EPA Urges Illinois to Upgrade its Water Standards for Rivers

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has notified the State of Illinois to upgrade water quality standards for portions of the Chicago and Calumet rivers.

The agency has directed the Illinois Pollution Control Board to adopt new or revised water quality standards for the north and south branches of the Chicago River, the North Shore Channel, the Cal-Sag Channel and the Little Calumet River.

The EPA will take action under the Clean Water Act if the board does not comply with the new directive, reports environmentalleader.com.

EPA assistant admininstrator Nancy Stoner said restoring and protecting urban waterways is a priority for the EPA because it revitalises communities, boosts local businesses and creates jobs and a healthier environment for people.

The upgrade works will cost about $241m for the infrastructure and $10m for annual operations.