Brian Barton
Lake Michigan, which serves as Chicago's primary source of drinking water, has been facing worsening environmental issues due to pollution. The lake's water quality has been impacted by various pollutants, including microplastics, fertilizers, and toxic chemicals dumped by nearby oil refineries. Chicago's pollution problem extends beyond the lake, with air pollution varying across neighbourhoods and affecting disadvantaged communities disproportionately. Oil refineries in the area have been identified as some of the worst polluters in the nation, discharging harmful substances such as selenium, nitrogen, and heavy metals with limited regulatory oversight. These issues have prompted discussions on policy changes and the need for systemic solutions to address the pollution affecting Lake Michigan and the surrounding areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxins dumped into Lake Michigan | Chlorides, Sulphates, Selenium, Nitrogen, Chromium 6, Lead, Mercury, Ammonia, Radium, PFAS, Disinfection Byproducts |
| Refineries dumping toxins | Three Chicago-area refineries, including Phillips 66 refinery on the Mississippi River |
| Impact on aquatic life | Harmful to fish and other aquatic life, causes mutation in fish, water-fouling algae blooms |
| Communities affected | Low-income, predominantly Black and Latino communities |
| Plastic pollution | 22 million pounds of plastic dumped into the Great Lakes every year, with 11 million pounds in Lake Michigan |
| Microplastics | Municipal filters cannot remove microplastics, individual-level filters needed |
| Fertilizer pollution | Runoff from farming, causing damage to freshwater |
| Air pollution | Nitrogen dioxide, fine particulate matter (soot, dust, smoke), ozone |
| High-pollution areas | Neighborhoods along I-290, I-90, I-94, rural communities, areas near Lake Michigan |
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What You'll Learn
Chicago's oil refineries are dumping toxins into Lake Michigan
Chicago's oil refineries have been dumping toxins into Lake Michigan, and this has been a cause for concern for many. Lake Michigan is the primary source of drinking water in Chicago, and it is also used for fishing, tourism, and transportation. The environmental situation of the lake has been worsening in recent years, and it is now the most polluted of the Great Lakes.
Three Chicago-area refineries, BP Whiting in Indiana, ExxonMobil Joliet, and Citgo in Lemont, are among the worst polluters in the United States. These refineries have been dumping massive amounts of toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the lake with little to no oversight from government regulators. In 2021 alone, 81 refineries in the United States that treat waste on-site released 1.6 billion pounds of chlorides, sulfates, and other dissolved solids harmful to aquatic life. The refineries also discharged 60,000 pounds of selenium, which can mutate fish, and 15.7 million pounds of nitrogen, contributing to water-fouling algae blooms.
The impact of this pollution is far-reaching. Surfers at a public beach near the Whiting refinery have reported eye, ear, and urinary tract infections, as well as gastrointestinal illnesses after swimming in dark brown water that smells like sewage and petroleum. The pollution has also likely impacted the fishing industry and tourism in the area.
The lack of enforcement of regulations by government agencies has been cited as a contributing factor to the problem. Even when limits are in place, oil companies often pay minimal fines or are not penalized at all for violating pollution laws. For example, the ExxonMobil Joliet refinery exceeded its permitted levels of pollution 40 times between 2019 and 2021, yet neither federal nor state officials have sued or fined the company.
The pollution in Lake Michigan has sparked calls for action from environmental groups and concerned citizens. Some have advocated for stricter regulations and enforcement of existing laws to hold oil companies accountable for their pollution. Others have urged individuals to reduce their plastic intake and spread awareness about the dangers of microplastics, which are also contributing to the pollution in the lake.
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![Report of the Commission on High Pressure Water Systems of the City of Chicago 1903-1905 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61MA2lLrESL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Lake Michigan is Chicago's drinking water source
Lake Michigan is a vital source of drinking water for Chicago and its surrounding areas. The lake is the second-largest of the Great Lakes by volume and serves as the primary drinking water source for approximately 6.6 million residents in the region.
Communities in Illinois that use Lake Michigan as their drinking water source must apply for permits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The IDNR governs the use of Lake Michigan water and ensures compliance with the state's water allocation. While Illinois has access to this abundant source of freshwater, its usage is limited due to the reversal of the Calumet and Chicago Rivers, which are no longer connected to the lake.
