Glossary of words for your ease of terms...
http://www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/storm/gloss.asp

A Few FAQ's -

National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permits (NPDES), are legal permits to discharge pollutants from industry straight piped into waterways.  A "major permit" allows over one-million gallons of water per day.

Toxic Release Inventories (TRI) – Federal estimates of pollution that are not for developing permits – each state has different measurement standards. (IDEM, Pigott) Toxic Release Inventory by State  
          http://www.epa.gov/tri/tridata/tri07/data/index.htm#h4

Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO)
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO)

$413 = Average annual water bill for an American family in 2008 - Up from $282 in 1998 (Fortune Magazine 10/12/09)

Simple breakdown of erosion and sedimentation - Click Here

Issues Directly Related to NE Indiana ~ Fort Wayne ~ Allen County
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Save Maumee Grassroots Organization believes that protection of our rivers and its tributaries is crucial to economic growth and health of our citizens and those downstream. The headwaters of the Maumee River is in Fort Wayne, Indiana and is the largest and longest contributing stream to the Great Lakes in the USA. Up to 80% of a streams water quality is inherited at its headwaters. We encourage non-point source pollution to continue to be identified because the sources appear to be significant. Non-point source is also able to be controlled by limiting or eliminating high nitrogen and phosphorous applications of fertilizer and raising awareness of other contributing factors at your home. Picking up your animal waste, washing cleansers & grease down drains, planting a raingarden, conserving water where you can are all examples of how to improve our problems!

The Maumee, St. Joseph, St. Mary’s Rivers in Fort Wayne are impaired by bacteria. On average waterways exceeded E. coli standards 85 days per year. (Clean Waters Task Force, City of Fort Wayne, December, 09)

Ohio decided [2009] to discard data from the Maumee River, stating the information was more than 10 years old and not reliable; stating the river will be resurveyed. (Columbus Dispatch, Dec 24, ’09)


Pg 10 of this documents shows the location of a stationary mercury-emissions source, based on data from the 2001 Regional Air Pollutant Inventory System for Indiana (Indiana Department of Environmental Management Office of Air Quality, written January 2004). Annual mercury emissions (in pounds) for the Maumee River in Indiana

Indiana's voluntary environmental cleanup program, intended to handle polluted sites quickly and efficiently without courts and lawsuits, is instead marked by delays, years-long cleanups and neighbors kept in the dark about the polluted soil and water nearby. “Delays mar pollution cleanup plans: Voluntary program lets state dither, firms dawdle” July 8, 2007

Tox-Away Day on Sept 12, 2009 is an annual event in Fort Wayne. Any other time people may want to dispose of hazardous waste may end up in landfills and waterways. BUT, you are able to dispose of unwanted medication at any Allen County Sheriff’s Office whenever their offices are open!

Arsenic and heavy metals are released at an excelled rate either when you burn coal or in the waste product from burnt coal, in the form of coal ash. 25 NE Indiana schools violated the Safe Drinking Water Act over a 15 year period, according to data provided by the US EPA. Safe to drink at school? Journal Gazette, 10/04/09

This article makes the Brooks Construction appear to NOT want to disturb the old dump site located on a previous floodplain directly next to the Maumee River on 1200 Coliseum Blvd South (NE corner of the Cloverleaf to U.S. 30 East.)  In actuality the company has been collecting quite a pile in the old floodplain to grind concrete that has the potential to re-release asbestos that was bound with concrete previous to the late 1970’s. At the time this riverbank area was used as an unofficial city dump, “landfills had no requirements to test wells, liners [for dumps], or limits on what could be buried.” “In 1982, the Board of Health’s environmental officer, Dave Camperman feared potentially hazardous wastes may have been disposed of there alongside old refrigerators and mattresses-waste could pose big problems in the future.” “Sam Etemadi, manager of Brooks’ recycling operation” said, “Brooks will bring equipment to the site and crush the material into pieces small enough to be recycled into new concrete and asphalt. For now (2/10/10) they keep piling the stacks higher and will begin grinding this less than 75 ft. from your beloved Maumee River. “Concerns that the floodplain of the nearby Maumee River could be affected, the Fort Wayne Board of Zoning Appeals originally rejected the proposal in 2004.” Brooks appealed the decision in court, and the board relented a year later, approving the plan on several conditions including erection of a screening wall [9 ft high] a promise not to put materials in the floodplain, [fill dirt has increased the elevation so this area is no longer in the official floodplain] and a promise to seek city approval before erecting any buildings on the site” [because it is a concrete asphalt dump]. “Approval of from environmental agencies is not needed because the operation will not disturb the landfill’s remains, said Jim Federoff, Brooks’ attorney.” This article is no longer available on-line. Recycling company to reincarnate dead land – Ex-dump site will conserve money and resources. News Sentinel Fort Wayne 1/19/08 - article no longer available online
 
