our government isn’t handing out coupons to the people of Flint so the can at least have drinking water from there taps ! Less then 100,000 people in flint compared to the first 22 million convert boxes !!!

    Our government had a chance to step up for their own people of the U.S., but choose to do nothing once again. What a surprise !

    Reply
  44. Christian A Guest on

    I wonder…I keep hearing of Canadian-run pen-rearing of fish on Lake Huron. Is Canada not bound by the same legal restraints.

    Reply
  45. Ian Gray on

    I am curious to know:
    1) how this affects Canadian water rights as we share the Great Lakes as an international water resource with your country; 2) what agreements exist between Canada and the USA about this seemingly unilateral Congressional decision; and 3) how this matter was actually decided ? (As in, was Canada consulted or is this just more US imperialism in play ?
    Let’s be good neighbours and kick the right wingers out of office so we can all get along together, share and not get sucked down the sewer pipe of greedy carpetbaggers.
    Thanks for your attention to this matter and all the other fine things you do.

    Reply
  46. Tracy Dobson on

    The governors have certainly violated their public trust duty by granting this exception to a non-straddling municipality. Please recommend to us how we can productively respond to prevent further erosion of Great Lakes protection. The image of the Aral Sea looms…

    Reply
  47. Dave Downer on

    I am concerned that this will establish a precedent for further decision-making. And I’m also concerned that these decisions are political and not environmentally based. As much, because there is about protecting the Great Lakes, there seems to be decisions made by municipalities that are not favorable to the environment. Example, removal of the dams on the Boardman River will expose the river to all of the invasive species of Lake Michigan.

    Of all the states in this compact it would seem like Michigan would be the most conservative. I don’t think that are present governor appreciates the importance of Lake Michigan.

    Reply
  48. robert h keller on

    The Ancient Mariner said it best ” Water , water every where nor any drop to drink” That’s the vision of Michigan and the Great Lake States, if Enbridge, the Canadian oil pipe line Co. is not forced to shut down line 5 under the Straits of Mackinaw. Enbridge claims to be prepared for any fracture of its pipe line. In the turbulent times we live in can they guarantee that no individual or organization bent on creating chaos can’t rupture the line with explosives. There goes our Pure Michigan assets. Michigan is a great state the most valuable resource in the world is water. If we don’t shut the pipe line down, the Flint water crises will look a tea party, compared to the destruction created by the oil spill. Don’t hang that Albatross on the people of Michigan

    Reply
  49. Sara Gay Dammann on

    The potential disaster of any oil spill is too serious to allow the continued flow through Line 5. The Great Lakes simply could not handle even the smallest leak. The entire system is threatened.

    Reply
    • FLOW on

      Hi Jeb- there are a few petitions to sign on oilandwaterdontmix.org, also check out their “take action” for other ideas, like contacting your legislators and purchase yard signs.

      Reply
  50. joe on

    WTF?? You ask for review, but then you immediately say it has “unacceptable risk”. How can you ask for unbiased support if you start off biased. We need pipelines, you can’t just shut them all down. Yes you will have supply, but you will pay more for it.

    Reply
  51. Patricia Stites on

    I copied and pasted and sent! It’s the 2nd time in two weeks I’ve sent mail there. I sincerely hope we can stop this rape of our water!
    Thank you for all you do!!

    Reply
  52. Jeanne Sekely on

    Thank you, For Love of Water!

    Of note, I’ve stopped buying Nestle chocolate products…..I have found a competitor out of Wisconsin and am happy to leave the Nestle company behind in my purchasing power. Plastic bottles and siphoning off of Michigan water has made Nestle no friend of mine!

    Reply
    • Fred on

      I have done my best for about 20 years to not buy Nestle products after talking to a couple who had been missionaries in Africa. Nestle was providing free powdered formula to new mothers who had no resources to purchase it after the free trial and had no access to clean water to mix it with. The mother’s milk would dry up and they had no way to feed their newborns. The result was many dead babies from starvation or disease. Do a google search on “Nestle dead babies”. Even though Nestle did this in the 1970’s, it looks like formula companies today are still using some of the same techniques.

      Nestle’s morals (or more precise amorals) of making a profit on basic human needs seems to have not changed at all. I find no reason to trust them to make an honest presentation on the extraction of our precious ground water.

      Reply
  53. Nancy Schneider on

    The resources of our planet are not up for grabs by any organization with the capacity to dig, carve, pump or otherwise remove them for profit. In this case, not to mention the millions of little empty plastic bottles that have to go SOMEWHERE.
    Where is the respect for the planet?

    Reply
  54. Jeanne Sekely on

    Line 5 runs through my beloved UP and two downstate counties I lived in for most of my life. I live on the shore of Lake Superior and know that any harm inflicted on the Great Lakes harms us all. A rupture in the Straits is unthinkable. THANK YOU for taking serious action!

    Reply
  55. John Ohitai on

    Is it a sustainable method of abstracting water? If that’s the way of how Nestle could abstract with, what did he think his children will use in the future to come.

    Reply
  56. nancy e burmeister on

    I want to do all I can to stop Nestle but I have a concern that I think is actually greater. Michigan Potash LLC is planning a huge potash plant to straddle the border between Osceola and Mecosta Counties (Hersey, MI area).
    We need to stop Nestle but we also really need to stop this plant!

    Reply
  57. Suz on

    If you’ve got this in a one page option, I’d make sure there are copies for participants. Liz is one of our panel members in the Benzie Water Festival on Feb 14th @ Grow Benzie

    Reply
  58. Patrick McKearnan on

    I belong to a newly formed group that is interested in several issues, the environment being one. The Nestle plant expansion is something we heard about. Is FLOW working on that, and if so, how can we help? Patrick (269) 637-3582

    Reply
  59. Steve Krause on

    This is valuable information and further illuminates how Enbridge continually overstates their role in supplying energy to Michigan. Thanks for the great work, FLOW!

    Will the Gov. Snyder, Att Gen. Schuette and the various taskforces receive a copy of your findings?

    Thanks again!

    Reply
  60. John McGarry on

    Great article. I am interested in applying the Public Trust Doctrine to climate change abatement. I need to find some judicial or philosophical writings on the subject to make a connection between carbon emissions and an obligation by Congress to enact a law that puts a price on carbon emissions at the source of the carbon, i.e..at the wellhead or at the port of entry. See (citizensclimatelobby.org). I am writing a white paper on Austrian libertarianism and pollution abatement and I need to find some judicial or libertarianism authority to make the link. Can you give me any suggestions?

    Reply
  61. An Anon on

    Just FYI: Nestles intends to “own” or “control” all the drinking water in the world. Look beyond Michigan at the springs in Florida (the most springs of the highest magnitude in the world) and in the other places worldwide – their footprint is very big.
    Local and state governments are “selling” or “leasing” or giving away the rights to something THAT IS NOT THEIR TO GIVE. They are only the caretakers, NOT THE OWNERS.
    Monsanto wants to control the seeds for the food of the world.
    WalMart intends to control the milk market.
    And Nestles, the water of the world.
    Think about it!

    Reply
  62. Joe Hollmann on

    This water is our natural resource in Michigan and should not be able to be used for production by bottling it for public sale. Enough is enough.

    Reply
  63. Leigh Willmore on

    This is inviting catastrophe for all of us residing in Michigan – and beyond. It is past time for action to be taken for Line 5 to be shut down and this report clearly spells out the reasons. What next? Wait for the March 13 meeting results with Enbridge? Flow for Water, and other groups, are doing all possible, does it just now sit with The State of Michigan so that they are the responsible ones? This, to me, seems reprehensible as they seem to do no more than drag their feet. Just look at Flint.

    Reply
  64. nancy burmeister on

    We are awaiting a time bomb that will (Not might, but WILL) soon rupture, or at the very least, leak into the Great Lakes. Are you really willing to wait for that to happen.? Please shut down line 5!!
    Action is needed BEFORE it breaks!
    Please DO SOMETHING NOW!!

    Reply
  65. W.D Bushey on

    Happy birthday to a great man who always keeps the citizens of Michigan first in mind along with the environment. It was a honor to meet you. You were a gift to our great state.

    Reply
  66. Rob Chapman on

    All of us in the Great Lakes Region owe a huge debt of gratitude to Jim Olson. Without him, Great Lakes Water Diversion would now be happening by pipeline and by tankers rather than by the water bottle.

    Thanks to Jim, Nestle has been throttled in their relentless pursuit to steal at no cost what we all own – and sell it for outrageous profit. Had the precedent been allowed to happen unchecked, the Great Lakes would no longer be ours.

    Reply
    • Nancy Burmeister on

      Thank you for all that you do to help preserve and protect the water.
      My car carries a bumper sticker that I hope reminds the folks who see it. It says
      WHATEVER HAPPENS TO THE WATER HAPPENS TO THE PEOPLE!
      As a board member for the Muskegon Watershed, I try to do my part.
      Nancy Burmeister

      Reply
  67. Nancy & Kent Walton on

    We join together today with FLOW in gratitude for Governor Milliken’s positive impact on our State and Nation through his selfless service to both. We thank him, especially, For [his] Love Of Water–the life-giving waters that surround and nourish us, the protection of which has been his gift to each of us.

    Reply
  68. Tom Bailey on

    Please accept my congratulations, as well, to FLOW and to Dave, for who I have great admiration, respect and affection. Great to have you working with us in the North, Dave!

    Reply
  69. Thomas M. Anderson on

    I was at the public hearing last evening; heard Jim Olson talk about a new post on your site with science and law. When do you expect it to be completed?

    Reply
  70. Alicia Rusch on

    We have not yet resolved water issues in Flint and yet Governor Snyder, you continue to take steps that jeopardize the health and welfare of Michigan citizens by allowing our water, the very sustenance for life, to be used for the interest of profit before people. Please stop this nonsense and focus instead on fixing the current water issues that threaten the health of citizens in our state.

    Reply
  71. Thomas Hickey on

    Now is the time I that PEOPLE of EARTH claim there ownership of all land resources and water! Water is not to be sold for Corporate profit! I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin so I realize how important it is to protect the Great Lakes and it’s watersheds ! NO PROFIT FOR WATER!

    Reply
  72. Robert Peckham on

    Time to stop this pillage of our natural resources by a corporation. All Nestle water draws should cease immediately.

    Reply
  73. Anne W. Kelly on

    This water is not only MIchigan’s natural resource, but a resource for the EARTH. We have to keep up the fight to protect it from profiteers. Thank you, FLOW for all your important work!
    ~Anne Kelly

    Reply
  74. Ruth Frost on

    Our natural resources are worth fighting for. I am happy to sign my name to this. It is a crime to see all these plastic bottles being disposed of in our trash when most of us have safe water in our homes.

    Reply
  75. Nancy Crisp on

    Please protect our natural and vital resource of water. It is not for sale to Nestles and should remain out of corporations for our children, grandchildren and on. There is no excuse for selling our water. Thank you for making the right decision.

    Reply
  76. tom clark on

    Will we never learn?
    What legacy will our current administration in Lansing leave for the citizens of Michigan?
    Groundwater, a natural and precious resources belonging to everyone is being given away. How do you people in Lansing sleep at night?

    Reply
  77. Max Old Bear on

    So much for Michigan as the “Water Wonderland” state and “Pure Michigan”.
    We will be known as the “Water for Profit” state or “Water as Oil” state.
    The big oil companies will see how easy it is to harvest water in Michigan and lease water rights and sell our precious public natural resources. Max Old Bear

    Reply
  78. Janis Wesley on

    Please do not allow Nestle to take any more water!!!! Support the Great Lakes instead of corporate greed and bad business practices. Our lives depend on it.

    Reply
  79. Anne Montgomery on

    Water is for life. Without the necessary water to sustain life in the future, Michigan will be a wasteland for our children and future generations. I resent corporations taking the public’s natural resources and making profit which does not return to the public or benefit any of those who live by the land. Stop Nestles…we should have known better from the start. Shame on the Michigan legislature from the beginning of this contract with Nestles.

    Reply
  80. Donna Miller on

    Water is necessary for human life and must not be reduced to a commodity, especially for the gain of an enormous, greedy corporation. Please halt the stealing of our natural resource for profit NOW!

    Reply
  81. John McDonald on

    Water should not be sold for profit, because if we allow one corporation to take water from our water basin for their gain, where does it stop?

    Charge the companies ten percent of their profits using our resources and return it to the state to clean our environment. Otherwise, don’t sell it because where does it end?

    Reply
  82. Dr Lisa Wyatt on

    On point. It is in our common interests to act with urgency to prevent any oil spill. The practical damage in this huge risk is unimaginable & irreparable for Michiganders & the region.

    Reply
  83. Marilyn & Bob Auberle on

    The excellent staff at FLOW are working tirelessly to protect our “Great Lakes.”
    We support and applaud FLOW and its efforts.

    Reply
  84. Gary Stauffer on

    Thanks to everyone involved in this most important issue. We must continue our due diligence and protect our water!

    Reply
  85. Ed DeRosha on

    I will be working with other members of Indivisible TC to mount opposition to this irresponsible and unconstitutional bill. Our water is the lifeblood of our health, our economy, and our communities.

    Reply
  86. Mary Van Valin on

    Thanks for making writing to these co-sponsors so quick and easy, Skip! Takes less than 10 minutes to write to all of them. Clicking on the name takes you right to their website and it’s one click to contact them by email. Please do it!

    Reply
  87. Susan Therese Horvat on

    The conservation and development of the natural resources of the state are hereby declared to be of paramount public concern in the interest of the health, safety and general welfare of the people. The legislature shall provide for the protection of the air, water and other natural resources of the state from pollution, impairment and destruction.

    DO YOUR JOB AND PROTECT OUR NATURAL RESOURCES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    VOTE NO ON HOUSE BILL4205

    Reply
  88. photokeyonline.com on

    In the spectrum between rich, evil corporations and corporations scraping by while adhering to a perfect set of values, a new study has found that there is a set of 25 corporate giants that are managing to succeed while at least making a concerted effort at not destroying anything.

    Reply
  89. Marilyn Bardill on

    It’s time to shut down line 5. In 1953 the welding standards were not as good as the ones we have today. Pipes wear out with the currents of the water rubbing against them. Too many reasons that the pressure of the oil inside of the pipes should not have been increased and the amount of crude oil increased too. Please shut it down now.

    Reply
  90. Dr. Richard Scott on

    Please open up and explain the issue.

    I had meant to speak at the recent advisory board and n the technical means available to monitor in real time any changes in volume per minute or increase or decrease in pressure. Were these done and fail sage measure for immediate shut down of line it seems risk of huge leak controlled.

    Last week we were told these monitoring d vices in effect on line near Kalamazoo river, but nobody noticed.

    Reply
  91. Robert A. Dunn on

    We found out our Governor Snyder was a shyster with Flint’s water. Have suspected Dick … and his handler Jon Allan (Director of Office of the Great Lakes) are in bed with Enbridge …. but it’s difficult to definitively prove.
    Let’s see what our AG Schuttee does or doesn’t do …. does he have the balls to shut down Line 5 …. or is he just a big business Dow heir who will do nothing
    ???????????????????????

    Reply
  92. Glenn Lowe on

    WE should hold the State Legislature responsible , as guardians of the public trust, for shutting down Pipeline 5. There is a mound of evidence as to why the pipeline is not necessary, and a mount of information about the impact to our natural resources of any break of a pipeline that has already exceeded its planned shelf life.

    Reply
  93. Tom Phillips on

    Line 5 is a very risky gamble that endangers one of our most precious natural resources. The potential damage posed by this line clearly outweighs any benefit provided. The line should be shut down and removed without further delay.

    Reply
  94. Ardine Burgess on

    If you think the “Water Crisis in Flint” is bad imagine what an oil spill at the Straights of Mackinaw will cost in clean up money, damage to property, damage to the eco system, damage to the fishing industry both commercial and tourist, etc. Shut that pipeline down!

    Reply
  95. Paul Hannuksela on

    The report by Dynamic Risk Inc. is a PUFF piece written by a company beholden to the Oil Industry which doesn’t give a damn about our Great Lakes. Enbridge spent $1.2 Billion to clean up the Muskegon oil spill, a blow out in the Straits would multiply that cost by 10 times. What would Enbridge do, file for bankruptcy and reorganize under a different name with no liability for the catastrophe. It is the good old Amerikan way of doing business.

    Reply
  96. Julie Ortiz on

    https://forloveofwater.org/hb-4205/
    Note the public opinion is 100% against this bill. Further proving to me that you do not care to represent the people of this state. Hopefully the gerrymandering initiative will make it on the ballot in 2018 and pass so we can get this dead weight out of the legislature. It is clear they do not represent us or our fine state.

    Reply
  97. Lynn Fraze on

    Dear Timothy & Kathy: I live 2-1/2 hours north of your store but next summer I will drive down to shop at your business and spread the news among all of my friends about your passionate support of our most valuable natural resource. Thank you for your commitment to protecting our Great Lakes. Sincerely, Lynn (wildlife photographer, Alanson, MI)

    Reply
  98. Ann Kraft on

    Enbridge Line 5, Governor Snyder

    Please stop ignoring Michigan and – indeed – all Great Lakes loving people! Enbridge does not deserve any more chances, and our environment cannot take any more risks from the pipeline under the Straits. Decommission Line 5 immediately. And no more deals with Enbridge.

    Reply
  99. Paul Bruce on

    Excellent summary of this critical concern to all of the citizens of Michigan. Both the Governor and Attorney General were elected to office to fulfill specific mandates and duties regarding the public trust. Protecting the environmental integrity of the Great Lakes most definitely should be of crucial importance and both Governor Snyder and AG Schuette have by their inaction failed to adequately respond to the threat of a dangerously obsolete and structurally comprised Enbridge Line 5.
    Perhaps the key phrase here is the word “now”. The risks associated with Line 5 are much too serious to ignore any longer.

    Reply
  100. D. Tengler on

    Excellent article! The Gov and AG need to be held accountable. Personally, I do not really care if Enbridge has another way. It’s not our problem.

    Reply
  101. Steve Krause on

    Well said, Liz, and in such a concise, yet impactful manner. Thanks for all your hard work — and that of FLOW’s concerning this critical issue!

    Reply
  102. June Thaden on

    Thank you, Liz Kirkwood, for a rational, reasoned response to all the insanity of recent developments regarding Enbridge’s Line 5 pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac.

    In contrast, Governor Snyder’s actions have reduced me to a despondent old lady who is the screaming woman on the bridge in Edvard Munch’s famous paintings. I love Michigan, nature, fresh water, the community of our part of northern Michigan — and our government of the State has been systematically destroying my home state.

    Reply
    • Iris Potter, Kalamazoo Remembers and Michigan Safe Energy Future on

      Thank you Liz and nice to meet you personally yesterday. Also, glad to be able to personally hand you our Kalamazoo Remembers letter which FLOW can sign-on with us and other organizations-calling for permanent Shutdown and no replacements.

      Reply
  103. Jerilynn Tucker on

    I attended the meeting of the Pipeline Advisory Board yesterday. Please use this platform to encourage citizens to attend future meetings and to give public statements. Detroit Public Television was recording the process and interviewing Board members and attendees.

    Reply
  104. Katharine Miller on

    Gov. Snyder, please take the side of prevention. Your actions are impacting all of the Great Lakes. Michigan cannot gamble on this issue when this much fresh water is at stake. For drinking water, for recreation, for tourism, for our economy, for our livelihoods please decommission Pipeline 5. Please start thinking safe renewable energy.

    Reply
  105. Jim Olson on

    This gift flows every season, through centuries past and future, and every person and being dependent on water for life is the recognized beneficiary of this legal gift– one that is inalienable and cannot be repealed by those who would selfishly privatize water for their own private gain. Thanks, Liz, for this wonderful reminder!

    Reply
  106. Jimi sunderland on

    Keep up the fight. We just made nestle reduce the amount of water taken from the san bernardino mountains in California. 30 million gallons to 8 million. They had been stealing watet without a permit for 30 years and is one of the causes of our drought. Thank you for being a part of the battle

    Reply
  107. Jim Olson on

    As a “postscript” and because the question is rightfully raised by comments, the finding by the circuit court that Nestlé’s private water withdrawal, pipeline diversion for private bottled water sales is a “public essential service.” Nestle has conceded in previous court proceedings and it is patently obvious that boosting water pressure or sending water down a private pipe, hauling it in private trucks, bottling a private plant, and selling it for private gain is NOT public. In my view, based on past court transcripts and court cases, this is a private in purpose and use, and therefore the circuit court’s ruling is subject to reversal by an appellate court.

    Reply
  108. Jim Olson on

    A beautiful piece on the Great Lakes and FLOW’s mission by FLOW Chair Skip Pruss. He describes how the advance of the stewardship principles of the public trust doctrine can and will protect the Great Lakes from serious systemic threats in this century. Great way to start off the New Year. Thank you, Skip.

    Reply
  109. Gary Street on

    Skip

    As you are aware I have worked with FLOW, as well as other environmental organizations, for the last 5-6 years, since “retiring” from as an engineering manager from a major corporation.

    Your comments are “right on”. Well said.

    I have frequently shared my engineering and scientific analysis of the issues facing the Lakes with FLOW, and I will continue to do so.

    I want my grand kids, and their grand kids to enjoy the Lakes as I have.

    Keep up the great work!!

    Gary Street

    Reply
  110. Sherri Lange on

    Congratulations Dave. Could not be a better choice.

    I hope you remember that we were so grateful many years back to have the opportunity to consult with you and to write about the dangers of industrial wind factories in the Lakes. You are one of a kind. Very happy for your appointment.

    Reply
  111. Steve K on

    FLOW,

    Thanks for all your hard — and great — work toward keeping our waters pure, particularly when it comes to Line 5.

    Above you stated that you “presented a detailed plan.” To whom did you present it? Just curious.

    Thanks,
    Steve K.

    Reply
  112. William Northway on

    Keep up the good work.

    Why does their being less than forthright about defects to the pipline and repairs not automatically disqualify Enbridge from being anywhere closely involved with proximity to our Great Lakes?

    Reply
  113. Micheal Vickery on

    Wonderful! Thanks, for bringing Frank Herbert to the table … looking for. My copy of Dune already!

    Maybe public trust thinking is an antidote to fatal carelessness?

    Reply
  114. Ruth Backus Hoppe on

    I am in Arizona presently and struck by:
    >an apartment complex with bands of grass along its perimeter and in a courtyard
    >a condo whose distance between the water heater and the shower is long, requiring many minutes of running water before a warm shower is possible
    >golf courses filled with seniors whose retirement is organized around this game
    >the Rio Grande reduced to a trickle due to diversion (a harbinger of what is likely to happen to the Great Lakes?)
    All this while the water table in Tucson is dropping.
    This issue reminds me of the gun issue: we need many, practical, small strategies that taken together can protect our water resources. How about a 50-year water-availability assessment linked to community codes about irrigation? How about synthetic greens or fairways linked to lower fees? ? How about building codes that make water heating and water usage as efficient as possible? How about making water policy positions of political candidates more manifest?

    Many of us are worried and very unsure as to how to be better water stewards. Topic-specific, region-specific, advocacy education is crucial.
    Thank you for your beautifully written plea.

