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Online Comments

Date Sent	ID	Comments
11/12/07	315113601	Will IDEM provide a written response to the public comments it has received on the US Steel NPDES permit before or during the EPA public hearing on Dec. 11? It would be helpful for the public to review IDEM's responses to these comments before the EPA public hearing. Also, has IDEM agreed to make any changes to the draft permit in response to EPA objections and the public comments it has already received? Is so, it would be helpful for the public to know what changes IDEM proposes to make to the permit before the EPA public hearing.
11/16/07	319171029	Dear EPA Officials, As the agency in charge of protecting our environment, I implore you to hold the US Steel responsible for operating its company according to laws and to common sense. When dealing with water, we have no time for excuses, lies or deceit. Please do not allow them to use outdated wastewater standards that harm the water quality, human health and aquatic life in and around Lake Michigan. There are already so many problems with our precious fresh water source, we are constantly cleaning up past mistakes. US Steel needs to know that their permit will not allow them any passes for pollutants such as mercury. They should be accountable for making substantial reductions in free cyanide, oil, grease, and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River, and they must reduce storm water runoff to Lake Michigan that we know contains unknown quantities of pollutants. If your agency allows this company to do any of the above activities, then who can US citizens trust to protect the environment on a major scale? Please enforce the laws without hesitation. Sincerely, (name omitted)
11/17/07	320125145	I am very concerned about USS and their pollution practices into Lake Michigan. We depend on this water for survival and recreation. Please be sure that any permit issued to USS should: 1. Eliminate the 5 year pass for many pollutants, including mercury 2. Include substantial reductions in free cyanide, oil, grease, and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River 3. Reduce storm water runoff to Lake Michigan containing unknown quantities of pollution.
11/17/07	320135352	Please do not allow anyone, including US Steel to compromise the water quality of Lake Michigan. Americans are counting on the EPA to do their important job of protecting our fresh water supply. Our lives depend upon it. Fresh water is more important than oil or steel could ever be.
11/19/07	322082705	We are writing to express our concern about pollutants flowing into the Great Lakes. We hope that you will not allow the use of outdated wastewater standards; i.e. eliminate the 5 year plan. We also urge the reduction of free cyanide, oil, grease and thermal pollutants and encourage reduction of pollutants from storm runoff. As residents who live on the shore of Lake Michigan during the summer months, we have witnessed severely increasing levels of pollution. Please help to protect the Great Lakes!
11/19/07	322231641	We object to the issuing the discharge permit for US Steel as this is a step backwards in the protection of clean water.
11/28/07	331103145	To Whom It May Concern: I am an avid Lake Michigan sailor and surfer. I often surf, and occasionally sail, on the South end of the lake near the US Steel plant. While not versed in EPA regulations or acceptable effluent levels, my personal experience tells me that water quality near the US Steel plant is substantially below reasonable standards. When entering the water, there is a noticeable metallic odor. When coming out of the water, there is a noticeable oily texture on your skin, wetsuit, or shorts. You can even smell gasoline and diesel fuel on your skin after drying off. A session in the water is followed by a day or two of a stuffed up nose and a low-grade headache. I know other surfers and boaters have had similar experiences. It is clear that whatever the current levels of contaminants are in the lake, it is too much. Proposing to discharge more is ludicrous. The water and beaches along the Illinois and Indiana shoreline are some of the states' greatest assets. US Steel has used these assets as a central part of its business, allowing the company to prosper. For US Steel to continually push to dump more contaminants in the lake is appalling. It ignores the true harm being done to the lake and the people who use and enjoy it everyday, and it should not be allowed. (name omitted)
11/28/07	331140919	Dear David: Surfers, swimmers (esp. triathletes) and kayakers are regularly navigating the coastline of Lake Michigan all year long. Open Water swimming events in the lake are at an all time high, with 670 swimmers competing in Chicago's 5k swim this September. I understand that dumping is going to happen from time to time, but many of us are in the water nearly every day all summer, and we can see, smell and taste the crap that gets dumped. If there is anything the EPA can do to stop the dumping we would certainly appreciate it. Thank you and best regards. (name omitted)
11/28/07	331184914	I am opposed to allowing US Steel to continue to use outdated water quality standards for their discharge into Lake Michigan, the Grand Calumet River and Stockton Pond. I urge you to tighten the Gary Works plant’s discharge limits as a means of eliminating pollution to Lake Michigan over time, in keeping with the federal Clean Water Act. The Gary area is made up primarily of underpriviledged minorities, who have been environmentally discriminated against for many years and it is time for this trend to stop.
11/28/07	331222531	Please say NO to the draft permit I object to the draft permit issued by Indiana’s Department of Environmental Management. If finalized, the permit would allow the Gary Works facility -- the largest fully integrated steel mill in the country -- to continue to use outdated water quality standards for their discharge into Lake Michigan, the Grand Calumet River and Stockton Pond. The Alliance and other groups calling for the hearing voiced concern that, among other things, the permit grants U.S. Steel five more years to comply with federal water quality standards. This is not acceptable.
11/29/07	332112442	Please do not let this dumping occur. Our lake ecosystem is already stressed. Increased use by swimmers makes this a bad idea.
11/29/07	332122848	David, I'm a triathlete living in Milwaukee and I regularly swim in Lake Michigan during the summer. This summer the water was as beautiful as ever most days and I hope that never changes. It's already hard to convince people that swimming in the lake is safe and futher dumping (although I know it's unavoidable at times of high rain) will not help things. If we could maybe we could more tourism around water activities on Lake Michigan. If there is anything the EPA can do to stop the dumping we would certainly appreciate it. Thank you and best regards. (name omitted)
11/29/07	332155722	This a critical issue that effects everyone within the region. Tougher restrictions need to be place on the U.S Steel Gary Works. Eventually time and continual dumping straight into the lake is going to get to an point where the damage is irreversible if not so already. I would like for my children to be able to swim in the lake without fear of contracting on illness or disability. Lake Michigan is not only a valuable resource but a beauty of nature. So preservation should be the highest priority. Mahalo
11/29/07	332160005	Please reduce or eliminate dumping in Lake Michigan. My family and I swim, surf, waterski, jet ski, and drink Lake Michigan water year round. I surf regularly immediately adjacent to US Steel facilities in the Gary area from Whiting, IN to East Chicago, IN. Please add my name to any official petitions to reduce or eliminate discharge of industrial pollutants into Lake Michigan. Thank you for providing this forum.
11/29/07	332162017	Attention David Soong and Peter Swenson, I am writing to express my concern over the draft discharge permit for US steal in Gary Indiana. As you know, lake Michigan is the primary water source for drinking water and agriculture for a large number of people. It is also a major source of fishing and recreation. Pollutants such as Mercury are already a large problem and will continue to get worse if we allow large companies to continue to choose not to comply with the Clean Water Act. We need to hold U.S. Steal accountable.
11/30/07	333102031	I strongly feel we should be doing as much as we can to restore the water quality of the lake to levels that people are no longer afraid to eat the fish caught from it. Many are not only afraid to eat from the lake but are also afraid to even swim in it. I am often at the beaches of Lake Michigan with my family and three young children. Please protect us do not allow further discharge from U.S. Steel Corp. Gary Works. Sincerely, (name omitted)
11/30/07	333111018	Given all the degradation this planet has endured from our species, it would seem that the time has come to curtail the amount of pollution we produce rather than increase it. Please use your authority to prevent US Steel from adding more insult to Lake Michigan. Thank you,
11/30/07	333123051	I oppose IDEM draft discharge permit allowing US Steel Corp to pollute Lake Michigan and the rest of the Great Lakes (name omitted)
11/30/07	333160347	Water is necessary for life. We must take into account future generations in our decisions. The profits made through polluting our Great Lakes are small compared to the burden costs we will be leaving for our children in the future. Have we not seen enough of the past to realize today the problems are not ours in the future? Please consider our children's children when making your decision.
12/2/07	335152416	U.S. Steel has a responsibility to invest in current technology to limit their toxic discharges into the Great Lakes. Cumulative discharges must be taken into consideration as it effects the entire basin. It is difficult to secure federal money to clean-up the Great Lakes while companies continue to use this natural resource as a dumping ground.
12/3/07	336123620	I am asking that any permit given to U. S. Steel should require: the elimination of the 5 year pass for pollutants, especially mercury. reduction of cyanide, oil, grease, and thermal pollution into the Grand Calumet River. reduction of storm run off to Lake Michigan.
12/3/07	336123701	I am asking that any permit given to U. S. Steel should require: the elimination of the 5 year pass for pollutants, especially mercury. reduction of cyanide, oil, grease, and thermal pollution into the Grand Calumet River. reduction of storm run off to Lake Michigan.
12/3/07	336123719	I am asking that any permit given to U. S. Steel should require: the elimination of the 5 year pass for pollutants, especially mercury. reduction of cyanide, oil, grease, and thermal pollution into the Grand Calumet River. reduction of storm run off to Lake Michigan.
12/3/07	336123742	I am asking that any permit given to U. S. Steel should require: the elimination of the 5 year pass for pollutants, especially mercury. reduction of cyanide, oil, grease, and thermal pollution into the Grand Calumet River. reduction of storm run off to Lake Michigan.
12/4/07	337101155	Please stand strong and do not allow US Steel Gary Works to use outdated wastewater standards to the detriment of water quality, human health and aquatic life. 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
12/5/07	338121642	Please do not allow U.S.Steel to use outdated wastewater standards to the detriment of water quality, human health and aquatic life. 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
12/5/07	338185414	Lake Michigan supplies water, recreation, and income to thousands of citizens not only in Indiana but also in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Please ensure that the integrity of this great body of water and its ecosystem is protected; the EPA's duty in this matter is to maintain its defense of our national resources, of which Lake Michigan is of great importance. Thank you, (name omitted)
12/5/07	338185738	As someone who lives less than 2 miles from Lake Michigan, I am extremely concerned about US Steel and what it is planning to do in NW Indiana. We have been on a long hard road to improve conditions and clean up the lake. Now there is a possibility US Steel a pass to discharge higher amounts of pollutants for 5 years, and allow huge amounts of pollution bearing rain water to flow untreated into the lake. This is totally unacceptable. The flow of pollutants must be reduced, not increased. All clean up activities must continue and get better. Please do not allow US Steel to undo the work that has so painstakingly been done so far. My children and those of millions of others drink, swim and live along Lake Michigan - their health cannot be jeopardized. Thank you for your attention to this matter. (name omitted)
12/5/07	338190124	Mr. Soong, I live in Illinois, but I also own a residence and pay taxes in LaPorte County, Indiana within 100 yards of Lake Michigan. My family's drinking water, property values and quality of life are strongly tied to the health of Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes system. It is totally irresponsible given our current environmental knowledge to knowingly increase any pollutants in the lake. We have been trying to repair this system for nearly 40 years and the progress that we have made will not continue if we trade short term economic advantage for preserving and improving a natural resource that is necessary for the prosperity of future generations. There must be a no tolerance policy against any new toxic release into the lake, regardless of size. (name omitted)
12/5/07	338192818	Please do not permit U.S. Steel to pollute Lake Michigan. The EPA should be tightening pollution regulations, not loosening them. What kind of legacy do you want to leave for your grandchildren?
12/5/07	338193249	Dear Mr. Song: I am writing to you concerning U.S. Steel's plans to further pollute Lake Michigan. In your Federal role, I would very much appreciate your utmost efforts to reduce all sources of pollution entering the Great Lakes. They form a significant percentage of the available fresh water in the world, and cannot be taken lightly. U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. This seems far too open- ended. U.S. Steel’s production activities should not be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. The final water pollution discharge permit -if you choose to issue one -- must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River. The final permit should also ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, into Lake Michigan Thank you for your attention, and for your service. With best regards, (name omitted)
12/5/07	338194846	Please, we have a home in the middle of Lake Michigan(Beaver Island) that we have enjoyed for 5 generations. 7,500 migratory birds have been found dead in our area probably due to avian botulism, phragmites is invading and degrading the coastal health of our fisheries and Great Lakes, our water levels are at a record low,algae blooms due to invasive species are altering our ecosystems in ways not known to science. I have needed to put in a new well after 50 years due to unusual lake levels. And we still continue to use Lake Michigan as a sewer dump not taking into account the very people who live along the shores. When do we say enought is enough and stop killing the very thing that supports the economy and life of a region? Lake Michigan needs to be protected for more than just this generation's jobs or profits!
12/5/07	338201145	For the following obvious reasons, please consider the following: • U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. • U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. • The final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River. • The final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. (name and contact information omitted)
12/5/07	338202250	PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW U.S. STEEL TO DISCHARGE ANY TOXIC SUBSTANCES: MERCURY/ CHROMIUM/ and many other deadly chemicals into the river/ and waterways, particularly as they pertain to Lake Michigan!! We live in Whitehall, Michigan. This area is slowly remediating/ recovering from effects of Chemical businesses (Dupont/ Hooker/Oxy-Chemical/ and the Whitehall Leather Company) that polluted WHite Lake (and ultimately Lake Michigan) years ago. The long-term effects are: many people have suffered (or died) from cancer,Lupas Erythematosis, etc.
12/5/07	338202833	Re: Comments on the NPDES Permit No. 0000281, United States Steel Gray Works Facility Dear Mr. Rigney: With 95 percent of the America's fresh surface water, the Great Lakes are a natioanl and international treasure, provide drinking water, jobs and recreation to tens of millions of people. This month, the Brookings Institution found that their restoration should no longer be viewed as an expense, but an investment: every dollar spent on bringing the Grea Lakes back to health, the region is likely to see another dollar returein on ies investment. With the enclosed comments, we urge IDEM to ensure the U.S. Steel permit: Eliminates the 5-year pass proposed for serveral pollutants, including mercury. Requires substantial reductions in free cyanide, oil, grease, and thermal pollution to the grand Calument River. Reduces stormwater runoff to Lake Michigan containing unknown quantities of pollution.
12/5/07	338215606	Fellow Citizen, It seems like a poor idea to dump mercury and other hazardous pollutants into the largest freshwater system on the planet. Poisoning the most valuable source of fresh drinking water on the planet. Hmmmm. Let me think about that. What can I say. Its a really bad idea, If its that important to use water then fill up the huge gravel pit in south holland and pump the foul water in and out of there. It will make jobs and at the end of the day I dont think anyone really cares if the big hole on either side of the tollway gets filled with crud.
12/5/07	338220155	I would like to make the following comments as a concerned citizen of the Great Lakes basin and an advocate for the continued health of the Great Lakes. First and foremost, U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. Second, U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. Third, the final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River. And lastly, the final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan. Thank you for your time and consideration. I trust that the most sustainable decision will be made.
12/5/07	338223212	December 5, 2007 Mr. David Soong NPDES Programs Branch (WN-16J) US EPA Region 5 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604-3590 Re: U.S. Steel Corp. Gary Works, One N. Broadway, Gary, IN, to discharge into Lake Michigan, Grand Calumet River and Stockton Pond. Dear Mr. Soong, This letter contains the comments of Habitat Education Center (HEC) on the proposed NPDES permit for U.S. Steel Corporation’s Gary Works at One N. Broadway, Gary, IN. HEC (www.hecenter.org) is dedicated to protection, restoration and sustainable management of wildlife and wildife habitats in the Upper Midwest. HEC staff and supporters use and enjoy the waters and associated terrestrial ecosystems directly and indirectly affected by effluent discharges from the U.S. Steel Gary Works (Gary Works) at One N. Broadway, Gary, IN. HEC members and supporters have a long-term interest in the ecological restoration of the Lake Michigan ecosystem, including the areas in and around the Gary Works. Specific Comments First and foremost, it is essential that all parties acknowledge the fact that the region in and around the Gary Works and southern Lake Michigan in general are already severely stressed by a variety of human activities ranging from direct discharges of toxic substances to waterways, air and soils to residential development within the watershed of the lakes. As a result, the Grand Calumet River and several other surface water resources in NE Indiana are among the most contaminated in the nation yet high quality natural areas do persist in the region. Increasing the amount of pollution that is discharged into the Great Lakes, at one of the Areas of Concern no less, is not only short-sighted public policy it is contrary to the original purpose of the NPDES permit system. After all, NPDES does stand for National Pollution Discharge Elimination System. It is essential that all NPDES permits be written with the explicit understanding that these permits are intended to eliminate discharges, not sanction them forever. Any weakening of existing standards is unacceptable and modifications of permits must not be allowed to result in increased levels of pollutant discharges to the environment. Permit criteria and narrative standards should be developed with Areas of Concern Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) for the Lake Michigan basin in mind (for cumulative effects evaluation). All discharges into the receiving waters (including estimates of non-point contributions) must be considered when setting permit limits and that limits must also be set in anticipation of reducing discharges over time. HEC objects to the proposed NPDES discharge permit for several reasons outlined below. 1. The proposed NPDES permit does not achieve the goals or intent of the Clean Water Act. Not only do the Gary Works discharges directly impact the aquatic environment of the receiving waters, the cumulative impacts of all the point and non-point sources of pollution into these waters continues to degrade these systems. Consequently, NPDES permits for all discharges into these systems should serve to reduce contaminant loadings from current levels. Unfortunately, the proposed permit for Gary Works does not achieve this goal in any meaningful way and actually appears to run directly contrary to the spirit of the Clean Water Act. 2. HEC opposes the inclusion of any schedules for compliance with the permit requirements for these discharges. This facility is a large discharger of wastes to public waterways and has decades of experience complying with environmental regulations. Moreover, there are no unreasonable technical, data management or process problems standing in the way of achieving full compliance at the time of permit issuance. Monitoring schedules and effluent limits for temperature must be fully in place at the time the permit takes effect. The same requirements should be applied to discharges of benzo(a)pyrene, free cyanide, chronic whole effluent toxicity, copper, zinc, ammonia and mercury; these pollutants and effluent characteristics must be limited to permit levels There are no appropriate reasons for including compliance schedules in this permit since the permit requirements are readily attainable with current technologies and management practices. 3. According to U.S. EPA, “[T]he draft permit contains new effluent limitations applicable to discharges of total recoverable chromium, cadmium, copper, nickel, silver, total cyanide, total toxic organics, and hexavalent chromium through internal outfall 604.” HEC notes that many of these substances are persistent in the environment and some may bioconcentrate in aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Because most of these compounds were not covered in previous discharge permits there is no way for the public to determine if the new criteria represent increased discharges of pollutants over previous levels. In addition, because of pre-existing contamination and degradation of the receiving waters, continued discharges of these and other toxic pollutants from the Gary Works Overall, the proposed permit fails to achieve the minimum standards of the Clean Water Act and may, in fact, actually allow increased amounts of pollutants to be discharged over time from currently allowed levels. HEC urges USEPA to require a new NPDES permit be developed for the Gary Works that addresses adequately the existing situation in the receiving waters and environment and recognizes the need to accelerate the reductions in allowable pollution levels into Lake Michigan. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important permit proposal. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Sincerely, (name omitted)
12/5/07	338225253	we drink from this lake i sail, surf and swim on this lake. how can you even think of letting a company dump toxic chemicals in it!!!??!?!? this makes me sick
12/5/07	338232749	Especially in light of decreasing water levels in the Great Lakes, this is a time when pollution discharge should be curtailed altogether. Corporations around the world have been making good use of water recycling technologies -- they have found that it actually reduces their costs. Please prevent US Steel (as well as other manufacturers and municipalities in the Great Lakes basin) from allowing ANY pollution to be discharged into the Great Lakes system. Thank you for considering this.
