New Ballast Technology Regulations

The document discusses advocacy efforts to improve water quality in Detroit and reduce discharges into Lake Erie from the Detroit Water and Sewage Department treatment facility. It outlines the issues with combined sewer overflows during heavy rains and the negative impacts on water quality. The Alliance for the Great Lakes and other groups worked with regulators to modify the facility's permit to require improved sewage treatment, green infrastructure programs, and lower phosphorus discharges. The revised permit achieved these goals.

Restoring the West Shore of Green BayHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

The document presents an overview of the coastal wetland and tributary tool developed for Green Bay's west shore, which aids in strategic planning and targeted restoration. It highlights the tool's capabilities, including an interactive online map and data layers that assess wetland services and functions. The aim is to enhance conservation efforts through informed decision-making and maximizing the return on investment for ecological projects.

2013 HOW Conference: Climate Change Exacerbates Rain-Related Disease Risk Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

Climate change is exacerbating rain-related disease risk. Models project significant increases in the frequency and intensity of intense rainfall events in Wisconsin by 2055 due to climate change. More frequent and intense storms increase the risk of waterborne diseases by overwhelming aging infrastructure and increasing pathogen runoff into water sources. Studies have shown increases in acute gastrointestinal illnesses, especially in children, following heavy rainfall events. Contaminated groundwater from failing septic systems also poses a disease risk. Climate change impacts like more frequent extreme rainfall events threaten greater waterborne disease outbreaks unless infrastructure is upgraded and policies are implemented to mitigate risks.

New Ballast Technology RegulationsHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

The document outlines Wisconsin's ballast water regulations, including permit requirements for vessels operating in state waters, compliance monitoring, and environmental standards. It details specific conditions for lakers and salties, management plans, and reporting obligations, alongside the challenges faced from environmental groups and shipping companies regarding the stringency of the regulations. Additionally, it provides an overview of Wisconsin's inspection efforts and recent legal decisions affecting treatment requirements.

Making Connections Across Our WatershedsHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

The document discusses the Ozaukee County Fish Passage Program, which aims to restore fish passage in the Milwaukee River watershed through various case studies and collaborative partnerships. It highlights funding received, including several federal and state grants, and outlines project details for multiple dams, including their removal, repair, and the construction of fishways. The program has resulted in significant ecological improvements, reconnecting over 100 stream miles and involving extensive community participation and volunteer efforts.

Restoring the West Shore of Green BayHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

The Cat Island chain restoration project aims to revitalize coastal wetland habitats in lower Green Bay, which have been significantly reduced due to agricultural impacts and rising water levels. Launched as part of the 1988 remedial action plan, the project focuses on restoring biodiversity, protecting remaining habitats, and re-establishing island ecosystems while using dredged material beneficially. Key outcomes include the creation of a wave barrier, restoration of habitat for various species, and long-term environmental and economic benefits for the region.

Delivering Results in the Sheboygan River AOCHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

The document details habitat restoration projects in the Sheboygan River area of concern, highlighting key projects such as Kiwanis Park, Wildwood Island, and Taylor Drive/Indiana Avenue. It outlines the project's timeline, construction activities, post-construction conditions, and future monitoring efforts aimed at removing beneficial use impairments. The restoration efforts involve collaboration among various stakeholders including city officials, ecological services, and governmental agencies.

Restoring the Urban Root River Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

The Rootworks project aims to revitalize Racine's urban river corridor by stimulating economic growth, creating a sense of place, and improving public access and water quality. Development began in 2011 with extensive community engagement and is focused on eliminating blight, enhancing connectivity to the river, and addressing environmental issues. Key partners in the project include the River Alliance of Wisconsin, the City of Racine, and Vandewalle & Associates.

Advocating Water Quality Improvement in DetroitHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

The document outlines the challenges and recommendations for urban stormwater management, emphasizing the need for specific, objective, and enforceable permit terms to effectively manage runoff. It discusses performance standards for stormwater management and provides examples of permit criteria from California and Boise, Idaho, promoting the use of green infrastructure practices. The goal is to enhance municipal stormwater permits to better capture and treat stormwater, ultimately protecting water quality.