 

Medications are getting into our waterways through the excretion of several medicines from human waste. The Combined Sewer Discharges are discharging pharmaceuticals from the sanitary sewers into our waterways. Researchers find trace amounts of pharmaceuticals in Indiana waterways. Ball State University Research

The aquifer or “underground lake” needs to be protected. It lies beneath 9 counties in NE Indiana, SW Ohio and Southern Michigan. The Michindoh Aquifer (map of location) provides drinkable water at 1,000 gallons per minute. The dilemma is that government could step in and regulate what people do on their own land because it may contaminate this very important source. It is, however, important to recognize that this large aquifer should be protected because it is such an important drinking water source “Ohio, city leads push to protect invisible lake”, Journal Gazette 12/14/09 by Dan Stockman

 

Upper Maumee Watershed Info:
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EPA lists Impairments: Maumee River Area of Concern:
http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/maumee.html
WHY:
1)Restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption.2)Eutrophication or undesirable algae 3)Restrictions on drinking water consumption, or taste and odor 4)Degradation of fish and wildlife populations 5)Beach closings 6)Fish tumors or other deformities 7)Degradation of aesthetics 8)Degradation of benthos 9)Restriction on dredging activities 10) Loss of fish and wildlife habitat

Synopsis - an investment strategy for the western Lake Erie Basin – lots of information here from the Army Core of Engineers and costs for projects that are in the works but not approved DRAFT out in May 2009

Federal Government Moves Toward Potential Atrazine Phase-Out Strong Action from USEPA likely informed by NRDC Report. NRDC Josh Mogerman 10/07/09

“Water taste, odor issues are declining” in Defiance, OH on the Maumee River, - Crescent-News, 11/14/2009

Watershed Restoration Action Strategy for the St. Joseph/Maumee Watershed Prepared for IDEM Office of Water Quality Watershed Management Section

Upper Maumee Watershed Information
 https://engineering.purdue.edu/SafeWater/watershed/Allen.pdf

Maumee River Basin Specific to Indiana
http://www.in.gov/dnr/water/files/maumee_basinsums.pdf
or
http://www.in.gov/dnr/water/4110.htm

Lake Erie has a decreasing trend on the health of the lake due to blue-green algae blooms, increased attached algae (Cladophora) growth along the shore lines and is contributing to low or no dissolved Oxygen at the bottom of the central basin. In addition Lake Erie has been found to contain Microcystis, a potentially deadly form of algae has appeared in western Lake Erie almost every summer since 1995. This can be due to the soil moving. These open bear areas where the soil is easily displaced and nutrients that should be added to crop fields instead ends up in streams. The phosphorous and nitrates encourage plant growth were it is not wanted.
Disinfectants like chlorine and chloramine can react with the dissolved organic compounds, contaminating drinking water with harmful chemical byproducts. “EPA Proposes Limits on Fertilizer, Animal Waste, and Sewage Pollution in State Waters,” Response to Earthjustice lawsuit January 15, 2010

Directly related with the contents of our CSO discharges into our local rivers, bacteria commonly used to indicate health risks in recreational waters might not be so reliable after all. Pathogenic E. coli were pervasive in stream-water samples with low concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria. Pathogenic E. Coli Pervasive In Stream-Water Samples With Low Concentrations Of Fecal Indicator Bacteria ScienceDaily.com (Oct. 29, 2009)