12/5/07	339003453	The Counties, municipalities and citizens along our precious Lake Michigan have worked hard to ensure the safety and health of this valuable resource. I urge you not to grant a five-year pass to U.S. Steel to jeopardize the safety of this resource so many depend on for water and food. • U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. • U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. • The final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River. • The final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan. We need to ensure the enforcement of existing regulations to assure the health of our Great Lakes on which so many of our citizens depend. (name omitted)
12/6/07	339085422	Dear Mr. Soong, It is unconscienable at this point in time, to run a business of any kind, without sensitivity and an acute awareness of the environmental impacts. The world now, and ever, has been everyone's home to care for. Boards with governance and power need to keep that thought forever present and visible in their decisions. These issues must FIRST consider impacts on the environment and ultimate health of living organisms, which in the end, translate into the greatest cost to all. (name omitted)
12/6/07	339085535	Please note I am a resident of Michigan and use the Great Lakes as my main source of recreational enjoyment. We have started to clean up the lakes and please do not allow U.S. Steel to continue, expand or pollute the very resource that makes the surrounding states so desireable to live in. Fresh clean water is so important to our national well being. I appreciate action to not allow U.S. steel to proceed polluting.
12/6/07	339091211	U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. The final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River. The final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan.
12/6/07	339094640	Mr. Soong, I am sending you this brief mesage today to strongly encourage you to reject the Indiana Department of Environmental Management's draft discharge permit for U.S. Steel Corp. I am not only asking you this as a biologist and someone who has a vested interest in protection of the environment, but I am also asking you as a citizen to protect this vital resource that is the life blood of this entire region. Many of the Great Lakes states have recognized the importance of this resource and have entered a collaborative effort to protect it for future generations. The Tragedy of the Commons tells us that unrestricted access to a finite public resource dooms it to overexploitation and degradation. It is up to you to restrict the access to those that wish to degrade this resource and it is up to all of us to work together to conserve and protect it from overexploition. So please, take that necessary first step and reject U.S. Steel's draft discharge permit. Thank you for your ti me. Sincerly, (name omitted)
12/6/07	339101811	Dear Mr. Soong, I have lived near Lake Michigan for most of my life. I grew up in Muskegon, Michigan, lived for seven years in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, and for the last 14 years have lived in Holland, Michigan. Lake Michigan is an irreplaceable resource-- more than that, a thing of beauty and awe. It is also, as you must know, under asault, from invasive species to toxic pollution. It must be protected, and the EPA has a crucial role to play. To be precise, with respect to the U.S. Steel Gary Works plant: U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- that are detrimental to the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress toward environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. The final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River, and must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, (name and contact information omitted)
12/6/07	339105920	I object to the granting of the US Steel the right to discharge ANY pollution into Lake Michigan, much less an increased amount under suspicious circumstances. The USA has to get this issue in hand before it's too late.
12/6/07	339114353	I support the EPA's objections to the permit for U.S. Steel and hope that by working with the Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management and the company, pollution from the steel plant can minimized--especially discharges to Lake Michigan.
12/6/07	339115419	Stop all industries from poisoning our air land and water. Use the most stringent standards available to stop all pollution going into our drinking water. Northwest Indiana has high cancer, asthma and mental disorder statistics because of the lax rules in effect for so long here. There are carcinogenic toxins being released by US Steel that aren't even being regulated under this proposed permit. This is inexcusable. We are watching and will not accept anything but elimination of all pollutants to our waters!
12/6/07	339115802	Please be viligant in protecting our air and water! Big money still talks way too loud! It's time to restore justice to the people and not allow industry to shirk it's duty just because of cost. I'd say the cost of cancer, asthma, emphysema, parkinson's, alzheimers, etc. is cost enough!! STOP POLLUTING WHEN THERE'S TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE TO CURTAIL OR END POLLUTION! WHERE THERE'S NO TECHNOLOGY, THE “COST” SHOULD BE SPENT ON CREATING AND DEVELOPING SAME! INSTEAD OF THE TAX CREDITS THAT ENABLE THEM TO MAKE BILLIONS, RESTRICT THE CREDIT USE ONLY FOR POLLUTION CONTROLS AND DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGY. THANK YOU. (name omitted)
12/6/07	339132944	Stop the dumping. Save the Great Lakes.
12/6/07	339133323	U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. The final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River. The final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan.
12/6/07	339142830	I have enjoyed Lake Michigan my whole life. It is critical we do all we can to protect the quality of Lake Michigan. I am VERY concerned about U.S. Steel in Gary, Indiana, and their recent request for discharge rights. U.S. Steel SHOULD NOT be given a 5-year pass on discharge of pollutants. U.S. Steel's production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along he Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. The final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River. The final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, toLake Michigan. Thank you for your attention, (name and contact information omitted)
12/6/07	339145814	I am writing regarding the pollution discharge permit for U.S. Steel Corp.’s Gary Works plant. I am opposed to this proposed permit to allow for more pollution into Lake Michigan (which supplies my drinking water and in which I, and my whole family including 3 year old daughter swim). By giving U.S. Steel a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- we will damage water quality and hurt the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. Please do not le U.S. Steel’s production activities impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. I am asking that the final water pollution discharge permit require substantial REDUCTIONS in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River. It must also ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan. Thank you, (name omitted)
12/6/07	339150050	I am opposed to the permit given to US Steel to increase pollution into Lake Michigan. I am writing to ask the US EPA and Indiana DNR to enforce the laws we have on the books and require this plant to REDUCE pollution. This will protect far more jobs (which is the reason sited for the increase) -- then what is proposed by US Steel. Without viable water supply and a healthy coastline IN and IL will be harmed.
12/6/07	339151216	NO PERMIT should be issued. It is time to draw the line on the polution of our natural resources and drinking water. The Oil companies have been recording record profits. They can afford to implement whatever measures are necessary to reach 0 increase in polution.
12/6/07	339152229	U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. The final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River. The final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan.
12/6/07	339154735	For the past three decades the Clean Water Act has been in place to ensure that we have safe, clean water for generations to come. Its intent is to reduce and eventually eliminate pollution that enters those valuable water systems. Today one of the most important water resources we have in this country, Lake Michigan within our Great Lakes, is faced with the threat of more pollution from the U.S. Steel Gary Works Discharge Permit. My objections to this permit are as follows: 1. U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. 2. U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. 3. The final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River. 4. The final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan is more than a source of beauty and recreation to the people that live on its shores. And while it is a source of great economic wealth to us, it is also the source of our drinking water-a very basic human need. Please protect Lake Michigan and Great Lakes water as a whole by ensuring that the final permit issued to U.S. Steel Gary Works is one that reduces pollution, not increases it.
12/6/07	339155446	I can't believe I'm reading this. It just goes to show you that big business only cares about the money. Have they even considered the reprocussions involved with dumping even more toxins into the largest fresh water supply in the world. Hello we need this water to survive and so does nature. Don't forget that as humans we can't survive without fresh water. We are destroying this planet and it is nobodys fault but ours.What ticks me off is that it would seem that the larger part of our population doesn't care who or what we take down with us. As a race we are selfish. The human race is a design gone wrong and eventually (our kids and theres) will suffer the wrath of what we have created. Wwe have to STOP killing our planet NOW. These steel companies have no right to Pollute our waters.
