DISTRICT OFFICE:
6965 W. 111th Street
Worth, Illinois 60482
708-448-3518
708-448-3535 FAX
SPRINGFIELD OFFICE:
269-S Stratton Building
Springfield, Illinois 62706
217-782-8200
217-782-0945 FAX
Re: Rule Making R08-009
ILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
KEVIN JOYCE
COMMITTEES:
•
Appropriations - Higher
Education - Vice Chair
•
Aging
•
Elementary &
Secondary Education
•
Environment & Energy
•
Registration & Regulations
•
Transportation & Motor
Vehicles
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of the
CLERK'S OFFICE
JUN 1 7
2008
STATE OF
ILLINOIS
Pollution Control
Board
STATE REPRESENTATIVE - 35
TH
DISTRICT
John Therriault, Assistant Clerk
Illinois Pollution Control Board
100 West Randolph Street, Suite 11-500
Chicago, Illinois 60601
June 16, 2008
Dear Illinois Pollution Control Board:
On behalf of myself and my constituents, 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 Ricer as rule making R08-
009.
These changes are long overdue and recommended only after five years of study on the
CAWS and seven on the Lower Des Plaines. We should all support the Illinois EPS's
effort and approve the changes.
As a State Representative, 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 dissolver 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 ray 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.
RECYCLED PAPER • SOYBEAN INKS
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 is we want the Chicago River 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. As stewards of
these natural resources, we should not be seeking the minimum in improvement, but the
maximum.
Thank you,
Kevin C. Joyc
State Representative - 35 th District
6965 West 111
th Street
Worth, Illinois 60482
Telephone: 708-448-3518