Great Lakes
From the algae blooms in Lake Erie to the invading zebra mussels in Lake Michigan, threats to the Great Lakes ecology run the gamut. That would include bacteria, mercury and toxic spills.
Chicago beaches close routinely because of E. coli contamination. Advisories are in place about eating fish contaminated with dangerous chemicals. Environmental advocates warn about sewage overflows, water diversion and the increasing demands of a thirsty population.
After many years of haphazard government stewardship, a broad study effort convened by the administration discovered much agreement on the vast water system's troubles. The problem is the cost. A draft report released in July suggested spending $20 billion in the coming years -- several times more than current expenditures, and more than influential members of the Bush administration consider affordable.
November 1, 2005 6:00 AM | Category: Politics