http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Tue, 27 Oct 2026 11:43:29 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/26/epa-reports-little-lingering-chemical-contamination-near-north-toledo-leak-site/stories/20261026099 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/26/epa-reports-little-lingering-chemical-contamination-near-north-toledo-leak-site/stories/20261026099#comments Mon, 26 Oct 2026 22:49:55 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/26/epa-reports-little-lingering-chemical-contamination-near-north-toledo-leak-site/stories/20261026099 Federal air monitoring has detected little evidence of lingering glycidyl methacrylate contamination near the site of last week’s chemical emergency in North Toledo, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The tank that leaked, top front, seen with an air monitor on top during a news conference outside MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/26/state-allocates-1m-pipeline-bring-water-holgate/stories/20261026093 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/26/state-allocates-1m-pipeline-bring-water-holgate/stories/20261026093#comments Mon, 26 Oct 2026 20:19:04 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/26/state-allocates-1m-pipeline-bring-water-holgate/stories/20261026093 NAPOLEON — Work is under way on a nine-mile pipeline that will bring drinking water from Napoleon to Holgate, allowing the village to avoid building an expensive new water treatment plant. Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director John Logue, at podium, speaks at a news conference announcing a nine-mile water pipeline from Napoleon to Holgate on Oct. 26 near Napoleon. A worker kicks dirt from the edge of a construction site near Napoleon where a water pipeline is being built to serve Holgate on Oct. 26. Holgate Mayor Elva Posadas-Wyandt, left, listens while Napoleon City Manager Lori Siclair speaks at a news conference announcing a nine-mile water pipeline from Napoleon to Holgate on Oct. 26. Holgate Mayor Elva Posadas-Wyandt speaks at a news conference announcing a nine-mile water pipeline from Napoleon to Holgate on Oct. 26. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/25/u-s-epa-air-monitoring-data-show-elevated-concentrations-of-inhalable-particles/stories/20261025127 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/25/u-s-epa-air-monitoring-data-show-elevated-concentrations-of-inhalable-particles/stories/20261025127#comments Sun, 25 Oct 2026 16:37:19 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/25/u-s-epa-air-monitoring-data-show-elevated-concentrations-of-inhalable-particles/stories/20261025127 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency roving and continuous air monitoring data for the days following a North Toledo chemical leak have been released. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) area in the Meijer parking lot on Alexis Road as they respond to the glycidyl methacrylate leak in Toledo on Oct. 23. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/25/second-chemical-crisis-in-two-months-subsides-what-are-the-next-steps-forward/stories/20261023098 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/25/second-chemical-crisis-in-two-months-subsides-what-are-the-next-steps-forward/stories/20261023098#comments Sun, 25 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/25/second-chemical-crisis-in-two-months-subsides-what-are-the-next-steps-forward/stories/20261023098 Now that Toledo’s two most recent chemical-based emergencies have subsided, officials are starting to regroup and wonder what’s next in terms of planning and trying to stave off similar crises. Phoebe Askelson, an independent scientist with Spectral Systems Integration, pours liquid nitrogen into a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, used to measure asymmetrical air molecules following the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo Oct. 22. Mark Thomas, of Spectral Systems Integration, operates a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, used to measure asymmetrical air molecules following the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. Robert Kroutil, Phoebe Askelson and Mark Thomas, independent scientists, unload testing equipment to measure the air molecules following the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. Phoebe Askelson, an independent scientist with Spectral Systems Integration, handles liquid nitrogen to use as a cooling agent for the spectrometer’s high-sensitivity detectors when measuring air molecules following the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. Mark Thomas, an independent scientist with Spectral Systems Integration and former EPA scientist, monitors a computer displaying readings from a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, used to measure asymmetrical air molecules following the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. Phoebe Askelson and Robert Kroutil set up a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, used to measure asymmetrical air molecules following