August 13, 2008
John Therriault, 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:
LERK'S OFFICE
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On behalf of my family, 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 kayaker, 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 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.
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.
Max West
2210 Henley Street
Glenview IL 60025
847-998-0024