AGP Executive Report

Data Center Debate: A potential project on 423 acres in Delhi Township is drawing scrutiny, with reports describing a proposed 700-megawatt facility even as organizers say no application or end user exists. A township moratorium runs through April 2027, and developers say residents will help set environmental safeguards. Camp Grayling: Combat-drone testing will close part of the training area to the public Nov. 7–22, disrupting a longtime deer-camp tradition and raising concerns among hunters and nearby communities. Wildlife & Farming: Michigan officials detected bovine tuberculosis in an Alcona County cattle herd; the disease can spread between cattle and deer. Water Protection: Michigan is offering Clean Boats, Clean Waters grants of up to $3,000 for outreach to prevent aquatic invasive species. Pollution & Biodiversity: The EPA has ordered more cleanup at the Ann Arbor-area 1,4-dioxane site, while a new study finds a major decline in Michigan biodiversity over the centuries.

Drinking Water: Dowagiac’s boil-water advisory remains in effect as crews repair a broken main; bottled water is available for affected residents, with repairs expected by 9 a.m. Tuesday. Water Infrastructure: Sheridan celebrated a new treatment plant and major system upgrades, including replacement water mains and service lines, to improve water quality. Pollution Cleanup: The EPA has ordered additional cleanup work at a Michigan 1,4-dioxane contamination site. Data Centers: Public pushback is fueling calls for more Michigan rules on data centers; Clinton Township has imposed a 180-day moratorium. Wildlife: A new study finds Michigan’s biodiversity has fallen sharply over the centuries. Beach Safety: New rapid testing could help Michigan officials make beach-water safety decisions sooner.

Groundwater Cleanup: The EPA ordered Gelman Sciences to expand cleanup and investigation of the 1,4-dioxane plume affecting Ann Arbor and Scio Township, including more groundwater treatment, monitoring wells and excavation of contaminated soil. Drinking Water: A water main break left Dowagiac under a citywide boil-water advisory; crews are repairing the line and officials are arranging bottled water for residents without service. Wildlife and Agriculture: Routine testing found bovine tuberculosis in an Alcona County cattle herd. The state is investigating possible links, with the disease known to spread between cattle and deer in northeastern Lower Michigan. Beach Safety: Michigan officials and researchers will discuss faster beach-water testing at a Traverse City summit this week; newer methods could deliver results in as little as 15 minutes. Wildlife Care: A Traverse County raptor sanctuary announced a $100,000 donor match to advance plans for a rehabilitation, research and education center.**

Energy and Siting: Michigan activist Marjorie Steele, who has opposed solar, battery and transmission projects, says she found common ground with congressional candidate William Lawrence over data centers—underscoring tensions over how new energy projects are built. Recycling: Michigan State University’s recycling center says food and drink residue can contaminate loads; clean containers help keep materials recyclable. Local Impacts: State grants are helping communities benefit from large solar and wind projects, while EGLE is taking comments on a wastewater permit for a proposed Saline Township data center. Water Quality: The EPA and Gelman have reached an agreement on cleanup at Ann Arbor’s groundwater contamination site. Northern Michigan freshwater startups are also pitching new technologies as the region looks to grow its BlueTech sector. Trees and Health: Researchers warn that tree species choices can affect how much pollen people breathe as cities plant for shade.

MSU Recycling: Pizza cheese and coffee cold foam can contaminate recyclables, spoil batches and attract maggots. Student workers recommend scraping food off boxes and quickly rinsing cups. Urban Trees: More shade can help cool cities, but tree species and placement matter: some release more allergy-triggering pollen. Renewable Energy: Michigan grants offer local governments up to $4,000 per megawatt for hosting large solar, wind and battery projects, rising to $5,000 with qualifying labor agreements. The money can support parks, roads and other local needs. Ann Arbor Cleanup: The EPA and Gelman reached an agreement on the groundwater contamination plume, drawing a response from state environmental officials. Storm Recovery: FEMA approved nearly $156 million for Michigan storm recovery, including repairs tied to ice storms.**

Invasive Species: Garlic mustard, introduced to North America in the 1860s, now threatens woodland plants and soil ecosystems across Michigan and much of the continent. Wetland Conservation: Marquette Fringe paired music with a message about wetlands’ role in filtering water, storing carbon and supporting wildlife. Groundwater Cleanup: The EPA and Gelman reached an agreement on cleanup of Ann Arbor’s contaminated groundwater plume, while EGLE’s director welcomed the deal. Pollution Rules: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is challenging the EPA’s rollback of power-plant pollution limits. Storm Recovery: FEMA approved nearly $156 million for Michigan storm recovery, including repairs tied to ice storms. Great Lakes: New federal legislation from Sens. Peters and Slotkin would extend funding and protections for the lakes; separate research warns that even small oil spills can harm Great Lakes waters.

