Prescription Drugs in Great Lakes Water

Researchers in the United States are starting to investigate a new and potentially serious problem in the water supply. The United States Geological Survey has begun a study of streams in 31 including many in the Great Lakes region looking for both prescription and over the counter drugs. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Mary Losure reports:

Commentary- Emissions Trading Misses the Point

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions has become a global priority. Trading in emissions credits is one of the methods outlined in the Kyoto Protocol that could help countries like the United States reach their reduction targets. Great Lakes Radio Consortium commentator Suzanne Elston wonders what would happen if we used this mentality to solve other problems:

Water Quality Protection Begins at Home

  • For urban dwellers, storm water runoff presents one of the biggest challenges to water quality. Contaminants like fertilizers and pesticides, as well as oil and gas from paved surfaces, make their way into storm drains -- and from there can end up polluting rivers and lakes.

For years, people have been quick to point fingers when it comes to water pollution – blaming factories for discharging waste, developers for causing erosion, and farmers for runoff from pesticides and manure. But it turns out there’s another significant threat to water quality… it comes from homeowners. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Wendy Nelson reports:

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Canadian National Pesticide Ban Proposed

For homeowners, the annual summer battle is getting underway. Dandelions, crab grass and grubs are already showing up on lawns across the Great Lakes region. Pesticides are one of the most effective ways to get rid of them. But on the Canadian side of the Great Lakes, communities are starting to outlaw the use of some pesticides. And their actions may lead to a nationwide ban. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Karen Kelly reports:

Another State to Legalize Dove Hunting?

A major battle in Wisconsin over the hunting of mourning doves is threatening to spread into other Great Lakes states. Wisconsin is one of four states in the region (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York) that currently do not allow a hunting season on the prolific birds. In fact, the mourning dove is the state’s official symbol of peace. But an effort is underway to pass rules that would, for the first time, make the doves a game bird. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Chuck Quirmbach reports: