Great Lakes Pollution: Strategies For A Sustainable Future

The Great Lakes, which span 750 miles from West to East, are a crucial source of freshwater for 40 million people. However, they have faced significant pollution from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and debris from manufacturing. This has led to poorer water quality, habitat degradation, and biodiversity loss. To combat this, various measures have been implemented, including legislation targeting plastic production and reduction, improving reuse systems, and holding polluters accountable. Volunteers also play a crucial role in keeping plastics out of the lakes through beach clean-up programs. While these efforts are making a difference, concrete policy implementation and regulation are needed to address the magnitude of the problem and protect the health of both human and wildlife communities that depend on these vital water sources.

Reducing plastic pollution through legislation and recycling

The Great Lakes—Lake Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior—are the largest source of freshwater on Earth. However, they have been affected by pollution from chemicals, toxic pollutants, pesticides, and heavy metals. Plastic pollution, in particular, poses a serious threat to the environment and public health. High amounts of microplastics have been found in all five lakes, which provide drinking water for 40 million people.

To reduce plastic pollution in the Great Lakes and beyond, legislation and recycling can play a crucial role. Here are some ways this can be achieved:

Legislation to Reduce Plastic Pollution

Bans on single-use plastic items have been implemented in various countries and states. For example, several states in the US banned the sale and manufacture of health and beauty products containing microbeads, which are tiny plastic particles used as exfoliants. As a result, the US passed a federal act banning microbeads nationwide. Similarly, Washington, DC, and San Francisco implemented taxes and bans on plastic bags, leading to significant reductions in their use. Experts recommend that the United States enact federal legislation restricting plastic use and holding manufacturers accountable for waste management to curb plastic pollution effectively.

Recycling to Reduce Plastic Pollution

While recycling alone cannot solve the plastic pollution crisis, it is still an important part of the solution. Recycling helps reduce the environmental footprint of plastic waste. However, the recycling rate for plastics in the United States has been low, at about 6% in 2021. To improve recycling efforts, individuals can learn which plastics are recyclable in their areas and properly sort their recyclables. Additionally, supporting fair trade initiatives and social enterprises that create livelihoods for waste collectors can help build a more inclusive and responsible circular economy.

By implementing legislation that bans or taxes single-use plastics and promotes recycling and reuse, we can significantly reduce plastic pollution in the Great Lakes and beyond. These efforts will not only benefit the environment but also protect public health and create social impact.

Cleaning up old pollution, building resilient infrastructure, and creating green jobs

The Great Lakes, spanning across North America, are one of the largest and most important surface freshwater ecosystems in the world. However, due to decades of industrial, agricultural, and urban pollution, the five Great Lakes are facing issues such as poor water quality, habitat degradation, and biodiversity loss.

Cleaning up Old Pollution

The Great Lakes are in dire need of cleaning up and protection from various forms of pollution, including plastic pollution, chemical pollution, and pesticide pollution. To address this, Midwestern communities are taking action to clean up old pollution. For example, the Environmental Law and Policy Centre (ELPC) is working to hold major facilities accountable for pollution and advocate for stronger policies to protect clean water. Volunteers with the Alliance's Adopt-a-Beach program are also playing a crucial role in keeping plastic out of the Great Lakes by participating in shoreline cleanups and collecting data on plastic pollution sources.

Building Resilient Infrastructure

Outdated infrastructure is one of the challenges facing the Great Lakes. To address this, investments in infrastructure upgrades and improvements are necessary to ensure the resilience and sustainability of the region. This includes upgrading wastewater treatment plants to better manage and treat pollutants before they enter the lakes. Additionally, there is a need to separate storm and sewage systems or implement holding tanks to trap overflow until it can be treated properly.

Creating Green Jobs

The process of cleaning up the Great Lakes and building resilient infrastructure creates numerous job opportunities in the green economy. The Great Lakes Region Initiative (GLRI), instituted in 2010, has shown that each dollar spent in restoration generates $3.35 in additional economic activity through 2036. By investing in restoration and protection efforts, green jobs can be created, contributing to both economic growth and the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Overall, addressing the pollution effects in the Great Lakes requires a combination of individual action, policy implementation, infrastructure upgrades, and the creation of green jobs. By working together, communities, organizations, and governments can make a significant impact in protecting and restoring the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Holding the EPA accountable for monitoring and enforcement

The Great Lakes, spanning across North America, are the largest surface freshwater ecosystems in the world. They comprise five lakes: Lake Superior, Michigan, Erie, Huron, and Ontario. The Great Lakes are a crucial source of drinking water for 40 million people and support a diverse range of wildlife and ecosystems.

Over the years, the Great Lakes have faced significant pollution from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources. Various chemicals, toxic pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals, and microplastics have contaminated the water, posing a severe threat to the environment and public health.

To address these issues, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in monitoring and enforcing environmental protection measures. The Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) is a vital initiative by the EPA that coordinates efforts between the US and Canada to restore and maintain the integrity of the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem. The GLNPO works under the strategic framework of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which is the largest investment in the Great Lakes in two decades.

