Pollution Permit Threatens Lake Michigan
This message was originally delivered by the Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network and Fund
Help Stop Massive Amounts of Pollution from Entering Lake Michigan!
Speak Out -- EPA Comment Period and Hearing on U.S. Steel’s Pollution Permit
The USEPA is conducting a public comment period and will hold a public hearing on a draft permit they stopped. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management issued the draft permit to U.S. Steel for continued pollution discharges at the company’s Gary Works site. Environmentalists contend the draft permit fails to include limits on toxic chemical and metal discharges from the sprawling complex into the Grand Calumet River, which flows into Lake Michigan. The complex cannot get a new permit without EPA approval. After the hearing, the regional administrator will consider the public comments and either reaffirm, modify or withdraw the EPA's original objections to the draft permit.
Advocates for Lake Michigan need to speak out during this opportunity to make sure the EPA stands strong and does not allow USS to use outdated wastewater standards to the detriment of water quality, human health and aquatic life. Let the EPA know any permit issued to USS should:
- Eliminate the 5-year pass for several pollutants, including mercury
- Include substantial reductions in free cyanide, oil, grease, and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River
- Reduce storm water runoff to Lake Michigan containing unknown quantities of pollutants
The public comment period runs from November 9 - December 28, 2007. There are several ways for you to speak out:
1. Attend the Public Hearing
When: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Indiana University Northwest, Savannah Auditorium, 3400 Broadway Avenue, Gary, Indiana.
2. Submit Written Comments
Use an on-line form through the EPA’s website: http://www.epa.gov/Region5/publiccomment/ussteel-pubcomment.htm#form
You can also mail or fax your comments to:
David Soong
NPDES Programs Branch (WN-16J)
US EPA Region 5
77 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604-3590
fax - 312-886-0168
For more information on this action, contact:
Cheryl Mendoza
Policy and Networking Specialist
Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network and Fund
cheryl@glhabitat.org
(231) 571-5001
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