Sally Fletcher

Vice President'

1b00-N. Northbranth

diicago,11:60642

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July 28, 2008

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FLETCHER CHICAGO, INC.

1000 N. North Branch Street • Chicago, Illinois

60622

RECEIVED

CLERK'S OFFICE

JUL 2 9 2008

Pollution Control Board

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STATE OF ILLINOIS

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:

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www.fletch.corn

312 932 2700

• Fax

312 932 2799

On behalf of Fletcher Chicago, Inc, 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 business owner and advocate for economic development in Chicago, I think it is critical that:

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The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District disinfect sewage treatment plant effluent to kill bacteria

and protect public health and

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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 arid 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.

Thank you,