Representatives from 11 conservation and environmental groups met Thursday for a “Save Our Lake” summit at which a new coalition was formed to protect Lake Michigan.

The Lake Michigan Environmental Coalition has as its mission sharing expertise, maximizing resources and mobilizing members when necessary.

"We wanted to convene groups concerned with Lake Michigan,” said Susan Mihalo, president of Save the Dunes Council. "The timing seemed appropriate; and the group was very energized and interested in a variety of water quality and Lake Michigan issues."

The summit comes in the wake of massive public outcry against a permit issued by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management that would have allowed the BP refinery in Whiting a significant increase in the pollutants discharged into Lake Michigan. BP has voluntarily agreed not to implement the permit but instead to work toward alternatives for treating the wastes.

Those attending the summit agreed that BP deserves credit for committing not to increase its pollution, but wants assurances that the commitment will be carried out. The groups also agreed to review a proposed permit for U.S. Steel, which is also seeking increased discharges. The groups also agreed that IDEM’s permitting process must be improved to include more public participation.

The summit, held at the Save the Dunes Council’s office in Michigan City, included representatives from the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Duneland Sierra Club, Hoosier Environmental Council, Hoosier Sierra Club, Indiana Wildlife Federation, the Porter County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, the League of Women Voters, Natural Resources Defense Council, Northwest Indiana Steelheaders, Environment Illinois, P.O.W.W.E.R., and the LaPorte County Conservation Trust.

Posted 8/31/2007