12/6/07	339160240	Please have U.S. Steel implement the most stringent standards to prevent any further polluting of Lake Michigan. We need everyone to stop polluting the Great Lakes!
12/6/07	339161717	Concerning the draft water pollution discharge permit for U.S. Steel Corp.’s Gary Works plant - this is an overall BAD IDEAS! The U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. In addition, the U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. If there is a final water pollution discharge permit issued, it must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River. This final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan.
12/6/07	339170904	Just say NO. Yes, there may be a transition period for Business to change their ways.
12/6/07	339235850	As residents and responsible citizens of our Great Lakes communities we must be stewards of protection for our great resource. The difference between allowing USS, BP et.al. to increase discharge of polutants or not has ramifications for all and for several genertions to come. Preventing additional discharge, even while increasing production doesn't break laws of physics; the technology is available within these companies.It's a question of deploying that technology vs. a willingness to spend the money to do so. The health of our citizens is directly affected by the health of our resources. It's time for the governments of the people to stand up with courage and assure USS and others never again have the license to assure that health in perpetuity. Thanks you; (name omitted)
12/7/07	340025107	NO PERMIT for US Steel to increase pollution at their plant in INDIANA. Lake Michigan is a resource shared by millions for drinking water, etc., and there should be NO increase in pollution allowed. There should be investment in technology to prevent pollution, with tax incentives for corporations if needed.
12/7/07	340091433	NO PERMIT for US Steel to increase pollution at their plant in INDIANA!
12/7/07	340095217	NO PERMIT for US Steel to increase pollution at their plant in INDIANA
12/7/07	340111732	NO PERMIT for US Steel to increase pollution at their plant in INDIANA!!
12/7/07	340113547	I was born and raised in Michigan. My family still lives there while I reside in Chicago. We are fortunate to have the Great Lakes. I still find it amazing that Lake Michigan is so big, that I can not see across it. “Large bodies of Fresh Water!” Not many places can boast that. We have to do everything we can to keep them clean “NOW” not 5 years from now when it will be too late. The Great Lakes already struggle with foreign organisms, pollution, low water levels and bottom line every day human neglect! Humans really do not get that it IS OUR PROBLEM! They do not believe that one person can make a difference. One person can because that one person shares with another whom encourages another and another and so forth. What will be the impact if we do not allow these companies to dump in Lake Michigan (calumet river)? Will they go overseas to do business? Will they go to another state that can be bought off like Indiana? Who agrees to the “buy out”? Makes me wonder if Michigan has done the same.
12/7/07	340115305	Time for granting exceptions for Big Business to pollute our water and air is now. Action must be taken to stop it. U.S. Steel cannot be allowed to impede the region's progress and investments toward environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. The final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution to Lake Michigan.
12/7/07	340121125	Hi, As a citizen of Chicago, I care a great deal about the health and safety of Lake Michigan. Ona a national level, it is important to remember that this great lake is one of the largest sources of fresh water for our country. That being said, I think it would be foolish to allow any sort of toxins or waste to knowingly be “eliminated” into this lake. Also consider the greater ecosystem, the wildlife and local communities dependent on the lake. We, as humans have to take responsibility for our actions, and think of those who cannot speak for themselves. Here are the important points to consider: -U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. -U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. -The final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River . -The final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan . Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing the positive news and change that will be made. (name omitted)
12/7/07	340124435	U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. The final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River. The final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan.
12/7/07	340130238	As a life-long resident of Lake Michigan, I have seen the degradation of this vital fresh water resource moving at rapid pace over the last 15 years or so. We are life-long residents of the Chicago area, and Washington Island, WI where our fishing industry has been devastated and our ferry in peril of being unable to navigate across to the mainland. In addition we have a terrible problem with cladaphoria (phosphorus from fertilizers and dish washer detergent, but how about phosphates from the manufacturing of and drinking of soda pop which contain phosphates and are not eliminated with sewage filtration)and phragmities which are devastating our lake shore. We need to take immediate action to reverse damage to the Great Lakes, allowing absolutely no additional harmful discharges.
12/7/07	340130232	NO PERMIT
12/7/07	340175811	I was wondering where the information about what you are going to be talking about is. I know you said its about resolving objections, but what objections are there?
12/7/07	341001128	Dear EPA, * U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. * U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. * The final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River . * The final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan . For Great Lakes restoration to succeed, everyone's help is needed to ensure the enforcement of existing regulations in addition to advocating for improvements that further Great Lakes health. Sincerely, (name omitted)
12/8/07	341102333	In the years to come, fresh water will be recognized as the most valuable resource we have. Please have the foresight to protect Lake Michigan - our irreplaceable national treasure - by requiring US Steel and (and other area industries whose permits will be reviewed in the future) to implement the most stringent standards to reduce pollutants discharged into the lake. We - and future generations - are depending on YOU!
12/8/07	341103636	U.S. Steel SHOULD NOT be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. The final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River . The final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan .
12/8/07	341111522	We live next to 20% of all the fresh water in the world. Allowing the pollution of Lake Michigan is fatally short-sighted.
12/8/07	341162836	U S STEEL SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED ANY MORE TIME TO LIMIT HARMFUL DISCHARGES INTO LAKE MICHIGAN.I AM A U S STEEL RETIREE AND HAVE A SUMMER HOME IN MICHIGAN ON LAKE MICHIGAN.I HEARD THRU THE 1960s and 70s of the “Deep Hole” AT GARY WORKS--the repository for all kinds of bad stuff--USS has had years to address this problem and they should not be allowed to continuously ignore the health of our lakes .USS will resolve the issue if forsed to do so!
12/8/07	341195628	Please keep our water safe and clean for us and future generations.
12/9/07	342014214	Please hold the U.S Steel Corp., Gary Works to the stringent of environmental standards. I and my family live here, swim here, and would like to continue to do so for some time. Thank you for your consideration.
12/9/07	342055632	Please do everything possible to help protect Lake Michigan and pass the most stringent discharge rules you can compose. In the long run, such action will help the economy and publis health as well as the environment.
12/9/07	342093551	It is inconceivable, given what we know today of the consequences of mercury and lead poisoning to our health and the health of our children, that the govenernment would allow polluters like US Steel to continue to dump pollutants into Lake Michigan, one of our most precious life-supporting resources. Please do everything possible to reduce and eliminate this risk to our lives.
12/9/07	342105301	Having read the most recent article in the Chgo Tribune about Lake Michigan polluters, I strongly urge you to stop US Gary Steel Work, and BP from dumping mercury, lead and other pollutants into Lake Michigan, or anywhere else. I can't believe the State of Indiana is so short sighted when it comes to harming our very survival. Even if these companies are meeting EPA guidelines I would recommend that it is time to review the guidelines and realize that we must stop destroying our environment. They need to find another way, and I'm sure that way exists.
12/9/07	342113859	Again short sighted greed with long term consequences. Why is it that BP and US steel are expempt from limits imposed? How is this allowed to continue? Please explain how it is possible to locate the source of the pollution but not address steps to a solution? This list goes on and on. This disgusts me.
12/9/07	342114632	We all depend on and love the Great Lakes and it is criminal to allow present discharges of pollutants such as mercury, amonia and cyanide to continue. We swim in the lake all summer and want it improved not worsened. Hoping for a responsible decision to reduce discharges, (name omitted)
12/9/07	342125458	Mr. Soong, Please ensure that the future of the Great Lakes and its ecosystems are a priority when making a determination on the U.S. Steel Gary Works discharge permit. I believe pollution standards should be more stringent with a goal of reducing the amount of pollutants over time. U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. The final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River. The final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. (name omitted)
12/9/07	342193843	It is unbelievable when all evidence points to the fact that LESS pollution is advantageous to EVERY LIFE FORM that REAL consideration would be given to permitting Gary Works to continue dumping poisonous waste at its CURRENT RATE much less ANY increase in polluting the drinking water source for MILLIONS of people. Let us move FORWARD to INCREASE the safety of our water. DO NOT turn the clock back on the environmental progress made in NW Indiana in recent decades. Push FORWARD to ever MORE stringent requirements to ensure a safe water supply for our children and the generations to come!
12/9/07	342204208	According to Greg Burns article, “Getting lead out is a dirty job,” “One recent report attributes a drop in violent crime to the curbing of impulsive behavior associated with lead poisoning. But the drop in lead levels also coincides with new research showing that even a small amount in a child's bloodstream can underemine the ability to think, concentrate, and behave. No question, a lot of lead is bad. But a little is no good either.” According to Dr. Helen Binns, a lead expert and professor at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, “THERE IS NO SAFE LEVEL OF LEAD” The news media is full of the outrage of the public about lead in children's toys from China. Why blame China when U.S.Steel. British Petroleum, and Mittal are dumping lead, mercury, and other pollutants into one of the largest and rare fresh body's of drinking water. Fresh water is scarce and needs to be protected. Human beings can survive longer without food than without water. It is vital to our survival and MUST BE PROTECTED!
