City officials are taking steps to ensure the water is safe for all residents again after it was announced that lead was detected in the drinking water at some homes in Metro Detroit.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is reminding people how important it is to protect our water on National Stormwater Day.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) launched a new air quality monitoring dashboard.

Recent testing done by the Detroit Health Department has found high values of E. coli in the water.

Michigan residents recycled at a record rate in 2023, state officials announced Monday.

Elevated levels of some chemicals were found downstream from the release location, but they are not expected to impact humans.

Residents in White Lake Township are still looking for answers after an explosion at an oil refinery shook nearby homes Friday, Nov. 24.

The Air Quality Alert has been extended to the end of the week on Friday by the Michigan Department of Environment. Air quality readings are in the unhealthy to the very unhealthy range once again today and are expected to be in the unhealthy for sensitive groups range to the unhealthy range, with hourly readings into the very unhealthy range also possible.

Nearly the entire state of Michigan will be dealing with poor air quality on Tuesday as more wildfire smoke from Canada moves into the region.

The wave of public electric transportation in Michigan has made its way up north to Mackinac Island.

A plastics manufacturer reached an agreement with the state to investigate and address hazardous substances known as “forever chemicals” at a former factory in Livingston County, Attorney General Dana Nessel said Monday.

The City of Ann Arbor received a $1.38 million MI Clean Water grant for projects to upgrade the city’s drinking water system.

Officials are warning residents not to swim, fish or take water from certain areas of the Huron River after a dangerous chemical spill.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy have reported that Michiganders’ recycling rate is up 35.4%.

Officials are investigating a chemical leak at the Huron River in Flat Rock.

In a story published Dec. 15, 2021, about a lawsuit over a Michigan oil pipeline, The Associated Press erroneously reported that U.S. District Judge Janet Neff last month retained jurisdiction over a separate Line 5 case initiated by Enbridge Energy.

Here are this morning's top stories.

Periodic testing of tap water revealed high levels of lead in the tap water of 19 homes in the Village of Manchester.

Officials with the Environmental Protection Agency are still testing the air quality.

Officials with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) said three additional homes were evacuated as part of an emergency response to hazardous chemicals found in Flat Rock this week.

Sunday, June 6 is the second consecutive Ozone Action day and the third of the year in Southeast Michigan.

ANN ARBOR – With Ann Arbor Public Schools buildings still closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the district has partnered with DTE Energy to put its new zero-emission electric school buses to good use. The six electric vehicles will be used to deliver meals to students in Ann Arbor and Roseville schools through federal food assistance programs. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, in collaboration with MAPT and the Volkswagen Beneficiary Mitigation Plan, provided funding for the buses. “We are thrilled to help deploy these electric buses as another proof point of our clean energy plan at DTE,” Trevor Lauer, President and COO, DTE Electric said in a news release. Jeanice K. Swift, Superintendent of the Ann Arbor Public Schools said in a news release.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s Air Quality Division has released its Annual Air Quality Report for 2019. The overall air quality improved across Michigan in 2019, according to the report. The report focuses on information for specific pollutants, including those with National Ambient Air Quality Standards and toxic air contaminants, air quality trends, and an overview of the air monitoring network. A nonattainment area is considered to have air quality worse than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. View the full report below:More information on the Air Quality Division’s annual program activities can be found in the Year End Air Quality Program Report or at Michigan.gov/Air.

A 2018 case challenging Nestle’s permit to extract Michigan water and sell it for a profit has been dismissed by the state’s environmental department on Friday. Residents have also shown outrage over the company taking Michigan water almost for free and turning it into a huge profit. In 2018, residents told Local 4 that the creek was thriving a few years ago, but things have changed because of the water Nestle is pumping out. In an effort to ramp up the legal fight against Nestle’s use of Michigan water, environmental groups requested that Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel step in back in July of this year. Our water use in Michigan ranks us far down on the list of the state’s top water users.

