Accountability Archives – Planet Detroit

Southwest Detroit steel slag processor receives 12th air quality permit violation for fallout since 2018

By Shelby Jouppi ● Accountability ● September 28, 2023

Experts say steel slag dust typically contains toxic metals like cadmium and lead. Meanwhile, Levy has applied for a new air quality permit for a concrete grinding facility nearby.

Latest in Accountability

OPINION: Make your voice heard on equity and access in Michigan’s water

By Victoria Loong ● Opinion ● September 28, 2023

Michigan residents have an opportunity to comment on how the state allocates its federal water infrastructure money.

Michigan’s public health ranks low, study finds

By Capital News Service ● Accountability ● September 27, 2023

The report identified communication challenges between residents and public health systems, including “a lack of clarity in messaging, conflicting and confusing messages and substantial misinformation.

Michigan Legislature tackles ambitious climate legislation. How far will it go?

By Grist ● Accountability ● September 27, 2023

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released the MI Healthy Climate Plan last year. Now the state legislature is trying to take those goals and turn them into law.

Study identifies leading and lagging states in the Great Lakes region on flood resilience

By Gary Wilson ● Accountability ● September 20, 2023

Michigan is in the middle of the pack but scores at the bottom on equity and justice; tension between Lansing and Detroit a barrier to collaboration.

Planet Detroit launches new tool for tracking air quality permit violations

By Shelby Jouppi ● Accountability ● September 20, 2023

Planet Detroit readers have a new way to learn about hundreds of sources of air pollution in Michigan.

Michigan toddlers to receive universal lead testing under new legislation

By Nina Ignaczak ● Accountability ● September 20, 2023

Detroit kids test positive for lead at triple the state’s rate, but few get tested. A new universal testing law means more exposed kids may get help.

Can Michigan air quality rules adapt to a smoky future?

By Brian Allnutt ● Accountability ● September 14, 2023

Scientists and advocates say EPA rules allowing states to discount air quality data influenced by wildfire smoke should be reconsidered.

States look at ways to deter waste from manufactured products

By Capital News Service ● Accountability ● September 11, 2023

Producer responsibility proposals are one potential solution discussed across the country as a way to hold manufacturers responsible for the “end-of-life” of their products when consumers are done with them.

Dearborn reaches million-dollar settlement with industrial scrapyard accused of pollution

By Capital News Service ● Accountability ● September 11, 2023

The agreement comes after the city sued the company in April, accusing it of violating Dearborn’s dust ordinance, according to the city.