• Data Transparency and Accessibility: The EPA should ensure that data related to the Great Lakes' environmental status and trends is readily available to the public. This includes information on water quality, pollution levels, and the effectiveness of remediation efforts. Transparency allows for independent analysis and helps build trust with stakeholders.
• Community Engagement: The EPA should actively engage with communities living around the Great Lakes. This includes seeking input from local residents, Indigenous groups, and other stakeholders to understand their concerns and incorporate their knowledge into decision-making processes. The EPA should also provide regular updates and reports on its monitoring and enforcement activities to these communities.
• Interagency Collaboration: The EPA should continue to foster strong collaborations with other federal, state, tribal, and local agencies. By working together and sharing resources, expertise, and data, these agencies can more effectively address the complex issues facing the Great Lakes. This includes coordinating with the Environment Law and Policy Centre and other environmental legal advocacy organizations.
• Enforcement of Regulations: The EPA should strictly enforce regulations and policies aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the Great Lakes. This includes holding industries, agricultural entities, and other polluters accountable for their actions. The EPA should have clear metrics and targets to measure the success of its enforcement efforts and be transparent about the actions taken against violators.
• Long-term Commitment: The EPA should demonstrate a long-term commitment to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem. This includes advocating for sustained funding and support for monitoring and remediation efforts. By consistently prioritizing the Great Lakes as a critical ecological region, the EPA can ensure that protection measures are not only reactive but also proactive and preventative.
• Accountability Mechanisms: Independent oversight and accountability mechanisms should be established to review the EPA's performance and ensure it is meeting its mandates. This could include external audits, evaluations by non-governmental organizations, and public hearings. These mechanisms provide additional layers of scrutiny and help identify areas where the EPA can improve its monitoring and enforcement practices.

By implementing these measures and holding the EPA accountable, we can ensure that the Great Lakes receive the protection they need, preserving them for future generations and all those who depend on them.

Removing nutrients from water at sewage treatment plants

The Great Lakes, comprising Lakes Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior, are a crucial source of freshwater, not just for North America but for the entire world. They provide drinking water for millions of people and are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several species of fish and migratory birds.

However, human activities have severely impacted this vital ecosystem, with industrial, agricultural, and urban pollution leading to poor water quality and habitat degradation. One of the primary sources of pollution is the discharge of chemicals, toxic pollutants, pesticides, and heavy metals from factories and sewage plants. These toxins can cause cancer, birth defects, and damage to the nervous and immune systems, even in small concentrations.

To combat this issue, there is a focus on removing nutrients and pollutants from water at sewage treatment plants. This process aims to reduce the amount of harmful substances that enter the lakes, which can have devastating effects on the environment and public health. Sewage, for instance, can kill fish and cause dangerous algae growth, which ruins beaches.

One of the key challenges is the separation of storm and sewage systems. Holding tanks can be used to trap overflow until it can be treated, helping to prevent sewage overflows that can contaminate the lakes. Additionally, the removal of nutrients and pollutants at treatment plants can reduce the levels of harmful substances that enter the water, such as pesticides, which can inhibit the reproduction of fish and impact bird populations.

Furthermore, addressing the issue of plastic pollution is crucial. Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles that break down from larger plastic waste, have been found in Great Lakes fish, drinking water, bottled water, and beer. These microplastics can absorb toxic chemicals and harbour dangerous microbes, posing a significant threat to both wildlife and human health. While beach clean-up initiatives, such as the Adopt-a-Beach program, are commendable, a more systemic solution is needed. This includes reducing the production of single-use plastics, improving recycling and reuse systems, and implementing policies that hold plastic producers responsible for their environmental impact.

Reducing the use of pesticides

The Great Lakes have been suffering from decades of industrial, agricultural, and urban pollution, which has resulted in poorer water quality, habitat degradation, and biodiversity loss. One of the most significant contributors to this pollution is the overuse of pesticides in agricultural areas surrounding the lakes.

Pesticides are hazardous chemicals that can destroy pests but also put the environment and human health at risk. They can cause reproductive and developmental issues, cancer, kidney and liver damage, and endocrine disruption. The pesticide DDT, for example, will remain in the lake for generations to come and inhibits the reproduction of coho salmon eggs. Farmers and household users are the worst offenders when it comes to pesticide use.

To reduce the use of pesticides, several actions can be taken:

• Block industrial pollution: Prevent industrial facilities from discharging toxic chemicals such as ammonia and cyanide, which can kill thousands of fish and harm other wildlife.
• Protect the water system from oil pipelines: Hold companies accountable for oil spills and take measures to prevent pipeline leaks.
• Promote sustainable agriculture: Encourage farmers to move away from single-crop agriculture, which relies heavily on pesticides. Diversifying crops can help manage pests more naturally and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
• Reduce agricultural runoff: Implement better drainage systems and sustainable waste management practices to prevent pesticides and excess nutrients from agricultural operations from running off into the lakes.
• Advocate for green infrastructure: Support the development of climate-resilient communities and promote environmentally friendly practices to reduce the use of harmful chemicals.
• Increase monitoring and regulation: Governments and organizations should work together to monitor pesticide levels and regulate their use more effectively, especially in areas with intensive agriculture surrounding the Great Lakes.

By implementing these measures, we can reduce the use of pesticides and mitigate their impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem and human health.

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