Major Step for a Cleaner Chicago River
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Following a historic 8-1 vote by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), Chicago residents are one step closer to enjoying a Chicago River that is clean, safe and available for use in the sizzling summer sun.
The June 7th vote, which follows a May 11th letter from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a June 2nd order from Illinois Pollution Control Board, will require sewage water coming from the district’s Northside and Calumet treatment plants to be disinfected prior to its dumping into the Chicago waterway.
“On this hot summer day, the Chicago River is becoming cooler, healthier, safer and a better community asset for all of us to enjoy.” said ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner. “We’re on our way toward a Chicago River that will be safer for paddling, fishing, recreation and development.”
The decision has been hailed by the ELPC and our partners as a major victory in the fight to protect the health and safety of Chicago residents who come in contact with the river.
Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk, Governor Pat Quinn, Attorney General Lisa Madigan and other leaders have all been staunch supporters of the Chicago River clean up.
ELPC has advocated for over a decade on the importance of disinfecting the Chicago River, as well as updating Cook County’s regulations of refuse water. The City of Chicago was the only major city that did not require the disinfection of sewage runoff into its waterways.
On a day that brought record breaking heat to city residents, the Chicago River finally found a friend in the halls of Cook County government, hopefully setting the course toward a cleaner and safer waterway for all.
Read More in the Chicago Sun-Times
Read More in the Chicago Tribune
