Posted July 22, 2007
Letters: Stand up to Great Lakes pollution
On
July 18, the Chicago Tribune published an article ("Legislators blast
waiver for BP plant near lake") recounting the concerns of several
lawmakers from Illinois, Indiana and Michigan regarding the detrimental
effects a pollution discharge permit and exemption granted to BP by the
Indiana Department of Environmental Management would have on Lake
Michigan.
The
permit allows BP to dump nearly 1,600 pounds of ammonia and 5,000
pounds of sludge loaded with heavy metals into Lake Michigan daily. In
addition, an exemption allows BP to mix this toxic pollution with clean
lake water, reviving the outdated and now illegal mantra of industry —
"dilution is the solution to pollution." This choice to dilute says
that Indiana and BP are thinking back to 1967 rather than looking
ahead. The permit and exemption suggest that Indiana and BP are not
concerned about sustaining Lake Michigan, but exploiting it.
Federal
lawmakers from Indiana, Illinois and Michigan recognize this
exploitation and have weighed in against the permit and the exemptions.
Wisconsin lawmakers, both federal and state, should likewise voice
their concern for the sustainability of Lake Michigan. As a Great Lake
neighbor, it is our responsibility to encourage protection and
sustainability of our water resources.
MELISSA SCANLAN
Midwest Environmental Advocates
Madison
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