For Friday, May 31, 2024

1 – A failing septic system can bring wastewater into your home and discharge untreated wastewater into the environment. 

But replacing a septic system can be costly. 

The state’s environmental agency has announced a partnership with a green bank called Michigan Saves to offer financing to replace failing or near-failing septic systems.

The program provides low-interest financing for loans of up to $50,000 to Michigan homeowners looking to replace their septic systems.

The state Legislature has allocated $35 million to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for the septic replacement loan program. Michigan Saves is managing it.  

For more information, see MichiganSaves.org/Septic/.

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2 – Bay County Mosquito Control will host its first scrap tire drive of the year from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 1.

Bay County residents may bring up to 10 passenger, car-sized tires per residence for free disposal. The drop off is at the Mosquito Control office at 810 Livingston St. in Bay City. A photo ID or proof of residence is required.

A second tire drive is set for northern Bay County’s Fraser Township Hall on Aug. 3. 

The department holds scrap tire drives to help clean up the environment and reduce mosquito habitat. The collections are funded in part through a state grant. Almost 2,600 tires were collected in Bay County in 2023. 

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3 – Twenty eight school districts across Michigan will benefit from a federal Clean School Bus Program rebate competition. 

Officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency say the program will help speed Michigan’s transition to zero emission vehicles. 

Existing school buses that run on diesel have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm student health and surrounding communities.  

Among the recipients of the Clean School Bus Program funds is Au Gres-Sims School District, selected to receive $345,000 to purchase one clean school bus. 

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM in University Center, Michigan, near Bay City (listen live). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

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