 

Indiana Water Quality Facts:
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Indiana Ranked out of the 50 States:

 #1 for ALL TOXIC RELEASES – 27,298,889 lbs
 #6 for REPRODUCTIVE TOXICS – 13,567 lbs
 #8 for DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICS – 18,299 lbs
#16 for CANCER-CAUSING CHEMICALS – 29,235 lbs

 Environment America Research & Policy Center

List of Impaired Waters approved by the U.S. EPA on May 21, 2008 [XLS]” – latest copy available that lists streams and their impairments provided by IDEM. 
 Latest Official Indiana statistics will be out in the fall of 2010  -
800 Indiana waterways are not swimmable – (IDEM extrapolation from Impaired Waters List 2007)

2,882 streams are impaired in Indiana.
From: Indiana's Draft 2010 303 (d) List for Impaired Waters, Indiana Department of Environmental Management
(IDEM - PowerPoint)

Indiana made national news after IDEM granted a NPDES permit to BP’s Whiting refinery that would allow the plant to discharge 1,584 pounds of ammonia and 4,925 pounds of suspended solids daily into Lake Michigan. The Chicago Tribune reported that the permit also allows BP to continue adding 2 pounds of the potent neurotoxin mercury to Lake Michigan until 2012. “Dump environmental commissioner, not toxins.” The Bloomington Alternative, Thomas P. Heal August 1, 2007

 Indiana has the highest amount of toxic discharges to bodies of water among all states – totaling more than 11% of the nations total (EPA, 2007). Indiana toxic releases to water decreased for the second year in a row- by 6.7 million pounds-  last year but Indiana still leads all states in discharging pollutants and toxic chemicals into waterways. (EPA & IDEM, 2007)

Indiana's water quality standards are not in the Indiana Code (state statutes adopted by the General Assembly) but in Indiana Administrative Code (rules that further clarify the code and how certain activities will be undertaken. Certain boards and commissions have been given the authority to promulgate these rules by the General Assembly). 327 IAC Article 2 contains the water quality standards for Indiana - for surface waters other than the Great Lakes and separately, for surface waters in the Great Lakes basin. Additional water pollution code is in the other articles of 327 IAC, found http://www.in.gov/legislative/iac/iac_title?iact=327

Anti-degradation policy in Indiana fails to comply with the Clean Water Act.  The [draft water quality] rule proposes setting an “insignificance” level under which plants would not need to prove the increased pollution is necessary – Albert Ettinger, Environmental Law & Policy Center

' "It is not clear why human health under the revised methodology should be protected at a lower level," the Alliance states in comments prepared for state regulators. "IDEM should explain why its new water quality standard for mercury in fish tissue should not protect these groups of people."' “Indiana seeks to de-list contaminated waters.” Alliance for the Great Lakes 1/27/08

If you are interested in looking up Indiana codes, rules, policies, etc., go to http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic_iac/  If you already know that the topic you are looking for is addressed in Administrative code, you can click on that topic. If not, you can use the search (which I've found to be difficult) or trial and error. – Angie Brown IDEM 1/4/09

National Resource Defense Council, Environmental Law and Policy Center, Hoosier Environmental Council, The Alliance for the Great Lakes and Save the Dunes Council – all believe that Indiana pollution rules do not meet Clean Water Act standards and are officially asking the federal government to get involved. “This isn’t about environmentalists being critical of the state agency. This is about environmental experts being concerned about public health” (Dr. Rae Schnapp, HEC “EPA Intervention” Journal Gazette Editorial 12/22/09).
 

