annah Higgins

1412 N Bosworth Ave. #2

Chicago, Illinois 60622

630-452-4551

May 30, 2008

John Therriault, Assistant Clerk

Illinois Pollution Control Board

100 West Randolph Street, Suite 11-500

Chicago, Illinois 60601

RE: Rule Making R08-009

RECEIVEDC

LERK'S OFFICE

JUN 0 5 2008

STATE OF ILLINOIS

Pollution Control Board

Dear Illinois Pollution Control Board:

I am writing to express my support for the recommended water quality standard improvements proposed

by the Illinois EPA for the Chicago Area Waterways (CAWS) and Lower Des Plaines River as rule

making R08-009.

These changes are long overdue and recommended only after five years of study on the CAWS and seven

on the Lower Des Plaines. We should all support the Illinois EPA's effort and approve the changes.

As a Chicago resident, Friends of the Chicago river volunteer, canoe guide and rower, I think it is critical

that:

•

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District disinfect sewage treatment plant effluent to kill

bacteria and protect public health and

•

Temperature and dissolved oxygen standards be implemented to protect fish and help them

flourish.

Over the years, the entire CAWS system has changed dramatically. The water, once full of raw sewage

and industrial filth, has vastly improved through the leadership of agencies like the Metropolitan Water

Reclamation District and its Tunnel and Reservoir Plan. Public access has increased considerably as local

governments incorporated these rivers into their master planning. The City of Chicago, the Chicago Park

District, and suburbs like Blue Island and Skokie have poured millions into river access for paddling,

fishing, and crew. And so much work has been done to improve habitat and control pollution that in the

Chicago River system, species of fish have climbed from under 10 to nearly 70, including game fish

favorites like large-mouth bass and bluegill and yellow perch.

Because a review like this only comes along every 20 years, right now we have an opportunity to

continue our momentum by supporting the Illinois EPA recommendations so we can make the next

quantum leap forward in water quality.

There is no magic bullet and / or all-in-one measure that can eliminate water pollution but we know that if

we want the Chicago River to continue to improve and serve our communities as a recreational, natural

and economic resource, disinfection and the rest of the Illinois EPA's recommendations are essential.

I believe that as a society it is our moral obligation to ensure that we work to achieve the highest potential

for shared resources, including and especially water. And as stewards of these natural resources, we

should not be seeking the minimum in improvement, but the maximum.

Thank you,