the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo, on Oct. 22. Mark Thomas and Phoebe Askelson, of Spectral Systems Integration, watch as a computer reads a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, used to measure asymmetrical air molecules following the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. Mark Thomas and Phoebe Askelson, of Spectral Systems Integration, handles liquid nitrogen to use as a cooling agent for the spectrometer’s high-sensitivity detectors when measuring air molecules following the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. A computer displays readings from a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, used to measure asymmetrical air molecules following the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. An interferometer sits atop a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, used to measure asymmetrical air molecules following the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. Scott Smith, an independent scientist, takes soil samples from a resident's front yard near the site of the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. Scott Smith, an independent scientist, bottles a soil sample from a resident's front yard near the site of the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. Scott Smith, an independent scientist, takes a soil sample from a resident's front yard near the site of the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. Scott Smith, an independent scientist, labels soil samples taken from a resident's front yard near the site of the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. Scott Smith, an independent scientist, shovels soil into a jar from a resident's front yard near the site of the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. Phoebe Askelson, Mark Thomas, Scott Smith, and Kris Ramsdell scope out a location for air molecule testing near the site of the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. Mark Thomas and Phoebe Askelson, of Spectral Systems Integration, record an air molecule test in the basement of a resident near the hazardous chemical leak site in North Toledo on Oct. 22. Phoebe Askelson gives Mark Thomas a thumbs-up after completing an air molecule test in a resident's basement near the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. Phoebe Askelson, an independent scientist with Spectral Systems Integration, enters a resident's basement to collect an air sample following the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. Kris Ramsdell shines a flashlight for Scott Smith, an independent scientist, as he labels soil samples taken from a resident's front yard near the site of the hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. The sun sets over MC Tank Transport Inc., the site of a hazardous chemical leak in North Toledo on Oct. 22. UT Department of Medicine professor David Kennedy taking water samples from along the Ottawa River UT's GLAMR mobile air-monitoring vehicle. Toledo Councilman Erin Kramer called for improvements in emergency communication, coordination among response agencies, and access to timely information following the recent chemical leak in North Toledo. Toledo Councilman Theresa Morris, who lives within the three-mile shelter-in-place zone established during the North Toledo chemical leak, said she experienced a severe headache, burning throat, and itchy eyes after the incident. She wants the city to re-examine its zoning policies and preparedness for chemical emergencies. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/24/community-summit-street-cleans-celebrates/stories/20261024075 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/24/community-summit-street-cleans-celebrates/stories/20261024075#comments Sat, 24 Oct 2026 19:35:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/24/community-summit-street-cleans-celebrates/stories/20261024075 Proud Toledo residents took to the Vistula neighborhood Saturday morning to pick up trash, plant trees along its streets, and celebrate its improvement. Luke Sankowski, 3, holds a shovel during Crossing Summit: For a Safer, Cleaner, and Connected Vistula event in Toledo on Oct. 24. Peter and Valerie Garforth pick up trash during Crossing Summit: For a Safer, Cleaner, and Connected Vistula event in Toledo on Oct. 24. Peter Garforth picks up litter during Crossing Summit: For a Safer, Cleaner, and Connected Vistula event in Toledo on Oct. 24. Kelly Sankowski and her two sons, Luke, 3, and Solomon, 5, plant a tree during Crossing Summit: For a Safer, Cleaner, and Connected Vistula event in Toledo on Oct. 24. Laura Shaffer, left, Adam Cassi, center, and Sara Stacy add dirt to the hole while planting a tree during Crossing Summit: For a Safer, Cleaner, and Connected Vistula event in Toledo on Oct. 24. Solomon Sankowski, 5, packs in the mulch while planting a tree during Crossing Summit: For a Safer, Cleaner, and Connected Vistula event in Toledo on Oct. 24. Valerie Garforth, left, and Sheila Egert pick up trash during Crossing Summit: For a Safer, Cleaner, and Connected Vistula event in Toledo on Oct. 24. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/24/city-releases-preliminary-air-monitoring-data-while-several-agencies-continue-te/stories/20261024073 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/24/city-releases-preliminary-air-monitoring-data-while-several-agencies-continue-te/stories/20261024073#comments Sat, 24 Oct 2026 15:00:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/24/city-releases-preliminary-air-monitoring-data-while-several-agencies-continue-te/stories/20261024073 The city of Toledo has released preliminary air monitoring data related to the Tuesday night chemical release at MC Tank Transport in North Toledo. U.S. EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel carries two pieces of equipment for air monitoring, the one on the left to collect air samples and the one on the right for real-time air monitoring, ahead of a news conference outside MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/23/cause-of-chemical-release-related-to-transport-of-material-ohio-epa-says/stories/20261023094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/23/cause-of-chemical-release-related-to-transport-of-material-ohio-epa-says/stories/20261023094#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2026 15:50:38 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/23/cause-of-chemical-release-related-to-transport-of-material-ohio-epa-says/stories/20261023094 Local officials lifted evacuation orders Friday and said the chemical release at MC Tank Transport in North Toledo is no longer an emergency. An aerial view shows MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. Officials gathered at 1266 Progress Ave., for a news conference regarding the hazardous chemical leak on Oct. 23. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency area in the Meijer parking lot on Alexis Road as they respond to the glycidyl methacrylate leak in Toledo on Oct. 23. A plume of smokes rises from MC Tank Transport Inc., where a hazardous materials incident involving the chemical glycidyl methacrylate occurred on Oct. 21. An aerial view shows MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. An aerial view shows MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. An aerial view shows MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. An aerial view shows MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. An aerial view shows MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. The tank that leaked seen with an air monitor on top during a news conference outside MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz speaks with U.S. EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel speak ahead of during a news conference outside MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. The view outside MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. Air monitoring equipment, air-sampling canister, left, and a real-time air monitor, seen ahead of a news conference outside MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz speaks during a news conference outside MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. U.S. EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel speaks during a news conference outside MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. The tank that leaked, top front, seen with an air monitor on top during a news conference outside MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. U.S. EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel carries out two air sampling systems ahead of a news conference outside MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. U.S. EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel listens during a news conference outside MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. U.S. EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel listens during of a news conference outside MC Tank Transport, the site of the glycidyl methacrylate leak, in Toledo on Oct. 23. Independent scientist Scott Smith talks about conducting air and soil sampling following the ongoing chemical release at MC Tank Transport during a news conference Oct. 23 at One Government Center in Toledo. Independent scientist Scott Smith talks about conducting air and soil sampling following the ongoing chemical release at MC Tank Transport during a news conference Oct. 23 at One Government Center in Toledo. Independent scientist Dr. Robert Kroutil talks about conducting air and soil sampling following the ongoing chemical release at MC Tank Transport during a news conference Oct. 23 at One Government Center in Toledo. From left, independent scientists Dr. Robert Kroutil and Dr. Mark Thomas talk about conducting air and soil sampling following the ongoing chemical release at MC Tank Transport during a news conference Oct. 23 at One Government Center in Toledo. Independent scientist Dr. Mark Thomas talks about conducting air and soil sampling following the ongoing chemical release at MC Tank Transport during a news conference Oct. 23 at One Government Center in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/22/bandore-park-ditch-restoration-mixed-reviews/stories/20261022082 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/22/bandore-park-ditch-restoration-mixed-reviews/stories/20261022082#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2026 20:28:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/22/bandore-park-ditch-restoration-mixed-reviews/stories/20261022082 City officials celebrated the completion of a stream restoration project near Bandore Park that transformed an eroded ditch into a healthier waterway with improved drainage and wildlife habitat. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz speaks during a news conference to celebrate the completion of the Bandore Park Stream Restoration Project on Oct. 22 at Bandore Park in Toledo. Bandore Park Stream show showcased on Oct. 22 at Bandore Park in Toledo. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur speaks during a news conference to celebrate the completion of the Bandore Park Stream Restoration Project on Oct. 22 at Bandore Park in Toledo. Bandore Park Stream is featured on Oct. 22 at Bandore Park in Toledo. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur speaks during a news conference to celebrate the completion of the Bandore Park Stream Restoration Project on Oct. 22 at Bandore Park in Toledo. Edith Kippenhan, Stormwater Coordinator, speaks during a news conference to celebrate the completion of the Bandore Park Stream Restoration Project on Oct. 22 at Bandore Park in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/21/residents-evacuated-in-place-chemical-glycidyl-methacrylate-north-toledo-plant/stories/20261021097 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/21/residents-evacuated-in-place-chemical-glycidyl-methacrylate-north-toledo-plant/stories/20261021097#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:27:12 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/21/residents-evacuated-in-place-chemical-glycidyl-methacrylate-north-toledo-plant/stories/20261021097 A North Toledo chemical leak that forced the late-night evacuation of 983 residents was still ongoing Wednesday, with the city allowing a chemical reaction inside a compromised tank to run its course rather than risk an explosion by sending in emergency crews. A plume of smokes rises from MC Tank Transport Inc., where a hazardous materials incident involving the chemical glycidyl methacrylate occurred last night on Oct. 21 in North Toledo. The U.S. EPA on the scene near MC Tank Transport Inc., where a chemical tank exploded overnight, prompting hundreds of residents to evacuate or shelter in place amid concerns about a potential toxic release Oct. 21 in North Toledo. Karim Baroudi, MPH, REHS Health Commissioner talks about the the hazardous materials incident and the chemical involved, glycidyl methacrylate, at MC Tank Transport Inc., during a news conference Oct. 21 at the Lucas County EMS Training Center. Acting Fire Chief Michael Posadny talks about the the hazardous materials incident and the chemical involved, glycidyl methacrylate, at MC Tank Transport Inc., during a news conference on Oct. 21 at the Lucas County EMS Training Center. Acting Fire Chief Michael Posadny talks about the the hazardous materials incident and the chemical involved, glycidyl methacrylate, at MC Tank Transport Inc., during a news conference on Oct. 21 at the Lucas County EMS Training Center. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz talks about the the hazardous materials incident and the chemical involved, glycidyl methacrylate, at MC Tank Transport Inc., during a news conference on Oct. 21 at the Lucas County EMS Training Center. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz talks about the the hazardous materials incident and the chemical involved, glycidyl methacrylate, at MC Tank Transport Inc., during a news conference on Oct. 21 at the Lucas County EMS Training Center. The U.S. EPA on the scene near MC Tank Transport Inc., where a chemical tank exploded overnight, prompting hundreds of residents to evacuate or shelter in place amid concerns about a potential toxic release Oct. 21 in North Toledo. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz speaks with firefighters at the scene near MC Tank Transport Inc., where a chemical tank exploded overnight, prompting hundreds of residents to evacuate or shelter in place amid concerns about a potential toxic release, Oct. 21 in North Toledo. A plume of smokes rises from MC Tank Transport Inc., where a chemical tank exploded overnight, prompting hundreds of residents to evacuate or shelter in place amid concerns about a potential toxic release Oct. 21 in North Toledo. The evacuation zone is now a half-mile radius from the site of the chemical leak. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/21/north-toledoans-take-shelter-wait-for-hazmat-resolution/stories/20261021109 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/21/north-toledoans-take-shelter-wait-for-hazmat-resolution/stories/20261021109#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2026 17:00:58 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/21/north-toledoans-take-shelter-wait-for-hazmat-resolution/stories/20261021109 Caroline Damazyn was in her home in North Toledo when firefighters urged her and her family to evacuate the area Tuesday night. Robert Worth and his two dogs, Cici and Alan, shelter in place at Shoreland Elementary School after a hazardous materials incident in North Toledo late Tuesday night in Toledo on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. (left to right) Stephanie Damazyn, Caroline Damazyn, Joel Vega, and Jennifer Burgos wait for the greenlight to go home at Shoreland Elementary School. Robert Worth and his two dogs, Cici and Alan, shelter in place at Shoreland Elementary School after a hazardous materials incident in North Toledo late Tuesday night in Toledo on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Diane Hulet and her dog Honey, decide to wait it out in their house across the street from the shelter at Shoreland after a hazardous incident in North Toledo on Tuesday night in Toledo on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Diane Hulet and her dog Honey, decide to wait it out in their house across the street from the shelter in Shoreland Elementary School on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 after a hazardous incident in North Toledo on Tuesday night in Toledo. (left to right) Stephanie Damazyn, Caroline Damazyn, Joel Vega, and Jennifer Burgos wait for the greenlight to go home at Shoreland Elementary School. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/21/city-services-canceled-suspended-by-hazmat-situation/stories/20261021111 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/21/city-services-canceled-suspended-by-hazmat-situation/stories/20261021111#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2026 18:15:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/21/city-services-canceled-suspended-by-hazmat-situation/stories/20261021111 The hazardous materials leak at MC Tank Transport Inc. in North Toledo has impacted city services and operations, and other activities. A plume of smokes rises from MC Tank Transport Inc., where a hazardous materials incident involving the chemical glycidyl methacrylate occurred last night on Oct. 21 in North Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/21/photo-gallery-scene-of-north-toledo-hazardous-material-incident/stories/20261021099 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/21/photo-gallery-scene-of-north-toledo-hazardous-material-incident/stories/20261021099#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:58:14 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/21/photo-gallery-scene-of-north-toledo-hazardous-material-incident/stories/20261021099 A plume of smokes rises from MC Tank Transport Inc.,  where a hazardous materials incident involving the  chemical glycidyl methacrylate occurred Tuesday night. A plume of smokes rises from MC Tank Transport Inc., where a hazardous materials incident involving the chemical glycidyl methacrylate occurred. A person walks through a haze near Laskey Road after a hazardous materials release in Toledo on Oct. 21. A haze hangs in the air after a hazardous materials release as a motorist drives north on Douglas Road in Toledo on Oct. 21. A police officer blocks entry to Enterprise Boulevard at Alexis Road as people drive out after a hazardous materials release in Toledo on Oct. 21. A haze hangs in the air on Alexis Road after a hazardous materials release in Toledo on Oct. 21. A haze hangs in the air after a hazardous materials release in Toledo on Oct. 21. A plume of smokes rises from MC Tank Transport Inc., where a hazardous materials incident involving the chemical glycidyl methacrylate occurred last night on Oct. 21. MC Tank Transport Inc., where a hazardous materials incident involving the chemical glycidyl methacrylate occurred last night on Oct. 21. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/20/scientists-wonder-fallout-wildfire-smoke-helped-lake-erie-algal-bloom/stories/20261019075 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/20/scientists-wonder-fallout-wildfire-smoke-helped-lake-erie-algal-bloom/stories/20261019075#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2026 10:52:32 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/20/scientists-wonder-fallout-wildfire-smoke-helped-lake-erie-algal-bloom/stories/20261019075 The 2026 western Lake Erie algal bloom remains intact enough to be seen from outer space, though it’s starting to recede with water temperatures cooling. The bloom's latest position, per satellite imagery from Sunday. It is becoming less intense as the water cools and has been mixed more in the water column by strong winds, but can still be seen from outer space as late October approaches. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/16/findlay-area-begins-what-it-hopes-will-be-a-new-era-of-flood-control/stories/20261016110 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/16/findlay-area-begins-what-it-hopes-will-be-a-new-era-of-flood-control/stories/20261016110#comments Fri, 16 Oct 2026 19:59:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/16/findlay-area-begins-what-it-hopes-will-be-a-new-era-of-flood-control/stories/20261016110 FINDLAY — About 100 people gathered at the site of the future Eagle Creek Storage Basin in rural Hancock County to celebrate the beginning of a project they hope will make downtown flooding in Findlay a thing of the past. Dignitaries break ground during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Eagle Creek Storage Basin in Findlay on Oct. 16. Mayor Christina Muryn speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Eagle Creek Storage Basin in Findlay on Oct. 16. A photo of the 2007 flood and a map sit up front during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Eagle Creek Storage Basin in Findlay on Oct. 16. Attendees photograph the groundbreaking for the Eagle Creek Storage Basin in Findlay on Oct. 16. Tim Mayle, of Gilbane Building Co., speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Eagle Creek Storage Basin in Findlay on Oct. 16. Judge Jonathan Starn, of Hancock County Common Pleas and member of the Maumee Watershed Conservancy, speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Eagle Creek Storage Basin in Findlay on Oct. 16. Project renderings are seen up front during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Eagle Creek Storage Basin in Findlay on Oct. 16. John Menninger, vice president at Stantec, speaks about the project renderings during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Eagle Creek Storage Basin in Findlay on Oct. 16. Dave Heppner, chief strategy officer and senior vice president at Marathon Petroleum Corp., speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Eagle Creek Storage Basin in Findlay on Oct. 16. Myron Lewis, chief executive officer of Blanchard Valley Health System, speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Eagle Creek Storage Basin in Findlay on Oct. 16. A crane can be seen at the project site during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Eagle Creek Storage Basin in Findlay on Oct. 16. A crane can be seen at the project site during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Eagle Creek Storage Basin in Findlay on Oct. 16. George Ropp, a past board member of the Maumee Watershed Conservancy District, speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Eagle Creek Storage Basin in Findlay on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. A Findlay resident checks out the Main Street flooding in downtown Findlay in August, 2007. Findlay residents move to higher ground during the August, 2007, flood. Steve Hilvers peers out of the flooded VFW Post 3003 hall during flooding in Findlay in 2007. A park in Findlay is flooded in 2007. Flooding in Findlay in August, 2007. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/16/harmful-chemicals-found-in-first-round-of-independent-testing-near-brent-industr/stories/20261016076 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/16/harmful-chemicals-found-in-first-round-of-independent-testing-near-brent-industr/stories/20261016076#comments Fri, 16 Oct 2026 12:26:25 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/16/harmful-chemicals-found-in-first-round-of-independent-testing-near-brent-industr/stories/20261016076 Soil and ash samples collected near Brent Industries after its deadly Aug. 18 fire contained dioxin and benzo(a)pyrene, according to preliminary testing presented Thursday by a nationally known independent scientist. Northeast-looking aerial view of smoke rising from the Brent Industries facility on South Avenue after explosions and a fire on the morning of Aug. 18, 2026. Scott Smith presented results Thursday night from the first round of sampling near the Brent Industries site he did on Aug. 29. Firefighters work to put out a blaze after an explosion at Brent Industries on Aug. 18 in Toledo. Harmonie Temple spoke about the impact of losing her aunt, Mary Allen, 64, one of two people who died at the scene of the Aug. 18 explosions. Attorney Mindy Bish. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/14/michigan-communities-invest-millions-in-their-rivers-will-it-bring-returns/stories/20261014089 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/14/michigan-communities-invest-millions-in-their-rivers-will-it-bring-returns/stories/20261014089#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:54:50 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/14/michigan-communities-invest-millions-in-their-rivers-will-it-bring-returns/stories/20261014089 On a recent sunny fall morning, a couple dozen people paddled in bright-colored kayaks past factories, a docked freighter and miniature mountains of industrial materials on southeast Michigan’s Lower Rouge River. An angler fishes along the Boardman River July 28 at Brown Bridge Quiet Area near Traverse City, Mich. Construction crews work to restore the rapids July 30 in the Grand River in Grand Rapids, Mich. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/13/toledo-sets-high-temperature-record-tuesday/stories/20261013092 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/13/toledo-sets-high-temperature-record-tuesday/stories/20261013092#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:45:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/13/toledo-sets-high-temperature-record-tuesday/stories/20261013092 Tuesday has become the warmest Oct. 13 in Toledo’s recorded history. Jeff Henry gives his son Ian Lindsay, 8, a ride home from school on Oct. 13, on Grant Street in Clyde. Mr. Henry likes to ride his mower on nice days to save on gas money. A jogger crosses a pedestrian bridge over a small cove at Middlegrounds Metropark on Oct. 6, 2025, in downtown Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/07/metroparks-conservation-group-buy-historic-lake-erie-island/stories/20261007079 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/07/metroparks-conservation-group-buy-historic-lake-erie-island/stories/20261007079#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2026 16:40:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/10/07/metroparks-conservation-group-buy-historic-lake-erie-island/stories/20261007079 Metroparks Toledo’s governing board approved a grant application Wednesday morning to help the Black Swamp Conservancy purchase a small Lake Erie island once owned by President Rutherford B. Hayes. The Black Swamp Conservancy hopes to preserve Mouse Island, a Lake Erie island once owned by President Rutherford B. Hayes, with help from a grant being sought by Metroparks Toledo. Mouse Island, a seven-acre Lake Erie island in Ottawa County’s Catawba Island Township, is under contract to be purchased by the Black Swamp Conservancy. https://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2026/10/03/great-lakes-leaders-gather-regional-push/stories/20261003012 https://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2026/10/03/great-lakes-leaders-gather-regional-push/stories/20261003012#comments Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2026/10/03/great-lakes-leaders-gather-regional-push/stories/20261003012 Regionalism isn’t new, but the argument for it is gaining new urgency around the Great Lakes. Toledo Harbor Light is lit at sunset. A view of Lake Erie is seen from the Gibraltar Island shoreline at sunrise. The Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial's column are at Put-in-Bay. Carty Finkbeiner, a former Toledo mayor and South Toledo resident, left, and John Irish, who lives next to the now-closed Harvard Elementary School, talk about the Harvard School at Wixey Bakery in South Toledo on July 1. The two are part of a group pushing to saving the historic building and find a new use for it. Former Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner talks. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) talks. A large rock sticks out of the water near Lake Erie's Gibraltar Island. View of Lake Erie from Gibraltar Island is featured. A view of western Lake Erie is featured. A boat plies the western Lake Erie water. Rocks are located off the Gibraltar Island shoreline in western Lake Erie. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/30/area-students-find-joy-in-baby-lake-sturgeon-release-near-fremont/stories/20260930094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/30/area-students-find-joy-in-baby-lake-sturgeon-release-near-fremont/stories/20260930094#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2026/09/30/area-students-find-joy-in-baby-lake-sturgeon-release-near-fremont/stories/20260930094 FREMONT — Joy, giggles, and even some powerful words of hope made the second release of baby lake sturgeon into the Sandusky River an event to remember for 300 area high school students Wednesday. Port Clinton High School junior Clara Blatt, 16, releases a sturgeon into the Sandusky River on Sept. 30 in Fremont. Gage Hockenberry, 16, of Gibsonburg releases a sturgeon into the Sandusky River on Sept. 30 in Fremont. From left, Huron High School students Ida Lamb, 14, and Emma Keller, 17, pose for a photo before releasing sturgeon into the Sandusky River on Sept. 30 in Fremont. A baby sturgeon Sept. 30 in Fremont. 300 kids from multiple high schools across the region are releasing 750 baby lake sturgeon into the Sandusky River. A baby sturgeon on Sept. 30 in Fremont. A baby sturgeon on Sept. 30 in Fremont. Jorden McKenna, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, puts baby sturgeon into a bucket on Sept. 30 in Fremont. Jorden McKenna, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, nets baby sturgeon to be released into the Sandusky River on Sept. 30 in Fremont. Jorden McKenna, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, handles baby sturgeon to be released into the Sandusky River on Sept. 30 in Fremont. Three hundred students from multiple high schools across the region release 750 baby lake sturgeon into the Sandusky River on Sept. 30 in Fremont. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) did not speak at the event but posed with multiple students. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) did not speak at the event but posed with multiple students. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) did not speak at the event but posed with multiple students.