12/9/07	342205151	US Steel's draft water permit needs to be toughened. The final water permit should not include extentions for the company to fully meet the existing allowances for lead and mercury discharges into Lake Michigan. With 3 large pollutors bordering Lake Michigan in Lake County, IN, anything less is putting the long term health of the Lake and the people who rely on it in jeapardy.
12/10/07	343092937	I am an environmentally-conscience and highly concerned citizen in Chicago. Any type of manmade pollution entering Lake Michigan, or any major freshwater lake, is a very serious problem that must be limited at the very least. Amounts of waste should never be allowed to increase; the future consequences will be an irreversible disaster of a “dead” lake that no fish could survive in. More importantly, this lake is our only source of drinking water and recreation. As employees representing the EPA, your #1 priority should always be to extensively limit most serious pollution; you should never allow the polluters or state regulators to ease their pollution restrictions for even a day! In the future, the U.S. and rest of the world will eventually become a toxic, uninhabitable sewer. With gradual over-population and over-development, this is inevitable. The EPA must always do everything possible to curtail our future demise. You must start doing the right actions, by greatly restricting Gary Works toxic output, and then turning your attention to Mittal Steel, BP in Whiting, and all the other major polluters in the U.S. Clean drinking water and fresh air to breath should never be taken for granted under any circumstances. Your responsibility is to always protect our precious natural resources, now and for future generations. By allowing greedy industries to get away with “pollution murder” the demise of our fragile environments will slowly continue. The time is right NOW, to get tough with all polluting industries! (name omitted) - Environmentally-conscience citizen of Chicago
12/10/07	343094325	I have lived 2 blocks from Chicago's lakefront for 25 years. Five years ago I was diagnosed with asthma at the age of 62. Pollution from steel mils like US Steel and from plants like BP's have caused thousands of cases of asthma like mine. Chicago has one of the highest rates in the nation of child and adult adult asthma. Surely this should be reason enough not to approve these water permits. Lake Michigan is also the drinking water supply for millions of people in many states. Please do not allow these powerful companies to get away with polluting the water of our children and grandchildren. Mercury is one of the longest lived metals. Thank you.
12/10/07	343094303	Mr. Soong and Mr. Swenson, Please do what you are charged to do and protect Lake Michigan from pollution to the full extent of the law. Environmental standards are often arguably too lax as it is. Please don't let companies put more pollution than these standards allow into a lake that is a resource for so many people. I drive frequently from Chicago to Michigan and am also dismayed by the discharges into the air as we pass through Indiana - like an industrial nightmare. I reject the notion that industrial pollution does not affect drinking water, recreation or aquatic life. Of course it does!
12/10/07	343095201	Please stop polluting the water. There is never a valid reason to dump in our lake. It is not owned by you or anyone else. It should be here for the future and not polluted for our children. What are you thinking?
12/10/07	343105523	In reference to Iniana permit number IN0000281 for U.S.Steel, I am a Kenosha County Board Supervisor from Wisconsin. My district borders Lake Michigan to the East. I am concerned about the increased level of toxins that U.S. Steel wants to dump into the Lake. This is just 60 miles from our source of drinking water for the county. I am also concerned about the effluence of water that pours back into the lake that is too warm. This can have a severe effect on fish populations. This has detramental effects on our fishing and toursim economy. Please deny this permit request and make sure company is in compliance with exceptable levels in all areas. I speak for the 6123 people that live in my district Respectfully (name omitted) ( Land Use and Legislative committees)
12/10/07	None	Hi, My name is (name omitted) and have been surfing for over 19 plus years and have lived over in north Racine for the past 2 years and currently surf Lake Michigan all year round. I also do a surf report for our area and our surf season witch is all year long until the lake freezes, it can be found at www.surfdalake.com click on the links and check it out its called the NO SALT SURFCAST and is one of the first ever real surf report on this side of the lake with a lot of people checking it out because a lot of us do not live right by the water like I do. The reason I am writing this to you is because I have surfed all up and down this side of the lake and I have surfed Gary Indiana witch is a very fine beach break and picks up a lot of waves from the north because its at the bottom of the lake, I recently meet my Wife now back in Southern California that is where I am from originally and that is where I learned to surf. When I came to the Great Lakes I was really happy to surf clean blue water where back in So Cal with all the surfing I did through the years I got infections that had to be lanced off and ear infections that did not go away very easily. I currently love surfing fresh water and especially Lake Michigan and would not want to see a repeat of a Huntington Beach, I am begging you please do not do this to our awesome lake, there are more surfers and water enthusiast then you think. Sincerely, (name omitted and photos removed)
12/10/07	343124259	U.S. Steel Gary Works is one of the biggest polluters of Lake Michigan. Each day the Clean Water Act is violated as they dump mercury and lead into the water that flows into Lake Michigan. The EPA must demand that this potential health risks stop and not allow U.S. Steel to increase the amount of pollution that is discharged into the water. The water belongs to all of us and one Corporation has no right to pollute and destroy this water supply.
12/10/07	343131854	To whom it may concern: I oppose granting a permit to US Steel so they may be allowed to contaminate one of the Midwest's greatest natural resources. It is awful that in the 21st century we are still considering allowing corporations the ability to mass pollute and contaminate our natural resources. Without these natural resources we would not be able to live. I agree with the Alliance for the Great Lakes position that: * U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants -- including mercury, ammonia and cyanide -- that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. * U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. * The final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River. * The final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan. Sincerely,
12/10/07	343135354	Please keep our waters clean as our children,family and friends use Lake Michigan as our own. Lake Michigan is our life...Thanks for your time! (name omitted)
12/10/07	343135849	Please help to disallow US Steel to dump more toxic waste into Lake Michigan. Many of us in Chicago and our families visit this area and enjoy the recreational activities the lake provides us. Thank You
12/10/07	343140319	Reversing progress on pollution entering the lakes with the proposed project is beyond foolhardy, it's absurd. For this company, and the state, to think that it makes economic sense, for a measley 80 jobs, is irrational and flies in the face of water quality improvements made in previous years. I applaud the EPA for protecting the people who depend on and use this precious natural resource.
12/10/07	343140442	As a resident of Chicago and a frequent user of the Great Lakes and their various tributaries, I strongly oppose increased contamination of the region's water. All companies should be encouraged, and required if necessary, to implement available “Green” technologies. At this point in time, we should be working to make industry and our environment cleaner, not making the problem worse. Yours Truly, -(name and contact information omitted)
12/10/07	343140544	Approving the US Steel permit to dump toxic waste into any water sytem, be it a pond or the Great Lakes, would be very irresponsible in both a social and environmental context. The Great lakes is already suffering from declining water levels and invasive species. To knowingly increase the level of contamination in the lakes for the sake of short term profiteering is disgraceful and criminal. Please protect our natural resources.
12/10/07	343140929	I live in Lake Michigan north of Chicago, and I have a small cottage a block from the lake in Union Pier, Michigan, about a half-hour from the US Steel plant. Someone I recently read said it best: Lake Michigan is our Grand Canyon. Why should sooner allow any polluter to dump more waste into the lake than we would a company over the rim of the Grand Canyon? That such dumping is even going on now is sad. That we would allow it to be increased is shameful.
12/10/07	343141232	After years of fighting for cleaner Great Lakes water and the surrounding environment, US Steel is again wanting to dump more pollution into Lake Michigan. Not only does this harm the environment but also directly impacts the people who use Lake Michigan for recreation and the recreation dollars brought into MI, IN, IL and WI. As with the BP debachle earlier this year, the EPA needs to step it up and prevent this extra pollution from occurring. There must be other options out there for disposing US Steel's sludge. Stop using the Great Lakes for dumping industrial waste. Wake up before it's too late and the lakes are ruin it forever.
12/10/07	343142607	I really do not think they should be allowed to dump any more pollutants into the river or Lake Michigan. The state of Indiana should not be allowed to make pollution decisions that effect the entire region. Please do not allow them to issue an additional discharge permit to US Steel. If anything, they should be required to update their plant in order to reduce toxic effluent to lower levels, and if they wish to expand production still be required to hit these targets. As the owner of a business that is completely dependent upon clean water, I urge you to make the pollution regulation and restrictions ever tighter until polluted waters are a thing of the past. Thank you, cheers, (name omitted)
12/10/07	343143017	Please don't make this decision to allow US Steel to dump waste to only save/create jobs. We can not sacrifice the midwes't greatest natural resource (Lake Michigan) for short term benefits.
12/10/07	343144026	I am a resident of Porter County and have frequented nearly all of the beaches along the lake in Northwest Indiana over the past 30 years. Currently my husband and my stepson surf Lake Michigan and they do so at any location between Whiting and St. Joe in Michigan. Outside of aiding and abetting the insidious greed of a major corporation, I cannot comprehend why IDEM would even consider allowing pollutants to be emitted into a lake that we use as a source for drinking water, swim and surf in and catch and eat fish from. My grandchildren deserve to enjoy this natural resource just as my generation and the generation before. The Big Lake has been abused enough over the years. Please, do not allow U.S. Steel to empty any more pollutants into her.