Great Lakes:
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An investment of $24 billion dollars to the Great Lakes watershed would yield $50 billion in net gain coming from increases in tourism, the fishing industry, recreational activity, and home values. An additional $30 - $50 billion in short-term economic activity would stem from the comprehensive clean-up of the Great Lakes .  The long-term environmental benefits of restoring the Great Lakes
far outweigh the immediate monetary costs.
Restoration Funds would go towards:
            * Modernizing wastewater treatment systems to reduce sewage and other contamination which would result in fewer beach closings and improved water quality.
            * Stopping invasive species and increasing the supply of fish in the Great Lakes to avoid the dislocation of sport-fishery workers and assets.
            * Restoring and protecting wildlife habitat for birds and waterfowl
for naturalists and hunters
            * Removing contaminated sediment in areas of high concern to reclaim communities and increase property values.  “Brookings Institution & U-M Researchers: Restoring the Great Lakes Would Bring 50 Billion in Regional Economic Gain” from Natural Resources & Environment, University of Michigan 9/13/07
or a more recent report from
 HealthyLakes.org called “New Analysis: Restoring Great Lakes Will Bring Major Lakeside Cities Each $200 Million to $13.3 Billion in Economic Gains.” April 16, 2008.

Thorp, S. 1999. Case Study Series: The Port of Toledo and the Maumee River Basin.
Great Lakes Commission.   Dredging Study from Great Lakes Commission.

Lake Erie Dead Zone – what’s the problem? How did it develop?  

“Increased discharge would increase the level of a pollutant already in the water to the degree it poses a potentially “detrimental effect.” 2008) “Indiana water rules still do not protect Lake Michigan”  - Great Lakes United, 1/13/09

Comprehensive restoration activities supported by wetlands such as fishing, hunting, and wildlife-watching generate over 50 billion dollars of economic activity annually and generate hundreds of thousands of jobs. Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy December  pg. 25. 2005

The Great Lakes together account for 90% of the fresh water in the U.S. and directly impacts the lives of roughly 35 million people.  An investment of 25 billion will stand to gain 50 billion in long-term economic benefit.  "Healthy Waters, Strong Economy: The Benefits of Restoring the Great Lakes Ecosystem". By John C. Austin, Soren Anderson, Paul N. Courant, Robert E. Litan, Sept 2007
 
Spending on boats and boating activities in the Great Lakes states totaled nearly $16 billion in 2003, directly supporting 107,000 jobs. With secondary effects figured in, that number grew to 244,000 jobs, with economic impacts of $19 billion in sales, $6.4 billion in personal income and, $9.2 billion in value added. Beneficiaries of this activity included manufacturers, retailers, marinas, restaurants, lodging accommodations, charter operators and other businesses largely concentrated near docking facilities.
http://www.glc.org/recboat/pdf/rec-boating-final-small.pdf

 Federal Law & Legal-Eze
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In 1977, The Clean Water Act was enacted by Congress to "restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters." For 25 years, the Clean Water Act (CWA) allowed for the granting of permits to waterways and tributaries that have degraded Indiana water quality. The status-quo grants “a great deal of discretion to the regulated community to set their own standards and to self-monitor.” So the NRC is calling for “radical changes.”  “URBAN STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IN THE UNITED STATES”, Committee on Reducing Stormwater Discharge Contributions to Water Pollution, Water Science and Technology Board, Division on Earth and Life Studies, NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES, THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES PRESS October 15, 2008 http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=12465&page=47#top

Washington, D.C. Major disagreements between the permit writers and environmentalists involve whether certain pollutants should have specific discharge limits in wastewater permits [NPDES]…NOT having such limits violates the Clean Water Act, which as a federal law overrides state law.  (NRDC Midwest, Ann Alexander) “Environmental groups say Gary Works draft permit still comes up short."

If you want to look at the text of the Clean Water Act (long but lists the sections and helps to make the program-related IDEM terms useful.)

 The official citation for the Clean Water Act is 33 U.S.C. §1251 et seq. (1972) (et seq. means "and the following"). Anti-degradation is under Section 303(d) (which starts on pg 102) and is laid out in the Code of Federal Regulations at 40 CFR § 131.12

Where Indiana is working on anti-deg rules - scroll to the bottom of that page, under title- information can be found under "Anti-degradation Notices and Comments" and click on the 1st link (#08-764 Anti-degradation 2nd Notice of Comment Period).

Coal's Contribution to Water Problems:
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Save Maumee believes that there has been a decrease in monitoring frequency of some pollutants. We believe that some monitoring has decreased from weekly to once or twice monthly.  Scrubbers create toxic wastewater and storage coal-fired ash ponds leak.  They are not solving the pollution problem,  instead it is simply moving air particulates into water sources.

