Freshwater Future Weekly News: June 23, 2023
Judge Orders Enbridge to Shut Down Portions of Line 5 within Three Years
A Canadian energy company must shut down the section of an oil pipeline that runs through the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa’s land within three years. The U.S. judge also ordered Enbridge to pay the tribe over $5 million for trespassing as well as a portion of its profits until the shutdown is completed. Mike Wiggins, Chairman of the Bad River Band, said of the decision: “We are under no illusion that Enbridge will do the right thing. We expect them to fight this order with all of their corporate might. This is just one step in protecting our people and water.” Freshwater Future is heartened by this step and thanks the Bad River Band for their continued advocacy and stewardship!
Freshwater Future Welcomes New Board Members!
We are pleased to welcome Pam Nyberg of Chicago, IL to the Freshwater Future Board! Pam is the Senior Director of Experience Design at Ascension Health, and she oversees the enterprise’s Strategic Design portfolio. With 25+ years of global consulting and corporate experience, Pam brings human centered design, innovation strategy development, design education, and design management expertise to Freshwater Future. We are so lucky to have her and others joining the team – we will continue to introduce you to our new board members over the coming weeks.
Canadian Federal Government Launches Canada Water Agency
The 2023 Federal Budget provided $85 million over 5 years to create a new Canada Water Agency. The Canada Water Agency will lead the delivery of major elements of the Freshwater Action Plan to improve water quality and respond to the impacts of climate change, including through monitoring, assessment, and restoration work. The Freshwater Action Plan supports the clean up of Areas of Concerns (AOCs) in the Great lakes, with the goal to have all 14 remaining Canadian AOCs delisted by 2038. The Canada Water Agency will be located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with regional offices in Ontario and Quebec.
Grosse Pointe Park’s Extreme Emergency Release Valve Steers Waste into the Detroit River
Grosse Pointe Park, a city that borders Detroit’s east side, has secured a permit for an extreme emergency release valve that will allow the city to discharge storm and waste-water into the Detroit River during heavy rainfall. The pumping station in Grosse Pointe Park’s Patterson Park is the center of concern for nearby residents. The city must also obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, which will require public comments on the discharge’s potential impact on the waterways. EGLE will be monitoring Grosse Pointe Park’s actions and has stated that unauthorized use of the relief valve could lead to fines up to $25,000 per occurrence. Watch for future news and actions from Freshwater Future on this issue.