12/10/07	343144139	Mr. Soong, I was raised in Madison, WI. My family frequently visited Chicago to see Lake Michigan, the Shedd Aquarium and the wonderful museums. My mother was born in the UP and I've been swimming in Superior as long as I can remember. The Great Lakes were a huge part of my upbringing and I know I'm not the only. My father is from Gary, IN. His father put more than 30 years in for US Steel and I can guarantee he'd side against them on this one. The Great Lakes are one of our greatest National Treasures. Please tell US Steel to go fuck themselves. Water is quickly becoming one of our most precious natural resources and dumping of any kind in the Great Lakes is extremely short sighted. Sincerely, (name omitted)
12/10/07	343144224	I would like to strongly oppose U.S.Steel's latest ploy to have residents of the Lake Michigan watershed live with the negative externalities they impose on the ecosystem. They are an antiquated industry that is not even competitive in today's market. Furthermore, Indiana legislators have long been negligent in regulating their biggest polluters- often giving them “special permits”. Indian politics must be brought to bear in this regard.
12/10/07	343144337	Attn: David Soong and Peter Swenson, Sirs, I am writing to express my strong objection to the proposed permit by Indiana's Department of Environmental Management allowing dumping into the Calumet River and Lake Michigan by U.S. Steel Corp at its Gary plant. Not only do I get my drinking water from Lake Michigan and enjoy the recreational activities offered by the lake, but I also earn my living from the lake. I work in the recreational sailing industry, and having a clean, healthy lake is vital to the interests of Great Lakes boating. Therefore I cannot stress enough the need to reduce pollutants discharged into the lake and its surrounding waters, and for all companies within the Great Lakes watershed to comply with or exceed the standards of the Clean Water Act. Thank you, (name and contact information omitted)
12/10/07	343153046	I can't make the hearing so I'll just say that I strongly object to the plans of U.S. Steel to add any more pollutants to a lake that is already been dumped in enough. I use the lake through out the year and know both intellectually and tangibly what an an amazing resource it is. Just because it's part of the largest fresh water system on the planet doesn't mean we get to screw it up.
12/10/07	343153041	I grew up in the Calumet Region. I lived there from 1952 to 1974. I did not like all of the air and water pollution. In 1974 when I graduated from Notre Dame Law School, I made the decision not to return to my home to practice law because of these pollution problems. Instead, I moved to Elkhart, IN where I enjoy living on the St. Joseph River. As a former Executive Director of Michiana Sierrra Club and as a frequent fisherman on Lake Michigan, I believe the EPA needs to enforce stringent pollution standards on BP Petroleum, US Steel Gary Works and any other polluters of the lake. It appeaars the EPA needs to do this because the State of Indiana is trying to relax these standards. Lake Michigan is the area's greatest natural resource, as well as a significant source of drinking water. The EPA needs to protect it.
12/10/07	343153843	The water that the steel mills pollute cannot be isolated to their putrified portion of the lake. The pollution effects the whole of Lake Michigan and the entire Great Lakes Basin. Polluters in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, New York, Minnesota and Canada are held acountable for thier actions and have had to update and change thier operations to deal with more stringent laws. I find it absurd that the state with the smallest amount of shoreline is responsible for a major portion of the pollution that occurs within Lake Michigan. It is bad enough that our air quality, in Southwest Michigan, is diminshed by the steel mills so much so that the Federal Government was in the process of requiring vehicle emission testing to stem the rise of emissions in our area. What the government did not take into account, however, was that none of the pollution was coming from within this region, it was all blowing northwest from Gary, Indiana. The same principle applies to fouling the water s of Lake Michigan. To think that the steel industry should not responsible for their actions is insulting and unfair. Please keep these lakes as pure as can be, for it may be a last resort for fresh water in the future. These Lakes represent 20 percent of all the non-icebound fresh water on the planet, don't let that go to waste. and
12/10/07	343164903	As a future physician in the area I request that the EPA do its best to help prevent the terrible illnesses resulting from heavy metal (mercury) ingestion. Please keep in mind that it could be your child or loved one who is affected.
12/10/07	343170111	We are in a crucial moment in time when we can save the Great Lakes. U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants — including mercury, ammonia and cyanide — that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes. U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline. It used to be possible for people to go swimming in the Calument River and use it for recreation and enjoyment. It is sad that rivers are now seen as dumping grounds for industrial pollutants. The final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River. The final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan.
12/10/07	343172053	Hey your company needs to stop with their plans to dump in Lake Michigan I”m a surfer of lake erie and when i heard what was going on i was shocked this is an outrage I will do whatever it takes to stop you I will try to get the surfrider foundation involved cause this should not be happening in this day in age you out to be ashamed of yourselves think about your loved ones who might not be able to enjoy the lakes one day cause of your actions.
12/10/07	343174052	IT IS OUTRAGIOUS THAT IN 2007 WITH ALL THAT IS NOW KNOWN ABOUT LEAD AND MERCURY, IN REGARD TO HEALTH, THAT LAKE MICHIGAN,S WATERS ARE ALLOWED TO BE POLLUTED BY THESE CHEMICALS!!
12/10/07	343175640	This is a comment on the proposed new water permit for U.S. Steel's Gary Works. I cannot make the public meeting so would appreciate this being taken as my statement: I forcefully disagree with allowing U.S. Steel more mercury, heavy metal and other liquid or gaseous or solid pollutants deposits in Lake Michigan and its environs. U.S. Steel is not above the law and U.S. citizens in adjoining states are suffering from their unrestrained infliction of pollutants on our beautiful lake. I call on the EPA to require U.S. Steel to comply with the federal guidelines for these emissions/dumpings within two years. Thank you.
12/10/07	343191334	The propsed five year extension of the water pollution discharge permit issued to U.S. STEELS Gary works plant should not be considered as it will in no way help to make them a more viable player in the world market or in any way help the bottom line. The only result of this action will be the continued poisoning of the current generation and the poisoning and financial burden due to the eventual clean up costs of future generations. Let us strive to be responsible and patriotic in our activities here at home as well as abroad.exposing our own citizenry to our toxic heritage in no way helps to strengthen our country or its people. we are just borrowing this world from our children.
12/10/07	343192101	The lakes are a living, breathing treasure to all of us that live near them. Please, we need to go go in a different direction where conservation is concerned. We have to think about long term effects and what dumping will do to the animals and the drinking water that we depend on. No water, no people. Thank you for reading.
12/10/07	343194416	As a lake surfer this issue affects me directly. As a student at UWM studying environmental geography I have studied all of what pollution can do to not only the direct area but what can happen to surrounding areas all over. I cannot stress enough the importance of protecting our precious natural resource. It would be extremely unjust for this one company to be allowed to pollute the lake that everyone uses. In this day and age, we actually understand the outcomes of the pollution and the scales of the damage that will happen when dumped into the lake. There is no excuse to allow it. Allowing this pollution to happen with what we know it does would be completely irresponsible and unacceptable. Please contact me if there is anything I can to do help. Thanks, (name and contact information omitted)
12/10/07	343194854	Ladies and Gentlemen, Please go to googleearth.com or www.terraserver.com type in One N. Broadway Gary, Indiana. You will see lagoons discharging into waters of the state, along with many other areas. In the draft permit it tells of limitations for water discharge. There is NO sediment or soil testing, or no test wells to show the levels of pollution surrounding this facility from the continuous discharging of all the chemicals listed in the permit, and not in the permit that the facility uses or possibly discharges. How much build up have these chemicals caused? Have these chemicals reached the groundwater? Have ALL outfalls into Lake Michigan been tested for each chemical in the sediment(the entire shoreline)? Why is the company warned ahead of time before inspections? Why has this facility NOT been shut down? Respectfully submitted, (name and contact information omitted)
12/10/07	343202935	Without launching into a lengthy letter explaining all the hows, whys, and reasons (which should be obvious to the simplest of minds), I would like to register my opposition to increased (or even sustained) dumping of toxic and illegal materials into Lake Michigan by the Indiana Steel Corporations. I would urge the EPA to take a strong stance against any further degredation of the waters of Lake Michigan which are used by so many as a source of food and drink. It is a wonder, that in this knowledge-filled and data-drenched culture that there is any question as to which way decisions must go when it comes to protecting a resource that is not only vital to life, but is in increasing short supply globally. EPA, please take a strong stance to protect one of the world's largest usable fresh water bodies.
12/10/07	343203746	Please do not allow the Indiana Department of Environmental Management's draft discharge permit for U.S. Steel Corp. U.S. Steel should not dump any more toxins into Lake Michigan; a vital resource that is not divided along state lines. Many communities along Lake Micigan's shores, like my home Kenosha, WI, depend on the economic impact a clean, beautiful lake provides. It is not in anyone's long-term benefit to further pollute this great lake.
12/10/07	343205543	please do not let them discharge more toxins into our great lakes water supply.as a lifelong 33 year water professional working for the erie,pa. water works,and a surfer/windsurfer/kitesurfer MAKE THEM SPEND THE MONEY TO TREAT THEIR EFFULENT till its cleaner than the water they take in.the treatment technology is avaiable make them use it.we need to raise the bar for our grandkids and the future generations.