    Reply
  115. Lisa B on

    I wonder why they are doing nothing to protect it. Every few years entire species of small fish are dying out. First smelt & now alewives. Something is killing them. It is sad no one seems to care.

    Reply
  116. Mitch McNeil on

    As someone who has spent a lot of time in the White Lake area, I can vouch for not only Hooker, but DuPont, and the tannery, all having their way with the environment back in the day. I saw the way a preponderance of the locals defended these companies, and their activities, because of the jobs they provided. The rare whistleblower-environmentalists were castigated. Then all those companies pulled up tent stakes and left only a defiled landscape (and ground water), which became a highly-publicized Superfund clean up site of national notoriety. This scenario was not lost on me, as I have taken those lessons, and redirected them into my involvement with Surfrider, and am currently spearheading legal action against US STEEL for their hexavalent chromium they’ve dumped in the Lake.

    Reply
  117. Aaron Ferguson on

    It’s almost inevitable this will pass the House. We need to focus on the Governor. There is some indication he’s against this package of bills.

    Reply
  118. I. Welch on

    Altho DEQ is weak, we don’t want any weaker! Thank you for your support Rep. Robinson!
    I. Welch
    665 W. Warren
    Detroit, MI 48201

    Reply
  119. Judith and David Halsted on

    The good news in the above message is that we now have the data to support responsible care of Michigan’s water supply, and the ability to to provide appropriate measures to ensure sustainable water for Michigan’s future. The alarming news is that the legislature would consider giving automatic approval to agribusiness, while also bypassing the Freedom of Information Act so that citizens cannot follow the results–violating Michigan law and Michigan’s Constitution. We urge the Natural Resources Committee to move to reject HB5638.

    Reply
  120. Pat Howard on

    Our constitution states you are to protect our water – be the good stewards that we elected you to be. The government of Michigan has displayed wanton disregard for protecting it’s citizens – Flint and now Northern Grand Rapids.
    Now you want permission to draw water off again and don’t want the public to know by taking away the freedom of information
    I am going to check and see where all your campaign contributions come from and let all my friends know also. Leave our water alone!

    Reply
  121. JoAnne. Beemon on

    Important information. The first duty of government is to indie a blend, affordable supply of water. Water is Life. Water is the first medicine. Water is the foundation of life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Water is Life. Water is Sacred, Clean Water is a human right and must be asdhurex by government.

    Reply
  122. JEAN C MARTIN on

    This is another example of the fox guarding the chicken coop. The fox is our top layer of state government and Enbridge, What will it take to force the pipeline out of the Great Lakes?? Money probably. It is quite likely that unless we can raise funds to protect the Great Lakes we will not suceed. If our government by definition has the job of protecting its citizens and our interests and that government is not doing its job, we have ample reason for recalls of said officials.

    Reply
  123. Lynn Fraze on

    Liz, many thanks for sharing this positive story. We all need to stay more focused on the positive. There really are people on this planet working every day to make the world a better place. Kudos for spreading good news!

    Reply
  124. Jim Gillespie, Founder and Director on

    AT the Blissfest Music Festival we do not allow bottled water sales and encourage our patrons to fill up on the unlimited pure water from our well that is Health Dept. tested and some of the best tasting and cleanest water around. We also have reusable containers available for sale and promote our sustainability vision through our festival program and stage announcement during our event.

    Reply
    • Liz Kirkwood on

      Thank you, Jim Gillespie, for elevating the perils of bottled water at Blissfest Music Festival. It would be wonderful to see more music venues follow your lead.

      Reply
  125. BJ Ingwersen on

    Very curious as to how I can help with this campaign. I have marched, held up signs at malls, written letters, and encouraged students to fill up at the tap for twenty or more years. The foolishness goes on, BUYING water that is already a public domain. People complain about gas prices while paying more for water!

    Reply
  126. Terry Starr on

    What an amazing give-back to ALL who use our local waterways this endeavor represents. As your principal and all of Cherryland Middle School could not be more proud of you Zander!!

    Reply
  127. Deborah Porter on

    Zander, I am excited and proud that you are spear heading this event. As you and I have discussed, allowing our water sitaution to deteroiate is too late to act. Prevention needs to begin now to ensure our beautiful great lakes and waterways are around for generations to come. This granny is thrilled to be included and assist in this event however you need my services. I am standing up and standing by you to support Michigan’s water resource.
    Love your Grandma Porter

    Reply
  128. John Russell on

    Anchor strike? During a snow event in April? Any vessel operating that early in the season would have records of anchoring. As should the USCG or even Boat Nerd. This should be investigated….

    Reply
  129. Berta Meserve on

    This is such a no brainer! Shut this Line down, and for good, not just temporarily. Over 1000 vessels went through the Straits in 2017. How many more chances are our representative’s willing to take for us, we the people, before they realize a greater devistation to over 40 million who depend on the Great Lakes for their drinking water, not to mention, all the other economic and wildlife reasons etc, etc. No tunnel, no! This is crazy. Then if a leak occurs how the heck will we fix it? No, no, no, shut down Line 5 now.

    Reply
  130. Lynn Fraze on

    It took me over an hour (being transferred from one phone number to another) to report sighting of a floating block of ice with a yellow sheen to the USCG which I photographed on April 11, 2018 near McGulpin Pt. Turns out what newspapers have been referring to as a “mineral oil” spill was actually dielectric fluid containing benzene and DF-45 a very toxic chemical according to ATC’s own website. So grateful that Liz Kirkwood and the folks at FLOW are on top of the issues and speaking common sense and truth to power when others lack the courage to safeguard our Great Lake

    Reply
  131. John Morgan on

    There seems to be a disconnect. Where is theUS/Canada agreements in all of this. Has any consultation taken place?

    Reply
  132. Maryann Borden on

    This sounds like an open opportunity for Nestle to start building their facilities in “straddling communities” all around the Great Lakes! I sincerely hope that there is a remedy for this action!

    Reply
  133. Jane H Johann on

    I am totally against what Hov. Walker is choosing to do with Lake Michigan waters! STOP him please!

    Reply
  134. Ruth Wilson on

    Totally agree with you. The DEQ is not a protector of the people and the environment. We need to turn this around with our votes.

    Reply
  135. Lori Rhodabeck on

    I’ve been fishing the au sable for many years and what I’ve never seen is our State taking care to protect one of our last relatively clean rivers. It is sad and careless people who profit for something that cannot be returned to it’s pristine state. You greedy asshole won’t be around when it’s decided it’s to late.

    Reply
  136. Janice Papazian on

    I just received the lovely book.

    I am taken by your artwork and am wondering is there is any way I can obtain a copy of a print of the mermaid without anything except your signature.

    I am decorati

    Reply
  137. Gary Joseph Smith on

    Agreed! It is a matter of the Public Trust Doctrine and Grether has violated that. It always comes down to money. Since it clearly is a detrimate to our States economy then where is the benefit? Pure Michgan my ass!

    Reply
  138. Kate Dahlstrom on

    Voters should be given information about specific bills and websites where they can see for themselves which current legislators are choosing corporate money over our natural resources.
    We have to encourage voters to get the facts and stop listening to rhetoric and lies.

    Reply
  139. Mike Vickery on

    What a WONDERFUL celebration of what, in my opinion, is one of the very best ways of being in the world. Your father is fortunate among people to have his daughter as a partner in the game. Thank you for sharing!! I’m going fishing now ….

    Reply
  140. Mike Vickery on

    and, I should add, you are fortunate to have a dad who got you out on the river with a fly rod in hand …

    Reply
  141. Jim on

    Beautifully written, subtle humor— “somethings are harder to appreciate than others.” A day without water? Thanks, Nayt.

    Reply
  142. Thomas J. Odrzywolski on

    Three CHEERS for the rights of the States over the bombastic and dangerous policies of our current Federal Government. May we continue to exist as a nation during this time of presidential miscues.

    Reply
  143. JACKIE MARTIN on

    Iam very disappointed with the president and his actions. He seems to be hell bent on overturning anything that President Obama has done, just for spite! My family has been fishing the Great Lakes as far back as 1900’s. There has to be strict guidlines as to industry not polluting our lakes. Michigan is a tourist state that revolves around water sports. We want clean water for our families to swim in. We have agencies like DEQ that are to protect our waterways, use them and enforce the laws.

    Reply
  144. JACKIE MARTIN on

    I am disappointed with President Trump and governor Engler of Michigan. They don’t care about our lakes. The president seems hell bent on overturning anything that President Obama and signed to protect our waterways! My family has been fishing the Great Lakes since the 1900’s. Michigan is a tourist state with its main draw being our lakes for fishing, boating, and swimming. We want our lakes protected and the quality of our water at the best level that can be achieved. People write or call your congressman and ask that the DEQ continue to protect our lakes with strict guidlines for future generations to enjoy what we have before its too late!

    Reply
  145. Walter Argent Jr on

    Other than Lake Michigan which is 100% US bound, they are shared and I do not believe that a unilateral decision can be made that would impact another countries’ population or economy. Furthermore, the risk to the other lakes if Lake Michigan is compromised with pollutants any more than they already are or worse yet, destroyed by a population of Asian Carp which are in the Chicago River.

    It’s bad enough that Michigan’s Clinton River Waste Reclamation already dumps 1 million gallons of raw sewage into Lake St. Clair each time it rains closing every beach within 75 miles downstream. Stay after him Jim… Someone has to stop the madman and hopefully the US Public will do so by handcuffing him in November by limiting the number of Executive Privileges a President can sign.

    Reply
  146. JEAN C MARTIN on

    The 5B pipelines need to be decommissioned and remove ASAP’ A winter break would magnify the mess and hinder the cleanup. Michigan has minimal benefit from this old Canadian pipeline and bears 100% if the risk. The issue is so simple that even our “leaders in Lansing” should recognize the danger, As a result of the foot dragging that our “leaders” have demonstrated, I would never vote for any of them for any office ever. They have eroded public trust in our state government and we are honestly suspicious of the reason that our “leaders” have behaved in this manner. They have put Enbridge wishes ahead of Michigan’s interests and that is unforgivable. Our government will not continue to be run by Enbridge and our political leaches!

    Reply
    • R Morley Palmateer on

      Our family lives on the lake, gets our water from the lake and spends many hours on or near the lake. A major spill from Line 5 would be devastating. Our lake needs to be protected from such a fate. Shut down Line 5!

      Reply
  147. Mike Binsfeld on

    Skip,
    Thank you for highlighting the risks of the aging pipeline along it’s entire length. Sometimes I feel there is too much focus on the Straits, which is just 5 miles out of hundreds.

    Questions: 1. How much is the State of Michigan paid annually for allowing Canadian oil to travel through our state via Line 5? 2. Who would fund the proposed $500M cost of the tunnel under the Straits?

    Reply
  148. John Anthony La Pietra on

    As a candidate for State Representative myself, I would very much like to sign on to support your issues. But I’m running in Southwest Michigan — in the 63rd State House District (rural and small urban parts of Calhoun and Kalamazoo Counties; the biggest city is Marshall). Also, I didn’t have to win a primary on Tuesday to be on the ballot — I was nominated at the Green Party of Michigan state convention back in May.

    I hope you will consider it worth your time and attention to invite and welcome support for your issues by candidates from other parts of Michigan, and candidates from alternative parties (or of No Party Affiliation). If you would like, I can contact my fellow Green Party candidates, and maybe reach out to others as well. Please let me know.

    Thank you.

    Reply
  149. Linda McGill on

    Line 5 is a catastrophe waiting to happen. It is not a matter of IF it will happen, it is a matter of WHEN. It must be shut down. I intend to give my vote to Gretchen Whitmer for Gov. and Dana Nessel for Attorney General, both of whom intend to shut it down.

    Reply
  150. Joseph Davis on

    I just went for my first time and it was more beautiful than any trout river i have ever seen across the country. Ill sign any petition or anything to protect it. What do i do to help? I could see 20 feet deep and it was so Alive. Next it will only have carp and channel cats and chemicals.

    Reply
  151. onesetvision on

    Your article is very informative. It’s a welcome change from other supposed informational content. Your points are unique and original in my opinion. I agree with many of your points.

    Reply
  152. Maggie Singer on

    I was very appreciative of the expertise of each of the panel members. They answered Senator Peters prepared questions factually. I was very impressed with Senator Peters’ persuant effort to stress the fragility of our Great Lakes and the importance of protecting the integrity of our most valuable natural resource.
    We need to use the gathered information, or lack thereof, and use the data to prove that Line 5 should be decommissioned and removed from the Straights.
    Thanks Senator Peters for your dedication to preserve Our Great Lakes.

    Reply
  153. Kelly Thayer on

    Crain’s: Time to Step Up to Protect Thunder Bay Sanctuary – Environmental Law & Policy Center
    Tuesday, April 3, 2018
    Last year, the Trump Administration’s Department of Commerce announced a “review” directed to cut down the size of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary by 90 percent and potentially open up these Great Lakes waters to oil drilling. This proposal was a bad idea from the start. What are they thinking? http://elpc.org/newsroom/crains-time-step-protect-thunder-bay-sanctuary/

    Reply
  154. Tressa Moore on

    We have a great responsibility to keep Lake Michigan clean and free of oil. We have the worlds largest freshwater lakes and this is a priceless resource. Once oil spills into it then it is too late. We get our drinking water from this lake so please help us keep it clean.

    Reply
  155. Jessie Collins on

    and we need for industry to calm down on their discharges, for example the Fermi 2 reactor is allowed to discharge up to 45.1 million gallons per day of wastewater with temperatures up to 97 degree Fahrenheit – which causes thermal pollution.

    Reply
  156. Marla on

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    Reply
  157. Denis Pierce on

    This is wonderful news. FLOW once again shows that it is a strong and vibrant organization helping to protect the waters of the Great Lakes and throughout the State of Michigan.
    Congratulations !!

    Reply
  158. Anne on

    Congratulations Kelly! He will continue to bring blessings to FLOW and our community through his presence and expertise. Such great news!

    Reply
  159. JEAN C MARTIN on

    How low can Snyder go in his role as governor of Michigan and our cheif representative?! How much did he get paid?! That may sound like a nasty remark, but I think it is an honest question.He has dumped a load of liability and disaster on our state. None of us asked for this. We need some federal over site on this lousy deal, And sooner rather than later. This will ultimately be a very expensive lesson for all Michiganians. We need to investigate how to go about putting America/Michigan first. Canada sells the oil to foreign countries for profit. Michigan babysits a very old pipeline which we in Michigan could very well without. We’d better try to find a new governor from the democrat side of the ticket. Business as usual is not an option.

    Reply
  160. JoAnne. Beemon on

    Treaty Rights are fundamental. Love your preface! Two Plagues wait at the door. One is Extreme Climate Change, the other is War. Both are fed by fossil fuels.

    Reply
  161. Ron Kardos on

    We live with similar concerns as our home sits 80 feet from the Vector Pipeline and Line 6B in Livingston County (yes, the same one that failed in 2010) . The people living near the rupture in the Kalamazoo River watershed never imagined that the pipeline would fail in 2010 but it did and caused untold environmental damage and personal grief.

    Reply
  162. Deb Hansen on

    Great article! There are also justice issues to consider in the struggle to move beyond fossil fuels. It is well-documented that pollution harms the health and well-being of communities of color and working people disproportionately. Sarnia, the terminus of Line 5 just across the river from Port Huron, is home to 40% of Canada’s petrochemical industry. Residents of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation, surrounded by these facilities on all sides, report high rates of asthma, rare cancers and reproductive disorders. The Marathon Oil refinery, which also receives oil from Line 5, is a major polluter in Detroit’s 48217 zip code. This predominantly Black and Latinx area is Michigan’s most polluted, with a “toxic burden” that is a whopping 46 times the state average. Only moving to clean energy now, will offer a real solution to families and communities.

    Reply
  163. leonard page on

    The 1953 Easement provides at Par. J (1) that Enbridge “shall indemnify and hold harmless the state of michigan from all damages and losses caused to property…or persons due to or arising out of the operations…” enbridge is also required to maintain in full force and effect during the life of the easement “a Comprehensive Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Policy, bond or surety in form and substance acceptable to the [state]….” the tunnel agreement no longer requires a third party guarantee to pay all damages and less than $1.9 billion. see Par. J.

    enbridge never complied with its easement requirements under J (1) . On august 31, 2018 the Minnesota department of commerce filed its report with the state public service commission, concluding that these enbridge umbrella policies which also cover line 5, “do not cover damages from oil spills to any significant degree, if at all”. how does the tunnel agreement protect michigan and its residents from a worst case spill and Enbridge bankruptcy?

    Reply
  164. Ian Bund on

    Jim Olson’s remarks are thoughtful and to the point. The tunnel idea is no more than a concept. State officials have been distracted from the main issue : the immediate danger of Line 5 rupturing under the Straits and elsewhere along its 645 miles. This danger has been well documented. Our State officials,particularly the AG, have thrown plenty of words at the Line 5 Problem but lack the courage to do the right thing by the citizens of Michigan and the large areas that are likely to be affected. If our State officials see their role as doing Enbridge’s bidding rather than serving the citizens then they need to be replaced on Nov 6,2018. Ian Bund,Ann Arbor

    Reply
  165. Timothy Marschner on

    I love the clean, cold, clear waters of the Au Sable river. I have been returning to it for many years to revive my spirit. This is a wonderful result of the many people that have fought off just another business scheme that would have resulted in the destruction of a great place. These are few and far between. We must save the rivers that we have left. Now it remains for us to keep fighting the possibility of oil spills in the Great Lakes and the rivers that the Enbridge line 5 crosses on it’s way across our state!

    Reply
  166. Charles Cubbage on

    Congratulations on protecting these waters! In addition to the obvious, this case illustrates how appointed agency heads will coerce staff to ignore regulations and statutes to serve corporation interests (profits). As you vote on Tuesday consider if these candidates hold water quality and individuals health above corporate opportunities and profits.

    Reply
  167. Jim on

    Anglers, Tom, all of you. You’re are the green, blue berets of Michigan’s air, water, natural resources and the public trust. It is an honor to know you. P.S. Rusty is smiling with you.

    Reply
  168. Tamie Robinson on

    First of all, the bridge isn’t responsible for what is under it now. The Bridge Authority is to take care of the bridge, the structure and items and articles included with the bridge. Not the pipeline that was laid under it! Come on Michigan authorities, take care of the issues separately and do not bundle them together and make a mockery out of our Mighty Mac!

    Reply
  169. Brian Upton on

    FLOW could not have chosen a better person to serve on its Board then JoAnne Cook. Great choice, and thanks for posting her thoughts. I saw a link to these comments on TurtleTalk.

    Reply
  170. Janny Gates Norman on

    My love affair with water started at a very young age. It would take up pages of writings to reflect on my experiences and enjoyment. It will continue thru the rest of my life.

    Reply
  171. Steve Cornwell on

    A stellar review of this judgement, Jim! And a glimmer of hope for the future no matter what happens today. Thanks to FLOW for adding to our public awareness of the Public Trust principle.

    Reply
  172. Mike Mitchell on

    Great article to really sum up how Michiganders feel about protecting our greatest resource, the Great Lakes. These fresh water inland seas are so important to our regional economy which revolves around tourism, recreational use and commercial fishing. Thanks for fighting the good fight against these Corporate private interests who are putting our best interests and public welfare in jeopardy.

    Reply
  173. Gary L Cozette on

    This is a hopeful moment to shut down Line 5 oil pipeline under Lake Michigan, and to protect the Sixth Great Lake which is Michigan’s ground water. I remain very grateful for your tenacious work to protect water in Michigan and the Great Lakes region.

    Reply
  174. Joe Henne on

    There should not be any rush to legislate this important issue. Lame duck legislators and a lame ex governor (Schuette) should not be in a hurry. A plebiscite may be an option….

    Reply
  175. R Malcolm Ramsay on

    Why is this even being ‘argued’ or considered? Are parties in favor of ANY Oil lines through/under Planet EARTH’S largest ‘contiguous’ freshwater lake ecosystem truly willing to put PROFITS over even the slightest chance of a spill-caused damage to it?
    Some serious re-thinking and true self reflection is needed by here before the worse happens.

    Reply
  176. Janet Hessler on

    Seriously! We need to protect our water at all costs. It is the single most important issue facing MI and the world! Please, please side with water conservation and protection!

    Reply
  177. Valerie Wolters on

    Our freshwater future should not be compromised.
    This is the opposite of transparent government, as well as the greedy
    “Solution” for Enbridge.
    It seems to me that there are miles and miles of provincial land which
    Would—and Should–be the transportation route for Enbridge.
    The risks seem imminently dangerous to our Great Lakes, and all the Earth’s waters which would continue to spread any accidental ruptures.

    Reply
  178. Sue Sweeney on

    There is nothing that shows this to be a boon for Michigan and it’s citizens and a history of horror stories against going forward with this. It is a win-win for Canadian Oil company Enbridge in that it saves them money and time in transport fees and they carry none of the responsibility in the future. Michigan’s Bridge Authority and it’s citizens carry both the financial and environmental risk. We are blessed to live with the largest fresh water supply in the world – the risk of disaster is too big and unnecessary.

    Reply
  179. Pamela Smithbell on

    Do not oppose the will of the voters. The vast majority of Michigan citizens are well aware of the risks of oil passing under the straights and oppose it. Do not let lame duck politics risk our clean water and economy.

    Reply
  180. Lisa Patrell on

    Washtenaw Cty #WaterProtectors are building on self-directed calling campaign and LameDuckLobby Day Nov 27 with #ONE Postcard writing campaign (kick-off is Friday in Ypsi) to sponsoring Senator plus the 5 members of Govt Oper Comm, where SB1197 sits.
    materials for others to host postcard writing session is free. Find it on fbk pg, Michigan-Stands-
    In-Unity under “Files” tab. Then–
    #TWO Rounding up other #WaterProtectors around the state to be present in the chambers during the 12 days of lame duck session (Nov27-Dec20).
    materials are under development and available for free on same fbk page under same tab
    We are working in coordination with our local Representative and organizers of
    LameDuckLobbyDay.

    Reply
  181. Laura Paalanen on

    Hey Snyder, you have done enough harm to the people and environment in Michigan as it is. BACK OFF on the line 5 tunnel. We all know it’s just another scheme for you to line your friends and your own pockets. This line could destroy just about everything YOU claim to care about, you know, “Pure Michigan” and all that hogwash YOU spew all over the place. You don’t give a BLEEP about anyone but yourself and your actions since you have been in office proves this! BACK OFF SNYDER and just go away quietly!!!

    Reply
  182. Barb Ford on

    Our Great Lakes must be protected! The risk of disaster from Line 5 is too great. Shut it down, do not tunnel. Do not put short term profit for a few above clean water for everyone. A spill from that pipeline cannot ever be fully cleaned up. Once the damage is done it can never be fully undone.

    Reply
  183. Tracy Stoll on

    NO TO ENBRIDGE! NO TO LINE 5! NO TO OUTGOING GOV. SNYDER TRYING TO LINE HIS FAT POCKETS ONE MORE TIME, AT THE EXPENSE OF OUR “PURE MICHIGAN”!
    Look at what a disaster Marshall Michigan turned out to be after an Enbridge break! They still have not cleaned that up entirely yet!
    ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!! THE BUCK SHOILD STOP HERE!

