In our last post, we referenced having sent letters to Baxter, IEPA, and State Representative Sam Yingling expressing our opposition to a renewal of Baxter's NPDES permit. Those letters are posted below. In the coming days, we will also make available a form letter that you can download and send on your own behalf opposing Baxter's permit.
We have also posted a fact sheet on zebra mussels. As a reminder, multiple sources around Long Lake have reported a substantial increase in zebra mussel population this summer. Since zebra mussels are filter feeders, their presence in great numbers can lead to clearer water. However, as the fact sheet points out, "filter" and "clean" are not synonymous. Zebra mussels feed on phytoplankton and zooplankton which many other animals depend on for their survival. Furthermore, clearer water allows increased sunlight penetration which promotes the growth of invasive aquatic plants such as Eurasian milfoil and curlyleaf pondweed. While our water may be clearer as a result of zebra mussels, their presence is very harmful to Long Lake's ecosystem.
We have also posted a fact sheet on zebra mussels. As a reminder, multiple sources around Long Lake have reported a substantial increase in zebra mussel population this summer. Since zebra mussels are filter feeders, their presence in great numbers can lead to clearer water. However, as the fact sheet points out, "filter" and "clean" are not synonymous. Zebra mussels feed on phytoplankton and zooplankton which many other animals depend on for their survival. Furthermore, clearer water allows increased sunlight penetration which promotes the growth of invasive aquatic plants such as Eurasian milfoil and curlyleaf pondweed. While our water may be clearer as a result of zebra mussels, their presence is very harmful to Long Lake's ecosystem.
| baxter_letter_aug_2016_almeida.pdf |
| baxter_letter_aug_2016_yingling.pdf |
| iepa_letter_august_2016_messina.pdf |
| zebra_mussel_fact_sheet.pdf |
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