12/10/07	343210923	Please stop any dumping in Lake Michigan. Please explore alternative methods of disposing of waste. I have grown up in Michigan and dream of some day returning to enjoy fresh water surf! More importantly, the Great Lakes are the greatest most vast of global source of fresh water--we can't afford to contaminate this precious resource! I am having surgery tomorrow so I cannot be present at any meetings or hearings, but please consider this issue means enough that I would take time to plead with you to avoid dumping, although I am quite nervous about surgery tomorrow. Thanks for your earnest consideration.
12/10/07	343212933	Please do not allow this company to dump more toxic waste into Lake Michigan. They should be fined for not complying to limits already in place not rewarded.
12/10/07	343215055	As someone who sometimes vacations near Lake Michigan and swims triathlons in Lake Michigan, the cleaner you require the lake to be, the better. Exceptions should not be made for big business. Given the water crises'that are effecting other areas of the nation, we should be doing our best to keep Lake Michigan clean! I also have 2 boys that I would like to be able to play in the lake, safely.
12/10/07	343222330	I belong to an environmental group at Northeastern Illinois University. It is a travasty that US Steel and BP are allowed to pollute Lake Michigan in 2007.They will pollute as long as they can get away with it. Give them 4 years to stop polluting the lake. After that if they still pollute, fine them 25,000 a day. After one week tell them to sent the fine to an Ind. hospital. After the 2nd. wk. they should send the check to a Ill. hospital. The 3rd. week another Ind. hospital and so on. See how long it will take until they find a way to stop polluting. I would say 6 months and they would stop polluting the lake. If thats chump change make it 100,000 or 1,000,000 a day. They have to stop polluting our drinking water.
12/10/07	343232302	Please do NOT allow this! I am a Great Lakes surfer and can attest to the horrible conditions already present in the water. Please do not ADD to the pollution and bad condition of one of humanity's last fresh-water resources. We swim, surf, drink and play in this body of water. I do not want myself or my children suffering from health conditions directly as a result of the EPA's and GrantWorks grossly shortsighted outlook on resources and waste disposal. In this technologically advanced age we live in, couldn't we think of a better idea to dispose of this waste instead of DUMPING INTO A LAKE?!? Come on people, we do not live in the 1800's anymore. Use the vast resources of the government and scientific community and effect a positive change for once. Please do not dump into my playground!
12/10/07	343233651	I object to any leniency toward big polluters like US Steel. They should have to clean up their waste just like any other business. Restrictions are restrictions. Our business would be shut down instantly if we did what they are doing.
12/11/07	344084854	Dear Mr. Soong and Mr. Swenson: While I am utterly sympathetic to retaining our remaining industrial infrastructure that still makes up the backbone of our regional economy, I am utterly opposed to any more harmful release of toxins into our already fragile Great Lakes system. I deeply appreciate your vigilance in maintaining a high standard regarding this issue, and urge you to maintain if not strengthen your grounds regarding your technical objections. The Great Lakes, and Lake Michigan in particular has become more than ever a treasured natural landmark for recreation and, in the southwestern shore of Michigan and Indiana, a major location for tourism and related commerce. Our historical industrial base must work in harmony with these uses, and in turn, protect our precious natural resources. With global warming at hand, our Great Lakes are in enough danger. Let's make sure we are not adding insult to injury. My special thanks to your continued hard work and vigilance. Keep up the good work, and stand firm by your objections to USS's permit.
12/11/07	344090545	Lake Michigan is a beautiful part of the area and I feel that nothing else should be dumped into it. I feel like we just went through this with the BP issue. It is a vicious cycle. Corporations dirty the environment and then all of a sudden people realize that it is bad and then we clean it all up. Then it all begins again. The Wolf Lake area is an example of this. It is finally becoming gorgeous again and the area is losing the foul odor I remember from when I was a child. If US Steel is allowed to dump we will be regretting this decision a few years from now. Find something else to do with this waste.
12/11/07	344102919	I think there should be tighter emissions on the facilities located on the lake front. Why do we have emissions on are car if they allowed to just dump tons of toxic waste into the water and in the air. Whenever I leave the area and come back to Northwest Indiana I can smell the Sulfur dioxide in the air. Indiana should have tighter restrictions on polluters and the limits they are allowed. By giving them new permits with higher limits is just allowing them to be lazier and not actual correct the issue. If the facilities are still turning a decent profit shouldn’t they be held liable for there by product? Sincerely, (name omitted)
12/11/07	344105624	Lake Michigan is too important to the health and welfare of all who live in the great lakes area to continue dumping mercury and lead into it. This has to stop now. Gary Works needs to clean up it's act and follow the clean water act now not in five years.
12/11/07	344125648	It is important to all of us in the great lakes region that progress be made in cutting pollution put into the lakes. Please do not allow any increase in what is put into our lakes. I don't want to be added to your mailing list.
12/11/07	344125638	There has to be another solution as to what to do with contaminants from the plant. In this day and age and with our technology the is an unacceptable problem that we are even having.
12/11/07	344141756	Please do not allow US Steel to dump anymore waste into Lake Michigan. This lake is what makes the midwest so special and attractive to others. Please protect it. We are counting on you to make the right decision for all of us. Sincerely, (name and contact information omitted)
12/11/07	344143242	David Soong NPDES Programs Brnch (WN-16J) US EPS Region 5 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604-3590 Dear Mr. Soong, I have been following the news in regards to the desires of US Steel as well as BP, to request continued toxic dumping into Lake Michigan. My husband and I are very concerned. Our family swims in Lake Michigan during our summer vacations to southwest Michigan. We stongly object to the idea that our lake, the surrounding wildlife and Illinois state residents would be subjected to toxic waste in the name of capitalism. Sincerely, (name omitted)
12/11/07	344145504	To Whom It May Concern, I am sending this because I will unfortunately be unable to attend Tuesday’s hearings. As a concerned citizen and avid surfer and sailor on Lake Michigan, I am appalled that we continue to push back the date of making any progress towards protecting our inland seas. The Great Lakes are an absolute wonder and we should be thankful and proud to be so close to them, and to have the opportunities we do to recreate with them. If we do not make a stand now, continued pollution will ruin the lakes and the wildlife that lives within and around them forever. This is a critical juncture and I will do whatever I can to continue to fight for the lakes. We need to act NOW! Sincerely, (name omitted)
12/11/07	344162338	I am writing as a concerned citizen. I realize that hearings like this one can easily turn into an angry lynch mob.I have grown up on the south end of Lake Michigan my entire life and spend countless yearround, that's right, year round hours in the lake. My father's family came to Whiting in the early years of the 19th century in search of a better life and employment. I know that from the stories he tells about the beaches that things have gotten better than years of past. I also know that it is much easier to pay a fine or a kickback to the EPA rather than spend countless dollars on conversions to the industry, however aren't we smarter than that? Let's face it. Nobody knew the repercussions of smoking while pregnant years ago, but we allowed ourselves as a civilization to learn and evolve. If the Environmental Protection Agency truly knows that there are other methods of disposal, then why are any ratios of such devestating toxins allowed in our greatest source of fresh water?Are we really thinking for the future generations or just living in the now? I often visit parts of Lake Michigan north of here in the summer and wonder how nice things used to be or could be again for southenders. For many living in the region, industry has been the life blood and source of employment that built much of what we encounter every day. Common sense tells us that you don't just move in next to a steel mill and expect to change everything, but would it hurt to try.... If dilution is the solution to pollution, then my words are falling on deaf ears. Please accept my statement with an open mind and remind yourselves that there is a way.
12/11/07	344165231	The idea that in 2007, with all efforts to prevent toxic pollution anywhere and being sensitive to global warning, we are still looking actually looking at dumping as a viable solution is inadequate and shameful.
12/11/07	344173646	David Soong and Peter Swenson, Regarding the US Steel Gary Works polution permit: As you know, a large number of environmental groups, the public, and public officials have objections to the draft permit issued by Indiana’s Department of Environmental Management. When finalized, the permit will allow the Gary Works facility -- the largest fully integrated steel mill in the country -- to discharge significant levels of mercury and other pollutants into the Grand Calumet River, a tributary to Lake Michigan. You (the EPA) have identified a number of concerns with this permit proposal. Please help ensure enforcement of with long-standing federal Clean Water Act standards; in addition to advocating for improvements that further Great Lakes health. Thank you, (name omitted)
12/11/07	344185132	less pollution
12/11/07	344185812	There is NO reason at all to allow ANY further pollution of the Great Lakes...and Lake Michigan in particular.If you are the Environmental Protection Agency...PLEASE protect our natural resources ! No exceptions. Please note I'm not a citizen of Indiana, but I enjoy being and swimming in Lake Michigan in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan during the summer with my family.
12/11/07	344191217	Keep the lake clean. It is a great resource to have nearby both for recreation and tourism. Stop US Steel from polluting it more. I want to be able to use the lake for years to come as well as bring my kids there to enjoy it the same as I have done. Protect what makes this region great!