    Reply
  184. Linda McGill on

    MESSAGE TO Senator Stama…urge a NO VOTE on Senate Bill 1197…an oil spill in our Great Lakes at the Straits would be an absolute catastrophy…policing and/or owning the Pipeline and/or proposed tunnel under the Straits is NOT the responsibility of the Mackinaw Bridge Authority nor should it be. NO TO ENBRIDGE….SHUT DOWN LINE 5! NO OIL IN OUR WATERS.

    Reply
  185. Kathy Mayo on

    Our precious fresh water source can not be put at this kind of risk. Once a spill occurs, it will have devastating effects on all waterways & health of our environment & lives!! There is no such thing as a small leak!! SHUT DOWN LINE 5 …NOW!!

    Reply
  186. Mark Pickering on

    Can Ohio, Pennsylvania, and/or New York file a lawsuit to stop this, given that they are on the receiving end of an oil spill?

    Reply
  187. Ardine Burgess on

    The waters of the Great Lakes are more important than a corporation that does not keep it’s pipelines in good repair. Throw them out of all the waters of the Great Lakes !

    Reply
  188. Maryann Cacciaglia on

    Just heard back from my Senator Wayne Schmidt who I emailed last week to ask his support for shutting down Enbridge’s Line 5. He says he is in agreement with Snyder and supports the tunnel! While this doesn’t surprise me, I’m so angry at his response. I will continue to call his office and the office of Larry Inman my representative. We have to stop the madness of putting our precious Great Lakes at such risk.

    Reply
  189. David Hayes on

    Putting the Mackinaw Bridge Authority in charge of a proposed Enridge OIl Tunnel is like putting an emergency manager in charge of the Flint Government.

    Reply
  190. Carolyn & John Paulitch on

    From Carolyn & John Paulitch … We grew up along the Det. River & nr. Lake Erie & RECALL the 30 to 40 yr. effort, funded by taxpayers to clean up the river & OUR lake. Chemical plants & others dumped their debris for many yrs. & when the pollution became evident, they either filed bankruptcy and most left the country. Enbridge suffered huge losses w/ the 2010 Kalamazoo River spill, that residents 1st found, and it cost billions to clear. Our lakes already have clean the lakes programs we need to support and all should be wary of huge businesses entering our waterways with 99 yr tunnel plans they can find a way to run from should a spill occur.

    Reply
  191. Lana Jerome on

    At a time when our environment is being abused this is absolutely unthinkable! We have an amazing state and our natural resources are one of our greatest assets. Do not allow Senate bill 1211 to pass.

    Reply
  192. Andy Thomas on

    There is no risk low enough to justify continuing to expose Michigan-Huron Lakes to oil and gas leak potential. The lakes are the reason that we all live, work and play here. Large environmental disasters do happen, and when they do the areas affected are large and recovery time can be generational. No tunnel. No pipeline.

    Reply
  193. Linda L. Moore on

    Please vote NO on Bill 1197. Too much potential for our natural resources to be damaged to risk.
    Do not listen to the scare tactics.

    Thank you for outing NO.

    Reply
  194. John O'Neill on

    Dear Senator Booher,

    Senate Bill 1197 is not in the interest of Michigan Citizens and Taxpayers. We know that a tunnel will take years to build, meanwhile the aging Line 5 remains vulnerable to accident or terrorism. It shifts responsiblity for the line from Embridge, a Canadian company to the Mackinac Bridge Authority, that is, the Michigan Taxpayers. This is not a partisian issue: a breach of this pipeline would be devestating to the lakes, our drinkig water, and our tourism and agriculture-based economy. There are alternatives to the line that are far safer. Clearly the voters do not want this pipeline; it is improper to rush it through during a lame-duck session. As stewards of God’s gift to Michigan, the Great Lakes, I urge you to vote against any tunnel scheme for Line 5.

    I vote in every election and thank you in advance for voting responsibly.

    John O’Neill
    Cedar, MI

    Reply
  195. Joni Robb on

    Former Rep (R) and former Chair of Mac Island State Park Commission Partner, has said it best. I hope everyone gets a chance to listen to his comments made Nov. 27, 2018. “Friends of Mackinac Bridge ” has it up on their facebook page ~ says it all. We’ll keep up the pressure!

    Reply
  196. Wendy Nystrom on

    Sent an email to my state Senator Emmons and Representative Hoitenga. I added SB 396.
    Thank you for putting together this list.
    Sincerely, Wendy Nystrom

    Reply
  197. Patricia lloyd on

    These bills as a group take a step back from modern thinking about sanitation, the value of trees to climate, the importance of wetlands to the ecosystem, and the threat of chemicals to our daily lives. Why are these bills even on the table? These legislators are more concerned with lining their pockets–money from outrageous nods to private concerns–than leaving a solid legacy of government. We want their names engraved in stone, so they won’t just devastate their state and leave without due remembrance of their ugly deeds.

    Reply
  198. helen leckenby on

    We must say No to these hastily thought up ways to trample rights,probably some corporations wanting restrictions removed for financial gain.The line 5, must be stopped !!! Not a U.S. Company ..We are Not going to take that risk..

    Reply
  199. Jeryl Colby on

    We live in one of the most beautiful states in the US. Beautiful, BECAUSE of our trees, wetlands and inland and Great Lakes. We need tourism to boost our economy and if we foolishly destroy our wetlands, trees, clean water and continue to allow pollution to go unchecked, we are self- destructing. Long term planning and long term thinking is what Lansing needs to be doing for our beautiful state. Why destroy this beauty for the profit of a few greedy people? Once it is gone, it will take generations to bring it back. Please protect and preserve our beautiful state of Michigan.

    Reply
  200. Alice Mummey on

    Please do not allow Senate bill 1211 to slip through while we are busy at the holidays! This is too important for our future generations!

    Reply
  201. Jody Hinkle on

    Can someone comment on the reasons these bills are being pushed through like this? I’m not inderstanding the “why”. Why and how would these bills benefit anyone?

    Reply
    • Cherie on

      It’s a lame duck session-politicians that lost their seats. It happens on both sides of the aisle-the majority rushes to get their agenda items passed-I can’t confirm its for capital gain- but its never for common good. I’m not a tree hugger, environmental activist, just a citizen who feels these are all wrong decisions for the future of our State.

      Reply
    • Mark Duykers on

      As in most things in this country….it’s all about the almighty Dollar!
      Wetlands being turned into more McMansions and parking lots will directly line the pockets of developers, politicians and realtors!

      Reply
  202. Robert DeBoef on

    This is abhorrent, these public servants are showing their outright disdain for the will of the people. They are violating the trust placed in them by the people of Michigan. We will not forget. I will remember this in the next election. I will also make a list of every one of these traitors and make sure to support anyone who opposes them and their party. If they have a private business I will be sure to boycott it as well as asking others to do so as well.

    Reply
    • Ron on

      Perhaps this can be voided in 2019 by responsible public servants. Trump did a lot of that type of activity with executive orders.

      Reply
  203. Alison Gillis on

    Screw Enbridge… we Canadians are good at a lot of things…particularly at anything involved with mining and smelting… Beware of Teck and Enbridge and any Canadian Oil, Gas, LNG, backed companies… actually Bombardier and other companies deliver… Imperial Metals are also bad

    Reply
  204. Renee Bentley on

    Stop! Just STOP! You haven’t even cleaned up FLINT WATER yet. You’re LAZY and IRRESPONSIBLE. Leaving NO GOOD WATER for your grandkids. What’s wrong with you??

    Reply
  205. Jeanne brubaker on

    At no time and under no circumstances should a foreign agent be allowed to profit our elected officials in any fashion through the lease or sale of the use or ownership of the property of this country. Additionally it would be an act of treason to establish an agreement with a foreign entity that will provide the access to and the potential exclusive use of such property. Do not sit idle in this war. If you do not act you are giving your consent.

    Reply
  206. James Clark on

    Do not allow this bill to pass as it reflects the criminality of our representatives ignoring the welfare of Michigan and its people.

    Reply
  207. B. Fish on

    If it’s a good bill, it can wait til after Jan. 1st, and the newly elected officials have had time to review it! The only reason to rush it is because there’s something wrong with it!

    Reply
  208. Robert DeBoef on

    Anyone who votes for this bill should prepare for a new occupation and relocation. If you live in this state you should have an understanding of how important the Great Lakes are to everyone who lives here. You should also understand the importance of the Lakes to the Country and the Planet. You can’t take risks with something that belongs to everyone. As elected officials for the State of Michigan you have a duty to protect the State, it’s natural resources and it’s inhabitants. Honor your State by voting NO!

    Reply
  209. Mary geary on

    We live in one of the most beautiful states in the US. Beautiful, BECAUSE of our trees, wetlands and inland and Great Lakes. We need tourism to boost our economy and if we foolishly destroy our wetlands, trees, clean water and continue to allow pollution to go unchecked, we are self- destructing. Long term planning and long term thinking is what Lansing needs to be doing for our beautiful state. Why destroy this beauty for the profit of a few greedy people? Once it is gone, it will take generations to bring it back. Please protect and preserve our beautiful state of Michigan.

    Reply
  210. Thomas Roberts on

    This is not a good idea for the Great Lakes or the Bridge. This should not be approved. Enbridge needs to buck up & fix their own problems.

    Reply
  211. James A. Stover on

    I agree any senator or sate Rep who votes in favor of,this bill should be impeached and thrown out of office for failing to honor 5hempeople of this state.

    Reply
  212. Mark Duykers on

    My wife and I are strongly opposed to the current legislation which removes critical protection for wetland areas.

    This legislation has nothing to do with “the little guy” and everything to do with developers and money making.

    Trying to ramrod this through in a lame duck session, highlights all that is wrong with our political system.

    The great state of Michigan is unique and attracts people as well as wildlife, because of it’s many parks, woods and diverse natural areas, including wetlands. Sandhill Cranes are practically celebrities in the area, and we’re going to take away habitat because a few people had to fight about whether or not they could build a garage?!

    These laws were likely in place (since 1979) when people bought their land and there’s no reason to change them now.

    A few decades from now, after we’ve trashed all the natural areas and contaminated the worlds largest supply of fresh water, we can all look back and explain to our grandkids what the hell happened. Disgraceful.

    Actually, the Planet doesn’t need us at all, we’re the ones who need it and it’s resources….so after we ruin them all, WE’RE the ones who are going to become extinct.

    We urge you to vote against removing protections for our wetlands!

    Sincerely,

    Mark and Antje Duykers
    2201 Cobblestone Creek Dr
    Pinckney, MI 48169

    Reply
  213. Alice on

    Extremely disappointed in the chicanery that produced Senate Bill 1197. This bill endangers the Mackinac Bridge, hands taxpayer money to a foreign corporation, and endangers our Great Lakes. The House should vote this down.

    Reply
  214. Valerie Sisson on

    This is unbelievable that you would completely disregard the wishes of the people of Michigan.
    You are completely destroying the Great Lakes. All for what? MONEY … GREED… POWER
    Who takes the blame when this goes wrong, as it will. Pipes leak, the question is when

    Reply
  215. Greg Griswold on

    I am opposed to SB 1197 and feel it is against the will of the people of Michigan. To put the interests of a private foriegn company above the will of the majority of Michigan residents is an Ill informed vote. The concerns of the people of Michigan should not be overlooked

    Reply
  216. Rebecca on

    I’m sad that people who actually live in Michigan would allow this to happen. I hope they vote for Michigan and not for Enbridge! Especially, Lee Chattfield. He’s from and resides in Northern Michigan. Our hometowns are next to each other. The only difference is my hometown would be devastated by an oil spill and his hometown is more inland. However, we both drink the same water!

    Reply
  217. Barbara Schneider on

    By pushing through this bill in lame duck you are are disregarding the will of the people. Michigan citizens voted to shut down line 5 and protect are Great Lakes. We the people will not stop fighting to protect are fresh water for it is life.

    Reply
  218. Barbara Stamiris on

    Dear Enbridge,
    Kindly use your other pipeline… the one that goes down around the lakes!
    Don’t risk OUR Great Lakes for your $$$$$.
    Michigan says no thank you to a tunnel.
    Barbara

    Reply
  219. Andrea Overweg on

    I grew up in Michigan and family vacations were often to the beach or to Mackinaw and the UP. Nature has given Michigan both breathaking beauty and bountiful resources like fish, birds, timber, copper, iron, rich soil, etc. . It is without question that the Great Lakes are one of the largest sources of fresh water in the world. Michigan has been entrusted with a vast and rich ecosystem and vigilant stewardship is required not reckless pursuit of profit. A leak or spill will be catastrophic in human lives and environmental damage that will be permanent. I beseech the leadership of Michigan to do what is right by yielding to the voice of the people and protect our valuable natural resources! Stop the pipeline! It is not hyperbole to state that the viability of Future generations are dependent on your ability to protect our waters and natural resources!

    Reply
  220. catherine eng on

    the UN report states we have 12 years to combat catastrophic climate change.

    Clean water is a BASIC need for human survival. WHY are we decimating all of these natural resources. EVEN if you don’t believe the myriad of scientists saying HUMANS are effecting nature- why chance it? Why not be proactive.

    PLS remember that clean water is BASIC NECESSITY

    Reply
  221. lucynda Thrushman on

    I live and own a business on Lake Huron and I pay high taxes to do so. That tax money is being used to pay you people to do this to our beautiful state, to let others make a profit to destroy our lakes and wetlands. This is backwards people! If these people value their jobs they need to vote no on this bill and all the other Lame Duck Shameful bills put forth! The people of Michigan, heck the whole United States will never forget this hypocrisy! Shut down line 5, no tunnel! This foreign company has made millions let them spend it to find a better route one that does not endanger our water and wet lands! Vote No !

    Reply
  222. Marlaine Francis on

    YOOPERS everywhere are astoundingly horrified by this lack of foresight and planning by the politicians for the safety and wellbeing of Michigan citizens to protect our pristine waters of the Great Lakes. Senate Bill 1197 needs to be voted down.

    Reply
  223. Mark Weston on

    This entire scheme by outgoing Republicans is clearly designed to circumvent existing protocols and debate, in order to benefit corporate oil interests… at the cost of every Michigan resident. In doing so, they intend to undermine the will of the people, who have clearly voted for new leadership, principles and policies which will ensure the return of fair democratic interests. Ramming such a far reaching proposal through in days & without discussion, is unconscionable. The people of Michigan are smarter than that. They will not support this ill-advised proposal. Nor will they forget the blatant disregard, disrespect and incredible disservice the Republican leaders have shown to the citizenry. There is a penalty to pay that could last for generations.

    Reply
  224. Jim Maturen on

    I love your For Sale header. Thank You for your latest statement and for carrying on the fight for for the the Great Lakes. The for sale sign reminds me of the article I wrote sometime ago titled For Sale – Our Natural Resources. Greed knows no bounds!

    Reply
  225. Ray Abraham on

    Gretchen can do something to REVERSE this!!!!! Michiganders rise up and start a lawsuit against Enbridge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  226. Suzanne M Fairchild on

    And beyond all that, he was a gentleman and an all around nice person to work around. I had the distinct pleasure to work with him and his staff during a couple of his campaigns. It was a time in my life that I truly enjoyed.

    Reply
  227. Kathie Weinmann on

    The lame duck legislation that summarily strips environmental protections violate the legality and heart of ”paramount” respecting Michigan laws. Therefore, the 2019 MI congress and Supreme Court must undo these dangerous measures.

    Reply
  228. Karen Opperman on

    Is it possible to have this published in our local newspapers? These requirements in Michigan’s Constitution are news to me and, I am guessing, to most others as well.

    Reply
    • Paul J Endresen on

      Bring indictable charges against the legislature and the offenders and make them stick. They should pay into a fund now to restore damage done.

      Reply
  229. Cheryl Dinger on

    I attended Joanne’s “Anishinaabek Lecture Series” hosted by Omena Historical Society this past summer. Her lectures were interesting, inspiring and enlightening. Joanne gives a gentle and important reminder in her teachings that we must take good care of our fresh water and mother earth that benefits all life now, and it is also our responsibility to do so for the generations to come. Thank you Joanne for your work with FLOW!

    Reply
  230. Robert Buechler on

    Bribes, corruption, and stupidity is the rule of law in the Michigan Legislature. Our water is infinitely more important than oil. Hopefully oil is on the way out in the next 20 years.

    Reply
  231. Robert J Buechler on

    DDT practically wiped out the bald Eagles in Michigan. Especially around the shorelines of the Great lakes, because the DDT made the eagle eggs too soft to hatch properly. If Michigan hadn’t acted then our ecosystem would be in worse shape. Come on people. It’s not to late to stop the nonsense.

    Reply
  232. leonard page on

    the sellout of sellouts is the second tunnel agreement which amends the 1953 Easement requirement that Enbridge indemnify and hold harmless all persons damages by an oil spill. now enbridge permitted to use a financial assurance mechanism capped at $1.9 billion and backed largely by pledges of corporate equity. In a large spill, enbridge will file bankruptcy which will probably make any prior pledge of corporate equity unenforceable. persons will oil spill claims will have to file a claim in bankruptcy court, wait years and get pennies on the dollar. how could any person wanting to be buried in Michigan agree to eliminate the indemnification and hold harmless pledge of the 1953 easement agreement?

    Reply
  233. Richard Scott on

    Thank you for this summary. Looking back at the years many of us worked to preserve the environment is helpful.
    I spoke out against damage to air, land and our waters by industry at Chatfield committee hearing over legislative n written and delayed u til moments before Snyder’s closed door arrange,ent with Enbridge.
    That I spoke that all of us and all factories and Industries must be responsible for any damage they do and was met with a steely store from a legislator was to me that those in power care not for important things in life.

    Reply
  234. Mike Mitchell on

    A-men, Jim! The same holds true when you walk the ocean beaches in Florida and California, except high tide makes for even wider beaches for the public to enjoy these public domain large bodies of water.
    In other words, just “Go with the Flow!”

    Reply
  235. Brian Upton on

    Miigwetch for sharing that remembrance JoAnne. I remember reading about Josephine when she did the water walk. She was/is a powerful example of leadership and advocacy.

    Reply
  236. Brian Upton on

    Jim, many of us really appreciate your long-time work on this very issue, and are glad to see FLOW’s advocacy on same. Thank you.

    Reply
  237. Siobhan Marks on

    Miigwech for sharing the story of how Grandma began her water walks, which have become a worldwide phenomenon. Grandma Josephine and Bawdwaywidun / Edward Benton, Sr. exemplify “the power of one” through their personal commitment and by teaching us that the strength that we all carry becomes so much stronger when we come together to do our work… especially for our precious Nibi. Spirit-driven and forever flowing… howah! Great article!

    Reply
  238. William M. O’Donnell on

    This deviation from planned and agreed upon regulations for the use of our Great Lakes water is unacceptable and I will do everything I can to stop this dead in its tracks.

    Reply
  239. Patricia Lloyf on

    Thank you FLOW for following this development, and defending the Great Lakes. This attempt to use the water for corporate profit is like Nestle’s diversion of Michigan groundwater for profit. Corporate greed is horrifying, and truly destroying us. Please continue to stand up for the Lakes. I totally support your actions on thus. Thank you thank you!

    Reply
  240. Margaret Mitchell on

    This is outrageous! It is a warning that mega corporations will spend millions to flout the law and distort its intent to gain access to fresh water……just like Nestle~ did in Evart, Michigan. Nestle paid just $200 for a permit to draw 200 gallons/minute…they made millions bottling water and selling it to ignorant Americans who have no idea what is happening…it wasn’t long before they needed 400 gpm.
    STOP FOXCONN BEFORE ITS TOO LATE!

    Reply
  241. Diana Moss on

    It will take a dedicated committment from all states bordering the Great Lakes to protect and keep the water sustainable and free from commercial profit. As water becomes less abundant it will become more and more desirable for those wishing to make a profit on the precious commodity that belongs to the residents of those bordering states. Nestle’s is just the beginning of theft of a natural resourse. Their deal of paying only $200 a year for a ‘permit’ is a joke. Someone is pocketing a large kickback while Nestle’s is making millions.

    Reply
  242. Renee Powers on

    Thank You Flow !! You Give Us The Facts & Figures Like No one else when it comes to The Safety of Our Great Lakes & when Big corporations Corrupt The System ,The Environment, & All Life Forms!!
    As Always ; Great Work !!!!

    Reply
  243. Timothy Fitzgerald Young on

    Thank you Liz and FLOW or being leaders and “out front” warriors for our Great Lakes. PFAS are invisible killers and don’t make headlines commensurate with the threat they pose. I’m heartened that you are up to the challenge and taking it on.

    Reply
  244. Timothy Fitzgerald Young on

    Thank you Liz and Flow for your “out-front” warrior defense of our Great Lakes. PFAS are the invisible killers, and therefore, don’t make headlines commensurate with their threat. I’m heartened that you are taking a lead in raising awareness around this issue that is in everyone’s back yard.

    Reply
  245. Renee Powers on

    We Have A Non Productive Government Right Now !! I’m Very Disgusted And Have Lost Total Faith In The Government And That Is From The Top Branches Down To The Very Roots… We Need A Clean Sweep In That House & Start Clean . The Words They Speak Do Not Represent What They Actually Do & Don’t Do !! They Are Not Held Accountable And They still Get Their Pay For Traveling around Giving Speeches & Telling Us Prefabricated Plans . Who Really is Running This Country Is What Id Like To Know because Everyone In Our Legislature Is Putting Someone Else To Blame For this That & Everything Else but The One Who’s Paying Everyone Off Is Now The Leader In Our Country And So Who Needs A President With The Way Things Are now . The News Media Shows Nothing Good To Say About Our Government Officials And Its Very Disappointing .

    Reply
  246. Rob on

    Legislative move bill – SB 1197 – on Thursday before the Senate. get new media involved – contact Amy Goodman of Democracy now and get Movie Celebrities involved like Michael Moore .
    Connect it to the challenger disaster that clearly shows , when big money is involved no one care about the people and they get away with it !!! Educate the people , for it take people and Grass roots movement on large scale in None violence to get there attention to there callous behavior , and prayer , for any real success we need help from upstairs from god , the great grandfathers and all the great once , now that will make the difference.

    Reply
  247. paul baines on

    yes and…the Great Lakes are governed by patchwork of broken rules that legalize pollution, extraction water for profit, and condone colonial governance. all the chemicals we are putting in the lakes are in also our bodies and this impacts marginalized communities extra hard.

    learn about the Great Lakes not just as water, but a living system that includes us, all life, and the impacts/opportunities for world we live in — both undesired and desired. See the Great Lakes Commons Charter Toolkit for lots of examples about the above: https://www.greatlakescommons.org/chartertoolkit

    Reply
  248. Taryn on

    We need to keep this Sanitary Code. At the time of sale is the only way for the septic systems to be inspected and made to repair or replace. The lakes need all the help we can give them. We try to improve our waterways and this is one of the main ways of keeping septic out of the lake. Do not remove this code.

