The Chicago River IS improving

Environmental writer, Kevin Hebert, decided that too much of the time environmental news is just gloom and doom so he asked Friends  and two others to weigh in on how our waterways are doing to share some good news. Fortunately for us and because of a lot of dedicated effort they are getting better all the time! 

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Sunken Barge Update

Heavy rains a few weeks ago sunk a barge being used as part of the Chicago Riverwalk construction project. According to city sources Riverwalk contractor, Walsh Construction, prepared a salvage plan for the barge which was reviewed and approved by Illinois EPA (IEPA) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Both agencies put personnel on site to monitor the progress while it is being lifted. As of today, the removal of the barge is continuing per the plan and IEPA and USCG have not voiced any concerns.

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7th Circuit Court Blocks Lock Closures Again

The U.S. 7th Circuit Courts of Appeals rejected a bid by other states to close Chicago's locks in an effort to stop the movement of Asian carp. The judge writing for the panel, Diane Wood, wrote that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is "taking its stewardship over the CAWS and the carp problem seriously."

 

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Poor, Poor Chicago River

Since early June the Chicago River has been deluged with sewage and polluted stormwater becasue of the frequent heavy rains that have overwhelmed the tunnel and reservoir  (TARP/Deep Tunnel) system meant to protect the river.  Find out more about it and what you can do by listening to Friends' executive director and others on "The Morning Shift."

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IDNR Nonpoint Plan Ready for Comments

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' (IDNR) draft plan for controlling nonpoint source pollution or some reaches of the Chicago River system and Lake Michigan has been posted online for review by the general public. The goal is to restore and protect coastal waters.

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