The environmental health of Lake Michigan is a significant concern. The lake is facing increasing pollution from various sources, including plastic waste and fertilizer runoff. According to a study, Lake Michigan receives approximately 11 million pounds of plastic pollution annually, making it the most polluted of the Great Lakes in terms of plastic waste. Microplastics are particularly concerning as they can pass through water filtration systems and eventually enter our bodies when we consume the water.
In addition to plastic pollution, fertilizer runoff from farming activities contributes to the growth of algae, creating dead zones in the lake. Oil refineries located near Chicago have also been identified as significant polluters, discharging toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the lake with limited government oversight. These refineries are often situated in low-income and minority communities, exacerbating health risks for vulnerable populations.
Efforts are being made to address the pollution in Lake Michigan. The Illinois Environmental Council is advocating for policy changes, such as a single-use plastic ban in Chicago, to reduce plastic pollution. The Illinois EPA has also implemented the Lake Michigan Monitoring Program (LMMP) to more effectively assess the quality of the lake's water.
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Microplastics are entering the water supply
Microplastics are pieces of plastic under 5mm in size and can take many forms, including beads, fragments, pellets, film, foam, and fibres. They can be created unintentionally when larger plastic items break up over time or can be intentionally manufactured, as in microbeads and pellets.
The Great Lakes, which include Lake Michigan, account for 95% of the surface freshwater in the United States and 18% of the world's surface freshwater supply. However, they are polluted with alarming amounts of microplastics. According to a recent study, 90% of water samples taken from the Great Lakes over the past 10 years are contaminated with microplastics at levels that are unsafe for wildlife.
Lake Michigan, in particular, is facing significant microplastic pollution. It is the most polluted of the Great Lakes, with 11 million pounds of plastic dumped into it every year. This pollution is detrimental to the lake's ecosystem and the communities that rely on it for various purposes, including drinking water, fishing, tourism, and transportation.
One of the main ways microplastics are entering the water supply of Lake Michigan is through oil refineries in the Chicago area, which have been identified as some of the worst polluters in the United States. These refineries discharge toxic chemicals and heavy metals, such as selenium, which can mutate fish, and nitrogen, which contributes to water-fouling algae blooms.
Another way microplastics are entering the water supply is through fertilizer runoff from farming, which can lead to harmful impacts on freshwater sources, making them unable to drink. For example, Green Bay in Lake Michigan suffers from a large dead zone caused by fertilizer runoff every year.
Additionally, microplastics can enter the water supply through stormwater and wastewater discharge, as well as airborne particles. While Chicago has started installing filters on storm drains and sewage systems to catch macro and microplastics, these filters are less effective in capturing microplastics due to their small size.
To address this issue, experts and advocates urge individuals and manufacturers to reduce plastic usage and production, as well as support policy changes that can prevent the production of microplastics and regulate their entrance into water bodies. Organizations like the Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are also taking initiatives, such as the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup and the Trash Free Waters (TFW) Program, to reduce plastic pollution and improve water quality.
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Fertilizer runoff is causing dead zones
Lake Michigan, which serves as Chicago's drinking water source, is facing a growing environmental crisis. The lake is being increasingly polluted, with plastics and microplastics being a significant contributor. However, another critical source of pollution is fertilizer runoff, which is causing the emergence of "dead zones" in the lake.
Fertilizers are often rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are essential for plant growth. However, when excess fertilizer is applied or applied improperly, it can run off into nearby waterways, including Lake Michigan. This runoff carries high levels of nutrients that act as a fertilizer for algae, leading to a phenomenon known as eutrophication.
Eutrophication results in excessive and uncontrolled growth of algae, forming harmful algal blooms. These blooms can have detrimental effects on aquatic life, making the water toxic to fish and other organisms. As the algae eventually die and decompose, they consume the oxygen in the water, leading to the creation of "dead zones."
Dead zones are areas of water with extremely low oxygen levels, rendering them uninhabitable for most marine life. The depletion of oxygen occurs during the decomposition of algae, as bacteria break down the organic matter, resulting in hypoxic conditions. These dead zones can have significant ecological implications, disrupting the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems.
