State Lawmakers Plan Water Meeting in the Soo

Members of the public, local officials and state agency staff will discuss water quality issues of the St. Mary’s River and the north shore of Sugar Island at a special hearing by state lawmakers at Lake Superior State University on Friday, Sept. 23.

Rep. Frank Foster, R-Pellston, is bringing the Michigan House Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Committee to LSSU from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Anchor Room of the Cisler Center.

“This part of the watershed has been recognized as an area of concern by the International Joint Commission since 1987,” said Foster, chair of the committee. “I’d like to take this opportunity to learn more about it, and more importantly, determine if there’s anything the Michigan Legislature can do to improve the situation.”

A primary topic of the hearing is expected to be the East End Sewage Treatment Plant, located in Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario. The plant is a growing concern among local advocates due to the potential bypass of effluent water during even modest rainfalls.

Speakers already expected at the hearing are:

· Christine Daley and Shane Albrecht – Chippewa County Health Department

· Judy Westrick – Lake Superior State University

· Larry Schrader – Monitoring Solutions Corporation

· Cathy Abramson – Sault Tribe Board of Directors Office

· Michigan Department of Environmental Quality officials

Local residents and interested parties will also have an opportunity to address the committee with their views. While not required, people wishing to possibly speak at the meeting are requested to contact Foster’s office by Thursday, Sept. 22, to help with planning due to the limited time available for the hearing.

Contact Foster’s Lansing office at 1-517-373-2629 or by email at frankfoster@house.mi.gov.