Indiana is ranked 4th in the nation for carbon dioxide emissions.
See article here  

Indiana burns coal to generate 96% of its energy. –
Duke Energy President 10/8/09

Wastewater guidelines for coal-fired power plants were last revised in 1982. (Great Lakes Echo, Dec, 18, ’09) See more here

Wasted Regulations: Oversight of coal hazards is largely left to those that produce them.  Courier Press, Mark Wilson 10/24/09 

Particulate emissions from coal plants cost Hoosiers $5 billion/year in health costs. Alternative energy create 4-5 times more jobs than fossil-fuel and nuclear investments. (Citizens Action Coalition, 2009)

Image of the coal-ash facility spill in Tennessee on Dec 2008


If all states used electric energy as efficiently as the top 10 states in the nation, we could displace 62% of U.S. coal-fired output. (Amory Lovins-Rocky Mountain Institute) “Assessing the Electric Productivity Gap and the U.S., Efficiency Opportunity” by Natalie Mims, Mathias Bell, and Stephen Doig, Rocky Mountain Institute January 2009 http://ert.rmi.org/files/documents/CGU.RMI.pdf

Burning fossil fuels, primarily coal, accounts for nearly half of mercury air emissions caused by human activity in the United States, and those emissions are a significant contributor to mercury in water bodies. From 1990 through 2005, emissions of mercury into the air decreased by 58 percent. Yet, fish in 48.8 percent of the sampled lakes had mercury tissue concentrations that exceeded the 300 ppb human health screening values for mercury - a total of 36,422 lakes. Dioxins and furans were detected in 81 percent of the predator fish tissue and 99 percent of the bottom-dweller fish tissue tested.  Forty-three of the 268 target chemicals were not detected in any samples, including all nine organophosphate pesticides, such as chlorpyriphos and diazinon, one PCB congener (PCB-161), and 16 of the 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons analyzed as semivolatile organic chemicals. There were also 17 other semi-volatile organic chemicals that were not detected. (Environment News Service, Accessed 11/11/09)
Alternate Source found here:

We need a national standard to replace the patchwork of state regulations that even EPA officials say are too lax.  New regulations should require more than 600 coal-fired power plants to clean up - perhaps even eliminate wastewater discharged into lakes, rivers and other waterways. (Scientific American 12/04/09) “EPA Set to Regulate Wastewater from Coal-Fired Power Plants:” High selenium levels in power plant wastewater may pose a risk to people and wildlife, by Sarah Coefield & Environmental Health News.

US Fish & Wildlife Service “do not support using Lake Michigan to dilute the pollution instead of treating it” (11/05/08 – Post Tribune) Company officials say the emissions by the plant will not pose health risks, because they will be diluted in the river. (NY Times, Oct. 13, 2009 Toxic Waters Series) The pollutants that coal plants are scrubbing from their smokestacks are finding their way into water instead.  Cleansing the Air at the Expense of Waterways, By Charles Duhigg October 13, 2009 New York Times Toxic Water Series

People living near some power plant landfills faced a cancer risk 2,000 times higher than federal health standards. (EPA, 2007) “New York Times Realizes ‘Clean Coal’ is a lie.” First posted on NY Times October 13, 2009.

Mercury, Selenium, Arsenic…that’s what coal-fired energy produces…

Selenium and arsenic enter wastewater from scrubbers and ash ponds and other metals like mercury are also released from burning coal.  Toxins are being released from coal into the air and landing in our waters.  Environmental Health News
 

Gibson Generating Station in Indiana had to close fishing at Gibson Lake, one of the worlds largest coal-fired power plants to store wastewater.  Gibson Generating Station in Indiana, has attracted birds and fisherman to its shore for years. The lake was closed due to high selenium concentrations in the fish and were deemed unsafe to eat. (Great Lakes Echo, Dec. 2009)

Fish Contamination advisories are being issued on Indiana rivers, streams and lakes are for  PCB’s and mercury. (Fish Consumption Risk Assessment, IDEM 2006)
What is ending up in the fish? Fish Consumption Advisories? (EPA 2009)

