EDITORIAL: Who's to blame for pollution?

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| Saturday, July 05, 2008 | (9 comment(s))

When BP proposed a $3.8 billion expansion of its Whiting Refinery, politicians and environmentalists pounced on the plant's pollution permit, required by the Clean Water Act. They should have looked from where they were leaping.

The most vocal critics were from Illinois.

Do they not realize some of Chicago's own municipal sewage treatment sites dump thousands more pollutants into the Lake Michigan basin than some Northwest Indiana industries?

And that Chicago's failure to fully disinfect wastewater that reaches Lake Michigan is blamed for summertime beach closings and more.

This is among facts determined during an eight-month Times investigation into Lake Michigan pollution detailed in a special Sunday report, "Under the Surface."

There is no question Northwest Indiana industries are among the largest contributors of regulated pollution flowing into Lake Michigan. But consider these facts also determined by the investigation:

* There are more than five dozen companies in Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana making the list of lake polluters.

* Pollution comes not just from major industries but from many sources along streams emptying into the lake, such as the Fox River in Wisconsin.

* Indiana is stricter in enforcing environmental laws than other lakeside states.

* And while Indiana regulators had a problem with a backlog of water permit renewals, the same problems have been experienced in the other states.

The report goes deep to outline facts about Lake Michigan pollution. It found the world-class steel mills and refinery in Northwest Indiana have drastically reduced their emissions over the years and continue working to safeguard the lake.

Can more be done to protect Lake Michigan? Certainly, especially if more money and technology is available. But let's be reasonable. The situation is not as bad as the misinformed critics say.

Northwest Indiana's premier environmentalist, Lee Botts, admits great strides have been made in throttling pollution in and along Lake Michigan.

She understands reason, not rebellious reaction, must prevail as public and private officials move forward to renew permits for BP and local mills.

To be clear: The environment must be and is being protected. But the strength of the nation's manufacturing heartland, the welfare of Northwest Indiana's economy and thousands of jobs, must be a part of any solution.

Your opinion, please

How would you rate the Indiana Department of Environmental Management?

Share your thoughts at http://nwi.com/opinion

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Hoosier wrote on Oct 31, 2008 1:12 PM:

" It's about time a real NW IN journalist took the time to find out the facts before simply printing what the environmental advocacy groups tell them. Great job NWI Times! Yes, there is still room for improvement, but things are moving in the right direction. Hopefully, Illinois' second-rate politicians will start to look in the mirror instead of spending their time bashing Indiana. "

mark coleman wrote on Apr 21, 2008 9:55 PM:

" This article shows contempt for people. Just because one "environmentalist" says everything is ok we should allow more pollution into the lake? Use your own eyes, noses and throats to determine if it's ok! The Times is trying to stoke division between people. We need unity between states to correct this mess! The Times needs to do a little self analysis too! "

Hanna Indiana wrote on Apr 21, 2008 4:24 PM:

" Who's to blame for pollution? That's easy. Take a look in the mirror. We are affluent Americans. We drive high-mileage cars & trucks; we travel by airplane to Las Vegas, Orlando, and other vacation destinations; we love our jet-skis and bass boats; we use leaf blowers and snow throwers and gas-powered lawn mowers (big riding mowers for a small yard, you know who I'm talking about, you've seen it); and we have 4-runners and nice motorhomes. And let's not forget the A/C. Used to be A/C was a luxury. Not anymore. 75% of all new homes have A/C and this, of course, contributes to mercury in Lake Michigan. Think about THAT the next time you turn on your A/C. Don't blame the refineries and the power plants for pollution. Blame yourself (and I'm guilty too, I'll admit it). Thanks. "

Our local economy needs diversity wrote on Apr 21, 2008 3:18 PM:

" The environmental problems that we are facing come from the fact that our local economy has depending on industry for too long. Instead of continuing our dependence on the pollution-causing industries such as energy and steel manufacturing. While these jobs are great, they are not sustainable for the local environment, or the local economy.

We need to continue to find ways to diversify our local economy by providing incentive for regional and national businesses to headquarter out of NWI. We also need to find ways to attract "green" industry to NWI. Let's put our heads together on this. We can do it. "

Silly & short-sighted wrote on Apr 21, 2008 1:20 PM:

" Isn't the type of thinking in this editorial the reason why we have suffered a century of environmental degradation in this region? Pollution vs jobs= a false choice. The industries had technology to improve; but didn't use it until forced or paid to do so. Japan insisted on the installation of cleaner technology in U.S.- owned industries built in Japan in the 1970s'; the industries did so; while still making excuses for not installing cleaner technology right here in NWI!
When industrial workers gained some affluence; they moved their precious families away from the cities and into the suburbs. They didn't want to suffer the health and other ills from the pollution created on their jobs - - just as the management of these facilities would never choose to live near the facilities they run. Those who don't live near these industrial facilities probably pay less to clean their houses, cars and clothing than do those who live near these plants: they probably suffer less respiratory and other pollution-related ailments.
Growing up near Lake Michigan once meant summers spent in the water - - until water pollution left us covered in oil!!! "

Jim wrote on Apr 21, 2008 12:46 PM:

" As a lifelong resident of NWI it is refreshing to see a balanced approach to the issues. We need the environmetalists to challenge our conscience and we need industry to provide jobs to sustain us. There can be a constructive dialogue! "

Josh Indiana wrote on Apr 21, 2008 11:55 AM:

" I rate IDEM very poorly - about like I rate this editorial. You had a chance to really analyze the situation based on your in-depth investigation, but all you managed with this editorial was to bleat through a puny hometown megaphone. You think Chicago heard that?

IDEM is bad because it has too few inspectors trying to cover too much territory and such complex science. So it goes beyond IDEM to the governor and the legislature. "Oh, we can't afford to do anything, it costs too much money! So let's keep polluting the water instead."

We voted for 'em, folks. Who's to blame for pollution? All of us who think we can get something for nothing. "

G Davis wrote on Apr 21, 2008 10:00 AM:

" In my opinion BP and US Steel share a part in Lake and Air pollution.I have driven down the Indiana Toll Road through Gary and there was so much pollution in the air you couldn't even see Gary! these Neocon politicans think if you live around here it's your fault and don't care about the Air you breath or the Water you drink.As long as these companies give them campaign money they can do what ever they want.But as you notice they still operate the shame Auto pollution testing stations.What a joke these 2 corporations produce more pollution in 1 day than the Autos in this state make in 1 year!Once again your politicians playing a game with your money in a worthless scam that improves nothing! "

Makes A Lot Of Sense.. wrote on Apr 21, 2008 7:59 AM:

" Because one city dumps excess waste water into the lake when heavy rains overwhelm its sanitation system a couple times a year, that makes it OK for a foreign oil refinery to treat the residents of NWI like a colony spewing extra toxins into our drinking water supply..
I thought the "mommy, billy gets to go to the party, why can't I" defense went out in the seventh grade..
I guess not, that's the mentality of the Times Editorial Board.. "

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