RECEIlEi)

CLERK’S OFFICE

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NOV22 2000

November2l,2000

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STATE OF ILLINOIS

Pollution Control Board

Dorothy Gunn, Clerk

Illinois100W.PollutionRandolphControl Board

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Suite 11-500

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Chicago, IL 60601

Dear Ms. Gunn,

RE:

IPCB Docket Number (R01-13)

Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency adopted antidegradation regulations

in 1975, most states, including Illinois, have done little to adopt or enforce their own

rules.

I ask that the Illinois Pollution Control Board adopt antidegradation rules that will prohibit

any new pollution that would harm Illinois waters. New or increased discharges of

pollutants should not be allowed where they will harm the biological integrity of the

receiving waters, and no state permits or approvals should be granted for pollution

discharges or other pollution-causing projects.

Further, all Illinois waters should be protected against new pollution that is not necessary

to accommodate important economic or social development. Both the health of the

environment and the Clean Water Act require that we do better than just barely meet

Illinois water quality standards, especially since those standards are far too weak. All

proposals for either new or increased discharge of toxins or other pollutants, no matter

how large or small, should be reviewed, as even little sources of pollution add up to big

problems. Any such loopholes that allow degradation of our streams should be plugged.

Finally, I urge the IPCB to eliminate unnecessary burdens on “Outstanding Resource

Waters” petitions and not require citizens to offer testimony on potential economic

impacts, since this information is easily accessible only to businesses that base their

evidence solely on how it might hurt their revenues or costs.

Sincerely,

C

Patricia C. Riggins

4257 Bohm School Road

Edwardvsville, IL 62025

(Secretary, Madison County Conservation Alliance)

(1 original and 9 copies)