Dear Fellow Lake Lovers,
Please
pass this plea for signatures on to those who share our concern for the Lake. By March 15th we plan
to deliver a petition to four senators
and President Obama. We need your help
now.
In these times when drinking
water everywhere is imperiled by irresponsible state management, we must
protect Lake Michigan. The problem of mercury
pollution is immense and a growing concern for the lake. It is time to stop deadly mercury from
ruining one the world’s greatest freshwater sources. Your involvement is crucial now.
The reason for urgency: As part of the world’s largest freshwater
system, the Lake is a source of drinking water, food, recreation,
transportation and employment for over 35 million people. Emissions control
will benefit wildlife, people who consume fish from the lake as well as
commercial fishing interests.
Brain-damaging neuro-toxic mercury is hazardous in any quantity; mercury accumulates and does not decompose. It poses a threat to all living things, both on the shore and in the water. Mercury enters the lake through fossil fuel production, waste incineration, and discharges of mercury in wastewater. It is a contaminant in tar sand oil and petroleum coke.
Management of mercury
emissions into the Lake cannot be left to the 4 states that border Lake
Michigan. Already Indiana is allowing BP
to discharge mercury at rates almost 7 times the amount allowed by
Environmental Protection Agency standards.
This problem requires constant, comprehensive oversight at the national
level.
Thank you for your continuing
strong support for this critical matter.