12/11/07	344192921	Thank you for this opportunity and for challenging the state. IDEM is passive and not protecting the citizens or the lake as a resource. It is outrageous that these permits are so long overdue. The Federal EPA must step in and offer protection that the state agency is not affording us. The discharge permit is too liberal and affords too much time for US Steel to continue status quo. (name omitted) - Gary property owner
12/11/07	344200134	Are you kidding me. Haven't we learned anything from the past. Dumping anything into the lake is a sin. Money should not decide what happens here. The largest lake entirely within one country. The only one of the Great Lakes wholly within the borders of the United States. One of the largest fresh water lakes on planet earth. Please don't screw up our lake.
12/11/07	344203025	Discharges of any type into Lake Michigan are unacceptable, period. As a recreational user of Lake Michigan and a concerned citizen with children, I am outraged that the EPA would consider allowing any additional discharges from the US Steel Gary Works. Please reconsider your decision and protect “OUR “ lake. Thank you.
12/11/07	344203547	David Soong: Last summer, while vacationing at New Buffalo, MI, I met a vacationer from Chicago, who brought to my attention, and expressed great concern against, the exemptions from current and usual regulations that were recently being allowed to the US Steel Environmental permits. Since that time, I have been very surprised that powers in Indiana can be allowed to negatively impact the residents of other states with shorelines along Lake Michigan. Please exert what influence you have to stop giving US Steel extensions to attain current legal levels of pollution effluent into Lake Michigan and its tributaries. (name omitted) December 11, 2007
12/11/07	344205745	Mr. David Soong: While visiting New Buffalo, MI last summer, a fellow vacationer from Chicago, brought to my attention, and expressed their concern that an environmental permit given by Indiana authorities to US Steel allowed them postpone adhering to current allowed levels of pollution into Lake Michigan and its tributaries. I wish to express my objection to this being allowed and to state my ojection that Indiana authorities be allowed to issue permits that negatively affect citizens of other states with shores on Lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes. (name omitted) December 11, 2007
12/11/07	344210621	As a physician and concerned outdoorsman, I believe that US Steel has had ample time to comply with existing evironmental regulations. Especially when one considers that the past 7 years have been a time of high corporate profits in the steel industry, using economics to support continued and increasing environmental degradation of the Lake is unjustified. I am old enough to remember Gary Works before environmental regulations were in place and Gary and Northwest Indiana as a whole had a justified reputation as an environmental cesspool. There is no reason to allow backsliding when so much has been achieved. The state of Indiana and its govenor should be supporting enhanced environmental regulations since creating a sustainable environment in Northwest Indiana is the only way to achieve long-term economic growth. This proposal by the state EPA reeks of short term economic raid by corporate interests abetted by downstate politicians who have no interest in the long- term health of Northwest Indiana. The EPA should take strong action to prevent the waiver from taking effect.
12/11/07	344222132	This is not the way to go here, the lake is already suffering from pollution. I personally enjoy the lake year round and I would hate to see the situation get worse. I have seen vegetation near the shore, it is not healthy for the lake. Also, the people in Chicago will not be happy to hear their drinking water is being threatened. I think we should be pushing companies to modernize their operations to become cleaner, this is a step in the wrong direction. I will spread the word down here at the University of Illinois in Champaign/ Urbana.
12/11/07	344224427	I have had a tough time even FINDING your objections, but suffice it to say that if they (US Steel)aren't putting 100% potable, room temperature water into the ecosystem, then you aren't objecting enough! If it was some little mom and pop place, I bet they'd be shut down by now. If US Steel can spend billions to dredge the Calumet River, they can spend the money to clean up or care for their waste. Go get 'em!!! (name omitted) Home owner
12/11/07	344231141	Dear EPA Please do not allow US Steel, BP Amoco or any other organization increase the amount of pollution introduced into the Great Lakes. It is critical that all citizens, and the EPA as our representative in environmental concerns, protect our natural wonders so that my children and my children's children can enjoy the lake for years to come. Thank you for your consideration.
12/12/07	345013029	We believe that ALL of us, whether conservative or liberal should care deeply about our great lakes. We do NOT want US Steel dumping toxic wastes into them.
12/12/07	345083623	My husband's Mother and my Mother in Law reside on Lake Michigan and once a year we vacation there and someday hope to reside in her home there. We love swimming and recreating in Lake Michigan and it is the most beautiful spot in world to us. Please do not allow the Steel Plant in Gary to release run-off into the Lake. There has to be a better way than for one business to ruin the future of one of the finest recreational areas in the state. Think of the repercussions to residents and tourism. Think long term and deny their request. Thank you.
12/12/07	345091338	Dear EPA; I am a Great Lakes Surfer and Sailor. My midwest heritage taught me about our Great Lake and it employs me as well as provides months of great time and fun. I would hate for our fun to be discontiued based on contaminates and run-off from our refinery output in Gary, or any other such businesses that dot our shorelines throughout the Great Lakes. I was born in Detroit and know the damage an industry can do on waterways and systems. I witness daily, atrocious acts of pollution and carelessness. We as surfers and watermen depend on our fresh water to survive. The beauty of Gary and the surrounding southend is there, you only have to be around or in the water for a moment to realize this, but what lurks below the surface I have felt. We have a ritual of rinsing out our ears with hydrogen peroxide just to stave off the effects of the water around Gary and close shores. I would like to eliminate any excessive dumping all together, but know business must continue, agree somewhere in the middle..do your part, listen to community and you will know your doing the right thing. Thank You (name omitted)
12/12/07	345113453	I live in Northwest Indiana and use Lake Michigan for a variety of purposes. US Steel is dragging its feet on compliance with the Clean Water Act to the detriment of the health of both local citizens and the local economy. Northwest Indiana has a deserved stigma about putting short-term economic gain before the health of its residents. Some of this stigma is changing, but allowing US Steel's “five-year pass compliance schedule” would be a step in the wrong direction. The company should also do more in stopping the pollution of the Grand Cal from cyanide, oil, grease, and thermal pollution. US Steel has the resources to do a better job and would ultimately benefit from doing so. The goal of a fishable, swimable Lake Michigan is something US Steel needs to work vigorously towards for our children and grandchildren. I'm am angry about what has happened to this region in the past, and I will try not to stay here to raise a family if this continues. Sincerely, (name omitted)
12/12/07	345114805	Dear Mr. Soong and Mr. Swenson: I urge you to press US Steel to comply immediately and completely with the current EPA standards for discharge into Lake Michigan. No leeway, grace period or relaxation of the rules should be permitted. This request to you covers all permits for the discharge of toxic materials, heavy metals, and other related pollution into the lake. Again, please enforce all EPA guidelines without regard to economic distress or other arguments that US Steel may use in their defense. I hope you will act favorably and forcefully to promote the health and welfare of all residents of the Lake Michigan basin. Regards, (name omitted)
12/12/07	345130645	I live here, pay taxes here and have seen the lakefront decline since the 1960s when the Big industry moved east from Lake Co into Porter Co. The air is brown thanks to the NIPSCO scrubber (a bandaid applied to the air pollution issue), many fish and most seaweed disappearded and the shore line often had a dark grey metallic outline where the waves have deposited steel discharge. A short boat ride up the MI coast will show you how different things could be here in IN, too. We all need this freah water source. Eminent domain should apply here. Anyone can see how we are all breathing fouled air and drinking toxic water so that a couple of industries can record record profits without cleaning up their acts. We need stricter standards to meet this environmental challenge. And your dept has been intrusted since its inception with that responsibility and power. Do not rely on IDEM. Indianapolis has written off the REGION as their flithy industrial cash cow and I DEM is not managing the environment. When we travel we see clean air. When we are home we want that clean air for all the taxpayers here, too. Increased Pollution Requested + Record Profits = Greedy Disregard for Human Life. Let them open their purses and pay for state of the art technology to produce their products without dumping on us. It is possible, they just have had no incentive or pressure to do so. Respectfully hoping you can help, (name omitted)
12/12/07	345143048	Messrs Soong and Swenson, I applaud your diligence in “catching” this potentially hazardous dumping in Lake Michigan. As a resident of Chicago, I get my water from the Lake which puts me at direct risk of harm from these toxins. Following the BP fiasco, its is plainly evident that the State of Indiana cares not for its constituents nor for their neigbors that share this natural resource. The only thing protecting us from this desecration is your oversight. We should be striving to LIMIT the amount of industrial waste we produce, not INCREASE it. Thank you for your continued guardianship. Best regards, (name omitted)
12/12/07	345145617	12 December 2007 Messrs. David Soong and Peter Swenson EPA Water Division NPDES Programs Branch (WN-16J) US EPA Region 5 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604-3590 Re: U. S. Steel Gary Works Public Comment All sources of pollution discharge are undersireable. But, why do we continue to hammer industry point sources, and let municipalities and individuals escape under the cover of non-point sources? Your list of top twenty polluters in the Dec. 9