Author: Doug McLaughlin

  • Annual Kalamazoo Legislative Breakfast

    Annual Kalamazoo Legislative Breakfast

    Join the Kalamazoo Environmental Council at our annual Legislative Breakfast on Monday, March 10, 2014 from 7:30-9:30 am at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Take time to engage with our local state and federal legislators and their staff about environmental and natural resource policy issues.

    Register online (https://naturecenter.thankyou4caring.org/kec-legislative-breakfast-2014)
    Or RVSP by email (kay.chase@wmich.edu)

    Cost (for breakfast @ 7:30): $10
    Program only (free coffee, starting at 8:00): Free
    Register by: March 7

    Invited: Senators Levin and Stabenow, Rep. Upton Senator Schuitmaker and Speaker Bolger and Reps. McCann, O’Brien and Nesbitt. It is likely that the three federal legislators and Speaker Bolger will send staff.

    Topics will cover the range of environmental issues and attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions online and in writing at the event.

  • EPA releases report on Allied Landfill cleanup options

    EPA releases report on Allied Landfill cleanup options

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently completed and released the Feasibility Study Report for Allied Paper Landfill – Operable Unit 1 as part of the Superfund cleanup process. Located between Alcott and Cork Streets in Kalamazoo, the historic landfill has PCB contamination from the disposal of paper-making residuals at the property.

    The Feasibility Study evaluates four different potential cleanup alternatives from “no action” to “total removal and off-site disposal”. The EPA fact sheet provides a brief summary of the different alternatives with approximate cost estimates. You can also read about the nine evaluation criteria EPA will use to select the final alternative to implement at the site.

    A full copy of the Feasibility Study Report can be download at http://www.epa.gov/Region5/cleanup/alliedpaper/.

  • Partnering with Freshwater Future

    Partnering with Freshwater Future

    In partnership with the City of Kalamazoo, we recently received a Climate Change grant from Freshwater Future to launch a rain barrel campaign to raise awareness about stormwater runoff and water conservation. In the face of a changing climate, it is more important than ever to start managing runoff as a resource, consider everyday things we can do to control runoff and flooding, and continue to conserve water.

    Kalamazoo Community Rain Barrel Sale!

    Barrel_pics_upcycleRain barrel orders can be placed between March 15 and May 10. Hurry, we’re offering a special discounted price of $45/barrel for a limited quantity! Check out our sale webpage for ordering information — COMMUNITY RAIN BARREL SALE!

  • Kalamazoo Community Foundation supports watershed management planning

    Kalamazoo Community Foundation supports watershed management planning

    The Kalamazoo Community Foundation recently announced the Spirit of Community Environment Fund grant recipients for 2014. The Kalamazoo River Watershed Council’s proposal to conduct non-point source inventories along the Kalamazoo River and connecting tributaries in Kalamazoo County was selected for funding. We are grateful for their support and look forward to advancing our watershed implementation plan. As part of this project, we will connect with a variety of stakeholders to further advance and prioritize their water quality project ideas.