GLIN==> Comment by Feb. 8 on Lake Erie Pollution

Alliance for the Great Lakes

For Immediate Release				
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010 					     
   								
Contact: Lyman Welch
312-939-0838 x230

Comment Now on Lake Erie Pollution 

Citing monitoring data showing high levels of algae on Lake Erie shorelines, the Alliance is urging Ohio regulators to work harder to combat the problem.

In addition to nuisance algae, Lake Erie beaches are on the receiving end of pollution from numerous other sources, including stormwater runoff, outdated sewage and septic systems, trash and wildlife. 

Despite these documented problems, Ohio does not intend to complete a plan for improving water quality at its beaches until 2015. In comments to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Alliance calls on regulators to accelerate that schedule.

“Ohio must address nuisance algae in Lake Erie sooner -- not later -- and not wait five years to make these contaminated public beaches safe for everyone to enjoy the water,” said Lyman Welch, Alliance Water Quality Program manager. 

Waterborne bacteria and viruses can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomachache, nausea, headache and fever. Children are the most susceptible because of their size, developing immune systems and because they are more likely to swallow water when swimming.

Residents have until Feb. 8 to comment on Ohio’s proposed list of “impaired waters.” The federal Clean Water Act requires that all states update their lists of impaired waters every two years and submit them to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with plans for improving water quality in waters that fall short of the standards.

Welch said the Alliance is also urging Ohio to develop a comprehensive plan for reducing mercury emissions as a means of addressing mercury pollution in Lake Erie.  EPA has identified coal-fired power plants as the largest remaining source of airborne mercury emissions in the United States, and has dubbed mercury emissions from such plants the air pollutant of “greatest potential concern.”   

To see Ohio’s list of impaired waters and for details on submitting comments, visit http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/tmdl/2010IntReport/2010OhioIntegratedReport_draft.aspx

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Formed in 1970, the Alliance for the Great Lakes is the oldest independent Great Lakes citizens’ organization in North America. Our mission is to: conserve and restore the world's largest freshwater resource using policy, education and local efforts, ensuring a healthy Great Lakes and clean water for generations of people and wildlife. More about the Alliance for the Great Lakes is online at www.greatlakes.org. 



Susan Campbell
Communications Manager
Alliance for the Great Lakes
414-540-0699
Visit http://www.greatlakes.org



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