NORTHVILLE, Mich. – Families who live near the Arbor Hills Landfill say the stench is unbearable at times. “Where I don’t have to smell this stuff.”Families in the Ridge Wood Elementary community in Northville have been dealing with noxious smells emanating from the landfill for years. “This site has been a public nuisance for years and the threat to residents is significant,” Nessel said. Parents of students at Ridge Wood Elementary school, which sits near the landfill, have been speaking out for years. READ: Northville residents raise concerns about safety of Arbor Hills Landfill

FERNDALE, Mich. – Samples from Ferndale’s municipal water system have lead levels in the drinking water exceeding state standards, according to officials. Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) was notified by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) about the results from testing. Testing occurred as part of routine compliance sampling required by EGLE under Michigan’s Safe Drinking Water Act. “The quality of our drinking water is vital to the health of residents,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said. READ: Water testing shows elevated levels of lead in numerous Metro Detroit cities, but what does it mean?

The analysis was requested by Oil & Water Don't Mix, a coalition of environmental, business and tribal organizations. Enbridge spokesman Ryan Duffy said the tunnel plans were developed in consultation with experienced geologists and engineers. During an online news conference, O'Mara said the tunnel plans had changed considerably since a 2017 assessment, which described the project as feasible and low-risk. The department plans to issue rulings by the end of the year. Spokesman Nick Assendelft said department staffers would consider the findings of the Oil & Water Don't Mix reviewers along with other public comments.

The report provides an update on the ongoing investigation into the Edenville Dam, plans to restore the Tobacco River's flow and the lack of coordination with the dams' owner Boyce Hydro. But while awaiting the conclusion of the investigation, EGLE provided the first of a series of reports requested by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that will provide information about how the dam failures came to be and reviewing dam safety policies in Michigan. The report doesn’t address any parties at fault for the dam failures, but addresses what EGLE will do next to address the safety concerns left by the Edenville dam. Read more: Frustrated Michigan officials issue emergency order to Edenville Dam owners ignoring deadlines

Asmus said when the pipe failed a black liquor was released to the wastewater treatment plant. Black liquor is a high-strength organic pollutant derived from the breakdown of pulpwood. The black liquor overwhelmed the facilitys wastewater treatment system causing effluent (outflow) violations, Asmus said. The wastewater system remained functional however, it was not capable of treating the black liquor entirely. Black liquor is a byproduct of a process at the mill, not a chemical purchased and stored on site for a specific purpose, Asmus said.

Environmental quality analyst and drone pilot Hunter King said he had completed about seven minutes of the mapping flight when satellite reception became spotty. King pressed a button to return the $950 drone to him and was viewing his video screen when the drone began to twirl. Two birdwatchers who were nearby saw the bird attack something but told officials they didnt realize it was a drone. The drone sent 27 warning notifications in the 3.5 seconds that it took to spiral to the water, including one noting that a propeller was missing. Data later revealed that it landed in 4 feet of water about 150 feet offshore.

A Michigan regulatory panel refused Tuesday, June 30, 2020, to grant quick permission to run a new oil pipeline beneath a channel that connects two of the Great Lakes, deciding instead to conduct a full review. Enbridge filed an application in April with the Michigan Public Service Commission to relocate a segment of its Line 5 that extends beneath the Straits of Mackinac, which links Lakes Huron and Michigan. (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy via AP)TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. A Michigan regulatory panel on Tuesday refused to grant quick permission to run a new oil pipeline beneath a channel that connects two of the Great Lakes, deciding instead to conduct a full review. The state Public Service Commission's decision involved a proposed replacement for a segment of Enbridge's Line 5 that extends beneath the Straits of Mackinac, which links Lakes Huron and Michigan. Enbridge filed an application in April with the Public Service Commission to relocate the underwater section of Line 5 into the proposed tunnel.

MIDLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will host a news briefing at 3 p.m. on Tuesday to provide an update on the aftermath of the Edenville and Sanford dam failures and subsequent flooding in Mid-Michigan last month. You can watch the briefing live in the video player above at 3 p.m.Nessel will be joined by the director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Liesl Clark and the director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Dan Eichinger. The briefing comes almost three weeks after nearly 11,000 mid-Michigan residents evacuated their homes due to a massive flooding emergency caused by breaches in the Edenville and Sanford dams. The flood damaged countless homes, businesses and roads in central Michigan. Whitmer requests investigation of dam breach that caused massive flooding in mid-Michigan

MIDLAND, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will offer an update on the state’s response to the devastating floods in Midland County last month. Whitmer will provide a brief update alongside local officials on the state’s response to the historic flooding in Mid-Michigan. Afterward, she will volunteer at the flood relief donation distribution center. The briefing is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. -- you can watch it live in the video player above.

