
Here’s a weekly behind-the-scenes glimpse at some of the stories we’re following. Have a reading recommendation? Let us know at nina@planetdetroit.org.
⚖️ DTE added to Zug Island lawsuit: DTE Energy has been added to a federal lawsuit alleging that its subsidiary, EES Coke Battery on Zug Island, significantly increased sulfur dioxide emissions, violating the Clean Air Act and endangering residents of River Rouge and southwest Detroit. U.S. District Judge Gershwin A. Drain granted the EPA’s request to include DTE as a defendant, highlighting the company’s role in decisions leading to the pollution, which has particularly impacted low-income, predominantly Black communities. (Metro Times)
????Riverfront ripoff? The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is under investigation for potential embezzlement of up to $40 million, making it one of Detroit’s largest financial scandals. The allegations involve CFO William A. Smith, who is on leave, and include falsifying bank records and securing loans for personal gain; the FBI is now involved in the investigation, which has raised concerns among the conservancy’s philanthropic supporters about its impact on Detroit’s revitalization efforts. (Detroit News)
???? Air zone: Artist Jordan Weber’s sculpture “New Forest, Ancient Thrones” in Detroit’s East Canfield Village serves as both an artistic monument and an air quality monitor. This regal structure, adorned with air pollution tracking devices, honors African queens and aims to empower residents of one of Detroit’s most polluted neighborhoods by providing real-time air quality data. (New York Times)
???? Overbillled: Consumers Energy will pay a $1 million fine after the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) found it had been inaccurately estimating many customers’ electric bills due to faulty meters during a transition from 3G to 4G technology. The utility faced delays in replacing the old meters and failed to notify the MPSC, leading to excessive estimated bills and delayed service connections, which Consumers Energy has since been working to resolve. (Michigan Public)
???? Detroit River sturgeon strong: The Detroit River’s lake sturgeon population is thriving, with about 30,000 fish, despite the species being decimated to 1% of their historic numbers throughout the Great Lakes. The resilient sturgeon population in the Detroit and St. Clair rivers is supported by restoration efforts, including habitat projects and dam removals, aimed at rehabilitating the species across the Great Lakes basin. (Detroit News)
???? Health in hot water: Climate change is making the Great Lakes region warmer and stormier, increasing health risks from mosquito-borne viruses, waterborne pathogens, and bacteria-laden sewer overflows. Health officials are raising awareness and pushing for better preparedness, while the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services focuses on education and infrastructure improvements to mitigate these growing threats. (Bridge Michigan)
???? Nessel defends emissions rule: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, along with over 20 state attorneys general and four cities, has filed a motion to support the EPA’s new emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles, aimed at significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions starting in 2027. The EPA’s regulations, projected to yield substantial climate and public health benefits, face opposition from 25 Republican attorneys general who argue the EPA is overstepping its authority. (Michigan Public)
????Bird decline: Pollution remains a significant threat to bird populations in the Great Lakes region, with lead poisoning from fishing tackle and bullets being a major issue for species like trumpeter swans and bald eagles. Despite the return of some bird populations, pollutants such as lead, microplastics, and other toxic chemicals continue to pose serious risks, while climate change exacerbates these problems by altering habitats and increasing the frequency of harmful conditions. (Michigan Public)
????️ Car-swallowing sinkhole: A water main leak caused a street collapse in Southwest Detroit on Thursday, nearly swallowing a car, though the driver was unharmed. The leak had been eroding soil beneath the road, which led to the unexpected sinkhole; the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department had identified a minor leak and scheduled repairs before the collapse occurred. Since 2017, there have been over 5,500 sinkhole reports in Detroit, with more than 300 active cases as of mid-2023. The primary causes are the city’s aging sewer and water infrastructure, which is more than 90 years old, leading to frequent water main breaks and sewer collapses that create voids under the streets. (WXYZ, Outlier Media)