Wildlife: Michigan hunters can get deer tested for chronic wasting disease at a new Kent County drop box. The fatal disease has no known cure, and officials advise against eating meat from infected animals. Public Lands: Ottawa County is adding 185 acres to the Bend Area along the Grand River, expanding the park to about 606 acres and adding more than 2.5 miles of lake frontage. Flood Recovery: FEMA approved more than $708,000 for Wexford County road and culvert repairs after April flooding, part of $156 million in Michigan disaster aid. Winter Safety: A University of Michigan study counted 70 ice-related deaths in the state from 2006 to 2024. Researchers say warming temperatures make ice less predictable and call for stronger safety warnings. Groundwater Cleanup: The EPA and Gelman reached an agreement on the Ann Arbor groundwater contamination site, as Michigan officials continue pressing for cleanup.

Groundwater Cleanup: EPA and Gelman Sciences agreed to investigate and clean up Ann Arbor’s 1,4-dioxane plume, including removing contaminated soil and increasing groundwater treatment. EGLE welcomed the deal but said it will keep pressing until cleanup is complete. Flood Recovery: FEMA approved more than $708,000 for Wexford County road and culvert repairs after April flooding, part of $156 million in Michigan disaster aid that also includes repairs to Great Lakes Energy’s storm-damaged system. Energy Planning: University of Michigan researchers modeled how climate change and wider use of insulation and heat pumps could reshape extreme electricity demand through 2060, information meant to help utilities prepare the grid. Wildlife Health: Chronic wasting disease was detected in a farmed deer herd in Hillsdale County, prompting concern about the disease’s spread in Michigan. Data Center Oversight: EGLE is seeking public comment on a wastewater permit for an onsite treatment system at a proposed Saline Township data center.

Local Food: Michigan’s first Farm to Family grants helped drive nearly fivefold growth in local food sales, MDARD says, after a $730,000 investment expanded markets for farmers and access to Michigan-grown food. Freshwater Innovation: Eight startups pitched solutions for water quality, harmful algal blooms and fisheries at Northern Michigan’s first BlueTech accelerator showcase. Data Center Oversight: EGLE is taking public comments on a wastewater permit for on-site treatment at a proposed Saline Township data center, amid growing concern about the water demands of large computing facilities. Pollution & Great Lakes: Attorney General Dana Nessel is challenging the EPA’s rollback of power-plant pollution limits; a new study warns even small Great Lakes oil spills can harm water. Senators also passed legislation to extend Great Lakes funding and protections. Wildlife: A Lake Huron group says sea lamprey numbers are falling, while conservation advocates warn that changes to federal endangered-species protections could put Michigan wildlife at greater risk.

Great Lakes & Water: U-M researchers used century-old lake records to study how warming waters are affecting Michigan’s freshwater fish; Lake temperatures have risen 1.3°C since 1951. Traverse City water-tech startups also pitched tools to detect leaks and conserve water. A chemical tank leak in Toledo prompted evacuations and school closures near the Michigan border. Pollution & Infrastructure: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is challenging an EPA rollback of power-plant pollution limits. The state faces at least $39.6 billion in water-infrastructure needs, while EGLE is seeking comments on a wastewater permit for a proposed Saline Township data center. Land & Wildlife: MDARD and MSU Extension launched a five-year effort to help farmers address PFAS, and chronic wasting disease was detected in a farmed deer in Hillsdale County. Energy & Climate: Gotion abandoned its planned $2.4 billion Michigan battery plant. A strong El Niño forecast could also bring Michigan a warmer winter.**

Pollution Rules: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging state regulators to oppose the EPA’s rollback of power-plant pollution limits. Great Lakes: Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin introduced legislation to extend federal funding and protections for the lakes; a new study warns that even small oil spills can harm Great Lakes waters. Local Impacts: EGLE is accepting comments on a wastewater permit for an on-site treatment system at a proposed Saline Township data center. Wildlife: Chronic wasting disease was detected in a farmed deer-family animal in Hillsdale County. Regional Spill: A chemical tank rupture in Toledo prompted evacuations and shelter-in-place orders, with the EPA monitoring the leak near the Michigan border.