More than 800 waterways are classified as impaired and fail to comply with water quality standards for mercury and PCB’s from industrial pollution, E. coli bacteria from animal and human waste, algae, and nutrients. (Dr. Rae Schnapp, Hoosier Environmental Council)

Indiana is the 16^th highest in the U.S. for the number of people exposed to tap water with contaminants above acceptable limits, out of 42 states studied (National Tap Water Quality Database, 2005)
http://www.nuvo.net/news/article/2009-year-review-environment
 

Lead Action Network - Information about birth defects and problems related to lead

The EPA limits certain pollutant discharges.  When a limit is not listed, it is up to the permit writer to decide whether the pollutant discharge will “cause, have a reasonable potential to cause or contribute” to exceeding state water quality standards.  A permit writer is not required to develop a case-by-case limit for each pollutant, (Enesta Jones EPA Spokesperson, Dec. ’09) “Environmental groups say Gary Works draft permit still comes up short” 

Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals
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Only 91 contaminants are regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act, yet more than 60,000 chemicals are used within the United States.
(EPA Estimates, from NY Times 12/17/09) .
But not one chemical has been added to the list of those regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act since 2000. Other recent studies have found that some chemicals regulated by that law pose risks at much smaller concentrations than previously known. However, many of the act’s standards for those chemicals have not been updated since the 1980s, and some remain essentially unchanged since the law was passed in 1974. . That Tap Water Is Legal but May Be Unhealthy By Charles Duhigg December 17, 2009

Atrazine may be dangerous at lower concentrations than previously thought. Recent studies suggest that, even at concentrations meeting current federal standards, the chemical may be associated with birth defects, low birth weights and menstrual problems. That Tap Water Is Legal but May Be Unhealthy By Charles Duhigg  December 17, 2009 New York Times Toxic Water Series

There are no federal or state standards or monitoring requirements for the vast majority of pharmaceuticals in drinking water or waste water. While the health effects of these contaminants at medical doses are relatively well-known, their ecological and public health impacts, especially their side, cumulative, and synergistic effects at lower doses are largely unknown and cannot be dismissed. Pharmaceuticals by their very nature are designed to be biologically active and scientific studies indicate that these chemicals are already harming a wide array of wildlife. “PHARMACEUTICALS IN DRINKING WATER”, Testimony of David Pringle Campaign Director, New Jersey Environmental Federation and Clean Water Action Before the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Subcommittee on Transportation Safety, Infrastructure Security and Water Quality (“Pharmaceuticals in the Nation’s Water: Assessing Potential Risks and Actions to Address the Issue” April 15, 2008  p. 2- 3).

A vast array of pharmaceuticals have been found in drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans and is showing alarming effects on human cells and wildlife – situations is undoubtedly worse than suggested. (“Drugs Found in Drinking Water”, AP Investigation, USA TODAY 9/12/08).

The federal government does not require any testing and hasn’t set safety limits for drugs in water – some providers screen only for 1-2 pharmaceuticals but may be others present. Adding chlorine makes some pharmaceuticals more toxic. “Drugs Found In U.S. Drinking Water: Experts Not Sure Of Effects Of Years Of Low Doses”, ABC-WISN March 10, 2008
 or “AP investigation: pharmaceuticals found in drinking water” 
MetroWest Daily News, 3/9/08

At least 271 million pounds of pharmaceutical-like compounds have been released into the nation's waterways over the last two decades
Environmental Law & Climate Change Center April, 09

New York Times: Toxic Waters Series:
See more


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In the past five years, companies and workplaces have violated pollution laws more than 500,000 times. But most polluters have escaped punishment. Clean Water Laws Are Neglected, at a Cost in Suffering By CHARLES DUHIGG September 13, 2009 New York Times Toxic Waters Series

Farm waste, the biggest polluter of American rivers, is largely unregulated by many of the laws designed to prevent pollution and protect drinking water. Health Ills Abound as Farm Runoff Fouls Wells By CHARLES DUHIGG September 18, 2009 New York Times Toxic Waters Series

