Editor, Times-Union: The Times-Union ran a very educational article about Grand Lake, St. Marys, recently. The Columbus Dispatch ran an article, July 3, 2011, also. It stated that last year there were warning signs posted at 20 ponds, lakes and beaches there. They warned the people not to touch the water, catch the fish or boat on the water. The Restoration Committee estimates that tourism can bring $150 million in economic activity, annually and support 2,400 hospitality jobs. Of course, this can’t happen with water that is toxic.
Hazard levels had been placed because of a liver toxin (microcystin) that reportedly made humans ill and killed at least one pet. Now, the EPA head has gone against his staff to raise the toxic levels. His reasoning, or lack of, said that he looked at other states and they are all over the place in the decision about what is the highest acceptable amount of toxin permitted.
Sandy Bihn of Lake Erie Waterkeepers Inc, was quoted as saying, “People’s health and safety should trump economic concerns.” So, was the decision on the part of the head of the EPA purely because of state economics?
With all of our lakes and tourism in Kosciusko County and our attempt to keep the lakes clean, will we allow harmful ways of farming and manure distribution to put our lakes in a real danger to people using them for recreation and stifling tourism? We have an advantage, so far, and can stand up and be counted when it comes to that choice.
Grand Lake had about 15 CAFOS near the polluted areas. The estimation of how long it will take to clean the lake and make it ready for future use is 20 years.
We have an area farmer proposing two CAFOS in the area of Diamond Lake and Hill Lake. He has manure sites very near both lakes. Do the people there deserve to have their lakes become toxic? The watershed shows that three lakes are very closely connected and flow into each other. If you are near Hill Lake, Diamond Lake or Yellow Creek Lake, you have an immediate concern for your lake.
Send an email to dbruggen@idem.in.gov, tell him that your lakes are already on the endangered list if you are at Hill or Diamond. Cite the recent DRN reports. Keep Kosciusko County lakes healthy. Say no to CAFO.
