<![CDATA[Grist - Comment Feed for EPA plan would spew under-treated sewage into U.S. waterways]]> Grist Comment Feed en Comment #1 by pmaier http://www.grist.org/article/boni-sewage/ Thu, 10 Mar 2005 16:03:42 -0800 http://www.grist.org/article/boni-sewage/1 Blending the rules.

Members of Congress are concerned about blending, but don't seem to realize that EPA still allows cities to use rivers as giant urinals.

When EPA implemented the CWA, EPA used an essential pollution test incorrect and while promising 85% treatment (secondary treatment) it in fact only demanded 85% of what the test measured, which is only 40% of the pollution EPA intended to treat.
As the result EPA not only ignored a large portion of the pollution caused by fecal waste, but all the pollution caused by urine and protein waste.

In stead of writing a letter regarding blending, members of Congress should hold EPA accountable for not implementing the CWA as intended and since the interim goal of the CWA was `swimmable and fishable' water by 1983, they also could ask EPA if rivers used as urinals are really considered swimmable?

]]> Blending the rules.

Members of Congress are concerned about blending, but don't seem to realize that EPA still allows cities to use rivers as giant urinals.

When EPA implemented the CWA, EPA used an essential pollution test incorrect and while promising 85% treatment (secondary treatment) it in fact only demanded 85% of what the test measured, which is only 40% of the pollution EPA intended to treat.
As the result EPA not only ignored a large portion of the pollution caused by fecal waste, but all the pollution caused by urine and protein waste.

In stead of writing a letter regarding blending, members of Congress should hold EPA accountable for not implementing the CWA as intended and since the interim goal of the CWA was `swimmable and fishable' water by 1983, they also could ask EPA if rivers used as urinals are really considered swimmable?

]]> Comment #2 by BlackBear Standing http://www.grist.org/article/boni-sewage/ Thu, 24 Mar 2005 22:45:03 -0800 http://www.grist.org/article/boni-sewage/2 Human waste in Grand River, Michigan

There has been a debate in Grand Rapids, Michigan for decades regarding what to do about sewage overflows into the Grand River.  Every spring rain brings local news reporters to the river explaining the need to stay away from the water and the dangers of various bacteria.  Last year a local tv reporter did a story on the ducks and gulls who were eating undigested corn washing up on the banks.  The Grand River passes through Lansing, and flows west through Grand Rapids and then into Lake Michigan.  Beach closures are common, especially near Grand Haven, Michigan where the river meets the  big lake. From a citizen's perspective it seems that very little gets done about this, except that the state monitors coliform bacteria counts.  Stupak certainly understands the threat to the Lakes and is wise to speak up. Thanks to Susan Boni for drawing attention to this matter.

]]> Human waste in Grand River, Michigan

There has been a debate in Grand Rapids, Michigan for decades regarding what to do about sewage overflows into the Grand River.  Every spring rain brings local news reporters to the river explaining the need to stay away from the water and the dangers of various bacteria.  Last year a local tv reporter did a story on the ducks and gulls who were eating undigested corn washing up on the banks.  The Grand River passes through Lansing, and flows west through Grand Rapids and then into Lake Michigan.  Beach closures are common, especially near Grand Haven, Michigan where the river meets the  big lake. From a citizen's perspective it seems that very little gets done about this, except that the state monitors coliform bacteria counts.  Stupak certainly understands the threat to the Lakes and is wise to speak up. Thanks to Susan Boni for drawing attention to this matter.

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