Meghan Hodges
Michigan has a long history of toxic environmental exposures and environmental injustice. The Great Lakes, which span 750 miles across nine state/territory borders, have historically been used for fishing, boating, transportation, and as a source of potable drinking water. However, they have also been subjected to pollution from industrial waste, domestic sewage, and landfill. In the late 1960s, Lake Erie was described as a dying lake due to the piles of trash and untreated waste that were suffocating fish and making swimming hazardous. Despite cleanup efforts and government interventions, pollution continues to be an issue in Michigan, with industrial sites and groundwater restrictions impacting the health and environment of future generations. Scientists and citizen sleuths have played a crucial role in exposing pollution and holding polluters accountable, but weak pollution cleanups and lenient laws have hindered progress. Michigan's persistent environmental issues and the efforts to address them showcase the complex nature of combating pollution and the ongoing struggle to protect the health and rights of communities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History of toxic environmental exposures | - Water systems contaminated with lead pipes during the Flint water crisis |
| - Dairy cattle contaminated with polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) | |
| - Freshwater lakes and rivers filled with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) | |
| - Air pollution in the Detroit Metro district and other major cities | |
| - Hexavalent chromium spillage into the Huron River | |
| Great Lakes Pollution | - Lake Erie collects wastes and chemicals, including industrial waste and domestic sewage |
| - Junk littered Lake Erie's shores, contributing to the pollution that killed fish and made swimming hazardous | |
| - Cleanup efforts in the 1970s reduced industrial wastes in the Detroit River and Lake Erie, allowing for the reintroduction of brown trout | |
| Weak pollution cleanups | - Polluters are frequently defaulting to containing pollution rather than cleaning it up |
| - Michigan law allows polluters to avoid spending money on cleanups by limiting public exposure to contamination through institutional controls | |
| - Manufacturers have left polluted sites throughout Michigan, leaving taxpayers with the costs of cleanup | |
| Industrial pollution control program | - In the 1950s, Michigan State University ornithologist George Wallace found mass die-offs of robins on his campus due to DDT application |
| - Michigan became the first state to ban DDT in 1969, three years before the national ban in 1972 | |
| Citizen sleuths and activism | - Concerned Citizens for Responsible Remediation (CCRR) exposed pollution from a century-old Michigan tannery, leading to a $3 million cleanup settlement |
| - Community activist Theresa Landrum presents the history of environmental injustice and EGLE air quality monitor in Detroit | |
| Government initiatives | - EGLE (formerly known as the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality) promotes pollution prevention and provides educational and financial assistance |
| - Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides access to public records, with some exemptions |
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What You'll Learn
Michigan's history of toxic environmental exposure
Michigan has a long history of toxic environmental exposure, with Michiganders repeatedly experiencing toxic environmental pollutants over the last century. Governmental policies have often failed to protect the health and human rights of the community.
One of the most prominent examples of toxic environmental exposure in Michigan is the Flint water crisis, where lead pipes corroded into the water systems, contaminating the drinking water. Another incident involved dairy cattle being contaminated with polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs). In addition, freshwater lakes and rivers in Michigan, including the Great Lakes, have been filled with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These lakes, which include Lake Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior, span 9 state/territory borders and provide a crucial source of potable drinking water. However, they have also become a dumping ground for industrial waste and domestic sewage, leading to ecological damage and health risks for the surrounding communities.
The Detroit River, which flows into Lake Erie, was once heavily polluted, but by 1974, clean-up efforts had reduced industrial waste to the point where brown trout could once again thrive in the river and lake. This was a symbol of the potential for ecological recovery through determined action. However, despite some successes, industrial air pollution and water laced with PFAS continue to pose significant health risks in Michigan.
The state's weak pollution clean-up laws have been criticized for allowing polluters to avoid spending money on remediation by limiting public exposure through institutional controls, such as capping polluted soil. This approach saddles future generations with financial, social, and health risks. Researchers and activists are calling for stronger legislation to hold polluters accountable and protect the health and environment of Michiganders.
To address the health impacts of toxic environmental exposure, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has conducted long-term studies, such as the Michigan Long-Term PBB Study, which began in 1976 to monitor the health of those exposed to PBBs. Additionally, the Michigan Cancer and Research on the Environment Study (MI-CARES) aims to recruit 100,000 Michiganders to understand the health impacts of environmental exposures and advocate for policy changes.
