A controversial application by the small Wisconsin town of Waukesha would allow treated wastewater to flow the Root River and then into Lake Michigan. The proposal has provoked a far-reaching outcry of opposition.
According to a press release from Wisconsin State Representative Cory Mason, "a broad, bipartisan group of state Legislators from all eight Great Lake States sent a letter to Wisconsin [Department of Natural Resources] Secretary Cathy Stepp to express concerns about the proposed Waukesha diversion of Great Lakes Water."
The press release also described the proposal that led to the outpouring of political opposition: "The city of Waukesha is applying for an exemption from the ban on diversions of Great Lakes water outside the Great Lakes Basin. Under the Great Lakes Compact, all eight of the Great Lakes States must unanimously agree to the proposed diversion." The proposal is currently nearing the end of a review process with the Wisconsin state Department of Natural Resources.
The proposal has also prompted a series of opposing editorials from the major newspapers in the region, including The Detroit News, the Akron Beacon Journal, the Toledo Blade, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Hat tip to the Political Environment blog for keeping up to date on the growing opposition to the diversion plan. The blog's most recent post on the controversy provides a comprehensive overview of the issues at stake.
FULL STORY: 70+ Great Lakes legislators oppose Waukesha water diversion
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UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
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