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Great Lakes coalition presentation highlights PFAS, microplastics and water-efficiency steps
Summary
Dr. Mark Nolan Hill updated Highland Park leaders on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, emphasizing PFAS risks, microplastic concerns, household water leaks and municipal techniques to protect freshwater resources.
Mayor Rotering invited Dr. Mark Nolan Hill to brief the City Council on the 24th annual Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative meeting in Hamilton, Ontario.
Dr. Mark Nolan Hill, a longtime volunteer with the initiative, said the binational coalition of mayors and local officials focuses on coastal resiliency, water equity and protecting freshwater resources. He told the council the conference covered innovations from household conservation to invasive-species controls and new treatment approaches for persistent contaminants.
"One out of 10 homes leak water," Dr. Hill said, arguing household leaks and inefficient water heating contribute to avoidable water and energy loss. He also raised public-health concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, saying PFAS "cause diseases including cancer," and summarized treatment approaches such as electro-oxidation and ion exchange as ways municipalities are exploring to reduce those contaminants.
Dr. Hill highlighted other topics discussed at the meeting, including use of CRISPR for harmful algal bloom research, efforts to manage ballast-water contamination, microplastic and microfiber mitigation, and mechanical approaches to restore valves and reduce costly replacements.
Council member Ross thanked Dr. Hill for his work and offered to connect him with University of Chicago researchers working on PFAS removal through follow-up email.
The presentation was informational; no formal action was required or taken by the council at this meeting.