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The role of citizen sleuths in exposing pollution
Michigan has a long history of toxic environmental exposures and environmental injustice. The Great Lakes, which comprise the largest freshwater source on Earth, have been polluted by industrial waste and domestic sewage, threatening wildlife, ecosystems, and drinking water sources.
In the face of inadequate government responses and weak pollution clean-up efforts, citizen sleuths have played a crucial role in exposing pollution and holding accountable those responsible. One notable example is the Wolverine tannery pollution case, where a group of concerned citizens, led by McIntosh, conducted their own investigation into Wolverine World Wide, a global footwear and apparel company. They collected samples, tracked down former employees, and uncovered important documents detailing Wolverine's chemical use history and disposal locations. Their efforts led to the discovery of multiple dumps laced with toxic fluorochemicals, known as PFAS, which had contaminated drinking water sources.
The work of these citizen sleuths had far-reaching impacts, leading to litigation and pushing for stronger pollution regulations. More than 200 families living near House Street sued Wolverine and 3M, and their lawsuits could open the door for more private citizens and states to take legal action against polluters. Citizen sleuths have also been instrumental in addressing the Flint water crisis, where residents, doctors, scientists, journalists, and citizen activists worked together to expose the city's severe mismanagement of drinking water, leading to a federal judge ordering the government to provide safe drinking water.
Citizen activism has been a driving force in holding polluters accountable and pushing for stronger environmental protections. Through their dedication and persistence, citizen sleuths have filled the gaps left by governmental failures and institutional shortcomings, ensuring that the health and environmental rights of communities are protected. Their efforts have not only had local impacts but have also set a precedent for environmental justice nationwide.
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The impact of industrial pollution on the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes—Lake Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior—span 750 miles from west to east and are situated across nine state/territory borders: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario. Together, the five lakes comprise the largest freshwater source on Earth. The lakes are crucial for wildlife and ecosystems, and they also provide an important drinking source for 40 million people.
However, the Great Lakes have long suffered from industrial pollution. By the 1960s, Lake Erie had become predominantly polluted, largely due to the heavy industrial presence along its shores. With 11.6 million people living in its basin and big cities and sprawling farmland in its watershed, Lake Erie is severely impacted by human activities. For decades, factories dumped chemical pollutants, acids, iron, and oil wastes into the lake and the waterways that flowed into it, such as the Cuyahoga and Detroit Rivers.
The pollution from these industrial cities and agricultural runoff changed the lake's water composition, causing an overabundance of algae that robbed the water of oxygen. This disrupted the ecosystem, leading to the deterioration of many fish species and the loss of recreational fishing and related businesses. The shores of Lake Erie also became littered with junk, including wrecked vehicles, which suffocated fish and filled the shorelines with untreated waste. Experts warned that Lake Erie's major wildlife areas were so heavily polluted that they could no longer support biological life.
To mitigate the damage, surrounding cities built sewage plants, and industries installed water filters. These measures slowed down the rate of deterioration, and by 1974, the water flowing from the Detroit River into Lake Erie was clean enough to permit the reintroduction of brown trout. However, these actions did not reverse the damage already done to the lakes.
Today, plastic pollution has become a significant issue in the Great Lakes. Microplastics have been found in Great Lakes fish, drinking water, bottled water, and beer, posing a potential threat to public health. While volunteers with programs like Adopt-a-Beach are working to keep plastic out of the lakes, a more systemic solution is needed to reduce the production of single-use plastic and hold producers accountable for pollution.
Additionally, Michigan, which borders four of the Great Lakes, has struggled with weak pollution cleanups, with industries frequently containing pollution rather than thoroughly cleaning it up, pushing costs and health risks onto future generations.
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Governmental actions and commissions aiding in lake cleanups
Michigan has a long history of toxic environmental exposures and environmental injustice. The Great Lakes—Lake Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior—are the largest freshwater source on Earth. They provide fishing spots, boating, and other recreational activities, as well as sustaining an important drinking source. However, the Great Lakes have been threatened by pollution.
