January 21, 2008
John Therriault, Assistant Oak
Illinois Pollution Control Board
100 West Randolph Street, Suite 11-500
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Officers2007
President
Gary Mechanic
Vice President
Tom Lindblade
The Illinois Paddling Council
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Representing Illinois' Paddlers since 1963
RECEIVED
CLERKS OFFICE
MAR 2 4 2008
STATE OF
ILLINOIS
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Control Board
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Kevin
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Sea Kayakers Voice
Cynthia Gilbert
RE: Rule Making R08-009
Dear Illinois Pollution Control Board:
As The Vice President of the Illinois Padddling Council, 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.
Over the last 15 or twenty years, I have paddled most reaches of the CAWS
as well as the Lower DesPlaines, and am probably one of the few people
who has done so. I think it is critical that other paddlers and boaters have
the opportunity to experience these waters in a safe manner and that we
provide for healthy fish populations which in turn will support a healthy
ecosystem. I belliev that 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.
I have seen incredible changes in the system over the years. Things have
improved dramatically, from the days when one would routinely
encounter
floating feces in the Chicago River and wildlife was rare. We are seeing
the return of a river system, but much remains to be done.
Because a review like this only comes along every 20 years, right now we
have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to continue our momentum
by supporting the Illinois EPA recommendations so we can make
the next quantum leap forward in water quality. Disinfection and
the rest of the Illinois EPA's recommendations are essential. We
have an obligation to pass on healthy waters to our children and
grandchildren
Thank you,
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Thomas M Lindblade
Vice President
Illinois Paddling council
2138
Clinton St.
Rockford,
IL 61103