June 10, 2008

John Therriault, Assistant Clerk

Illinois Pollution Control Board

100 West Randolph Street, Suite 11-500

Chicago, IL 60601

RE: Rule Making R08-009

Dear Illinois Pollution Control Board:

Pollution

RECEIVED

STATE

CLERK'S

JUN 1

OF

b

Control

OFFICE

2008

ILLINOIS

BoTC/

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0

As a member of Friends of the Chicago River, 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, recreational kayaker and

U.S.

EPA Region 5 employee, 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 has vastly improved

through the leadership of agencies like the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and its Tunnel and

Reservoir Plan. 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 in the river system that species of fish have climbed from under

10 to nearly 70, including game fish such as large-mouth bass, bluegill and yellow perch.

Because a review like this only comes along every 20 years, right now we have a once-in-a-generation

opportunity. I urge the Illinois Pollution Control Board to continue the momentum toward dramatically

improved water quality by supporting the Illinois EPA recommendations.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter,

Michael Hans

5237 N. St. Louis

Chicago, IL 60625

773 279-9284