In the spot where at least a billion gallons of water flow from the Grand Calumet into Lake Michigan, scientists have found a treasure trove of PCBs, PAHs, heavy metals (yes, that includes mercury and lead), lots of e.coli and poo, suspended solids, oil, grease and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). The fish and small animals taste horrible, drinking water is smelly, beaches are closed, animals suffer deformities, reproductive problems and illness (but we doubt humans would be so affected) and it has been this way for much too long. Again, the industrial past of Chicago and Indiana that brought millions in profits to the rest of the nation have left the waters crippled and our own health at risk.
To read more about this Area of Concern, click here to go to the EPA’s website.
Related posts:
- Our Own Private Dump
- Friday Fish Fry Revival?
- From Pristine Watershed to Sewershed
- Friday Fish Fry? Hold the Fish!