Illinois House of Representatives

Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez

State Representative • 24th District

John Therriault, Assistant Clerk

Illinois Pollution Control Board

100 W. Randolph St, Suite 11-500

Chicago, Illinois 60601

Committees:

• Appropriations - Elementary

and Secondary Education

• Consumer Protection

• Disability Services

• Health and Healthcare Disparities

• Labor

RECEIVED

CLERK'S

OFFICE

JUN 1 6 2008

ATE OF ILLINOIS

ollution Control Board

District Office:

2137 S.

Lombard, Suite 205

Cicero, Illinois 60804

Phone: (708) 222-5240

Fax: (708)

222-5241

Capitol Office:

264-S Stratton Building

Springfield, Illinois 62706

Phone: (217) 782-8173

Fax: (217) 558-1844

June 11, 2008

RE: Rule Making R08-009

Dear Illinois Pollution Control Board:

On behalf of my community, 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 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.

As State Representative and member of the community who uses the river, 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 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 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 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. And as stewards of these natural resources, we should

not be seeking the minimum in improvement, but the maximum.

Elizabe a" Hernandez 'tate

2137 S. Lombard Ave, Suite 205

708) 222-5240

tive 24th District

804

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