The michigan department of environment, great lakes, and energy (MI egle) will monitor and assess saxitoxins in water samples associated with the occurrence of benthic cyanobacteria - microseira…

EPA Region 5 awarded the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy a $120,000 Cooperative Agreement on August 1, 2026, under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (CFDA 66.469) to monitor and assess saxitoxins in water samples associated with benthic cyanobacteria accumulations in Lake St. Clair's nearshore habitat.

Michigan EGLE will develop a quality assurance project plan, conduct 12 sampling events at five public locations during the 2027 beach season, and perform laboratory analysis for saxitoxins. The project will produce a final report summarizing monitoring data and provide partner agencies with improved understanding of potential cyanotoxin presence and associated health risks to inform future monitoring and public health recommendations. Performance occurs in Harrison Township, Michigan. The period of performance extends from the award date through March 31, 2028. No sub-awards are included in this agreement.

The michigan department of environment, great lakes, and energy (MI egle) will monitor and assess saxitoxins in water samples associated with the occurrence of benthic cyanobacteria - microseira wollei (m. Wollei) in the nearshore habitat of lake ST. Clair. The results of this assessment will allow partner agencies to better characterize and understand the potential presence of cyanotoxins in lake water associated with m. Wollei accumulations. Activities:activities will include development of a quality assurance project plan, 12 sampling events at five public locations during the beach season of 2027, and laboratory analysis for a suite of saxitoxins. Subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:the project deliverable will be a final report summarizing the monitoring data. Outcomes include an improved understanding among partner agencies of the potential health risks of m. Wollei to inform future monitoring and/or public health recommendations. Beneficiaries include the communities and public who live, recreate and work near lake ST. Clair.