    Reply
  249. Dan Buwell on

    I believe point of sale is an unfair burden on home owners.Not done in any other county.Was told that the person most behind it is in fact in a business that profits,from it’s implication.Also was a public servant.

    Reply
  250. Sylvia McCullough on

    Oh thank goodness for this! Thank you Dana Nessel and thanks to FLOW for keeping up the good fight to get Line 5 shut down!

    Reply
  251. Tami Stagman on

    I ask Governor Whitmer to Shut Down Line 5 now permanently before an accident happpens. It is not worth the risk. Most Michiganders do not want this Line 5 transporting Canadian tar sands oil to Sarnia. They can use their other existing Lines to do this. There are many alternatives or they can build a new Line thru Canada. Do. NOT approve a tunnel. Line 5 has had many leaks in the UP. It is old and needs decommissioned! We can build a new line just carry the propane or truck in the propane to UP Residents. Line 5 is not needed and should be halted under the Straights immediately. Every day we wait, we are taking chances. We do not want another break like Kalamazoo, only in the Straights. Water is Life. Please #shutdownline5 now. Do the right thing. Do what the people of Michigan have been asking our officials to do for the last 5 years. Please listen to the People. We have went to many public hearings and voiced our opinions and concerns. What the People think should matter. Government for the People, by the People. That’s why we voted Atty General Nessel and Governor Whitmer into Office, to do the will of the People. I am one of those people that have went to meetings, wrote letters, called Congressman, went to Pipe our Paddle events in September at the Straights, voted on Election Day. Please make my voice and the many other voices heard Shut Down Line 5 permanently. Thank You!

    Reply
  252. John Stegmeier on

    Thank you for moving our state forward and making it a model for the rest of the country. I’m sorry for not fighting hard enough to keep our state progressing along those lines.

    Reply
  253. Dan Burwell on

    Lake front homes should have sealed holding tanks,that are pumped and disposed of properly. As in Mr.Phillips case.

    Reply
  254. Renee Powers on

    Amen ! Put Enbridge To The Test !! Also Can We The People Have The language brought forth on paper showing us all of theGovernment officials that have their dirty hands locked into Enbridge Oil ????? Would Love to See who I won’t be voting for !!!!!! How to find this info ??

    Reply
  255. CATHERINE M OTTARSON on

    Governor Milliken,

    We worked together from 1975 to 1982 when I was Terminated from staff.
    I am Cathy Wesley Ottarson-
    Michigan House of Representatives, Democratic Communications Specialist II.

    Sending you Best Wishes for the Happiest of 97th Birthdays!!
    The 97th Anniversary of the day YOU Graced the World with your Presence, Hooray!!

    Now, Sit up Straight!
    Lower your Chin……..
    Turn your head to the left…….
    No. Turn it back to the Right……..
    Now, look here and be Natural!

    Cathy O Photographer

    Reply
  256. JEAN MARTIN on

    We are moving in the right direction. We are emboldened by the right ethics. But Enbridge will not go down easily. So pace your enthusiasm and continue to work the case. We all want the same thing, but you are dealing with a big shark and this won’t be over quickly.
    For about the 10th time, I would have Dana call FERC and find out where Enbridge is on their request for a pipeline variance. Get advice from FERC. Make friends with a case manager at FERC. Listen to advice from FERC.

    Reply
  257. Rick on

    Seriously? Explain why the surrounding counties do not have these same inspection requirements? Did you know no one in Kalkaska polices this ordinance. Did you know this doesn’t apply to for sale by owners? Did you know on average The Grand Traverse Bays are closed due to high ecoli levels? Seriously folks, get the facts. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Make all of the area District 10 area encompasses comply with these regulations! Since this is a Kalkaska County only issue, why are you taking the meeting to a far away county making it very difficult for Kalkaska County residents to attend? Change the venue of the meeting to the Kaliseum!

    Reply
  258. Ann Rogers on

    A little late, but very heart-felt non the less: Happy 95th year to someone I have always admired and appreciated.
    You are an inspiration, and if today’s leaders could only pay attention, and care for our environment as you have, we would be in such better shape.
    Your legacy lives in those of us still working on protection and preservation.

    Reply
  259. Renee Powers on

    You Are All Very Intelligent Business & Family Oriented People !! I Appreciate All Your Dedication & Give Many Thank You’s For Your Never – Ending Team Work with All Citizens To Find A Way To Break Through The Minds of Those Corrupted ; That Will Do Anything They Want As long as They Gain their Fortunes . How & where can We Citizens All Stand Together In One Place On Our Beautiful Shores of Lake Michigan / Lake Huron To Shout It Out Loud And Clear …. We want To Take Our Land & Lakes Back From Enbridge Oil & I Doubt That My Native American Ancestors Had Any Say At All Or Any Pay In The Deal That was made many years ago between Enbridge & Those Michigan’s Legislatures That were bought into it !!
    How Does any Constituted Law Make It ; Any of Its Actions Okay ; When The Issue Is bigger Than Those Lawmakers Are capable of wrapping their head around APPARENTLY ? Now we’re talking about Messing with The Laws Of Nature & That In All of Life’s Existence Presides over Anybody who wants to Make A Deal Against ” The Mother Earths Life Forms & Their Existence ” Right Now We Need Earth Protectors Be A majority of Our Government Body So Our Citizens Environmental Concerns Are Heard & and There Will Be No High Risk Due To Big Oil Corporations paying Our Lawmakers So They Can Push On Through Wherever they want . Just Sayin While Im Prayin !!! Thank You All !!

    Reply
    • Jim Olson on

      Thank you for this passionate call to transformative action, Renee. The public trust doctrine imposed a solemn duty on government, all of us, to protect these waters and way of life. And, ordinary citizens have a legal right to enfiythus duty as a beneficiary of this trust. We hope our mission at FLOW spreads awareness and application if this ancient legal doctrine throughout the Great Lakes and beyond. Maybe we need a “shout day” by all who go to the shore, and at an appointed hour shout out the call to stewardship and change that you desire.

      Reply
  260. Sue Sweeney on

    This is the most positive news I’ve heard in a long time. Just the fact that there are legal steps that can be taken and a Governor and AG that are willing to actually do what the citizens of Michigan want and protect our Lakes instead of selling them out to Big Oil in closed door meetings is fantastic. We need to count on our own political leaders because trump cares nothing for the environment or the future of the Great Lakes.

    Reply
    • Christina Riddle on

      Excellent letter Sue Sweeney! I agree with you & FLOW! When i get my tax refund I plan to make a donation on behalf of my 9 grandkids who call (northern) Michigan HOME!

      Reply
  261. Stephen Krause on

    Mr. Olson,

    Thank you for your comprehensive analysis and recommendations concerning Line 5. Michigan residents are fortunate to have you and your expertise in order to stand up for what is right when it comes to the Great Lakes — our state’s most valuable asset.

    During the past five years or so, I’ve written many letters to our leaders, urging them to do what is right by decommissioning Line 5. I will continue to reach out to them and make my sentiments know in hopes that they will take meaningful action before it’s too late.

    Mr. Olson, thank you again for all you do, for your passion and for your hard work regarding this vital cause. I’m now more optimistic than ever that we can soon bring this ‘catastrophe waiting to happen’ to an end!

    Reply
  262. Barbara Cote on

    Thanks to Governor Whitmer and AG Nessel for keeping Enbridge out of our Great Lakes for their failure to add Michigan as an insured and required GLSLA application. Further the 3 mile “repair” signifies hazard to our fresh water system that could not recover as well as a saltwater body could. The DEQ needs to honor it’s mission to protect our greatest resource!

    Reply
  263. Renee Powers on

    FLOW Thank You So Much !! For Your Professional Standards That We All Are Waiting To See become reality ; In keeping Our Environment Safe For Generations To Come and Blocking any Manmade Money deals To Any Officials in Collaborating Corruption!!

    Reply
  264. Thomas Ryan on

    Borneo! Oil spill ! Underwater Pipeline ! When will Pipeline 5 spill oil into our Lake Michigan ?? Tell governor Whitmer to SHUT IT DOWN !

    Reply
  265. Kathie Weinmann on

    We are very concerned that Governor Whitmer seems to be negotiating the Tunnel with Enbridge. This operation has been allowed to go dangerously past safe and legal limits. This product does not benefit MI residents, and the impending danger contributes to a state of anxiety for a huge number of us. This isn’t the Governor I supported. This isn’t the MI I want to live in.

    Reply
  266. Diana Adams on

    Enbridge Canada’s energy corporation is & has been in violation of the Native American’s party to the land easements throughout 18 counties in MI from Detroit to North of the Straits of Michilimackinac (Mackinac) runs under the Mackinac Bridge in the middle of Lake Huron & Lake Michigan re-connecting on land in Mackinac County. The U.S federal agencies & the State of MI government’s, their new administrations don’t even follow the federal laws detailed in the original easement agreements. The local EPA, Forestry Division’s, the State Governor has a trust responsibility to honor treaty’s made with the various MI Indians. Not one MI Indian has been contacted since the installation of the twin pipelines. The Native American’s living within their ceded area’s (Counties) are party to the energy resources pumping through to Canada & Russia. EQUAL Governing was to be achieved, as the refinery in Detroit, the Native American’s were to have equal control to hire to train & to maintain the oil/gas pipelines equally as Canad’s energy corporation. MI would negotiating power by honoring the Treaty’s the oil/gas easements singed in the 1950’s including the actual MI Indians of the various Band’s party to equal governing. Enbridge owes the Native American race many many moons of revenue sharing that they have illegally excluded from paying. The twin lines cannot be shut down but Canada & Russia’s energy corporation should be court ordered to rebuild new lines with up to date materials & installing the spacers according to laws. Once their twin lines are rebuilt & in operation to provide gas/oil to Canada/Russia they should be court ordered to cover all costs to install their new lines, and cover all costs removing their old lines from our Great Lakes. Governor Whitmer you should review the original easement agreement to fully understand today Canada, Russia & the U.S, every agency under the sun or waterways today are in violation of the Native American’s, treaty’s Supreme Laws of the Lands. No one ever looks back in history to know how to honor Supreme Laws…Nope they grab for straws & deal with the enemy.

    Reply
  267. Kimberly S Kinnan on

    This is valuable and helpful information to know and share with others. Let’s do our best to protect the Great Lakes and educate others.

    Reply
  268. Carl Guething on

    Stop ocean going ships from entering the Great Lakes and dumping their ballast water. There are 1,000’s of invasive viruses and bacteria that could take hold in the Great Lakes, in addition, to the current 400 plus invasive species we know about according to the US Naval Research department.

    Reply
  269. Mary Jane Eicher on

    Thank you for all the effort your group has given to Protect Michigan’s water resources. If we as Michigan citizens can no longer legally protect our waters from national and international exploitation (aka MEPA) perhaps it is time to give ALL our Great Lakes, Rivers, Streams, Aquifers and Wetlands Rights of their own!

    I have been in contact with the Erie Rights of Nature group. The successfully have given Lake Erie legal rights and are willing to show us the ropes on getting this legal work done for the rest of the Great Lakes. With Nana Nessel in charge of our courts it maybe the absolute best time to get this in motion with her help.

    Reply
  270. Fred Lasswell on

    My father put me in at Babbit’s on opening day 1939.(11yearsold)
    I have no complaints, but sure wish that I could be there again

    Reply
  271. Rhea Anne Gibson on

    I just recently received my PBB levels in my blood that Emory took for a study and I’m 45 years old and have levels in my body that should not be. I also suffer from auto immune issues, spina bifida, thyroid, fibromyalgia, fibroid tumors all over my body, pituitary tumor, chronic pain

    Reply
  272. Rita Mitchell on

    I will share your message with my friends and relatives. The time to move to renewable energy for the entire state is now. The time to shut down Line 5 is now.

    Reply
  273. Debbi Kilborn on

    Right On!! I’m so relieved that someone is tackling this! I went to protest Enbridge in St Ignace last week and only 5 other people showed up. I don’t get it and it’s SO scary! I was also wondering where the Tribe members were! Thank you!

    Reply
  274. Tekla Derks on

    Thank you for sharing this letter. My family has been on Elk Lake since the late 1800’s and your words echo my thoughts on our water. My children are 25 and 21 and this letter brought up many good memories and we already have plans to go for a walk on Mothers Day at our favorite preserve north of us and walk along Lake MI. I will be sharing this with my children as it says so much of what I have thought for so long- they grew up on Elk/Torch and East Grand Traverse Bay. My parents would take them to Little Traverse Bay when I was working and they have many happy memories there as well. It does put adventure in your soul when you are able to live beside these amazing bodies of water. Thank you again Tekla

    Reply
  275. Karen on

    Beautifully written, Kate. I hold the space between my children, and grandchildren and the waters we’ve shared SACRED. Always. Thank you.
    Karen

    Reply
  276. Tom Hamilton on

    Chi-Miiwegwetch! The challenge is with Gov. Whitmer to see if she will follow through as a full partner with the First Nations to permanently shut down Line 5, and at the same time protect Mother Earth’s ground water. The climate change, ground waters, and Great Lakes waters are all directly connected. Does Gov. Whitmer have the courage to stand up against Trump and face the national TV attention as suffered by the Souix Nation in the Dakotas? The legacy of the Whitmer administration will be judged in the future history books of Michigan.

    Reply
  277. Kathie Weinmann on

    Ms Pollack, I can’t thank you enough for your leadership and inspiration over these many years of public service. You’ve influenced thousands of people and decisions. Thank You most sincerely!

    Reply
  278. Trish Morris on

    Lana, you’re an absolute environmental hero. I miss your wisdom, humor, wit and guidance. I hope you enjoy your scenic views on the shores of your beloved Lake Michigan in your retirement. You’ve left a legacy on the IJC no one can match.

    Reply
  279. Alex Sagady on

    When I was on the Board of the Michigan Pesticides Council during Paul Barrett/Ted Black days, Ted Black told me a story about George Wallace — that Dr. Wallace and some of his associates had authored an MSU Extension Service bulletin that provided some modest warnings and best management practice suggestions about keeping DDT out of water systems and methods to reduce fisheries and wildlife exposure to DDT.

    As I remember Ted Black relating this, over 15,000 of these extension bulletins were printed, but the pesticide industry got word of the MSU extension document, and the head of MSU extension ordered the publication run on Wallace’s bulletin to be burned.

    I don’t remember what Black said about when this happened, but that it did actually happen.

    Reply
  280. Barbara Spring on

    Norm Spring and I were on The Michigan Pesticides Council along with Dr. G. Wallace, Dr. Ted Black both ornithologists who knew what DDT was doing to the environment. Norm received the Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame Award in 2014 for spearheading the drive to ban DDT and like pesticides. I had known Dr. Wallace from childhood. He lived in the same neighborhood that I did.

    Reply
  281. Kathie Weinmann on

    It is the moral and legal obligation of those who govern, to immediately Shut Down Line 5. Michigan owes nothing to Enbridge, they’ve outlived our contracts, they must GO NOW!

    Reply
  282. Heather Neitzke on

    Shut down line 5 & No new pipeline.
    It is Our fresh water source.
    A Canadian company with a bad track record for failed pipes is not worth the risk.
    We can be good neighbors without putting our fresh water on the line.
    Shut it down before something happens and we have to look back and wish we had.

    Reply
  283. helen on

    We want it shut down now!! No benefit but a huge risk we may Not take..We voted for both of you to close line 5, Now your job is to fo as promised!! SHUT IT DOWN PERMANENTLY, NO PIPES……

    Reply
  284. Donna Hardenberg on

    Our most precious asset should note be held captive to a private enterprise. “ ….of the people, for the people”

    Reply
  285. Cynthia Price on

    Barbara – Didn’t you and Norm push through a resolution where Grand Haven (or Spring Lake?) banned it in advance of the state doing so?

    Reply
  286. Kim Anderson on

    We need a better way to deal with sewage.It doesn’t belong in the rivers because even “treated sewage” is still bad.Also it ends up in the lakes which are the 3rd largest fresh water system in the world.I believe that a better solution to solid waste is turning it into methane gas under intense heat and pressure.

    Reply
  287. Dick Swartley on

    Enbridge Line 5 is an outlaw operation. The Enbridge tunnel campaign is an outlaw raid. Both are illegitimate in the fundamental meaning of the word. Outside the law, in defiance of the law. Refer to the 13 May 2019 FLOW Legal Memorandum to officials of the State of Michigan on the illegality of Line 5 and the tunnel proposal.

    https://forloveofwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/FLOW-Legal-Memo-re-GLSLA-PTD-to-EGLE-DNR-2019.05.13.pdf

    Thanks to Jim Olson, Liz Kirkwood, and FLOW for their outstanding analysis and advocacy.

    Reply
    • Kathryn Glaeser on

      Please we all need to keep fighting this, Michigans Risk is not worth a Canadian Oil Company’s Reward!

      Reply
  288. JoAnne Beemon on

    Thank you Jim. I was feeling exhausted and confused. YEARS of demonstrations, petitions, telephone campaigns. I feel like a yo-yo!

    Reply
  289. JoAnne Beemon on

    Grateful for clarification! I was feeling exhausted and confused. YEARS of demonstrations, petitions, telephone campaigns. I feel like a yo-yo!

    Reply
  290. Joyce Petrakovitz on

    Thank you for giving us this important information of the illegal implications of the Deal made between the former Governor and Enbridge on the tunnel proposal.
    I appreciate all your efforts to protect Michigan’s environment and waters.
    Joyce Petrakovitz

    Reply
  291. Jim LeBlanc on

    Enbridge muscle was to pour billions into GOP agenda and campaign finance pacs… the propane claimed in this article does NOT cross the Straits, but is processed in the UP by Rapid River.. Garden area. the law suit and basically every tactic we have seen in the last 5 years has been a delay tactic… committees appointed, tests, surveys, all to delay delay delay where by millions of gallons of oil continue to be pumped through an aged pipeline every season and storm where by any clean up would be deterred…. Enbridge should take its money and invest it in a new pipeline around the great lakes… or develop partner ships with the states and tribal lands it wants to run pipelines through, every promise they have made regarding safety has been broken. why would we want to engage in any agreement of business deal with such a corporation ?

    Reply
  292. Tom Hamilton on

    Gov. Whitmer needs to partner with the sovereign CORA and First Nations to permanently plug Line 5 forever. This will test if Gov. Whitmer is serious about protecting our sacred Mother Earth Great Lakes waters for everyone. We’ll see if she is afraid of the state Republicans and the national news attack by Trump. CORA needs to demand Line 5 be permanently plugged as leverage before any 2020 Fishery Consent decree talks with the state can begin. Miigwetch!

    Reply
  293. Barbara Stamiris on

    Future generations will be asking …”Mommy what did you do back then? Did you stand and fight did you do what’s right? Will the water be blue again?” …in the words of a powerful Line 5 song by Doc and Donna Probes of Traverse City. Give a listen at
    https://youtu.be/XeBfekIt_Zw
    We need this now more than ever! And thank you AG Nessel for doing all you can to protect the Great Lakes!

    Reply
  294. Lori L Paitl on

    Yes, yes! Excellent! This is the best news ever! Thank you so much to Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel for their diligence in fighting for and protecting the rights of the People of the State Of Michigan and the Great Lakes and the Environment !!! 🙂

    Reply
  295. Micheal Vickery on

    Kudos to the Governor and AG for their decision to do the right thing and perform their public trust duties as trustees of Michigan’s natural resources. But lets not miss the fact that huge kudos are also due to all of the committed water champions and protectors of the future who have not relented from keeping the State of Michigan focused on those duties. I’m looking at you Jim, Liz, Dave, Kelly, Nayt, Lauren, Jacob, Kate, Rick, Skip and all who keep pulling elected officials and decision makers to the right positions on water.

    Reply
  296. Ed McArdle on

    Is tar sand or heavy crude coming through Line 5? I thought Enbridge said only light crude and liquid petro gasses were being shipped? Also, what is the condition of the crossing at Marysville to sarnia?? Impact on drinking water intakes could be severe. thanks,

    Reply
  297. Al Isselhard on

    I wish FLOW would stop ignoring the elephant in the room and take an aggressive position opposing the greatest threat ever to the Great Lakes – this is the industrialization of the Great Lakes by offshore wind turbines and its beginning right now in Lake Erie off shore from Cleveland, Ohio and called the Icebreaker. The second project, also in Lake Erie in NYS waters is just beginning to be developed by Diamond Generating Corporation. These are both violations of the Public Trust Doctrine but Ohio’s Gov. DeWine won’t respond to my recent letter about Ohio’s position on the PTD and the Icebreaker. FLOW – get on board with us, inform people about what going to happen to Great Lakes water if thousands of offshore turbines are placed there as this must not be allowed to take place. We need a federal MORATORIUM instituted to keep industrial off shore wind out!! Ontario, Canada placed a moratorium on Great Lakes offshore wind and we should do the same.

    Reply
  298. Bonnie Dankert on

    What a cadre of people joining together to address the current and upcoming issues relating to the care and conservation of water! Bravo!

    Reply
  299. Brad on

    Ms. Pollack’s desire for Plan 2014 was to accomplish the following 3 Goals…
    “To protect against extreme water levels, to restore wetlands, and to prepare for climate change. The new maximum water level is six Centimetres (a little more than two inches) higher than the previous maximum, a “more natural variation,”

    What has resulted? Two record breaking years of water levels, the wetlands have become an ecological disaster and this Plan did not in any way, shape or form, ‘prepare for climate change.’ Does Ms. Pollack have any comment as to why her Plan has failed at all 3 Goals?

    Reply
  300. Gerald F. "Gary" Lambert on

    Hi Liz: Congratulations on your position. Well earned and deserved. I used to to be in Ann Arbor and family/ friends live in Luna Pier, MIchigan and always on their boat to Macinaw & the UP. Enjoy Life. gary

    Reply
  301. Wallace Hibbard on

    Liz:

    I’m the old geezer who sat next to you at the Fallows get together last week. Let me add my hearty congratulations on your appointment to the Great Lakes Water Quality Board. Your many talents will stand you in good stead in your new position.

    Reply
  302. Kin Ma on

    Warm Congratulations, 🙂 🙂 on your hard work, and this opportunity to provide your insights on our Great Lakes! More power to you!!! From a fellow Michiganian and Eph. Kin Ma ’89

    Reply
    • bruce w beaudoin on

      we in the EUP, are very proud of them too. Please accept our thanks for the opposition. Nothing, good will come from a pipeline. Ever

      Reply
  303. deb hansen on

    No mention of climate collapse and the need to move away from burning fossil fuels in this conversation? The threat Line 5 poses is about water and much more. The window is closing. “FLOW and other Great Lakes advocates have long called for shutting down Line 5, which primarily serves Canada’s, not Michigan’s, needs and threatens the Great Lakes. FLOW research shows that viable alternatives exist to deliver propane to Michigan and oil to regional refineries, and Gov. Whitmer has formed an Upper Peninsula Energy Task Force to identify energy supply options. The system can adjust with smart planning.”

    Reply
  304. Sarah K. on

    Shut it down entirely. It is serving Canada’s interest, not Michigan’s. Thank you to the people that stood up for our Great Lakes and thank you to the officials who listened.