Chemical Leak: A tank rupture in Toledo sent a plume of glycidyl methacrylate into the air, prompting evacuations and shelter-in-place warnings for more than 50,000 people. Officials allowed the chemical to vent, while environmental agencies monitored the response. Climate Pollution: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined 24 other states and local governments in challenging the EPA’s rollback of greenhouse-gas limits for power plants. Great Lakes Protection: The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation to extend the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, authorizing $475 million a year through 2030 for pollution cleanup, habitat restoration and invasive-species prevention. Oil Spill Risks: A study counted 6,453 spills in the Great Lakes basin from 2014 to 2024, warning that frequent small spills can add up and are poorly tracked. Michigan Lands and Wildlife: As farmland changes hands and development pressure grows, some Michigan farmers are working to keep land in agriculture. State officials also confirmed chronic wasting disease in a farmed cervid in Hillsdale County.

Water Infrastructure: Michigan needs at least $39.6 billion to repair its water systems, according to a new report, underscoring the scale of the state’s maintenance challenge. Great Lakes Pollution: A Lake Superior State University-led review counted 6,453 oil spills across the Great Lakes from 2015 to 2024. Researchers say incomplete reporting—especially for smaller spills—makes their ecological effects hard to assess. Wetlands: A Leelanau County man has been arraigned over alleged dredging and filling of protected wetlands. PFAS: A report says the chemicals have been confirmed in 15 Michigan waterways, while state agencies and MSU are partnering to help farmers address PFAS contamination. Energy and Communities: Michigan residents are pushing back against data center projects amid concerns about their costs and demands on local power and water.

Flooding and PFAS: Cadillac is advancing flood-protection and water projects while awaiting government funding. April flooding caused sewage overflows after a lift station failed; the city hopes to build a permanent berm and connect private wells to municipal water to reduce PFAS exposure. Wildlife Health: Michigan has confirmed chronic wasting disease in a farmed cervid in Hillsdale County. State officials are investigating possible exposure to other animals; the fatal disease can spread through direct contact and the environment. River Restoration: A NOAA-backed effort aims to improve the Lower Boardman River’s habitat and shoreline, but nearby buildings, hard surfaces and floodplain rules limit options. Plastic Waste: EGLE’s new educational story map traces a plastic bottle’s life cycle in Michigan and explains how reuse and proper recycling can keep waste out of the environment.

Great Lakes Fisheries: Adult sea lamprey numbers fell in four Great Lakes this year, including Huron and Michigan, though populations remain above targets in those lakes; Lake Erie saw a slight increase. Wetlands: A Leland Township man has been arraigned over alleged unpermitted dredging and filling of 1–2 acres of protected wetlands. Michigan officials say restoration orders went unheeded; the case is pending. Wildlife: Michigan detected chronic wasting disease in a farmed deer in Hillsdale County, and investigations are underway to check for further exposure. Lake Research: A study using 125 years of records found Great Lakes ice cover has declined 10 times faster over the past 30–40 years than in earlier periods, with consequences for shorelines, weather and fish habitat. Whitefish: DNR researchers are tracking tagged lake whitefish in the Muskegon River to see whether rivers could offer alternative spawning grounds for the declining native fish. Anglers are asked to release tagged fish and report harvests.

Forest Health: Michigan is urging residents to leave firewood at home to slow the spread of emerald ash borer, oak wilt and other tree-killing pests. The state launched a certification program for heat-treated firewood. Research & Agriculture: A $16.2 million USDA grant, matched by MSU, will fund a $32.5 million greenhouse modernization project, including energy-saving lighting and climate controls for plant research. Great Lakes: UW–Green Bay researchers are studying microplastics in Lake Michigan and Green Bay, including how often fish ingest them and where pollution is concentrated. Adult sea lamprey numbers fell in four of the five Great Lakes in 2026, though levels in Lake Michigan and other lakes remain above targets. Pollution & PFAS: DTE is appealing a $100 million fine over Zug Island pollution. MDARD and MSU Extension are also expanding PFAS tools and support for Michigan farmers. Data Center Rules: East Lansing is weighing rules for potential data centers, with planners considering noise, water use and renewable power as the city’s moratorium continues through March 2027.