Many governmental actions and commissions have aided in the cleanup and maintenance of the lakes. In the late 1960s, the shores of the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Erie, were used as landfills, threatening fish and making swimming hazardous. By 1974, clean-up efforts had reduced pollution in the Great Lakes, with the Detroit River becoming clean enough for the reintroduction of brown trout.
In 1969, elevated levels of mercury was discovered in sediments in the St. Clair River, leading to the closure of the fishery from southern Lake Huron to Lake Erie. The advisory remained in effect until 1986, when it was modified to apply only to catfish and carp.
In the 1950s, Michigan State University ornithologist George Wallace found mass die-offs of robins on his campus due to DDT application. This research was later cited in Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring," which described how pesticides like DDT were poisoning rivers, lakes, and oceans. In 1969, Grand Haven stopped using DDT, and Michigan became the first state to ban DDT in 1969, three years before the national ban in 1972.
Citizen sleuths have also played a crucial role in exposing pollution from century-old Michigan factories. The group Concerned Citizens for Responsible Remediation (CCRR) collected maps, newspaper archives, and public records to investigate contamination. Their work led to a $3 million cleanup settlement won by state officials.
Despite these efforts, Michigan continues to struggle with polluted industrial sites and weak pollution cleanups. Researchers have recommended changing Michigan law to make it more difficult for polluters to avoid cleaning up their mess. EGLE (Environmental Health Research-to-Action Academy), a state agency, strives to promote healthy communities, economic growth, and environmental sustainability through pollution prevention. They offer educational and technical assistance to individuals, businesses, and communities to reduce and prevent pollution. EGLE also emphasizes community involvement and public participation in their mission.
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Pollution prevention initiatives by EGLE
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has implemented several initiatives to prevent pollution and promote environmental sustainability in Michigan. EGLE's mission emphasizes community involvement and public participation as key components in achieving its goals.
One of EGLE's main initiatives is the Community P2 Grants Program, which aims to foster cooperation between businesses, citizens, and local governments. The program provides matching grants to wastewater treatment plants to reduce sanitary sewer overflows, minimize the volume of gallons discharged, decrease energy consumption, and enhance phosphorus removal from wastewater ponds. The grants also support climate change priorities by encouraging the development of local climate action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
The Sustainable Development Unit within EGLE promotes collaborative solutions to ensure a healthy and sustainable environment and an improved quality of life for all. They work to address barriers to adopting pollution prevention strategies, particularly in the areas of food waste reduction and toxics reduction.
EGLE also sponsors conferences, workshops, training events, webinars, and public meetings to educate the public and relevant professionals on environmental requirements, pollution prevention practices, and the protection of Michigan's natural resources. They provide critical training on treatment process control and laboratory analysis for wastewater and drinking water system operators. Additionally, EGLE offers an interactive calendar that provides timely information on decisions, settlements, administrative rules, public hearings, and environmental conferences.
Through these initiatives, EGLE strives to empower businesses, municipalities, and the public with the knowledge and resources necessary to protect Michigan's environment and public health, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
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Frequently asked questions
Michigan has a long history of toxic environmental exposures and environmental injustice. In the 1950s, Michigan State University ornithologist George Wallace found mass die-offs of robins on his campus due to DDT application. This led to Michigan becoming the first state to ban DDT in 1969. Despite this, Michigan is pocked with polluted industrial sites, and weak pollution cleanups are costing future generations.
Michigan industries are pushing costs and risks onto future generations by refusing to clean up their pollution. There are more than 2,000 sites in Michigan with groundwater restrictions, covering an area more than twice the size of Grand Rapids.
The EGLE (formerly known as the DEQ) works with businesses to identify and implement pollution prevention, helping them become more efficient, save money, and provide a safer environment for employees. EGLE also educates and encourages Michiganders to make pollution prevention choices every day.
Scientists have played a crucial role in exposing pollution and holding companies accountable. For example, in the 1990s, a professor documented pollution at a Michigan tannery, which helped state officials win a $3 million cleanup settlement. Citizen sleuths, with the help of scientists, have also exposed pollution from a century-old Michigan factory, leading to nationwide implications.
Some examples of pollution incidents in Michigan include the Flint water crisis, dairy cattle contaminated with polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), freshwater lakes and rivers filled with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and the hexavalent chromium spillage into the Huron River.
