ORIGINAL
RECEIVED
CLERK'S OFFICE
MAR ,
2 5 2008
STATE OF ILLINOIS
Pollution
Control Board
9 E Peiffer
Lemont, IL 60439
March 22 ,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:
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 (in 1973 we were told that there would be potable water in the Des
Plaines River within 10 years) 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.
I am a frequent paddler on the lower Des Plaines (twice a week from April to November). I am also
a member of the Illinois Paddling Council which is working to improve access to Illinois rivers, Des
Plaines River Association, the Trails Committee of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and
other organizations that promote recreational use of our natural assets. 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 many suburbs 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 Des Plaines and Chicago Rivers 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.
Thank you,
Sincerely
Don
62-1Z/drMueggenborg
9 E Peiffer Ave
Lemont, IL 60439
630-257-7377
donmuegg@earthlink.net