E-M:/ News Release: A new 'firewall' for Michigan's waters

[Becky Jo Farrington <bfarrington@cleanwater.org>]

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Enviro-Mich message from Becky Jo Farrington <bfarrington@cleanwater.org>
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/Contact:/

/David Holtz, Clean Water Action, 313-300-4454
James Clift, //Michigan// Environmental Council, 517-256-0553
Grenetta Thomassey, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, 231-838-5193
Mike Shriberg, Environment //Michigan//, 734-904-7015/

*July 2, 2007**
_For Immediate Release_*

* *

                   Legislation Key to Protecting Majestic Great Lakes

/Package would lead the way in eight-state effort to prevent diversions 
and maintain world’s greatest freshwater resource/

//Michigan residents who enjoy Great Lakes beaches, depend on the 
state’s vast water-based economy, or oppose water diversions from the 
lakes will benefit from a package of bills unveiled today in the state 
House of Representatives.

The legislation creates a firewall of legal protections defending the 
state’s waters from diversion, pollution, and harmful misuse by water 
bottling companies, mining operations and others. It also puts Michigan 
in compliance with the eight-state Great Lakes Compact agreement signed 
by all the states’ governors in 2005.

“As the only state entirely within the Great Lakes watershed, Michigan 
has the most to gain from the strong regulations included in this 
package of bills,” said David Holtz of Clean Water Action. “It puts 
Michigan front and center as a leader in the fight to protect the Great 
Lakes from massive diversions to other states, countries, or by 
profit-hungry corporations.”

The Compact must be approved by all eight state legislatures; passed by 
the U.S. Congress and signed by the President to take effect. It was 
crafted during years of intense negotiations among Great Lakes states.

The proposed Michigan rules establish a permit system for water 
withdrawal that requires users to prove they will not harm the resource. 
That’s essential for protecting the Great Lakes, and also the countless 
brooks, streams, ponds, swamps, creeks, lakes and groundwater that 
pulses through Michigan.

“With over 5 million Michigan residents dependent on well water; and 
millions more who value their trout streams, ponds and wetlands, these 
standards are no-brainers,” said James Clift of the Michigan 
Environmental Council. “They give manufacturers, farmers, companies who 
depend on water clear access to the resource, while ensuring it is done 
sustainably.”

The protections come at a crucial juncture as the Great Lakes face 
unprecedented challenges. The lakes are under siege from more than 180 
invasive species; lake levels are dropping due to global warming and 
other factors; billions of gallons of raw sewage flow into the lakes 
each year and the foundation of the food chain – tiny freshwater shrimp 
– have all but disappeared in many lakes.

“We won’t solve all the lakes complex problems with this Compact and its 
implementing legislation,” said Mike Shriberg of Environment Michigan. 
“But we can make a stand right here and declare that our precious water 
resources will be managed carefully for the benefit of the state’s 
residents; not pillaged in the name of profits or recklessness.”

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