    Reply
  305. Louise on

    “Some commissioners also could be heard chatting among themselves before the meeting about the voluminous amount of emailed comments against the oil tunnel that they also received in the hours leading up to the session”…Discussion like this should probably take place during the meeting and not outside of the meeting just to make sure the Open Meetings Act isn’t violated.

    Reply
  306. suz McLaughlin on

    I’m not sure of the reasons behind the move to SUPPORT the ENBRIDGE tunnel activity, you’d think the recent explosion of a pipeline over the weekend would have given the GT Co Commissioners some pause but nooo….! What I personally find soo insidious is the idea of not only making this mistake for GT Co residents BUT personally asking all of the other municipalities to support this makes me wonder about some kind of incentives they are reaching for…BAD MOVE! SHUT DOWN PIPELINE 5 period! NOW!!!

    Reply
  307. bruce w beaudoin on

    we in the EUP, are very proud of them too. Please accept our thanks for the opposition. Nothing, good will come from a pipeline. Ever

    Reply
  308. Jeanne Sekely on

    Dear Governor Whitmer and EGLE Director Clark:

    Repeatly, Enbridge has violated its original agreement with the State of Michigan and Michigan citizens by being out of compliance with its initial design. What worked in the 1950s is not working in 2019. As a registered nurse myself, there is no excuse, legally or morally, for being out of compliance. The Line 5 dual pipeline was not designed well enough for the stressors at the bottom of the Straits. Repeatly “jimmy-rigging” it post-installation is only adding to the problem. Adding over 200 anchor supports and thus allowing it to leave the lakebed is adding further risk: torquing pressures and risk of anchor strikes from human error are possible and probable.

    When Enbridge’s line ruptured near Kalamazoo, the control room engineers misinterpreted the sensors and pressures for over 10 hours, increased the flow of the tar sand products, and caused the worst land-based oil spill in the history of the US. Enbridge is gambling that Line 5 will hold together year by year. I don’t believe their assessment of its safety and believe their goal is to keep pumping through Michigan as long as absolutely possible. Enbridge needs Michigan, but I doubt Michigan homeowners need Enbridge as much as they want us in the Upper Peninsula to believe. For that reason I urge you to shut down Line 5 as soon as you can.

    I have friends with business on Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City, and in Cheboygan. I travel across the bridge 4-6 times per year. Our family cottage is on Lake Huron. The clean waters of the Great Lakes are priceless. Without pure water Michigan would be a mediocre state with stagnant tourism and polluted resources. We can’t let that happen!

    Thank you,
    Jeanne Sekely
    Marquette

    Reply
  309. Tracy Lynn on

    If we took a bag of un blown up balloons and threw them on the ground we would be called litterers . But blow them up and suddenly it’s ok. Makes no sense. Balloons aren’t needed for a good time. But they are deadly to many creatures.

    Reply
  310. D.A. on

    Enbridge and Nestle are enemies of THIS state! Every county in the state needs to band together to fight for Michigan’s environment and demand that our government protect, conserve, preserve, clean up and defend our waters, soil, air, wildlife and humankind and stop shielding and embracing greedy, destructive profiteers, whether foreign or domestic – although admittedly, knowing it is Swiss corporate giant Nestle and Canadian corporate giant Enbridge destroying MICHIGAN’s environment makes it harder to take. ALL of Michigan needs to wake up! What will it take to bring all of this insanity to a screeching halt! We cannot wait for the Straits to be yet another Enbridge oil spill, yet another Deepwater Horizon! Enbridge and Nestle OUT of Michigan!

    Reply
  311. Margot Stemen on

    Since the Grand Traverse County Board of commissioners are only interested in making money for Enbridge, a boycott of all Grand Traverse tourism should begin immediately! They have no problem risking the “bread and butter” of an entire region with an ecological disaster waiting to happen…so let them spread that Canadian tar sands oil on their toast, while sitting in their empty B&B’s. Before anyone says it’s “not fair” to punish the citizens of Traverse County with a boycott..you need to remember that nobody is going to vacation on oil soaked beaches, eat any of the poisoned fish caught in their bay, nor gamble in casinos with contaminated water supplies…
    #boycottgrandtraversecounty

    Reply
  312. Ed McArdle on

    Hi Rick,
    I am also concerned about the Line 5 crossing at Marysville. I think I read where Enbridge is going to upgrade the St.Clair River crossing which is upstream from many drinking water intakes including millions of detroit metro residents.

    I also stopped by the Point Mcgulpin? landfall where Line 5 comes out of the ground. This is a more photogenic scary spot. signs say if you smell H2s gas call this number. Lots of buildings, pumps and noise and nobody on site….

    Reply
  313. leonard page on

    line 5 pumps 540,000 barrels daily thru 645 miles of pipeline. almost 95% of that volume is delivered to sarnia ontario, on a per day basis, line 5 has 1300 barrels stripped out at rapid river for propane use by 12,000 Yooper customers and 33,000 barrels delivered to detroit marathon – providing about 1.5% of Michigan’s daily gas consumption. why should michigan expose itself to any risk from line 5 (straits or on land) to get western canadian oil products to sarnia?

    Reply
  314. Carol Phillips on

    Please tell the Kalkaska County Board Of Commissioners on Wednesday, September 18, at 5:00 pm, to retain and improve their point of sale septic inspection regulations. They have been attempting to abolish it for a year, at the urging of local realtors, and intend to vote on it Wednesday at their meeting. Stop this madness in Kalkaska County. Protect the Manistee, Boardman and Rapid Rivers, and the local lakes!

    Reply
  315. www.ngmcfasthealth.Com on

    Great blog! Do you have any tips and hints for
    aspiring writers? I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m
    completely confused .. Any tips? Thank you!

    Reply
  316. Tina Harvey on

    Thank you so much for standing up legally to protect our Great Lakes and Michigan streams and lakes from Embridge! Future generations will appreciate all we do now to protect our environment from greed and spoil. We love Michigan and stand with you 100 % in this fight! May our states beauty remain intact.

    Reply
  317. Roger Benter on

    As Lake Huron Shoreline residents adjacent to the Two Mile, 800 + acre Grass Bay Nature Conservancy we STRONGLY FEEL the Pipe line 5 should be IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF!!

    Reply
  318. Carl Zichella on

    She was a giant who encouraged other to turn their love for the Lakes into action. RIP Lee and profound thanks for a meaningful life well-lived.

    Reply
  319. Marietta on

    My County is arguing this now. Most are not for it. Your waste goes into the septic tank, churns and becomes liquid then goes out to the drain field and then leaches into the ground. It doesn’t get sanitized on the way through this process. So even if a tank is cracked and leaching it is the same thing. The only difference is if it bubbles up above the ground, you get a heavy rain, and create surface runoff. But what the public doesn’t think about is all the animals that create the same situation. Wildlife, cattle farms, pig farms, goat farms, horse farms, etc all create the same situation. The other thing people don’t seem to know is that the Health Department can already inspect systems without a request or a fee – it’s called do the job you are already getting paid for.

    Reply
  320. McComb,Meredith Parsons on

    Governor Milliken was a family friend. His loss hurts. Yet, that implacable time had come when blessing and sorrow coexist. Imagine a political world where something besides money factors into public policy, where Biblical faith and women’s healthcare, or good jobs and environmental preservation coexist. Governor Milliken did it. Could we have that again? Please?

    Governor Milliken steered this course, and Pure Michigan is a viable slogan because of the coalitions he built. For the good of Michigan, and we the people, we stewards of this glorious natural winter water wonderland, he brought factions together. Surely power for money’s sake is not the only way? People have grandchildren. Governor Milliken didn’t. He did this for other people’s grandchildren. Imagine.

    Autumn’s senescence is all around us. Mr. Dempsey’s apt metaphor that a great tree has fallen makes looking out the window this fall even more poignant than usual. Thank you for the lovely piece.

    Reply
  321. Iman Azol on

    ” I’m convinced that the only real long-term sustainable solution will be drastically reducing our society’s energy consumption. ”

    This has never happened, and never will happen. Every increase in efficiency is followed by an increase in consumption. If you have any training in engineering, this is an observable fact. It is impossible to reduce consumption, especially with growing population. You can be “convinced” of the impossible, but it will never happen.

    Reply
  322. Iman Azol on

    I agree that the Falls should be left as natural as possible. The hydro plants are a necessary trade off. And while all power generation has some environmental fallout, they have far less than wind or solar, and far less environmental footprint than coal or wind.

    Ultimately, it’s nuclear power. It’s insane to pretend otherwise.

    Reply
  323. Marc Oberschulte on

    Dave: I appreciate your well written review of Governor Milliken. I had the honor of working for him as Special Assistant from 1975-79. In addition to your very good analysis of his environmental accomplishments he also (in my opinion) had a nearly photographic memory. There were times staff members were dumbfounded by his ability to take large briefing papers and pull out a significant thought during many TV and other media interviews. Following a number of public meetings people would comment “you should run for President”. In the car following he would comment. Although he appreciated the thoughts he just didn’t have “the fire in his belly” to run. He had the qualities to be a great President and what this country needs so desperately now. Thank you the great job you have done in his memory!

    Reply
  324. Susan Lenfestey on

    Enbridge made an impromptu presentation to the Mackinac Island City Council on Wednesday, Oct. 23. They were not listed on the agenda, thus council members and others had no chance to come with prepared questions. Council members I spoke with were not sure how that came to be.
    There were 3 or 4 Enbridge reps there, but the presentation was made by Peter Holran, director of US Gov’t Affairs, who talked as if the tunnel is a done deal. He spewed misinformation like a gushing pipe, but I found the presumption that they will prevail in the courts to be the most arrogant and infuriating part. And I more or less said so.
    Ironically, much of the rest of the meeting was dealing with the washout of the shore road on the east side of the island due to high water and waves, and Plan B for emergency vehicles and for propane to be delivered to Mission Point Resort! (let’s just say it’s not brought in by horses and it requires a good roadbed.) The Enbridge trolls sat there throughout. I wonder if they were thinking about the effects of water on infrastructure, or just biding their time.
    Thanks FLOW, wish you’d been there!

    Reply
  325. Carol Phillips on

    Thank you, FLOW and your peers, for shining light on this out-of-sight threat to our groundwater. Now is the time to get this addressed.

    Reply
  326. Dolores J. Reynolds on

    I urge everyone to support the decommissioning and removal of Enbridge’s Line 5 oil transport pipeline. During the Kalamazoo River oil spill, Enbridge was slow to address the cleanup and threats of court action did not help. It took an actual lawsuit to force Enbridge to accept responsibility for the scope of clean-up that was actually required. A leak in the middle of one of the busiest areas of Great Lakes shipping and in a strait where water currents move swiftly would be disastrous, particularly if Enbridge were to drag their feet in tackling the containment and cleanup. Their inability to cover the associated costs are not as alarming as the fact that Enbridge Oil, as a subsidiary of Enbridge Corp., is not contractually liable for any clean-up costs at all. This shows a reprehensible lack of concern and respect for the citizens of Michigan and of everyone who enjoys recreation in and around the Great Lakes.

    Reply
  327. Don Erskine on

    Thank you for all the work you’ve done on this issue. With all these violations how do we actually get this line shut down? This is a danger to the Great Lakes and the people that rely on the health of this natural resource. Gov. Whitmer, SHUT DOWN LINE 5!!

    Reply
  328. Suzanne James on

    No question that the Michigan State Government and Gov. Whitmer should initiate the changes outlined by FLOW and Dr. Kirkwood immediately.
    Enbridge history supports their total lack of integrity in any and all past matters.

    Reply
  329. David Oliver RIBA on

    MIT research into day to day climate variation in 1975 indicated that the worlds climate cycle was moving to the ‘HOT AGE’ -[ the opposite of the Ice Age.] and would last for at least 400 years.
    Earths natural cycles are the cause of temperature rise today.
    However over population of the earth and pollution of sources will need to end if human life is to survive.

    Reply
  330. ALAN LEE on

    I LIVE IN MIAMI, FLORIDA, BUT APPLAUD THE EFFORTS OF MICHIGAN’S LEADERS & RESIDENTS TO PROTECT THE STATE FROM A MISCREANT OIL COMPANY!! ALF

    Reply
  331. Jim Lenfestey on

    Patagonia? Hell, Liz, there; one right down the street from me! OK, BAD JOKE. Excited for you. Susan pushed a similar trip on us when our eldest was about to go to college, our youngest 3. They still talk about it.
    Here’s something for u to ponder as you wander. What if the Great Lakes continue to rise? Mackinac already facing problems. I didn’t see this coming. Let’s see what next summer brings. But a worry, and maybe major policy implications? Just to keep you sleepless in your sleeping bag!

    Reply
    • Jim Olson on

      Thanks, Jim Lenfesty. For starters on water levels, see letter at FLOW http://www.flowforwater.org submitted to IJC last summer. We intend to expand this to Compact and Great Lakes Governors, and a section in a forthcoming Great Lakes Compact and Diversion report, as well as seriously connecting the dots on climate events, changes, and those responsible wuth demand for action to protect the public trust in Great Lakes. Best to you and Susan in the coming year. Jim O

      Reply
  332. Joe Bachant on

    Prior to the beginning of the 1970’s, between the Corps of Engineers and the (old) SCS, nearly every river and stream in the state of Missouri had a plan of action for “improvement”. These engineering efforts generally called for dams and/or channelization, effectively removing natural ecosystems.
    Although the newly passage of environmental laws provided the opportunity to challenge the environmental wisdom of these plans, classical environmental studies to show both environmental gains and losses would require both time and funds not then available.
    Instead, we turned to the realm on non-parametric statistics relying on the opinion of experts in the fired of ecology. Etc.
    The new technique was challenged by the federal agencies, but following presentations before policy makers in those agencies, the proposed technology was approved.
    Many “make work” projects consequently fell by the wayside and numerous streams are still running free.

    Reply
  333. Patty Peek on

    A well deserved “breather” Liz. Your commitment to protecting and preserving our Michigan resources will most assuredly be magnified by your sabbatical. The best to you and your family on your journey.

    Reply
  334. Squeak Smith on

    About time!! Hopefully this can transfer to other areas of the country fighting massive water withdrawals from their aquifers by for profit companies. It “could” turn some private withdrawals, where it doesn’t negatively impact the watershed, into a potential funding source for communities if water suppliers were charged for the extracted water based on a reasonable $/gal that could enhance “public benefits”

    Reply
  335. Carol Parker on

    Nestle’ needs to be accountable for its actions, taking our water. It should pay a heavier fee for water extraction.
    But, best solution is NO MORE NESTLE’, DASANI, FUJI, AQUAFINA, etc!!!!!!

    Reply
  336. Heather Abraham on

    What a wonderful opportunity and investment in restoration and growth, Liz! Warm wishes to you and your family as you embark! Thank you for all you have done–and continue to do–to protect our most valuable resources!

    Reply
  337. Natalie Dandekar on

    Wonderful. Sound reasoning by the court.But beware.next thing Nestle will attempt is a change to the zoning law. Do not let that happen if you value free water for rivers and the fish living therein.

    Reply
  338. Cendra Lynn on

    Thanks to all who assisted with the prevention of further diminishing of our water resources. It is been obvious all along that the company was simply robbing us of our resources. While bottled water is useful sometimes, normally it tastes awful. If someone wants our water, they need to buy it from us.

    Reply
  339. cherilyn Naughton on

    Bravo! Yes – we CAN reclaim our rightful resource as public property that belongs to us all!! so happy to see this article and the process of refuting Nestle’s disgusting and self-serving practice
    of looting and pillaging our natural resources. I hope this can somehow be utilized to shift things in foreign countries who have been shamelessly looted in similar fashion, and are without the stability of our justice system to halt such egregious wrongs.

    Reply
  340. Charles Cubbage on

    Thanks for the description of our better days in Mich’s environmental history (and the not so glorious ones to follow)
    Cheers,
    Chuck

    Reply
  341. Thomas Rohrer on

    Great article, Seth. Proud to have worked shoulder to shoulder alongside you for so many years. We made great progress in the 1970s and 1980s until the Engler years brought back environmental degradation and decay. Let’s hope the next generation of environmental leaders can get Michigan back on track.

    Reply
  342. Sherry Baugher on

    This is a blessing and a victory that is long overdue. It serves We the common man and justice for all. Corporations, and the small percent of those that think they can make and take resources from “ we the people” need to be pushed back and know that the importance of how they can stuff more money in their greedy hands has to stop. Bless those who fight to stop this greed and stand up to this injustice.

    Reply
  343. Susan Darcy on

    I applaud Michigan’s courts for this decision on so many levels: (1) water should not be sold to the public, (2) we don’t want plastic bottles polluting our waterways and bodies.

    Reply
  344. Pamela Hyatt on

    Bravo to the Appeals Court. Sanity finally is prevailing. I pray we find that same wisdom here in Ontario as we have similar situations occurring.

    Reply
  345. JEAN MARTIN on

    It’s all been said. It’s all been explained. It’s all been researched. All that remains is to do the right thing to protect our Great Lakes. The risk is real. The information about Enbridge and it’s ability to pay for a spill has been spelled out as inadequate. This isn’t new information. We know what needs to happen but still we remain gullible and friendly with those who would cause great damage to our State and our Great Lakes. Who does our Michigan government serve? Who is reaping a profit through this procrastination? Follow the money trail and remember the names when it is time to vote. By doing nothing to decommission this pipeline, you are choosing Enbridge over us, the citizens. This is a terrible path to take.

    Reply
  346. Mark Janeczko on

    I remember those days too, Seth. This is the way democracy worked back then. I like your phrase, we weren’t anti business, we are anti polluter. This idea got washed away when the corporations bought up the media and the pro pollution politicians didn’t question the corporations. Thanks for your efforts and maybe we can get our democracy back.

    Reply
  347. Lynn materne on

    I am heartily glad that the court denied Nestle this permit .. the law is upholding an essential and just principal here.

    Reply
  348. Mary Van Valin on

    Skip’s vision for what could be is inspiring and gives me hope. He speaks with such clarity and knowledge. Thank you, Skip Pruss!!

    Reply
  349. Renee Powers on

    Jim I Love How You acknowledge the importance of Our Entire Natural World . Unfortunately I don’t believe most people want to put aside their modern material gifts to themselves and join in on our ideas of what our Planet needs to keep Life here on Earth. It hurts my core because I realize the importance of this cancer to our Environment and The People who are at the helm making decisions for our future ( such as Government officials / judges ) are literally giving way to the big money industry to move right along destroying what we need to keep all life forms healthy . Jim Olson Can our Tribal Peoples work more inside our Government to be a part of this solution ? I wonder if & how as a Tribal Member ?? Sincerely Renee Powers

    Reply
  350. Renee Powers on

    Thank You Jim Olson !! for briefing us on the Cronnies that keep messing with our most important resource in Life WATER !!!

    Reply
  351. Vicki Lillian Dorrell on

    I like clean air and water. I’ve seen what happened in Michigan when the government didn’t put clean air and water as a priority- Flint and Rockford. I remember the photos of a river burning before the clean water acts cleaned up our waterways. It is cheaper to keep our water and air clean than to have to clean up a dirty mess already made. Our environment should be a priority!!!!!!!

    Reply
  352. Vanessa Merrill on

    I lived in Rockford, MI from 1990 to 2003. I currently live in Atlanta, GA and I am totally disgusted in the lack of oversight and lack of human dignity in Wolverine World Wide. They have put my entire family at risk and hundred of thousands of other residents in the surrounding areas. I would like to know that there will actually be legal action and that the people responsible will have to pay dearly for the their irresponsible actions.

    Reply
  353. Len Allgaier on

    Leelanau Clean Water is utilizing a relationship with the University of Alberta to use DNA based qPCR testing to identify pollutants in our lakes and source track them. We are initiating a Community Based Monitoring thrust to increase the scope of variables measured so that the data will determine threat priorities. The dream would be to include every Water Quality based organization in a ubiquitously shared conversation: to leverage expertise; to inform advocacy with hard data; to have combined multiple organizations converge on and represent priority issues, findings and recommended actions. With today’s virtual tools such collaboration is possible. Two needs. 1) Skilled technicians to identify user friendly tools, and 2) the will of separate organizations to collaborate. It seems the our area could offer a leadership initiative to a Whitmer supported “what’s in our water and what are the steps to be taken to deal with the most important identified threats to health and safety”.

    Reply
  354. Rose on

    This calls for ceremony of songs, prayers and ritual of honoring the life blood of the Mother Earth. Take a moment to give thanks. Be conscious and aware, teach and share. Earth day everyday!

    Reply
  355. Robert J Buechler on

    It’s very important for citizens to be aware the groundwater. It’s our biggest source of drinking water but comes from a place that we can’t see. So it’s very important for people to have an idea of what groundwater and hydrogeology is. By learning we acquire knowledge which with experience we can turn into wisdom. But we need the knowledge first. As a hydrogeologist I wholeheartedly endorse this interactive map. Know your groundwater.

    Reply
  356. Jim Maturen on

    During this past summer our rivers and creeks were overflowing washing out portions of county roads. At the same time a small trout stream in Osceola Township, Osceola County was recording record low water and a small lake that it feeds dried up. How could this be? Nestle Waters has a pump that is blocking the flow of ground water to White Pine Spring which feeds both Chippewa and Twin Creeks. A well driller has advised that as of 2017 the aquifer at Evart has declined by 14 feet, (Nestle is pumping up to 1220,000, 000 gallons from Evart’s well a year). The aquatic eco systems of these two streams are being destroyed. In spite of all of the data sent to EGLE they are allowing Nestle to increase their pumping by another 150 GPM. This is NUTS! What happened to no more loss of our wetlands?

    Reply
  357. Jim on

    A finely written wake up call by an expert green chemist to do something about plastic—in thus case fibers—in our lakes and oubliette waters. Thanks, Dave,

    Reply
  358. Steve K on

    Great piece, Jim, and I share your anger.

    It’s truly mind-boggling to see fellow humans permitting the essential destruction of their only home–our planet — mostly in pursuit of the Almighty Dollar.

    In the meantime, we can only keep protesting these unacceptable actions and doing whatever little we can to help counter what’s happening. In addition, I only hope and pray that this November, a more green-minded leader will occupy that residence on Pennsylvania Avenue, and perhaps rollback some of the laws and damage that the current administration has inflicted on our environment.

    Jim, thanks for all your hard work in the area of water and the environment, general. Make no mistake, it doesn’t go unnoticed. All of us who care about our Earth are lucky to have you in the fight!

    Best regards,
    Steve

    Reply
  359. Barbara Stamiris on

    This is the first time I’ve felt authentically hopeful about environmental action in ages. Thinking of the proverbial pendulum, this is surely that moment of pause before the change in direction! Thank you Dave, for this needed perspective.

    Reply
  360. Barbara Stamiris on

    There has never been a more critical time to realize the inseparable connection between social and environmental justice! Thank you Liz for your timely and eloquent reminder.

    Reply
  361. Jerry Brow on

    Hello, I hope working together to unite the people in how we depend on our trust with all levels of government. Transparency is vital when it comes to our water, air and land. Can we work together? Please visit OurPublicTrust.com and let me know?

    United we the people are strong, divided we make little headway in TRANSPARENCY from any government around the world.

