Rule Making R08-009 Clean up the Chicago and Lower Des Plaines rives
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John Therriault - Rule Making R08-009 Clean up the Chicago and Lower Des Plaines rives
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"Duffy, Mark P" <Mark.Duffy@bp.com>
<therriaj@ipcb.state.il.us>
6/2/2008 10:03 AM
Rule Making R08-009 Clean up the Chicago and Lower Des Plaines rives
"Stacy Meyers-Glen" <SMeyers-Glen@openlands.org>
June 2, 2008
John Therriault, Assistant Clerk
Illinois Pollution Control Board
100 West Randolph Street, Suite 11-500
Chicago, Illinois 60601
RE: Rule Making R08-009
RECEIVEDCLERK'S
OFFICE
JUN 0 2 2008
STATE OF ILLINOIS
Pollution Control Board
Dear Illinois Pollution Control Board:
On behalf of myself, family and friends, 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 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. These
are the highest priority changes before any other "fixes". All other improvements are minor in
comparison. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District should not be the lead polluter of our
rivers.
This will improve the recreational money generated along the river in the city.
As a person who kayaks on both rivers, I think it is critical that:
o The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District disinfect sewage treatment plant
effluent to kill bacteria and protect public health
o 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
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Rule Making R08-009 Clean up the Chicago and Lower Des Plaines rives
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make the next quantum leap forward in water quality.
There is no magic bullet or all-in-one measure that can eliminate water pollution but this is the first and
priority to fix.
Thank you,
Mark Duffy
1800 Slippery Rock Ct.
Naperville Ill.
630-420-4491
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