December 30^th weather was an impressive example of a powerful storm overwhelming Northern Michigan.  Although the snow accumulation wasn’t all that great, the winds, low visibility and slushy snow following the previous day's endless rain made for treacherous driving, also leaving many areas with power outages and lots of fender-benders.  
        Hard to believe that 20 years have passed since the anticlimactic Y2K worries had many of us wondering whether our technology-dependent systems would implode.  But here we are, still chugging along.
            Hope all DLIA-ers have enjoyed their holidays no matter where you are. Best wishes for good health, peace and prosperity in 2020 for all.
 

            The MacPass toll card is being replaced with a windshield-mounted sticker for customer convenience and for a limited time they are available for free.  Customers are encouraged to visit the MacPass website at https://MacPass.MackinacBridge.org to sign up for an account and receive stickers by mail.
            The new system will automatically scan the windshield sticker when drivers pull up to the toll booths. Drivers will still stop and wait for the gate to rise before proceeding, but the new process should speed transactions for frequent customers. Please continue to check for pedestrian traffic crossing the lanes in the toll booth area.
            The stickers are part of a new tolling software system installed last fall. Anyone can open a MacPass account, which allows for online deposits and transaction information. MacPass stickers are currently free but will be $1 each after July 1, 2020.
            The MacPass is not exclusively for commuter customers. MacPass holders with passenger vehicles can still qualify for the commuter toll discount if they make both a northbound and southbound trip within 36 hours.  The toll will be $4 for the first trip but customers will not be charged for the return trip if completed within 36 hours.
            Passenger vehicle MacPass accounts required an initial deposit of $80 and a $7 one-time set-up fee.
            More information on the MacPass is available on the Mackinac Bridge Authority website at www.MackinacBridge.org/MacPass.

The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council (TOMWC) announces its winter speaker series. The dates and a brief description of the sessions are below.  All sessions are free and take place at the Council’s headquarters at 426 Bay Street, downtown Petoskey. Seating is limited.  Please pre-register by calling (231) 347-1181.

January 30, 2020: Hear from Scott Kendzierski, Director of Environmental Health Services at the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. Learn how septic systems work, how to properly maintain them, and what is being done to address the health threat from failing systems in Northern Michigan.

February 27, 2020: Watershed Protection Director Jennifer Buchanan presents an overview of green infrastructure techniques, including rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavers that can be used in both residential and commercial setting to help protect water quality.

March 26, 2020: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of chemicals widely used over fifty years for their ability to resist grease, water, and oil. They are highly persistent in the environment and have known health impacts.  Watershed Council Policy Director Jennifer McKay presents an overview of PFAS use, the growing threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem, and a discussion of what is being done to address PFAS contamination in Michigan.
(photo-view across Marl Bay from Silver Strand December 30th)

A guidebook, Pipeline Permitting in Michigan: Involving Citizens in Decision-making Process, is now available for Michigan citizens, local officials, and nongovernmental organizations. The publication was produced by the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council with funding provided by the Pipeline and Hazardous Safety Administration Technical Assistance Grant Program.
Both State and Federal regulations provide opportunities for the public to participate in the regulatory process for pipeline projects, although navigating through the various processes can often be overwhelming.  The guidebook provides information about what laws govern pipeline projects in Michigan, what pubic engagement opportunities exist, and how to most effectively participate in the public process to help protect Michigan’s water resources and public health and safety.
Pipeline Permitting in Michigan: Involving Citizens in the Decision-making Process can be viewed on the Watershed Council’s website at www.watershedcouncil.org. Hard copies can be requested by calling (231)437-1181.