Great Lakes Corporate Water StewardshipHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

The document discusses the AWS beta international water stewardship standard aimed at promoting responsible water use through stakeholder engagement. It outlines the importance of a standardized approach for organizations to address water-related risks, improve sustainability, and validate their efforts. The standard's development involved input from multiple global stakeholders and provides a structured six-step process for implementation and evaluation.

Phosphorus Management in the Fox-Wolf Basin Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

The document outlines a 3.5-year project focused on establishing a phosphorus trading program in the Lower Fox River Watershed, leveraging existing regulatory frameworks and stakeholder collaboration. Key steps include goal setting, stakeholder engagement, feasibility assessment, program design, and pilot testing to enhance water quality through effective nutrient trading. The initiative involves various organizations and aims to enable cost-effective solutions to improve instream water quality while navigating regulatory and market dynamics.

Sharing Success: The Northeast Michigan CWMA Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

The Northeast Michigan Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) focuses on managing invasive species through partnerships, early detection, and landowner engagement. With a three-tiered prioritization system, the organization targets high-value sites and uses various funding sources to combat species like phragmites and garlic mustard. Key lessons emphasize the importance of constant outreach and bridging gaps between landowners and funding entities to sustain the program.

New Ballast Technology RegulationsHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

The document outlines the regulatory regime for ballast water discharge in the Great Lakes, led by the EPA and USCG, incorporating new technology standards and ensuring enforceability. It highlights the effectiveness of the current inspection program in preventing nonindigenous species introduction, and notes that while challenges remain, best practices are being enforced. Ultimately, effective ballast water treatment systems are anticipated to take years to establish in the Great Lakes region.

Prioritizing Emerging Contaminants and Control StrategiesHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

The Alliance for the Great Lakes aims to protect the Great Lakes from emerging chemical pollutants through policy, education, and community efforts. Key issues include clean water, ecosystem restoration, and addressing emerging threats like endocrine disruptors and resistant bacteria. Their goals encompass curbing unwanted drug releases, enhancing research on contaminants, and advocating for comprehensive chemical management reform.

Urgency! Accelerating Restoration and Climate Adaptation Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

Advocating Water Quality Improvement in DetroitHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

Taking Action to Combat Climate Change in the Great Lakes RegionHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

This document discusses habitat restoration projects planned for 2013 that aim to be climate-smart. It provides three examples of projects on the Maumee River, Black River, and again on the Black River that intend to reduce nutrient runoff, create more variable water levels, and use larger boulders to create fish habitat shelters that can withstand larger precipitation events brought by climate change.

Phosphorus Management in the Fox-Wolf Basin Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

The document discusses phosphorus management strategies in the Fox-Wolf basin, highlighting the issues caused by urban, agricultural, and industrial sources leading to water pollution and hypoxic conditions. It emphasizes Wisconsin's adaptive management option as a cost-effective approach to meet phosphorus standards while focusing on watershed-wide collaboration and non-point source reductions. Additionally, it provides insights into the involvement of various stakeholders and outlines case studies, future plans, and resources for effective phosphorus management.

2013 HOW Conference: Diverse Voices of the Changing KinnickinnicHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

Restoring the West Shore of Green BayHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

The document outlines efforts to enhance fish and wildlife habitats along Green Bay's west shore, focusing on pike spawning marshes and wetland restoration. Since 2007, projects have included creating and restoring wetlands and improving stream accessibility to increase northern pike populations. Collaborations among various organizations aim to optimize habitats for both fish and waterfowl while addressing ecological concerns such as lower lake levels and drought conditions.

Advocating Water Quality Improvement in DetroitHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

Restoring the West Shore of Green BayHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

2013 HOW Conference: Climate Change Exacerbates Rain-Related Disease Risk Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

New Ballast Technology RegulationsHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

Making Connections Across Our WatershedsHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

Restoring the West Shore of Green BayHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

Delivering Results in the Sheboygan River AOCHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

Restoring the Urban Root River Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

Advocating Water Quality Improvement in DetroitHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

Great Lakes Corporate Water StewardshipHealthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

Phosphorus Management in the Fox-Wolf Basin Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives

Sharing Success: The Northeast Michigan CWMA Healthy Lakes, Healthy Lives