Starved Rock Audubon
Society
1~ECEUdJEO
CLERK’S
OFFICE
JUN
~ ~JU3
6 June 2003
STATE OF
1LLINOJS
Pollution
Control Boar~
Marie E. Tipsord
Hearing Officer
Illinois Pollution Control Board
100W. Randolph,
Suite
11-500
Chicago,
II
60601
Dear Marie
E. Tipsord,
I am writing you today with deep concern regarding the possible elimination of
public comment (case number R03-19) during the NIPDES permitting process.
The Clean Water Act and U.S. EPA regulations make it clear that the NPDES
permitting process must be open to the public.
The quality of life here in Illinois is in large part based upon the quality of our
rivers, lakes and streams.
Further weakening ofIllinois Pollution Control Board
rules will lead to ever more water pollution and a lower quality oflife for each
ofus.
Illinois’ pollution regulations should be growing stronger with each passing
year, not weaker.
I do not feel it is
a stretch to say that a lower quality ofwater
results in a higher rate of cancer, birth defects and degrading ofour natural
ecosystems.
I urge the Illinois Pollution Control Board to comply with its obligation to keep
our Illinois waters safe and clean for generations to come.
Sincerely,
~
~
~
Don Goerne
President, Starved Rock Audubon
Society
2005 N.
l5thRoad
Streator, Ii
61364