What we’re reading: MDOT hits brakes on $500 million I-375 project after community pushback

🚧 Detroit’s I-375 boulevard project paused to address community concerns MDOT has paused its $500 million project to convert Detroit’s I-375 freeway into a street-level boulevard, citing budget overruns and public opposition. The ReThink I-375 Community Coalition raised concerns about community input, health impacts from construction dust, economic effects on local businesses, and lack of restorative justice elements for historically Black neighborhoods disrupted by the original 1960s freeway construction. MDOT received federal approval to reconfigure the plan and will announce next steps for continued public engagement. 📌 Source: Michigan Public

🚽 Oakland County adjusts systems after millions of gallons of raw sewage discharged Oakland County officials met with EGLE after the state pursued escalated action over raw sewage overflows into Macomb County. Water Commissioner Jim Nash says engineers adjusted gate controls to decrease flow from the Dequindre Interceptor after violations including 1.2 million gallons discharged in April and 2.2 million gallons in August 2023. EGLE offered a consent order with penalties, which Oakland hasn’t accepted. Nash calls overflows “relatively rare” and said they’re a regional statewide problem requiring broader solutions. 📌 Source: The Detroit News

😷 Heat waves, poor air quality create new health challenges for Michiganders Vulnerable Michigan residents are staying indoors due to Canadian wildfire smoke and heat waves worsening health conditions. Michigan logged 23 air quality advisory days this year, with Detroit ranking among world’s worst air quality cities. Residents with asthma, multiple sclerosis, and pregnant people face heightened risks from extreme heat and particulate pollution. Michigan’s average temperature rose 2.3 degrees since the 1950s. Health officials urge awareness as Midwesterners underestimate heat dangers compared to other regions more accustomed to extreme temperatures. 📌 Source: MLive

💡 Nessel questions Whitmer’s utility commissioner pick Attorney General Dana Nessel expressed “concern” about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s appointment of former senior advisor Shaquila Myers to the Michigan Public Service Commission. Nessel questioned Myers’ appointment after reports that Myers used her role as chief of staff to former House Speaker Joe Tate in ways benefiting Michigan’s largest utilities. Myers replaced board member Alexandra Carreon, who Nessel praised as someone who “cared deeply about consumers and environmental concerns.” 📌 Source: The Detroit News

🐄 Michigan holds public hearing on factory farm pollution controls after 4-year legal battle Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy hosts a Friday public hearing on contested pollution controls for factory farms. The 2020 permit would impose stricter restrictions on Michigan’s 270 concentrated animal feeding operations, including manure spreading limits and wastewater discharge controls. After four years of legal challenges from farmers and agricultural groups, the Michigan Supreme Court sided with EGLE’s authority. Environmental groups push for stronger regulations, citing water contamination from livestock waste affecting nearby waterways. 📌 Source: Bridge Michigan

🚰 Legionella bacteria found in water system at Allegria Village after 2 deaths
Wayne County health officials detected legionella bacteria in the water system at the Allegria Village retirement community in Dearborn. Two residents with Legionnaires’ disease died in June and July at the facility, with causes of death under investigation. The former Henry Ford Village has completed chemical sanitization and enacted water restrictions while working with state and county health departments. A third, non-fatal case occurred in August 2024. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press