From addressing immediate hazards to exploring disposal options, EGLE urges residents to follow guidelines set by the state. Itemize items on property, with special attention to hazardous materials such as paint, motor oil and solvents. For a list of common types of household hazardous waste and local household hazardous waste collection contacts, visit Michigan.gov/EGLEHHWUse caution when walking through standing water or large debris piles to avoid hidden hazards, such as nails and other sharp objects. For questions about emergency disposal permits, contact the MMD Solid Waste Section at 517-284-6588. For EGLE guidance on storm debris, visit: michigan.gov/documents/egle/egle-tou-mmd-ManagingStormDebris_688194_7.pdfAdditional resources:PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

EDENVILLE, Mich. The Local 4 Defenders have uncovered new information about who is responsible for the failure of the Edenville Dam, which led to catastrophic floods in mid-Michigan. READ: Catastrophic flooding, evacuations in mid-Michigan as dams fail: What to knowThe situation has turned into a bitterly contested finger pointing match on who is to blame for the Edenville Dam failure. Dam failure isnt unheard of in Michigan. Lack of investment in dam infrastructure is not uncommon in Michigan dams, which have suffered from deferred maintenance over the course of decades. That, combined with the historic rainfall and flooding, were factors in the Edenville Dam failure."

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. – On Friday officials from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy released updates on the investigation into the Electro-Plating Services contamination in Madison Heights, and additional properties owned by convicted polluter and Electro-Plating owner Gary Sayers. You can read the latest updates from the state environmental agency here:Tests of Madison Heights drinking water showed no detection of PFAS compounds and no other contaminants at levels of concern, city officials reported Friday. A public informational meeting on the Electro-Plating Services contamination will take place 6-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, at Madison High School, 915 E. 11 Mile Road. The city of Madison Heights is organizing the event with U.S. Rep. Andy Levin, state Sen. Jeremy Moss, state Rep. Jim Ellison and Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. A public information session for Electro-Plating Services is scheduled for Feb. 3.

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. The City of St. Clair Shores released a public advisory Monday for its 25,303 water customers after testing water samples from known locations with lead service lines. These changes require communities with lead service lines to increase the number of sampling locations and draw multiple samples from each location. The City of St. Clair Shores has been conducting testing of tap water in homes with lead service lines for lead and copper in accordance with this Act since 1992. The city had four of the targeted 32 sites with known lead service lines report elevated lead levels. City hosting St. Clair Shores lead safe open houseThe event is taking place on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the St. Clair Shores Senior Activity Center at 20000 Stephens between I-94 and Little Mack.

Cate Gillon/Getty ImagesPONTIAC, Mich. - Routine water testing by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy revealed lead and copper levels in homes that exceeded acceptable levels"The quality of our drinking water is paramount and we stand ready to support our local communities with these and future test results," Oakland County Executive David Coulter said. "Oakland County Health Division is working with communities to help them comply with revised lead rules while also distributing NSF-certified water filters to qualified households and educating the public." The testing revealed those levels in Birmingham and White Lake Township. Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash said there will be more investigation to determine the source of exposure and education the public. Water filter kits will be available to Birmingham and White Lake residents at the following locations:Birmingham City Hall, Tuesday from 4 -7 p.m.Lakeland High School in White Lake from 7 -9 p.m.Officials are asking people to take steps to prevent lead exposure:Flush cold-water pipes by running the water for five minutesUse only water from the cold-water tap for drinking, cooking and making baby formulaInstall a water filterDo not boil waterUse bottled waterClean aeratorsMore information is available in the document belowCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

A contaminated property in Trenton will be redeveloped as an entertainment venue. (WDIV)TRENTON, Mich. - A contaminated property in Trenton will be redeveloped as an entertainment venue with help from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The city of Trenton was awarded a $250,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant to revitalize and safely reuse the former Trenton Lanes at 3336 and 3360 West Jefferson Avenue. Trenton Lanes was built on the site of an old gas station. When brownfields are redeveloped, property values increase both on the revitalized site and on other nearby properties.