    Reply
  362. Bill Harding on

    Twenty-odd years ago the writings of McMichael and others started to question whether mankinds’ fragmentation of nature might be transitioning the world towards a phase characterised by increasing incidence of infectious diseases. More recently epidemiologists have (pretty accurately) foreseen a disease event such as COVID19.

    Really excellent regulations such as 2015 version of the Clean Water Rule (CWR) are globally-necessary, not just in the USA. Aquatic ecosystems must be protected on the basis of their ecohydrological connectivity and a watershed ‘source to sea’ approach. The CWR could have been tighter still in terms of protecting the lateral aquatic-terrestrial interfaces – and the capillary network of headwater streams and isolated wetlands that form a crucial part of watershed health. It is utterly concerning how self-interest entities such as Murray Energy, aided by flim-flam legal think tanks, can so easily derail the best efforts of informed minds.

    While the authorities appear to be rolling back good laws with impunity, the only effective counter is a realisation by civil society re what this means for a sustainable & healthy future. As spelt out by JB Ruhl and colleagues – also a couple of decades back – ecosystem services on which mankind depend, depend in themselves on sustainably viable and healthy ecosystem functioning. If we sit back and watch as more and more bits of the ecosystem whole are amputated in the name of “egosystem management”, then maybe we only have ourselves to blame when the outcomes envelop us.

    Reply
  363. Bill Chesney on

    This is part of the reason we threw out the last administration of our State that refused to protect the public trust against these ecological disasters. Though the Flint water crisis brought this to a head, this oil line needs to go and I applaud Dana and all the public employees overseeing our Great Lakes.

    Reply
  364. Ken Gum on

    FLOW will benefit greatly with the help of these brilliant young ladies.
    ( a bit preferential because Zoe is my daughter).

    Reply
  365. Christine Stockard on

    Our Great Lakes are an International Treasure please don’t allow big corporate business destroy us!

    Reply
  366. bruce w beaudoin on

    hoping they make the right decison! Shut it down and protect the Great Lakes! We cannot afford an Exxon Valdez, and Enbridge doesnt care! Profit, over environment.

    Reply
  367. Robert Kennedy on

    It is so encouraging to have forward thinking young folks like Zoe and Emma focusing their goals on stewardship of our fresh water resources. The caveat is that they both seem to have articulate communication skills which will allow them to share their enthusiasm with a public that is often times complacent.

    Reply
  368. Richard Swan on

    Thanks to FLOW and Jim Olson for providing the above info so a layman and citizen like me can understand what is going on. What is at stake is the quality of life of millions of midwest inhabitants and one fifth of the planets fresh water.

    Reply
  369. JEAN MARTIN on

    Our fears concerning a pipeline rupture and the resulting damage to our state and our Great Lakes have been frequently expressed by the citizens of our state t our state government. Our state is handicapped in the ability to monitor the condition of the pipeline. Monitoring the pipeline has always been done by Enbridge and that shows what a dismal failure our state has become when it comes to preserving outr Great Lakes. We take the word of the pipeline company in spite of knowing that they are slow to report problems and not always honest about their reporting.So because our state government are passive, lazy wimps, we are stuck with this situation . Perhaps we are getting what we deserve,Studies prove we don’t need the pipeline. We strongly suspect that Enbridge is underfunding their liability insurance. We want Enbridge out of our government and this pipeline decommissioned and out of this state. It is a dangerous foreign entity. We have tolerated this risk too long already.

    Reply
  370. Adel L Easterday on

    Enbridge has announced recently that they intend to dump 5 million gallons of chemical waste every 5 minutes into Lake Michigan. I haven’t heard any words of concern about it. I feel like our government, our State “the Great Lakes State”, and all the people in it have gone deaf! I have to wonder who gave them the permits to allow such a thing. If you know anything about this please let me know. I will do anything I can to help prevent that from happening. There are cottages all along the road of the shore where they plan to do this. I can see the children of those cottages running down to that beach for a swim and coming out minus their skin. Thank you for your time and consideration.

    Reply
  371. Jeanne Sekely on

    Line 5 is aging very poorly – it truly is a heartbeat away from environmental disaster and horrible financial ramifications for Michigan. Shut it down and keep it shut down! Water is far more precious than the tiny access to propane that Line 5 dumps off in Michigan. Michigan depends on pure water – the entire world does, now more than ever!

    Reply
  372. Lisa Lange on

    Enbridge “thumbs their nose” at Michigan and you Governor Whitmer. They’re operating illegally. Why do you allow them to get away with this, time and time again? Take legal action NOW!

    Reply
  373. Steve Krause on

    Nice to get some GOOD news on Line 5 for a change. I hope that we can soon shut down this disaster waiting to happen. Allowing this menace to continue to threaten the Great Lakes — Michigan’s greatest asset — is absolutely unacceptable.

    Thanks to Jim Olson, FLOW and everyone else who works so hard and tirelessly on this issue. It is worth it — and make no mistake — many of us appreciate it greatly!

    Reply
  374. John olson on

    Thanks Jim for your tireless effort and all the people that devoted their expertees and time to get to this crossroard. John Olson

    Reply
  375. SYLVIETTE BROWN on

    I live in York Region, Ontario Canada, while we do not have water shortages what we have is very irresponsible Municipal Government which allows fill importation sites in or adjacent to groundwater recharge areas. I would like help and any information you can provide on mitigating this situation before the upland fill sites contaminate a small farm property I manage for a disabled trust beneficiary and his children in order to ensure clean water is available for them and for future generations.

    Any help is appreciated

    Reply
    • Andrew on

      I suggest you contact your Provincial agency responsible for environmental protection programs. They should have regulatory programs that control disposal operations that threaten groundwater resources.

      Reply
  376. Kerry Alspaugh on

    Dear Mr. Jim Oleson,

    Thank you for this story. I appreciate your recap of the important events that happened in a time that I was not politically involved, as I wish I had been. Even though I didn’t initiate active involvement I was influenced by the wisdom of people like the Miiikens and voted accordingly. Jim Olsen, I am grateful for your experiences with Governor Milliken and very glad you wrote this tribute. It has shined a new light on how I will pay attention to what is important and what my role will be as we move forward. Thank you again.
    Sincerely,
    Kerry Alsaugh

    Reply
  377. Daphne Treado Hodder on

    It is wonderful to read this article about LanaPollack. I became acquainted with her many years ago when she was our state senator – I have never forgotten her.I wish her every good thing.

    Reply
  378. Marla Fisher on

    I really like this article, and hadn’t before considered how much stronger Rights of Nature could be together with MEPA, and vice-versa!

    Reply
  379. Victoria Velting on

    What a great team!
    As a student in the Freshwater Studies program, I am excited to meet you and learn more about your work.
    Clear communication is so important and it seems that both Zoe and Emma are skillful in telling their stories.

    Reply
  380. Valerie Sisson on

    . Not authorized by the state.
    • Not good for the climate or Gov. Whitmer’s goals.
    • Not good for public health, safety, and welfare.
    • Not a public need for the oil tunnel.
    There will be No going back when it leaks, Not If it Leaks
    It will destroy Michigan as a Tourist State

    Reply
  381. Ron Kardos on

    Not a public need for the oil tunnel — EGLE must make a number of specific determinations, including whether the benefits of the project outweigh reasonably foreseeable detriments, the extent to which there is a public and private need for the project, and whether there are feasible and prudent alternatives to the tunnel project. Unless these determinations are clearly demonstrated by the applicant Enbridge, the permit is prohibited by the Michigan Environmental Protection Act and the Wetlands Protection Act.
    In light of the recent discovery of an ice age culture in the bottomlands of the Straits, it would be inherently inappropriate to disturb them with a tunnel.

    Reply
  382. Karin Blazier on

    Not a public need for the oil tunnel — EGLE must make a number of specific determinations, including whether the benefits of the project outweigh reasonably foreseeable detriments, the extent to which there is a public and private need for the project, and whether there are feasible and prudent alternatives to the tunnel project. Unless these determinations are clearly demonstrated by the applicant Enbridge, the permit is prohibited by the Michigan Environmental Protection Act and the Wetlands Protection Act.
    In light of the recent discovery of an ice age culture in the bottomlands of the Straits, it would be inherently inappropriate to disturb them with a tunnel.

    Reply
  383. Matthew Dunn on

    Please, please please. We do not need oil in our Great Lakes, nor do we need ANY risk of oil in the Great Lakes, I beg of you, do NOT allow this company to potentially contaminate our lakes.

    Reply
  384. Ryan bezemek on

    Why should we trust enbridge for any reason after countless strikes and mishaps. The Kalamazoo spill should be warning enough. The consequences far out way the little value we receive while taking all the risk with our greatest resource on earth. Do this for our kids so they can continue to enjoy this amazing area. You can’t put a price on it. It must be protected at all cost. There are many other alternatives. Plus the main shift should be away from oil in the first place. It’s going to be needed much less as we can already see and it’s the shift our planet needs.

    Reply
  385. Lori on

    I am very concerned about the destruction of the bottom of the lake, the waste that would ruin the fish, wildlife, drinking water and now the recent find of archaeological sites from 9000 year ago. The Great Lakes are precious and can’t be replaced. We need to protect this beautiful resource for the future of life.

    Reply
  386. Steve Krause on

    Thanks for the thoughtful article, Dave. Hearing the decision on this issue last week made my day! It’s also good to see that when people rise up and voice their opinions, it can make a difference.

    Reply
  387. Leo Forster on

    What a wonderful concise coverage of the problem and solution to a problem that has went on far too long past its due date. Thank you, Mr Olson!

    Reply
  388. leonard page on

    the question i keep asking line 5 supporters that is never really answered : why take the slightest risk to our greatest natural treasure to continue a high risk shortcut for getting western canada’s oil products to sarnia for the canadian market or export.???

    Reply
  389. Gary Street on

    Liz

    What about the probability of a propane leak inside the tunnel and a consequent explosion? This needs to make the your list.

    Gary

    Reply
  390. James Braun on

    Thank you for offering us an opportunity to comment:
    We think that the negatives outweigh the positives and we are not too sure about the latter.
    Also our Dog votes no for sound pollution!

    Reply
  391. Susan Lenfestey on

    Thank you for this Jim Olson, so clear and compelling. Will the new federal admin be able to swat down Enbridge once and for all? Granholm at Energy, Haaland at Interior and Buttigieg at Transportation is a pretty good line up!

    Reply
  392. Roger Suppes on

    Just heard an ad on the radio, claiming Michigan residents using propane for home heating, would be affected dramatically by shutting down pipeline 5. Is there any truth to that claim, especially with all the fake news out there. Is propane provided to some UP residents and if so, are there alternative sources available for those residents ?
    Thank you

    Reply
  393. Mike T on

    You cannot be serious with this article. You do realize that this type of race is held offshore in deep water. Not to mention this area of Grand Traverse Bay gets deep quickly. No sediment is going to get churned up. In addition, just one fall storm on one single day, will do more shoreline erosion than a lifetime of boat traffic. By the time the race boats wake hits the shore, it might, and I repeat might be 2-3″ in height. A 2-3″ wave is going to do ZERO damage to the shoreline.

    Cities and Villages such as Elk Rapids have festivals all the time. I’m pretty sure they know how to clean up afterwards. Seeing that you are in attendance at Loyola, I sure hope you follow what you preach and avoid all of the festivals in the city of Chicago.

    Carry on!

    Reply
  394. Shelley Jeltema on

    Niagara Falls is a difficult hydro facility to love or even justify unless it powers the lights in your home. Yet its physical beauty is captivating to the point where one might say it needs to be preserved. However, there is a natural geologic progression that must be allowed to take place by allowing erosion and the natural flow of water happen.

    I almost wish that the diverted water could go through a treatment plant before being released back to the riverbed. The amount of hazardous materials in the water and in the upstream riverbed is beyond belief. The number of places list of EPA Superfund sites should make people outraged.

    There are ways to reduce energy by retrofitting buildings and localizing power sources by using small scale (think building size) wind and solar along with anaerobic digestion. Gray water reuse systems would also cut energy consumption.

    Reply
  395. Gary Cozette on

    As we enter 2021, what is the current status of restricting Nestle’s access to groundwater in Osceola County and elsewhere in northern Michigan? Are there updated action alerts?

    Reply
  396. Charlie Weaver on

    Another side to Joan and Will’s participation in the Michigan outdoors:
    They were the first folks to organize and compile the Christmas Bird Count in Lake County where they had a cabin on the Pere Marquette River. (I forget which branch.) And Will was an avid fly fisher whom I guided once or twice in in one of my my boats. Many times while floating the upper Manistee River during the Hex hatch, I saw him waiting on the bank for the spinner fall.

    Reply
  397. Renee Kermeen on

    Gov Whitmer, thank-you on working to try to shut down Line 5. I still remember the spill in the Kalamazoo River. Enbridge seems to forget about that!!

    Reply
  398. Tom Reed on

    Enbridge exaggerated the dependance on Line 5, and lobbied local municipality leaders with the idea that if Line 5 was shut down then that would somehow result in a sudden shut off of natural gas supply to Upper Peninsula.

    Reply
  399. jerry gates on

    our precious environmental commodity is clean water-we’re talking about the health of humanity here. Anything disrupting this balance is a threat to the great lakes and the world’s clean water supply. The 100 jobs Enbridge could produce is chicken feed and incredibly minor compared to the danger it poses to the Great Lakes and clean water, a limited commodity!

    Reply
  400. James Mortimer on

    This is an excellent manuscript of the facts and the law on the Line 5 issue. Governor Whitmer and AG Nessel are in for an expensive legal battle. Thanks for helping Michigan residents know what must happen.

    Reply
  401. Jim Peters on

    I have to believe all the necessary Federal and State agencies know all of this and sadly, tragically, are either ignoring or not believing it. The fear is that the only way to enforce what Gov. Whitmer and Attorney General Nessel have initiated is an actual spill, which then will be too late. Is there not enough financial support to provide the legal challenges with the power to stop Enbridge? Our current administration supports the ‘Green Initiative’, this certainly falls into that category when all is considered.

    Reply
  402. Ronald Green on

    I agree with all that you just said. I think one of our main problems is that most people just
    aren’t aware of the seriousness of water contamination. We need to concentrate on educating
    the public in this regard.

    Reply
  403. Roger Beckham on

    Small ditch way next to a apartment complex that flows into the river and then into Lake Erie we’re talking pickup truck loads of trash including big plastic garbage cans diapers everything you can possibly imagine is in this ditch flowing into Lake Erie please contact me

    Reply
  404. Ms Rothfuss on

    I created a lab for 7th graders this (pandemic) year. Sorted sand, massed natural vs artificial, pie graphs, scatter plots w/ best fit lines, math: ratios, percentages, extrapolation, read sci literature and students picked up plastic in their water ecosystems w/photo proof. Many Core standards covered & since we are Bay & Lake people, we drink it, bathe in it, launder in it, recreate every imaginable way, the lesson was meaningful & authentic. 91% natural & 9% plastic in a quiet alcove littered w/ plastic pieces.

    Reply
  405. Judy on

    John
    Thanks for an encouraging Environmental story..
    I shudder to think of the immense damage our use/abuse of plastics is doing to our oceans
    Judy Bemis

    Reply
  406. David Kircher on

    I was convicted of a sewage discharge from a clogged drain and served 5 years for the 324,3109 violation which deq v worth 391 m 227 found was not a crime I was in prison when worth was decided. No parole. No previous record. Washtenaw county justice The AG refused to prosecute worth violates. The DEQ is corrupt

    Reply
  407. Anne Dwyer on

    Thank you for this article. My family live at “ground zero” for a Line 5 rupture. We know there is no insurance against a leak and wonder if we should invest in property upkeep and improvement – it could just become a toxic waste site at any moment. Selling the property is an emotional and ethical dilemma.

    Can you imagine how the the Bay Mills Tribe feels about another broken treaty, let alone the contamination of one of the most beautiful and important resources in the world?

    The Great Lakes’ Straits are revered in the way the Black Hills or Bears Ears are central and significant to the culture and world view of local tribes.

    Thank you again for this detailed, factual article.

    Reply
  408. Vicki on

    I appreciate what you have accomplished. We must join together in our fight against Enbridge. We must stop them from damaging our precious earth. Our earth deserves so much better.

    Reply
  409. Ed McArdle on

    I wonder if Enbridge is holding the U.P. hostage by not supplying propane if forced to shut down
    They indicated that it’s not worth it to maintain a propane line for only ,12,000 customers?
    Ed McArdle

    Reply
  410. leonard page on

    why accept the slightest risk to the great lakes to get alberta oil to sarnia by this michigan high risk shortcut. only 6% of the line 5 product being pumped at the rate of about 1 million gallons an hour stays in michigan.

    Reply
  411. Tom on

    Enbridge’s purpose is not to prevent toxic spills. It is not even in the oil business. It purpose from the tar sands to the finished product is to make money for its wealthy shareholders. The tar sands are toxic not just because of oil spills but because their utilization dooms our children, grandchildren and later generations to runaway climate change. Investor driven corporations are also toxic. Thank you for opposing toxicity.

    Reply
  412. Vicki on

    I live near the site of the 2010 Enbridge oil spill into the Kalamazoo River. It was horrible. The entire area reeked of oil for weeks. The huge blobs of oil floating on the river surface were disgusting and dangerous. It will NEVER be the same. Never trust Enbridge. I have seen what they do……

    Reply
    • Teresa A Champeau on

      I saw your original map and it got me wondering, has anyone considered the Wagon Trail Resort? It’s right by the Mink River estuary and I believe it has some trails. I heard they were selling it. This would be a great opportunity to buy a major chunk of land to the Grand Traverse Islands National Park System. Who else needs to see this idea? It would be tragic if this property got subdivided and more condominiums built. Thank you for hearing me out.
      5th Generation, that Love Door County

      Reply
  413. Dave Wolf on

    Not only has there been a rush by humans to armor or alter shorelines of the Great Lakes as extreme water levels occur; since the early 20th century, numerous human impacts have exacerbated these extremes. Sand mining operations in southern Lake Huron as well as dredging and other activities along the St. Clair River have altered its natural flow. Diversions from Long Lac and Ogoki (from the Albany River/James Bay watershed) into Lake Superior have increased inflows. Projects such as the Lake Michigan diversion at Chicago and the Welland Canal and New York State Barge Canal have altered outflows from the lower Lakes Michigan/Huron and Erie.
    The Great Lakes do not exist in a vacuum. Human actions have impacted nearly every aspect of their character. Mr. Olson is correct that armoring the shorelines against high water levels or building extreme docks and piers to respond to low water levels are not solutions – they are only band aids slapped on festering wounds.
    While it would be impractical, if not impossible, and environmentally harmful to tightly control the levels of the Great Lakes, there are modest measures that could be employed to temper extremes. For example, the alterations to inflow and outflow that Man has already created could be adjusted as extreme water levels approach.
    Granted, these would not be huge measures, but they could certainly trim a few inches from either extreme. When water levels are at extremes, whether high or low, that last inch or so can make all the difference in the world.

    Reply
  414. Barbara Stamiris on

    Following this intrepid trio, I was reminded of Steve Jobs words…

    “And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

    Thank you William, Chris and David!

    Reply
  415. Micheal Vickery on

    Bob sees what is right there in front of us with clear eyes and an open mind. The water issues that climate change is bringing to the trustees (residents and citizens)of Great Lakes water are real, not as slowly arriving as some have hoped, and staggeringly important. Much is asked of us if we are to transfer the treasures of clean water, land, and air to those who come after us.

    Reply
  416. Bonnie on

    This is a very relevant piece of writing and needs to be shared and discussed with others. The threat of Line 5 pipeline contaminating and altering this expansive fresh water resource is so frightening to me, not to mention what will happen to Michigan’s economic foundation if the Great Lakes are viewed as a political bargaining chip.

    The general public has little awareness of how many water rights across the country have been purchased and are currently owned by private citizens. These water issues were outlined in the book, Cadillac Desert, as far back as 1986. Sadly, like other key environmental issues, the general citizenry shows little urgency, as water resources become more and more scarce.

    I believe in educating the public. An entire interdisciplinary curriculum should be developed on the Great Lakes watershed and should be accessed through local public schools. It is critical young people understand the water challenges we face now and in the future.

    Does anyone know if the Great Lakes could be given national sanctuary status? Enbridge must de-commission Line 5 immediately and we must elect to protect the Great Lakes waters from any present or future threats.

    Reply
  417. John Woods on

    Why is the state of Michigan letting Nestle pump out our groundwater and selling it? I predict that we will be needing that water to survive.

    Reply
  418. Arthur Hirsch on

    The Climate Reality Project (West Michigan Chapter) is involved with public education and education about the Line 5 Shutdown and the future Environmental Impact Statement. We are reaching out to the local public and legislators for them to understand the potential risks imposed by a 70 year old pipeline and an foreign pipeline operator. We are striving to bring the LIne 5 issue to Former President Al Gore’s attention (Al Gore started the Climate Change Reality Project. We look forward to working with FLOW and other organizations to protect the vital water resources in our state.

    Reply
  419. Martha Dahlinger on

    Flow is fortunate to have these young people as interns. Their enthusiasm, knowledge, and goals are a perfect fit to inspire and prod on those of us who need a jolt of energy. I am pleased that FLOW choose an artist to be part of the team; as I believe that the arts can convey messages in a manner that touches and resonates with the public like no other medium, including political activity. Thank you for introducing the interns. You brightened my day.

    Reply
  420. John Porter on

    Besides “authorizing” the creation of bottomland preserves in the 1982 statute referenced above, the statute “requires” the MDNR establish such preserves over 5% of the State’s bottomlands.

    Reply
  421. Mike O'Hearn on

    I couldn’t agree with you more, Dave. There are a lot of very dedicated and hardworking people in RRD. It’s a shame they don’t get the respect and appreciation they deserve.

    PS – The State should name a building after Andy Hogarth to recognize his many years of service and leadership. Most people who interacted with Andy professionally would say that he was one of EGLE’s best.

    Reply
  422. Martha Dahlinger on

    Hopefully awareness of the states obligation to protect these submerged lands and our Great Lakes waters will enable the Corridor Authority to determine that Line 5 and its tunnel do not belong in the Straits or elsewhere in our Great Lakes. Thanks for the article and consider presenting this to the Corridor Authority at one of its hearings this month.

    Reply
  423. Barbara Lina Lozada on

    I have never been to nor lived near the Great Lakes Basin, but I wish you well on your endeavors. I read this piece aloud for some reason and was struck by the feelings that it brought out of me. Hope being the strongest of all. Hope for our people. The people of Earth. I myself struggle with branching out and allowing myself to be vulnerable with those in, at the very least, my neighborhood; but animals, nature, our planets livelihood? Nothing makes me feel more connected than the unifying understanding that, no matter what our beliefs, age, ethnicity, gender, orientation, etc. We all share this celestial body, and it deserves our wonder and respect. Thank you for the reminder!

    Reply
  424. Barbara Stamiris on

    Great overview!
    For more on the climate impacts that would come with a Line 5 tunnel, listen to Kate Madigan’s 9/28 Speaking of Resilience podcast.
    Q What is worse than a dangerous 70-yr-old pipeline operating in the Straits?
    A. A dangerous 70-yr-old pipeline operating in the Straits with a massive oil tunnel being drilled directly below it!