The emergence of dead zones in Lake Michigan, particularly in Green Bay, has raised concerns among environmentalists and scientists. The Alliance for the Great Lakes has reported that Green Bay suffers from a large dead zone caused by fertilizer runoff every year. This issue is not unique to Lake Michigan, as fertilizer runoff has been identified as a critical pollution source for dead zones globally.
Addressing the problem of fertilizer runoff is crucial to preventing the expansion of dead zones. Implementing proper fertilizing techniques and reducing nutrient pollution are essential steps toward restoring the health of Lake Michigan and other affected water bodies. By advocating for regulations and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, we can mitigate the impact of fertilizer runoff and work towards preserving the delicate ecosystems that depend on these vital water sources.
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Air pollution is affecting the lake
Air pollution is a critical issue in Chicago, and it is having a significant impact on Lake Michigan. The lake serves as the primary source of drinking water for the city, and it is also crucial for fishing, tourism, and transportation. Unfortunately, the lake is facing increasing pollution levels each year, posing a severe threat to the environment and public health.
One of the primary contributors to air pollution in Chicago is the presence of oil refineries in the area. These refineries have been identified as some of the worst polluters in the United States. During 2021 alone, 81 refineries nationwide that treat waste on-site released 1.6 billion pounds of harmful chemicals, including chlorides, sulfates, and dissolved solids. These toxins find their way into Lake Michigan, endangering aquatic life and the people who depend on the lake for their water supply.
The issue of air pollution from refineries is exacerbated by the lack of stringent government regulations. Despite the clear environmental and health risks, government oversight is minimal, if not absent. This has allowed refineries to continue dumping toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the lake with impunity. The situation is further aggravated by the predominantly low-income Black and Latino communities living near these refineries, who are disproportionately affected by the pollution.
Another consequence of air pollution on Lake Michigan is the increase in ground-level ozone pollution in the communities surrounding the lake. Researchers have found that neighbourhoods abutting the lake experience elevated levels of ozone. This is due to the emission of NOx from automobiles with combustion engines, which, when exposed to sunlight, reacts with other chemicals to form ozone. The warmer months see a spike in ozone levels due to increased sunlight, while concentrations decrease during winter.
Additionally, air pollution from agricultural activities contributes to the problem. Fertilizer runoff from farms contains high levels of nutrients that promote algae growth, leading to the creation of dead zones in the lake. This phenomenon, known as eutrophication, renders freshwater unfit for drinking and harms aquatic life.
To address the issue of air pollution affecting Lake Michigan, systemic changes are necessary. This includes stricter government regulations on refineries and better pollution control measures. Individual efforts, such as reducing plastic consumption and advocating for policy changes, can also help curb the problem. By working together at both the systemic and individual levels, we can help protect Lake Michigan and the health and well-being of the communities that rely on it.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Chicago is polluting Lake Michigan.
There are several factors contributing to the pollution in Lake Michigan. One of the major causes is plastic pollution, with 11 million pounds of plastic dumped into the lake each year. Microplastics can pass through water filtration systems and end up in our drinking water, which can have unknown health effects. Fertilizer runoff from farming is another issue, as it encourages the growth of algae, creating dead zones in the lake. Additionally, oil refineries in the Chicago area have been identified as some of the worst polluters in the US, releasing toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the lake with little government oversight.
The pollution in Lake Michigan has had several negative impacts. The lake serves as Chicago's drinking water source, so the presence of microplastics, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals can have direct health consequences for residents. It also affects fishing, tourism, and transportation in the area. The environmental situation of Lake Michigan is worsening each year, and it has been assessed as "not supporting primary contact and fish consumption" due to high levels of E. coli, PCBs, and mercury.
Efforts are being made to address the pollution in Lake Michigan. Environmental groups and advocates are pushing for policy changes and greater government regulation of oil refineries. The Illinois Environmental Council is advocating for a single-use plastic ban in Chicago to reduce plastic pollution. Researchers are also developing simulations to track and understand air pollution at a neighborhood level, which can inform targeted solutions such as electrifying public transit or creating more green spaces.
Individuals can play a role in reducing pollution in Lake Michigan by limiting their plastic intake and disposing of waste properly. Additionally, investing in personal water filters that can remove microplastics and other contaminants can help mitigate the health risks associated with drinking water from the lake. Staying informed and spreading awareness about the issue can also contribute to collective action and policy changes.
