April 8, 2008
John Then-iault, Assistant Clerk
Illinois Pollution Control Board
100 West Randolph Street, Suite 11-500
Chicago, Illinois 60601
RE: Rule Making R08-009
Dear Illinois Pollution Control Board:
RECEIVED
CLERK'S OFFICE
APR 1 0 2008
Pollution
STAT
?
OFControl
ILLINOISBoard
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 recommended changes are greatly needed and long overdue, coming after five years of study on the
CAWS and seven on the Lower Des Plaines. The IEPA has invested considerable staff time and effort
into this project and I support the changes the agency recommends.
As a Chicagoan, hiker, birdwatcher, bicyclist and kayaker, I think it is essential 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.
The entire CAWS system and its uses have changed dramatically over the years. The water, once defiled
with raw sewage, livestock waste, and industrial pollutants, has undergone major improvements through
the leadership of agencies like the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. 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 invested millions of
dollars into river access for crewing, fishing, and paddling. Much work has been done to improve habitat
and control pollution. Bluegill, large-mouth bass, and yellow perch are three of the nearly 70 species of
fish that now populate the Chicago River system, once home to under 10 species. This is a clear sign of
the progress that has been made in cleaning the CAWS.
Because it has taken nearly two decades for a review like this to come, I believe we must seize this
opportunity to do what is right to benefit future generations. We must strive to meet the intent of the
Clean Water Act for fishable, swimmable waters. Disinfection of wastewater treatment effluent and the
implementation of the rest of the Illinois EPA's recommendations are vital, in order to maximize the
Chicago
River's future
as
a recreational,
natural,
and economic resource for
Chicago and the region.
Thank you for accepting these comments into your public record.
Sincerely,
aeg.
Susan D. Lannin
7100 N. Greenview Ave.
Chicago, IL. 60626-2629
Home: 773-381-9738