Maritime trade poses environmental risks along Detroit River

Growing up in one of the state’s most polluted ZIP codes, Southwest Detroit resident Theresa Landrum has fought for decades to protect her neighbors from heavy industry. 

But another area of potential environmental concern — the maritime trade industry — isn’t as well known and it poses risks, too, experts and advocates like Landrum say.

“When you talk about marine traffic on our waterways leading to climate change, I’m sure most people wouldn’t even understand what you’re talking about,” said Landrum, noting the discussions are mainly confined to “the circles of the environmental justice groups” and not localized to the community.