    Reply
  425. Kathleen H MacKay on

    I understand the problem. What is being done to deal with the problem? Litigation? Lobbying? State Department? What? Thank you for your reply.

    Reply
  426. Karen Turnbull on

    Thank you, Jim for this wonderful tribute to Terry. She, her husband, and son, Chris, put up a battle. Terry did so much to raise the consciousness of so many people to valuing our water! She is ultimately the first “water Protector” I knew! Rest In Peace, Terry! Karen K Turnbull, Mecosta County.

    Reply
  427. Tom Bailey on

    Since “Ruin and Recovery” was published, it has been a must-read for anyone seriously interested in conservation in Michigan. Your observations about the resistance built into our political system and your admonitions to avoid cynicism and apathy are spot-on. The fact is that there is still time for Michigan conservation, and there are some encouraging signs. The covid pandemic has awakened more people than ever to the importance of Michigan’s parks, trails and open spaces as places that provide refuge from the press of crowds, renewal for the body and respite for the weary soul. Nature is the best medicine for our culture’s ailments, and by providing us with a wonderful history of what led Michigan to the fore in conservation once upon a time, you have provided us with a road map to a brighter future, and the inspiration to help us get there. Thank you, Dave Dempsey!!

    Reply
  428. Shelly (Maiorana) Steimel on

    I admire the dedication and professional skills JoAnne brings to the FLOW project! I worked with JoAnne 30 some years ago at the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa-Chippewa Indians. Would like to reconnect if possible and learn more about her legal and community works. Will you please share my name and contact information with her. Thank you.

    Reply
  429. Willi on

    Change the LAW, forcing the mandatory elimination of CSO from Oakland County into Macomb County via the Red Run. Cancel the EGLE permit, force the separation of toilet waste, from rain storm pipes, and protect FreshWater from contamination

    Reply
    • FLOW Editor on

      Hello Charlie,

      Thank you for your interest and concerns about the sustainability and ethical practices of our new partner Madcap Coffee.

      To better address your questions about the coffee and campaign, we reached out to our partners at Madcap Coffee to provide more details. When choosing producers and farms to work with, Madcap Coffee evaluates both the quality of the coffee and their alignment with the producers they choose to work with. Madcap partners primarily with smaller producers that use non detrimental techniques, and they don’t limit their scope to producers with certification such as shade grown, because it can be costly and inaccessible for smaller producers who still grow coffee ethically.

      The Lake Effect blend used in Madcap’s 1% for the Planet campaign with FLOW is composed of 70% Raro Nansebo from Ethiopia, and 30% Gasharu Washed (Mothers Crown Rugori) from Rwanda, with the latter representing a female-majority workforce. Madcap shared that “most coffee farms in Ethiopia use holistic practices to safely grow their crops. Raro Nansebo from Ethiopia, the component that makes up 70% of Lake Effect, is naturally processed as well. This means that the producer leaves the coffee cherry around the coffee bean while drying them, instead of using water to wash the bean of the mucilage of the fruit as they do with a washed process coffee. Not only does this reduce water waste, it provides an exciting, fruitier profile for the coffee as well.”

      We hope this answers your questions, and we welcome critical thinking and transparency in our work.

      – The FLOW Team

      Reply
  430. Marsha on

    Does Public Trust pertain to other navigable rivers or lake in Michigan ?
    Example: Tittabawassee River and chain of lakes; Wixom,Sanford, Smallwood and Secord Lakes?
    Or does it just pertain to the Great Lakes?
    Does it include damage from Dams?

    Thank You

    Reply
    • FLOW Editor on

      Marsha,

      The public trust doctrine applies to all navigable waters of Michigan, Great Lakes and inland lakes and rivers or streams. The state became vested with the title to all navigable waters and the lands beneath them up to the ordinary, now natural ordinary, high water market on admission to the Union–statehood in 1837, Once titled vested in the states, it did so subject to the public trust doctrine, thereafter defined by the courts of each state under the common law (or in some instances state legislators so long as statutory terms do not weaken the public trust and responsibilities or duties of the State on statehood.

      The federal government reserved only a navigational servitude on those navigable waters or use of submerged lands under them. Otherwise, the extent and nature of public trust law is defined by the states. Under state law a lake or stream is navigable when it is determined that it was used for or was or is capable of floating logs, as determined by the timber log-floating era in Michigan.See Mich S Court decision in Bott v Department of Natural Resources. However, Michigan courts ruled that the title to the land under a lake or river belongs to the adjacent landowner, to the center of the lake or a river, sometimes a surveyor’s nightmare. Collins v Gerhardt; Nedtweg v Wallace (1926). Yet the water remains in the ownership and control of the state as trustee under the public trust doctrine, and the lands and riparian rights of the adjacent landowner of an inland lake or river are subject to the public trust doctrine.

      Because of this, a riparian landowner’s title is considered a “qualified title,” because the ownership and use of the submerged lands under inland lakes and rivers are subject the paramount rights of citizens for navigation, fishing, boating, swimming, drinking water, and sustenance, The public trust, paramount rights of citizens, and duties of the state to prevent interference, subordination of the public trust, or impairment of public trust public rights and uses are perpetual and inalienable.

      The waters and bottomlands of the Great Lakes are owned by the State in public trust for citizens for those public trust uses enumerated above.

      Jim Olson
      FLOW’s Founder & Senior Legal Advisor

      Reply
  431. Barb Rogers on

    Stop the destruction of wetlands and wetland wildlife by requiring high voltage transmission lines to be re-routed to higher ground (to an unused easement just 3/4 of a mile away and parallel to the proposed line) before constuction begins.

    Reply
  432. Jim on

    My dear FLOW colleagues and close friends, I’m speechless. The showering of your gifts in your work for the Great Lakes and its people humbles me. Love you all.

    Jim

    Reply
  433. William Northway on

    What a wonderful tribute to an absolutely deserving citizen/leader/historian and conservator. And let’s not overlook what a wonderful friend and human being that he is. Happy Birthday, Jim. May you have many more ahead. And thanks for your efforts to make this a better place in which to live.

    Reply
  434. Phil Ellis on

    Jim,
    Sorry I missed your birthday. Thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of the Great Lakes and for all of us.
    My best to you,
    Phil

    Reply
  435. Robert Buechler on

    Thank you for finally bringing groundwater to the forefront. Your own organizations misconceptions of groundwater doomed you to failure over nestlé’s.

    Reply
  436. Cindy Mazurek on

    The FLOW organization is on the right track in regards to EGLE’s draft of the MI Healthy Climate
    Plan.
    It must transform the draft which does not address adaptation or climate resiliency.
    The EGLE plan needs to establish base line environmental and climate conditions.
    Water must be a primary focus of the plan.
    Citizens need to understand all these points with a glossary of terms.
    WE need to have a clear plan that will address climate impacts which are now unavoidable.

    Reply
  437. Andy on

    Hi FLOW! I cannot seem to find the text for these bills on the Michigan Legislator website, and I don’t see them in the excel spreadsheet for all introduced bills for 2021-2022. Do you know when the full text of the bills will be accessible to the public? Are they already available elsewhere?

    Reply
  438. Charlie Weaver on

    Clear-cutting state forests is not in the best interest of mitigating climate change. It is high time to cease this practice. Selective cutting has a long successful history. It does require more manpower and is not as administratively convenient.

    Reply
  439. Olivia Smart on

    Thank you for explaining that groundwater is replenished by rain or snowmelt. I’ve always wondered why there’s a continuous supply of groundwater. I never would have considered how much rain and snow can do for groundwater.

    Reply
  440. Michael Young on

    I appreciate the fact that some of Michigan’s submerged lands are being preserved. I was hoping that I could get more information on preserving submerged lands on an inland lake that is connected to Lake Michigan. Boyne City is located on the shores of Lake Charlevoix. The Boyne River is a tributary of the lake and runs through the center of Boyne City. The city of Boyne City is planning an expansion of their existing marina. The Michigan DNR has recommended against the expansion due to the disturbance of the fisheries. Several species of fish spawn in the river as well in the shallow shorelines. We have formed a nonprofit organization and are seeking ways we can protect the submerged lands of Lake Charlevoix.

    Reply
  441. Juliana Mosbey on

    Water is as important as our blood. Would we run motorboats in blood? Hmmm. Besides cyber threats to our water there is the threat of sewage pollution. There are 62,798 inland lakes in Michigan. I have a suspicion that many old cabins and cottages have failing septic tanks and fields. I wish someone would do a study on this threat to our water in Michigan. I hesitate to announce a specific lake about my suspicion, but it was a small lake between Manistee and Traverse City. All Trump did was “SHOCK” the lake with chemicals to kill the bacteria. A better solution would be a water treatment plant with all of the sewage around the lake being funneled through the treatment plant. Please help our lakes.

    Reply
  442. Barbara Stamiris on

    OMG that Great Lakes quiz was more fun than I ever expected! Try it, you might learn something like I did.
    Thank you to the brilliantly quirky mind that put that one together. 💦 🌎 💦

    Reply
  443. Tim Coddington on

    Greetings.

    Exactly which recreational activities are allowed up to the OHWM on the beaches of Lake Michigan?

    At a local County Park, as well as other areas, there are signs (some posted by the County and some by residents along the lakeshore, that state that anything other than walking on the beach would be considered trespassing. After checking with the local DNR Customer Service, I was informed that, at least, fishing is allowed. Looking further into the matter, I cannot find where other activities are listed as allowed. At a minimum, I want to fish, unharassed by local law enforcement. At a maximum, I would like to navigate up and down the shoreline in a non-motorized boat, for multiple days, camping along the beach at night (like back when the Trust was adopted).

    Regards,

    Tim

    Reply
  444. Willis Mattison on

    This is a great idea and a much needed service to Great Lakes enthusiasts, citizen organizations, researchers, policy-makers and for government agencies as well. I’m hoping the library will become a curated clearing house on scientific research (past, present and planned) available to all who need access to good information. The public needs to be fully and accurately informed to effectively engage with all the forces that have, are and plan to exploit the Great Lakes. For example, many do not know that the Great Lakes food chain is in crises and the causes are not all readily apparent. Relieving existing stressors and preventing future stressors will take public awareness and engagement. Some existing remediation efforts are proving ineffective and transparent efficacy monitoring is sorely needed. The library could be a very important tool for citizens to hold industry and government entities (and each other) accountable.
    Congratulations on your early successes, I look forward to accessing and contributing to the library.

    Reply
  445. Marcia Thompson on

    Wow! I think this is a great idea, as future generations will benefit, immensely, from the research and discovery of plant life there! Awesome!!

    Reply
  446. Sandy Bihn on

    Great idea…or..how about an national Great Lakes Park for all the surface and submerged lands?? Americans are very supportive and protective of our parks…
    Just a thought

    Reply
  447. Patricia Hootman on

    I would not like to see Michigan as a state park because there would not be enough people to monitor its parks Lakes animals everything that makes Michigan very special to us michiganders. I don’t want to see any dumping in our Lakes rivers Forest nowhere in Michigan. That’s what makes Michigan a beautiful state because we all take pride in it. We want to keep our lake’s free of any debris or non-native species that should be put into are lake’s. We love our lakes and Forest we want to keep them pristine. We need to remove line five from our Lakes ,before any damage can be done to a wonderful Waterway. Upon removal of line five it has to be done with TLC so is not to damage our lakes in any way shape or form. We the people are responsible to keep watch over Michigan ,to make sure it remains as beautiful as it was given to us.

    Reply
  448. leonard page on

    the great lakes obviously need more protection than they are getting now. state sovereignty over the great lakes bottomlands are currently being challenged by enbridge in federal court. enbridge has been trespassing there since 2021 claiming that only the federal government has the authority to regulate the highly dangerous vintage twin pipelines currently pumping 23 million gallons of alberta oil products to sarnia each day. state ownership of the bottomlands and its right to enforce/cancel enbridge’s written promises in the 1953 easement permitting it to be there — now mean nothing to enbridge. canada is even trying to enforce a 1977 treaty which on its face has no application to the straits situation. perhaps a park designation for the great lakes provides more protection for all that is sacred about pure michigan and its waters. enbridge is just the most pressing and imminent threat for disaster well beyond our comprehension. fresh water is now the “blue gold” for states lacking water and the life it brings. the pressure for diversion of 21% of the world’s fresh water is growing fast. whatever can be done to protect the great lakes from being harmed or destroyed is needed now–make that yesterday.

    Reply
  449. Cathleen on

    Rooting for you all the way! My husband is a long distance open water swimmer… maybe he’ll join you next year! Best of luck with this impressive feat.

    Reply
  450. Mike Jahn on

    I watched Fish & Wildlife Service on Tuesday last checking out local Paint Creek for lamprey. He had a bucket full of non invasive type- I think!

    Reply
  451. Mitch McNeil on

    Enbridge is disengenuously dragging out this pipeline/tunnel as long as possible, replete with disinformation campaigns, buying off pols and U.P. Municipalities. The time has finally come … SHUT IT DOWN. Michigan survive quite well w/o Enbridge. The state gets all the risk … and almost no reward.

    Reply
  452. Valerie Sisson on

    Enbridge has a Terrible track record The Kalamazoo River has still not recovered properly.
    Let Canada & Enbridge find somewhere else to Destroy

    Reply
  453. Mark Mayo on

    Enbridge is disengenuously dragging out this pipeline/tunnel as long as possible, replete with disinformation campaigns, buying off pols and U.P. Municipalities. The time has finally come … SHUT IT DOWN. Michigan survive quite well w/o Enbridge. The state gets all the risk … and almost no reward.

    Reply
  454. Katie Kloosterman on

    Thank you for your involvement in this very important issue. Michigan Public Land belongs to Michiganders. Current land leased by the DNR should be returned to the public.as well.

    Reply
  455. Annette Gilson on

    Please do not cut into the existing forests. We are in a climate emergency and need to preserve and protect our natural resources, not continue to chip away at what’s left.

    Reply
    • Marie on

      Michiganders are vehemently against the proposal. The military has a strong presence in Grayling, residents are already bearing the effects of what it brings to community, and say NO to more of the same.

      Reply
  456. Roberta Meserve on

    Line 5 pipelines are now suspended from the bottomlands in many areas, which shows the strength of the currents that surround those pipes. That has caused the pipes to bend and could possibly cause more loss of the outer coating that is there to prevent rust and corrosion. The bending of the pipelines could also cause a break in the pipes’ welded area, such as happened in Marshall MI in 2010 when about a million gallons spilled in the Kalamazoo River and tributaries, still poisoned with oil today.
    A 99 year lease to be held my MI when the world is trying to move to green energy sources and away from fossil fuels is the worst ideas for our waters. Soon water will become more valuable that oil. Life cannot survive without water. Stop Line 5 now while we still have clean water or we will not only doom MI but our entire country, as this waterway is 80% of America’s fresh surface water! We must protect the Great Lakes.

    Reply
  457. Marie on

    Michiganders are vehemently against the proposal. The military has a strong presence in Grayling, residents are already bearing the effects of what it brings to community, and say NO to more of the same.

    Reply
  458. JOHN V. STONE on

    Assuming a septic inspection reveals a failing system, how/who will bear the cost of the inspection and replacement? Since there are at least three stakeholders to the transaction (buyer, seller, and public per benefit to the commons), might I suggest it thusly be borne equally by each? I haven’t read the details of the proposed legislation, so perhaps this issue is already resolved. If not, I could see passage hitting a snag because of it. Still, I strongly support it!

    Reply
  459. Robert Lombard on

    No doubt there are failed septic systems affecting many waterways throughout MI. And I certainly support this legislation ….however simple arithmetic tells us a single CAFO spreading manure legally under current rules is much more likely to negatively affect local and eventually one of OUR awesome Great Lakes water quality …..In Gratiot county alone the amount of manure produced by the 20,000 plus farm animals is like have a city of 2 plus MILLION people discharging polluting waste without a septic treatment facility.
    Shame on ALL the politicians sacrificing our beautiful states natural resources for shortsighted campaign donations from Farm Bureau and other anti environmental pro business at any cost entity. ….

    Reply
  460. David Anderson on

    I am a cottage owner on Big Star Lake in Lake County. About a year ago I completed an on-line course through MSU where I learned about riparian rights, best practices for lake shore management and lake eco-systems.
    I call on all legislators to support HB6101.

    Reply
  461. Lisa Baker on

    Please, we need to keep our land and water clean. I’m asking you to address septic systems as part of your job in protecting our land and water.

    Reply
  462. James Nowak on

    A encased pipeline tunnel would be would be a whole lot safer than the one on the bottom of the straits, which by the way has been pretty damn safe for decades. BUILD THE DAMN TUNNEL !

    Reply
  463. Lynn Walters-Fraze on

    What can I possibly say that you don’t already know: only what’s in my heart. But even those sentiments I share with many more praying for our grandchildren.

    The big picture is that humans cannot live without drinkable, freshwater and neither can the creatures with whom we share this planet. This is obvious even to school children.

    The wastewater discharge from bedrock blasting alone would cause contamination almost as severe as a massive oil breech in the Straits.

    And I must wonder if the potential for damage to the structural integrity of the Mackinac Bridge from blasting in such close proximity is also worth the risk.

    The likelihood of a catastrophic explosion within a tunnel carrying electrical current along side fossil fuels is not hyperbole.

    Beyond that, I cannot be the only one worried that the proposed tunnel is tantamount to “putting all of our eggs in one basket” relative to giving our enemies the perfect target for wiping out the Great Lakes, the Mackinac Bridge, and the electrical grid all in one strike.

    Enbridge vacillates between scare tactics and feel-good advertisements in its slick efforts to sway the uninformed masses toward their point of view. When the State of Michigan ordered Enbridge to shut down Line 5 for multi-year violations of the original 1953 easement, what did they do. They refused and immediately ran to court to clog the works and keep the oil flowing. The reality is that Enbridge has no intentions of ever honoring any agreements (legal or otherwise). Their only objective is pursuit of an ever-growing financial bottom line. The public be dammed.

    Though I hold hope that something can be done to save the sparkling waters of our magnificent Great Lakes (some 20 percent of our planet’s fresh water), I am the same age as the pipeline so I understand that time is slipping away and that our future generations may be forced to suffer the catastrophic and horrific consequences of our inaction today.

    Reply
  464. Milo Keranen on

    Not only would this permanently leave a lasting negative impact on the world’s most precious freshwater, it would disturb Native American lands, surrounding ecosystems, and the people of the midwest. At what point is all this worth it? At what cost?

    Reply
  465. Sheila on

    They must be trying to kill the earth. Couldn’t think of a worse plan. Imagine if the only decisions made were based on how to preserve, conserve and build the Earth’s integrity for clean water, air and resources. This plan is the exact opposite based on greed of money, shortest route and least inconvenient route for bulldozers and men. Not feasible for long term and extremely dangerous for the Great Lakes. Stupid greedy plans again!! When it breaks and they all do, the damage will be irrecoverable and miraculously the players will have left the scene leaving citizens to suffer and pay. Sick of the BS of oil and politics.

    Reply
  466. Mark Mayo on

    SURFRIDER CHICAGO, has been calling awareness to a decrepit old oil pipeline that sits on the bottom of L Michigan, pumping millions of gallons of crude every day. Installed in the 50’s, it has only recently been brought to light. OIL PIPELINES DO NOT BELONG IN THE GREAT LAKES. (a spill would be an environmental / economic disaster)

    Reply
  467. Steven Arnam on

    Pipelines DO NOT belong in the Great Lakes! A problem in the line would effect drinking water for millions of folks and of course not to mention the ecosystem itself. Ecologically a Disaster!

    Reply
  468. Susan mann on

    How do I sign up to help with this? I am all in on protecting the Great Lakes and this Enbridge proposal is a disaster waiting to happen!

    Reply
  469. Debra Taylor on

    It’s encouraging that young people are interested in being a part of the answer to challenges faced by their communities! And that they care & are acting on their concerns! Of course it’s a partnership between youth & adults! It takes adults who are willing to provide the tools & opportunities so that youth can be a part of the solutions , while developing deeper knowledge, understanding & skills that will help them in their futures!

    Reply
  470. John Hartig on

    Thanks Tanya. We need another zero discharge spring. We need continuous and vigorous oversight of zero discharge and virtual elimination, and to hold government’s and industry’s feet to the fire!

    Reply
  471. Marcia Hunt on

    As a Realtor for 23 yrs and a former scuba diver I have been the unwilling witness to water pollution. Here in MI chemical fertilizers and insecticides and herbicides have contaminated our local aquifers, lakes, streams, river in measurable amounts.
    Also I am aware of the MANY sewage outfalls into the great lakes and rivers, as well as along the ocean shoreline. It’s despicable. The EPA is a joke and has been for decades.

    Reply
  472. John H. Hartig on

    Thanks Dave for your 40 years of service to the Great Lakes and its denizens, and for sharing these important lessons. I wonder what you think about Michigan adopting a strong and clear cradle-to-cradle policy. William McDonough and Michael Braungart have provided a blueprint for for such a policy in their book “Cradle to Cradle: Rethinking the Way We Make Things.” They argue that waste is a product of poor design and promote that waste is food, and that everything is part of a cycle. Their solution is switching from a cradle-to-grave approach to making things to a cradle-to-cradle approach that achieves a circular economy, eliminates waste and ensures the continual use of resources.

    Reply
  473. Steven Ugoretz on

    Wise observations that can, and should, be applied by all of the states, and integrated at the federal and international levels. There has to be consistency at all scales to address world-wide issues. The entire system of production and consumption has to be reformed for sustainability, as you point out so clearly. Keep up the good work and be relentless in your advocacy.

    Reply
  474. Philip Ellis on

    Thank you, Dave, for all you have done and for all you continue to do. Your commitment to water and the environment over these forty years has likely had more impact than you may realize. I am deeply grateful for your efforts and your voice of challenge for our future and, more importantly, the future of those who come after us.

    Reply
  475. Lana Pollack on

    Thanks, Dave, for helping us focus on pathways to more environmental success. One additional prompt would be to think in terms of “protections” rather than “regulations.” Thus we’d be observing that “Democrats favor more environmental protections, than Republicans,” rather than “Democrats favor more environmental regulations than Republicans.”

    Thanks, too, for being my best environmental mentor for the 40 years of advocacy we’e shared.

    Editor’s note: Thank you, Lana! Good point about the more appropriate terminology of “protections” v. “regulations”; the article is edited to reflect your wisdom.

    Reply
  476. Tom Bailey on

    Wise words from a seasoned veteran of Michigan conservation, environmental policy and politics. We are fortunate to have had Dave working for our state, our environment and our people for all these years and we should count it as a great blessing to have his experienced voice now to guide us. We must heed his words. We ignore his advice not only at our peril, but at the risk of our great-great grandchildren’s futures.

    Reply
  477. Lisa Wyatt on

    Warm thanks for your leadership and tireless work to protect our water, Dave.
    You are respected by many. And, your example is compelling inspiration!

