EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Grand Calumet River getting grand cleanup

In the mid-1990s I was working for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Staff members there informed me they envisioned a long-term project to assess the environmental conditions of the Grand Calumet River from the state line to the Marquette Park lagoons and to restore the Gr…

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Environmental progress has been made in NWI

On Oct. 9, the Quality of Life Indicators Report was released. An excellent tool for initiating dialogue, the report has shown time after time, it truly can be difficult to measure perceptions related to the 10 indicators. It is that challenge I would like to ask you to help us address.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: What do you think about our environment?

Having not been born and raised in Northwest Indiana, I can only attest to the past 35 years of observation with regard to our environment.

GUEST COMMENTARY: 2011 was good year environmentally

Last year was a very good year environmentally for Northwest Indiana. Not the opening line you expected? Let's take a trip down memory lane.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: Guard against invaders, but not at all costs

In May, I introduced readers to the issue of aquatic invasive species — specifically Asian carp. Much since has been reported, and a new report seems to create larger issues for Northwest Indiana.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: We must cooperate to protect Great Lakes

Lake Michigan is the crown jewel of Northwest Indiana's quality of life. It is our lifeblood -- supplying our drinking water, providing a recreational setting and supporting our economy. All of us have a responsibility to protect and preserve this natural and national treasure.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Much is being done to fight Asian carp

The topic of Asian carp has been widely covered in recent months. Asian carp are not native to Lake Michigan (a so-called invasive species) and as such have unintended consequences on the natural ecosystem. They grow quite large and when agitated by boat motor noises choose to fly through th…

GUEST COMMENTARY: EPA administrator impressed by NWI partnerships

Northwest Indiana recently hosted U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, a member of President Barack Obama's Cabinet. As the director of environmental affairs for the Northwest Indiana Forum, I extended an invitation for her to witness firsthand the industrial s…

Fighting permits hurts economic development in area

In recent months, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management gave public notice or issued three significant environmental permits affecting Northwest Indiana. With each permit public comment process, many Indiana and Illinois stakeholders voiced their opposition to the issuance of th…