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Lipinski and Kirk Seek to End Sewage Dumping in Lake

Milwaukee’s Sewage Plume heads far downshore.

Maps: Courtesy of Representative Kirk

Illinois Congressmen Mark Kirk (R-10th) and Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) jointly introduced legislation in late June establishing a federal deadline to end dumping of sewage into the Great Lakes. Called the Great Lakes Water Protection Act (HR 5734), the bill imposes fines of up to $100,000 a day for any person or municipality that violates Environmental Protection Agency sewage dumping regulations after the 2026 deadline.

Congressmen Lipinski and Kirk both stressed the critical importance of Lake Michigan as the drinking water supply for millions of people, as well as the lake's importance for recreation and economic activity. Both noted that beach closings have increased dramatically in recent years. In Cook County, closings tripled from 391 in 2003 to 790 in 2004, though these were not due to the release of sewage from stormwater overflows.

In May 2004, however, Milwaukee dumped 1.5 billion gallons of sewage into Lake Michigan. More recently, additional releases into the lake of raw or partially treated sewage have resulted from heavy rains. On occasion, Chicago, Gary, Michigan City, Benton Harbor, South Haven, Holland, and Grand Haven have all also dumped sewage into Lake Michigan. Kirk and Lipinski hope to spur the necessary infrastructure investment by these cities by 2026 so that further dumping will not occur. Any fines assessed will be paid into each state's Clean Water Revolving Fund, which can be tapped to pay for the construction of sewer infrastructure.

"This legislation will also help us repair past damage by reinvesting funds back into the states where the violations occurred," said Lipinski. "This money will help improve habitat quality, clean up beaches, and insure a healthier environment for both humans and wildlife."