RECEIVED

CLERK'S OFFICE

JUN 1 6 2008

STATE OF ILLINOIS

Pollution

Control

Board

STATE OF ILLINOIS

OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

JAMES

R.

THOMPSON CENTER, SUITE 15-200

Chicago, Illinois 60601

PAT

QUINN

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Dear Illinois Pollution Control Board:

June

11, 2008

As Chairman of the Illinois River Coordinating Council, I am writing to express my

support for the recommended water quality standard improvements proposed by the Illinois

Environmental Protection Agency for the Chicago Area Waterways (CAWS) and Lower Des

Plaines River. This proposal is before the Illinois Pollution Control Board as rule making

R2008-009.

The Illinois Pollution Control Board, the Illinois EPA, and numerous stakeholders have

been involved in a long process to update and improve standards for the Chicago Area

Waterways. If successful, this effort will improve water quality standards, helping aquatic life to

flourish and improving recreational and tourism opportunities.

I support the Illinois EPA proposal that will help us meet the goals of the Clean Water

Act that calls for fishable and swimmable waterways and seeks to comply with the

Environmental Article of Illinois Constitution, which guarantees a right to a clean and healthful

environment.

It is time to revisit water quality standards and seek to improve the Chicago, Calumet,

and Des Plaines River system for generations to come.

Thank you for your interest.

Sincerely,

r

,r(Qw-mm

Pat Quinn

Lt. Governor