Many sewer systems are overwhelmed, spilling excrement, medical waste and chemicals into waterways. As Sewers Fill, Waste Poisons Waterways By CHARLES DUHIGG November 23, 2009 New York Times Toxic Waters Series

More than 20 percent of water treatment systems have violated key provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Millions in U.S. Drink Dirty Water, Records Show By CHARLES DUHIGG December 8, 2009 New York Times Toxic Waters Series

 The 35-year-old federal law regulating tap water is so out of date that the water Americans drink, pose what scientists say, have serious health risks – and still be legal. The federal law regulating tap water is so out of date that the water Americans drink can pose serious health risks. That Tap Water Is Legal but May Be Unhealthy By CHARLES DUHIGG  December 17, 2009 New York Times Toxic Water Series

Hatfield’s Ferry in PA [considered the dirtiest coal-fired power plant in USA] has violated the Clean Water Act 33 times since 2006; paid less than $26,000 in fines, but earned $1.1 billion in the same time period. Indiana power plants have dumped other chemicals at dangerous concentrations, but few sanctioned ever for those emissions, nor were their discharge permits altered to prevent future pollution. Cleansing the Air at the Expense of Waterways, By CHARLES DUHIGG October 13, 2009 New York Times Toxic Water Series
 

Suggestions for Improvements
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Save Maumee’s official stance remains to uphold the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act.  The federal laws should be adopted by the State of Indiana. Enforce current laws: to improve water quality standards, to protect public health and aquatic life through regulation, enforcement and conservation.
 

Reforestation of floodplain, wetlands, shoreline habitat, preservation, planting grass in farm field buffer strips should be tried
before construction projects are launched.


The key to keeping your watershed clean is also preventing soil from moving. When soil moves, bad things happen - soil becomes dirt out of place, and nutrients that should be adding to crop yield instead wind up in streams, causing problems by encouraging plant growth where it's not wanted.
"Stopping Soil Erosion Starts in the watersheds. 12/28/09


“Protecting our natural resources is crucial to economic growth….but the practice of issuing water pollution permits that exacerbate these impairments is contrary to the Clean Water Act – and is a threat to public health and future economic development.” Dr. Rae Schnapp, Wabash Riverkeeper with the Hoosier Environmental Council.

Dirty water is responsible for an estimated 80% of diseases in developing countries. (Glamour Mag. Jan 2010 pg. 75)

Drainage water management, or controlled drainage, cuts nitrate loads flowing into surface waters throughout the tile system, especially during the fallow period. During the growing season, controlled drainage stores moisture and nutrients for the crop, offering the potential for higher yields in dry years. "Gain from a better drain". CORNANDSOYBEANDIGEST.COM (OCTOBER 2009)

67 million pounds of synthetic pesticides are used on U.S. lawns. EPA 11/26/08

USE NATIVE PLANTS not non-natives for your yard! Help shift away from materialism and conspicuous consumption.

2 stage ditch - A conservation tool that truly works - Our actions can affect an ecosystem hundreds of miles away!

Comprehensive restoration activities supported by wetlands like fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching generate over 50 billion dollars of economic activity annually and generate hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy Report 2005
It has also been reported on www.healthyLakes.org 2009
$50 billion dollars can be generated from Great Lakes restoration. This coalition consists of more than 110 zoos, aquariums, museums and hunting fishing, and environmental organizations representing millions of people whose common goal is to restore and protect our Lakes.



 

Disclaimer – If you print out a copy of anything on this site you should update a printed copy from time to time to ensure that you are using the most current version (Don’t forget to recycle old articles, or give them to someone else to read!)  Save Maumee uses every reasonable care to keep ALL information accurate.  ALL Save Maumee Activists are VOLUNTEERS.  Information is reported to you, filtered through our education, research and world views, but we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.  We want to make this information readily accessible to the public so all of us can retain the information, to make the precise decisions to benefit: human beings, flora, fauna, air, earth and of course water. We want the information to be supported, clear and to the point, easy to read and warnings heeded.

Highlighted information sources are cited are in Save Maumee printed publications in 2010.