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July 30, 2008

John Therriault, Assistant Clerk

Illinois Pollution Control Board

100 West Randolph Street, Suite 11-500

Chicago, Illinois 60601

CLERK'S

ECEIVED

OFFICE

AU6

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2008

STATE OF

ILLINOIS

Pollution Control Board

RE: Rule Making R08-009

Dear Illinois Pollution Control Board:

On behalf of my family, and as a member of a local conservation group,

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 a biker and canoe enthusiast I think it is critical that the Metropolitan Water Reclamation

District disinfect sewage treatment plant effluent to kill bacteria and protect public health. It is

essential that 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.

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.

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. As stewards

of our natural resources, we should not be seeking the

minimum in improvement, but the maximum.

B

cy

VAP

aimann

1214 Meadow Way

Barrington, IL 60010

847-381-3476