The EGLE "Know it Before you Throw It" campaign is helping people recycle glass the right way. Here are the rules for recycling glass containers1.) What happens after you recycle glass? Peeples also visited the Schupan recycling plant to see how the recycled glass is processed. Over 140 million pounds of glass is recycled per year at Schupan Recycling in Wixom.

The EGLE "Know it Before you Throw It" campaign is helping people recycle glass the right way. Here are the rules for recycling glass containers. 1) Rinse your container before throwing it in the recycle bin2) Separate tops and lids from the jarsKila also visited the Schupan recycling plant to see how the recycled glass is processed. Over 140 million pounds of glass is recycled per year at Schupan Recycling in Wixom. To learn more about the Schupan recycling company visit, schupan.com.

Every day, you're likely to use some sort of can or metal, whether it's a pop or soup can. Our friends at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, or EGLE, encourage you to recycle -- but do it the right way. Michigan is one of the best at recycling cans, mostly due to the Michigan Deposit Law and the abundant locations available where people can return cans. If you want to learn more about the Schupan Recycling Company, visit schupan.com. If you want to learn more about the new EGLE campaign, which features the Recycling Raccoons Squad, visit recyclingraccoons.org.

Everyday you're likely to use some sort of can or metal, whether it's a pop or soup can. Our friends at The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, or EGLE, encourage you to recycle, the right way. Being mindful of aerosol cans is key, so make sure all of the liquid is removed from the can before recycling. Michigan is one of the best at recycling cans, mostly due to the Michigan Deposit Law and the abundant locations to return cans. If you want to learn more about the Schupan Recycling Company visit schupan.comIf you want to learn more about the new EGLE campaign, which features the Recycling Raccoons Squad, visit recyclingraccoons.org

Currently, in Michigan, we recycle 15% of plastic, and the organization's goal is to raise that to 30% by 2020. Karl Hattopp, from Clean Tech Recycling, wanted to demonstrate what happens when people recycle correctly. Hattopp said Clean Tech Recycling takes the recycled bottles, such as laundry detergent bottles and water bottles, and turns them into pellets that are eventually transformed back into bottles. To learn more about Clean Tech Recycling, visit the group's website, and to learn more about the new EGLE campaign and get more tips and information on recycling, click or tap here. This article is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

Every day, you likely use all kinds of plastic - everything from water bottles to containers, and you may be recycling them, but are you doing it right? Currently, in Michigan, we recycle 15% of plastic, and their goal is to raise it to 30% by 2020. "In fact, 15% is really low for the Great Lakes region," said Greenberg. Karl Hattopp also joined us from Clean Tech Recycling to show us what happens when we recycle correctly. Hattopp says that Clean Tech Recycling takes the recycled bottles such as laundry detergent bottles and water bottles and they turn them into pellets that are eventually turned back into bottles.

Every day, you likely use all kinds of plastic - everything from water bottles to containers, and you may be recycling them, but are you doing it right? Currently, in Michigan, we recycle 15% of plastic, and their goal is to raise it to 30% by 2020. "In fact, 15% is really low for the Great Lakes region," said Greenberg. Karl Hattopp also joined us from Clean Tech Recycling to show us what happens when we recycle correctly. Hattopp says that Clean Tech Recycling takes the recycled bottles such as laundry detergent bottles and water bottles and they turn them into pellets that are eventually turned back into bottles.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy says Mueller Brass has agreed to pay about $60,000 over violations at its Port Huron location. (WDIV)PORT HURON, Mich. - State environmental officials are fining an eastern Michigan factory after a yearlong investigation into air pollution violations. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy says Mueller Brass has agreed to pay about $60,000 over violations at its Port Huron location. Agency enforcement official Jeff Rathbun tells the (Port Huron) Times Herald that violations included not properly maintaining equipment used for controlling particulate emissions. The state's investigation began in April 2018 after an air monitoring station recorded elevated lead levels and officials identified Mueller Brass as a possible source.