By Sarah Coefield and Kimberly Hirai
Jan. 26, 2010
Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of stories on how new technology is giving researchers a glimpse of the critical nearshore area of the Great Lakes.
Little is known about the currents, fish or bottom of the nearshore area of the Great Lakes.
Now, technology is providing researchers a window into what is one of the most productive yet least studied areas of the Lakes.

Wednesday:  Triaxus reveals Great Lakes sunken ships and data treasures

Thursday: Stealth II’s underwater camera watches the lake bottom

Friday: Lure of data prompts buoy arms race

(IN) The Post Tribune - The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has issued the wastewater permit for U.S. Steel Gary Works, the agency announced Friday.

(MI) Detroit Free Press - The stunning 16% drop in trash going into Michigan landfills for the year ending last Sept. 30 is as good a barometer as any of how poorly the state fared during that time. Michigan trash alone dropped 13%; waste from outside the state, including Canadian trash, failed to materialize by an even wider margin.

(OH) The Toledo Blade - Great Lakes governors should learn this week when and where the Obama Administration plans to meet with them to address the Asian carp crisis.

By Rachael Gleason
Officials at the University of Minnesota Duluth have found a solution to campus soil erosion caused by students cutting sidewalk corners.
Permeable pavement allows for natural water filtration but prevents erosion at common footpath shortcuts.
Builders are using this method in several Minneapolis locations, according to links on a mashup detailing low-impact developments.

By Megan Durisin
Jan. 25, 2010
LANSING, Mich. – A new bill would increase hunting opportunities by annually auctioning off five bear and elk licenses.
Rep. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, the primary sponsor and vice chair of the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee, said the aim is two-fold.
“We’re trying to find a way to help lower the licensing fees for those in state,” Stamas said. “We’re also trying to promote the state and the hunting aspect of Michigan.”

By Josh Garvey
Jan. 24, 2010
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan landfills took in less solid waste in 2009 than in 2008.
That sounds like it should be good for the environment but the reality could be just the opposite.

By Laura Fosmire
Jan.23, 2010
LANSING, Mich. — The reactions are pouring in: Some restaurant owners are fuming about Michigan’s new smoke-free law that takes effect May 1.
“The state has stepped in and said, ‘We know more about the hospitality business than you do.’ Many of them are very upset,” said Andy Deloney, the Michigan Restaurant Association public affairs director.

(WI) Green Bay Post-Gazette - The federal judge overseeing the Fox River PCB cleanup dispute has given the parties 10 days to develop a strategy for resolving remaining issues in the complex case.