    Reply
  478. Derwin Rushing on

    We in Michigan have been fortunate to have such an articulate advocate for the environment. Dave is building a body of work that is singular in its breadth. Dave’s unique ability to explain the legislative process in an engaging and comprehensive manner makes it accessible and understandable; no small thing.

    Reply
  479. Carol Misseldine on

    Humble thanks to you, Dave,for your persistent, energetic and eloquent advocacy on behalf of the Great Lakes.

    Sincere thanks as well for your friendship and for advocating with me for decades.

    Carol

    Reply
  480. Michelle Hurd Riddick on

    You are just the best Dave. Much of the progress we made at the grassroots level was because of your guidance, insights, and availability. You made us all better stewards of our many resources. Michigan is fortunate to have you.

    Reply
  481. Lynne on

    I’m very pleased for the progress that we’ve made but we need to go much further. Fracking is one of the biggest threats. Another problem locally, traverse city. So much ecoli, but instead of fixing the problem we just build , build , build.

    Reply
  482. Ann Rogers on

    Dave, you are my hero !!
    I wish we could give every legislator, and every board member or commissioner a copy of your essay. How about publishing it in the Record-Eagle?
    Let’s figure out a way to keep these truths front and center.

    Reply
  483. Dan Robinson on

    Thank you so much, Dave, for forty years of great and incredibly impactful work. I know you’ll continue to make a real difference in how we all live within Michigan’s ecosystems. Thanks, too, for the wonderful mentoring you have done for me and so many people, with these comments here being just a small example of that. The lessons you share here are a map we need to follow!

    Reply
  484. Royce Ragland on

    Dave, thank you for 40 years worth of wisdom, and for the beautiful ways you have framed the issues for all of us.
    Royce Ragland, December 16, 2022.

    Reply
  485. Eric Dreschel on

    On behalf of a chelation patient, cancer survivor, and former resident of the 10 Mile Canal Super Fund Clean Up Site.

    Thank you, FLOW for all the heavy lifting.
    You are all doing Gods work.

    Reply
  486. Ken Seloske on

    In Central Michigan, specifically Lake George, in Clare county, we were recently notified of PFAS in our well water. The state health dept. installed a kitchen sink only, filtration system. I haven’t seen any news articles, or publicity of this. I am not sure if all my neighbors know of this terrible pollution or its effects. I did not see any recent articles on your site.

    Reply
  487. Robert Buechler on

    Groundwater levels have dropped on average about 4 ft since the decline of the beaver in Michigan. They control the waterways of Michigan and thus caused a lot of not only surface water retainment, but groundwater storage as well. Now we’re the groundwater and surface water stewards and we’re doing a very bad job.

    Reply
  488. Crusader Truth on

    “What does it say about the economic model of agriculture today that it is bound to degrade our waters unless taxpayers shoulder the cost?” It says that we’re all responsible for creating the monster. The only alternative to taxpayer-funded agricultural subsidies to cover the cost required to protect water quality is paying higher prices at the grocery store. Your choice.

    Reply
  489. Deborah Schankler on

    This is very destructive to habitat and destructive of species diversity. It’s a huge expansion of area and totally unnecessary. They
    Need to make do with the huge acreage that they already have.Hdoesnt it make you wonder?
    Have they been good stewards previously of all of that current ecosystem? That needs to be investigated. Also, they could use it for more months out of the year. And in the First place, the DNR actually does not have authority to lease state own land for military use.

    Reply
  490. Renee Gregory on

    I oppose any expansion of the Camp Grayling training facility. It would cause unacceptable damage to wildlife habitat. To be clear, Camp Grayling should get exactly ZERO of the proposed 162,000 acres.

    I regularly comment on proposed Federal Rules and have never seen as confusing a mess as the “map” feature of the DNR’s comment format. The lack of a clear comment posting window suspiciously appears to be designed to give the National Guard what they want. I am posting via this email and will post it other places publicly so that it isn’t accidentally overlooked.

    The best indication of what the National Guard trainees will need is studying what they have needed over the last 40 years. What part of the 162,000 acre terrain is hot (120 degrees Fahrenheit) and sandy? 

    If the Instructors at Camp Grayling were serious about training, they would be asking to expand to a vacant blighted inner city where they could train in urban warfare. The proposed 162,000 acres is a lovely place to vacation rather than train.

    DNR, please do not grant the National Guard a single acre.

    Reply
  491. Dana Sam Getsinger on

    Is there any way to determine if our ground water is polluted? J
    I just heard Dan Egan last night and the run off from agricultural fertilizer can’t be doing any favors to ground water.
    Besides septic regulation which we desperately need can we change agricultural practices as well?

    Reply
    • FLOW Editor on

      Thank you for your question. You have put your finger on one of Michigan’s greatest groundwater issues — we don’t have enough data in many cases, especially in rural areas, to know how much groundwater is polluted. Instead, we often find out only when a well is tested. Wells can be contaminated without the owner’s knowledge because some contaminants are odorless and tasteless. The good news is that Governor Whitmer has proposed more than $23 million to improve our groundwater data. As for improving agricultural practices to reduce phosphorus runoff and infiltration, we need a broad base of citizen support. Big agricultural interests oppose anything but more taxpayer subsidies for conservation practices.

      Reply
  492. Jerry McIntire on

    I appreciate your good work to protect the environment we all depend on. CAFOs are using public resources, and damaging them, for free. It’s time for their practices to be restricted, and hopefully for farming to return to more responsible and sustainable methods.

    Reply
  493. M. F. Ramalhoto on

    Thank you Maude Barlow. Our main needs are air, water and food. Food now is almost completely taken by the greedy persons of our time wordwide. They present themselves as market heroes and innovators, but what they want is getting rich no matter how. Disruption and suffering is everywhere.

    Reply
  494. Karen F Pakula on

    Is there a way to watch the webinar ‘The Case for a Statewide Septic Code’ if we missed it at noon today?

    Reply
  495. JOHN PORTER on

    I disagree. I think line 5 is important to meet the energy needs of Michiganders. It is much safer to ship oil and petroleum fractions via pipeline than rail car. Enbridge has agreed to replace it with another line which will provide dual containment with the ability to monitor the annulus. This is the right answer.

    Reply
  496. miguel solanes on

    What is the role of irrigation, food production, hydroelectriciy, mining, and other water uses necessary for life and economy, under the public trust doctrine?

    Reply
  497. Tom Healy on

    Welcome to FLOW Caelyn! We wish you great success in your new role. FLOW is a terrific organization, with great advocacy opportunities to protect our precious water resources. Hope to meet you this summer.
    Tom Healy & Gia Interlandi
    Arcadia, MI

    Reply
  498. Denis Pierce on

    Welcome Kyle , I look forward to working with you in promoting and achieving the goals set by FLOW . I am a big supporter of FLOW and it’s very important work and mission !!!

    Reply
  499. William O'Brien on

    Michigan needs statewide septic tank laws that are enforcable. Septic tanks result in environmental contamination.

    Reply
  500. Roberta Meserve on

    The impacts of continued use and transport of fossil fuels and heavy crude oil is disgusting in the name of climate change and all the effects that are now happening in the US and the world in general. Taking a chance with one of the world’s largest clean waters systems, namely the Great Lakes, is a disgrace to those involved that are letting it happen. Stop this nonsense now and start preparing for the future. Our world is going down, down down and we are responsible. We can hardly afford the weather catastrophes now and with continued use of the fossil fuels that are being allowed to run through pipeline 5 in the Straits of Mackinac, we are doomed in this lifetime.

    Reply
  501. Patricia Cocksedge on

    I really appreciate your information. I am Canadian and wondering if your group is working with Mark Calzavarra who is the water campaigner for the national group Council of Canadians and with chapters in the Great Lakes area to address issues from both sides re pollution.
    Thank you for what you are doing!
    Trish Cocksedge
    Powell River. British Columbia

    Reply
  502. Kerri Knudsen on

    I am so disgusted by OUR government and politicians not caring about the NEEDS of it’s people and country for the GREED of the rich and powerful. We will NOT survive without CLEAN water, air and soil. Yet their wants of the GREEDY come before the HEALTH of OUR planet. Put people and the health of this planet FIRST, not the ultra rich getting richer off the destruction of everyone and everything. Who will buy their products if we are all dead?

    Reply
  503. Janet Ryan on

    Very informative article. Thanks, Pam for the piece and the time it took to put it together.
    Keep getting the word out.

    Reply
  504. Rebecca Grummet on

    They need to be stopped! I want to help in any way. We have seen water level getting lower for the last 5 years. Plastic is poison and bottled water is dead water. All for the love of money…evil! Get out of Evart nestle!. And our Great lakes! I have followed your thievery for years!

    Reply
  505. Gary Street on

    I am surprised to see paper towels on the list. Yes, they don’t break down as fast as toilet paper, but they do break down.

    The alternative is to put them in the waste-basket, where they ultimately end up in a land fill. In a typical land fill, they may take several years to breakdown.

    It’s a poor trade-off.

    Reply
  506. Dianna Morand on

    Michigan – the Water Wonderland. And we are the only state not properly regulating septic systems. How sad. Our water needs to be protected in all ways, from pollution, filth, and contamination of any kind. I am amazed that we have done so little to protect the gift of clean water that we have in this state. I am surprised, to say the least, that Michigan, of all states, does so little to protect our amazing resources of lakes and rivers. They are a precious asset and I just hope that we don’t recognize their value too late.

    Reply
  507. leonard and susan page on

    if this case is returned to state court — the outcome for enforcing the enforcing the public trust doctrine and shutting down line 5 looks much better.

    Reply
  508. Michael and Libby Robold on

    As this country’s most valuable natural resource, the Great Lakes’ health is vital to the health of the country’s citizens in so many ways. Much smaller than the Gulf of Mexico, one only needs to look at the continued contamination of the Gulf from the ongoing leakage resulting from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. Only fools and greedy oil “barons” would put the welfare of the Great Lakes at risk by continuing to allow the Enbridge pipeline to continue operating in the Mackinac Straits. One simply needs to look at Enbridge’s track record in Michigan to realize how vulnerable their pipelines are to leakage. Would the people living in the Great Lakes region prefer clean, safe water running through their household pipes or contaminates such as the citizens of Flint were subjected to because peoples’ health was not a primary consideration!

    Reply
  509. Gerald OBrien on

    If real estate along Lake Michigan needs revetments it should have never have been built. I just read in a Chicago Tribune article 1000 migrating birds died today crashing into the windows of McCormick Convention Center ( (building along the shores of Lake Michigan).

    Reply
  510. Steven Ruddell on

    Thank you Skip. This is the most comprehensive summary of the facts and supporting references on the actual impacts of burning fossil fuels on our Great Lakes water resources and why Governor Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan offers the best path forward for mitigating and/or avoiding the most severe social, economic, and environmental impacts of climate change.

    Reply
  511. Denis Pierce on

    Hello Carrie, Welcome to northern Michigan and the FLOW team . I am a big supporter of FLOW and the great work that it does. I look forward to meeting you. My wife and I have a place on Glen Lake. We look forward to having you visit us when we are there for the summer.

    You might also check out Palmer Woods near Glen Lake- It has some very good mountain biking trails I am told.
    Denis Pierce

    Reply
  512. Margaret Mann-DeVos on

    I have been an admirer of the tribes who have been protecting The Great Lakes for a long time. Sometimes I feel angry , the helpless when local chemical companies spill toxic chemicals into the Huron River, then there are no consequences (just an “oops”, then it happens again). Thank you all for your tireless work on promoting awareness on the challenges that our precious water faces. I have a friend who had both her breasts removed at 44. I believe that pollution was a big factor in her diagnosis. She was told that cancer is a ‘chronic’ disease now. I am working on my neighbors to stop spraying chemicals on their lawns. An ongoing conversation…Margaret, BSN,RN

    Reply
  513. John Austin on

    Yes bring on that fresh water to flourish and prosper the western states. Also shipping can go at the sane route from Idaho to Michigan bringing in cargo from the Pacific helping that section of the globe money to be made for sure. If sane enough not to fight over the benifits. Use other canals history as a guide and with our new digging and canal building skill help all to survive better and the playing of a better game.

    Reply
  514. Joan Sorenson on

    I find this very interesting as much because I bought a home and some land on a 24 acre lake in northern Emmet County. It is not visible from any road and there is no public access. It is surrounded by swamp and has floating bogs. If anyone researching our tiny lakes will be happy to show them my sweet spot. Lots of critters with my favorite here are the snapping turtles and painted turtles that lay their eggs in my yard.

    Reply
  515. leonard page on

    i am glad to see that FLOW is appealing the MPSC decision. I had high hopes that the decision would follow the 2010 decision rejecting approval for the proposed Rogers City coal fired power plant. I refused to support a cheboygan county resolution in support of that venture and it cost me re-election. as you may recall, the state decision was that Michigan did not NEED this new plant -particularly one powered by pet coke. I know i am preaching to the choir–but Michigan similarly has no NEED for line 5 products. I am also surprised at how quickly the MPSC dismissed concerned express by Gary street, Krupewicz and O’Mara about the explosive risk of an NGL leak inside the tunnel. the risk of an ngl leak cannot be so totally ignored.

    Reply
  516. Kerri Knudsen on

    Without clean water, nothing can live for very long. We must protect all water from waste, poisoning and the ability for all people and fish/ animals to use for a healthy life.

    Reply
  517. Linda on

    what would happen to the other great lakes if a pipeline to california and the western states were created from lake superior and/or lake huron ?

    Reply
    • Paul on

      You could only pipe a small fraction of water so practically nothing would happen to the Lakes. Then California would dump it into the Pacific Ocean along with the rest of their fresh water.

      Reply
  518. James Mark Olson, Sr. on

    This is well done, accurate, an important reminder of the damage that what-we-can’t-see effects and impacts from large groundwater withdrawals and/or diversions do to flows, levels, environmental conditions., habitat, and fish, and the rights of others. The non-material diminishment standard under the Schenk v Ann Arbor case heavily influenced the final judgement in the MCWC v Nestle case that cut in half the company’s large diversions for the sale and export of bottled water to protect a stream, wetlands, and a lake. In addition, the public trust doctrine that applies to navigable waters and their tributary waters prohibits diversions or withdrawals that impair water levels, fish habitat, fish, fishing, swimming, boating, and other public uses. These are bedrock principles that protect our groundwater, lakes, and streams and protected public rights.

    Reply
  519. Isha Mazer on

    greetings I’m a liason for a yoga-ecology corp in the West. an article by Geroge Wuenthner in Counterpunch.org DEC 6/22 illuminates beyond any doubt water theft; its called Enviorn. Vandalism. There is no way to grasp how out of control the theft of water from central ORegon life blood; The Deschutes River has been emaciated by. Moreover half of all of Oregon’s endemic Salmon nation members are currently scheduled for extinction as the water extraction scheme stands. Recently far-right Republican politicians here are yeilding axes in congress to halt the breeching of concrete dams on the Snake river so to save Salmon nation members from that fate. We are visionaries of the Provisional Ecological Authority here in Oregon

    Reply
  520. Dianne Dillon-Ridgley on

    23-02-2024
    Lucky FLOW to have Carrie LÀ SEUR on your team! I was the first chair of the Plains Justice board as this “JUSTICE CENTURY” as I call it dawned…being very ‘seasoned’ from organizing my campus at Howard University for that very first EARTH 🌍 DAY IN 1970 to currently chairing the board (again) at CIEL (the Center for International Environmental Law and being frequently recycled in between 😉 from NWF, ZPG, VEIC, Interface to name a few. Few people have the moral compass and grit, commitment and courage plus sheer brilliance, humor and wit that Carrie lives by. You want her on YOUR side in battle, better yet you want her at the negotiation table! Michigan like so many places has vast WATER 💦 resources and challenges-Michigan and FLOW have a champion on the team now! Peace, Dianne Dillon-Ridgley

    Reply
  521. Dr. Paul Keck on

    If people want to visualize what happens when our wetlands are desecrated such as what may transpire in Indiana, look no further than Lake Okeechobee, in Florida. The everglades once started on the south end of the lake. Then the Army Corps decided to create a navigable waterway across the entire state of Florida. They deposited millions of tons of what was excavated filling in the Everglades. Then they sold this newly created real estate to sugar cane farmers and pig farmers. Before the modification, when Lake Okeechobee overflowed during heavy rains, it entered the northern-most part of the everglades. Now when this happens this water picks up fertilizers from the sugarcane farmers and E-Coli from the pig farmers. When this water is now released it flows and contaminates all communities south of Lake O such as Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples to name only a few, causing toxic algae overgrows and endangering public health. As we speak, the Everglades are now totally devoid of life from Lake O south all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Don’t be hoodwinked. Know the facts and defend the wetlands that act as a huge natural filtration system.

    Reply
  522. Brett Fessell on

    A perfect match of energy, passion, wisdom, and expertise. There are certain people and organizations that create a certain synergy when matched. Congratulations Carolan and FLOW! The waters of the Great Lakes are celebrating your arrival! Miigwetch for showing up!

    Reply
  523. Julie Clark on

    Congratulations to FLOW and Carolan. An incredible connection is made. Carolan, we’re grateful for your service in this important role.

    Reply
  524. Valerie Schey on

    Thank you for your work on the Polluter Pay Accountability Act. The burden that corporate polluters place on the envrionment, our health and then the tax payer is reprehensible.

    Reply
  525. Joe van lents on

    Shoreline Plant containment beds will give shoreline residents an opportunity to contain beneficial emergent aquatic plants on their beaches that will mitigate bacteria. We’ll be contacting you in the near future with more details.

    Reply
  526. Alex G Simon, P.E. on

    Hopefully, you will be advocating for the total ban on removing water from the Great Lakes Basin. Let’s close the Chicago shipping canal.

    Reply
  527. John sadowski on

    Great lakes water should be shared to a given level of water that would not hinder the lakes environmental system or surrounding ecologies.

    Reply
  528. John Kulinski on

    I am sure in the near future billions will be spent on a pipeline from Chicago to California so the water in the Great lakes can be shared by states that are in need of fresh drinking water.

    Reply
  529. Lois Bahle on

    We must stop using fossil fuels. How about shutting down the use of the pipeline for fossil fuel but the Tribe claiming ownership of the infrastructure due to the long expired easement. Could it be used for underground power transition lines or photo optic communication lines? A lease to another producer of clean energy from CA hydro that needs to be moved.

    Enjoyed the movie but a very frustrating story

    Lois

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  530. JoAnne Beemon on

    A Water Bill of Rights for the People of the Great Lakes Basin
    1. Water is Life.
    2. Water has value. Water is more valuable than oil.
    3. Water in the Great Lakes Basin is finite and in balance. Water diverted out of the basin is gone forever, there is a net loss.
    4. The waters of the Great Lakes and the groundwater of the Great Lakes Basin are contiguous.
    5. Water belongs to the citizens, creatures and eco-systems of the Great Lakes Basin.
    6. Water is in continuous motion. Water moves through a hydrologic cycle, from lakes to the air to rain to the land to groundwater and runoff to streams and rivers, and back to lakes and seas.
    7. Water of the Great Lakes Basin cannot be privately owned. Water is not a “product”.
    8. All public and private interests shall take note. Water needs, outside the Great Lakes Basin, which are created by squandering water resources or diminishing water reservoirs or polluting water or by creating water dependant industry, farming and residential need, or created by growing populations, cannot be cited as constituting compelling need for Great Lakes Basin Water diversion.
    9. Anyone who diverts or takes or removes water from the Great Lakes Basin, takes the property of the people of the state and other citizens of the Great Lakes Basin. Any diversion of the water of the Great Lakes Basin from the Basin diminishes all life in the Basin.
    10. Any person or corporation that pollutes or diminishes the quality of the waters of the Great Lakes Basin is guilty of a trespass and destruction of public property. Pollution or diminishment of the water constitutes a taking.
    11. Water diversion or sale of the waters of the Great Lakes Basin for private profit constitutes a taking or theft from the people.
    12. The elected representatives of the state have a right and a responsibility to protect the citizens of the Great Lakes Basin by protecting the waters of the Great Lakes Basin from pollution, diversion or taking for profit.
    Respectfully submitted,
JoAnne Bier Beemon Joanne_Beemon@hotmail.com
Director Great Lakes Center for Public Policy

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  531. Lu Thrushman on

    Sure hope that includes not letting Water companies take millions of gallons for the cost of a permit anymore! So they can sell it back to us😢

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  532. John O'Neill on

    Thank you, JoAnne Beeman for posting the excellent Water Bill of Rights. We would clarify that residents do not own the water but have a responsibility to exercise stewardship over the waters for our shared benefit and the wellbeing of future generations. We are struck by two misuses of water:
    The first is the mass production of bottled water. The bottles are often exported out of the Great Lakes Basin and the plastic degrades into micro-plastics that are harmful to living organisms. See for example, https://www.usgs.gov/news/national-news-release/widespread-plastic-pollution-found-great-lakes-tributaries
    Second, the importation of Canadian oil through the Straights of Mackinac risks a catastrophic spill that will despoil the lakes for decades. A tunnel is no solution as the hydrocarbons pumped through Line 5 contribute to global warming.
    Water is a gift that we abuse at our peril.

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  533. Tom Reed on

    This Line 5 Pipeline has served out the design life expectancy of its material. At two million gal/ day rate this tar sands slurry if very likely to be abrasive , any change in direction of the flow may very well be eroding the inside of the pipeline.

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    • Rita on

      Oil flow in Line 5 is 23 million gallons per day. That’s close to 1 million gallons per hour.

      A question for FLOW: does the protection of the State’s bottomlands apply to the other lakes, streams and wetlands through which Line 5 is placed?

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    • Scott on

      I live in northern lower Michigan on the east side. In Tawas City we rely a lot on tourism. We have beautiful sandy beaches awesome walleye fishing and other water activities. A oil spill would devastate are community. Shut down line 5 before it is too late. It is way past its life span and it is just a matter of time before they have a catastrophic accident in the Great Lakes

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  534. Jim Limbach on

    Enbridge’s record of lies, cover ups & irresponsibility is clear. They care not for the health of the Water and thus the health of the People of Michigan. Line 5 must be shut down now.

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  535. Bonnie Nussbaum on

    I whole-heartedly support the efforts of Attorney General Nessel, Assistant Attorney General Bock, FLOW, Oil and Water Don’t Mix, the Bad River Indian Tribe and all others working so diligently to put an end to the atrocity that is Line 5. We absolutely cannot afford to have this disaster-in-the-making continue any longer. Too many lives will be irrevocably damaged when this pipeline fails.

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  536. Mary Weber on

    Enbridge has wasted enough time, made more than enough excuses, and still had a faulty pipeline under some of the most beautiful waters in the Great Lakes!!! With the strong currents that go through that area, a pipeline leak, or rupture would spell not only disaster for the creatures that live in those waters, but the people who rely on this natural resource. It would also spread like wildfire to adjoining Great Lakes, and connecting bodies of water, it would be totally uncontrollable/ uncontainable!!!
    Enbridge needs to be responsible for ending this treat now. Oil companies need to take responsibility for not keeping things, like pipelines in good working order, but responsible for any life they may change due to their own negligence……… oil companies are way overdue in taking responsive actions, therefore need strict regulations!!

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