We have laws to protect our waters from toxic pollution, but these laws are not being enforced. This needs to change.

We need Gov. Doyle and other lawmakers to stand up to these polluters and enforce the laws that protect our health.

Fox River, Wisconsin
Photo Courtesy of EPA National Program Office

Putting Our Heritage And Health At Risk
Polluters have made fishing and swimming in Wisconsin’s waters hazardous to our health—especially to the health of our children.

Childhood trips to a lakeside cabin or fishing for trout in Wisconsin’s many trout streams can put us at risk for cancer and other diseases.

There are strong laws that exist to stop this pollution and protect our waterways and our health, but polluters have successfully put pressure on our elected officials to weaken the integrity of our clean water laws. Indeed, our laws mean little if they are not being enforced.

Putting Wisconsin's Water At Risk

Dangerous levels of mercury,which accumulates in fish,were found in all tested waters in the state. Mercury can cause irreversible neurological damage in developing children. Photo courtesy of ArtToday.com

Toxics In Our Waters: Paper mills, factory farms, chemical companies and others are illegally contaminating our waterways. Over one-third of industrial and municipal facilities across Wisconsin exceeded their Clean Water Act permit limits for highly hazardous chemicals between Jan. 1999 and Dec. 2001.

Our Health At Risk: When our children swim in one of our polluted lakes, or when we eat contaminated fish, we are exposed to those chemicals. Among these is dioxin, which can cause cancer and developmental disorders.

Illegal Pollution Can Be Profitable
Inadequate Monitoring: The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is not inspecting facilities for illegal discharges. In 1999, the DNR inspected just 47 percent of major industrial facilities, despite a stated goal to inspect all facilities.

Polluters Caught But Not Fined: Although the DNR is aware of many illegal polluters, only one out of 25 violators were referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution. In 1998, only six facilities out of 363 known violators were assessed penalties.

Data: Midwest Environmental Advocates

Why Have They Gotten Away With It?

WISPIRG is calling on Jim Doyle,above,to inspect 100 percent of industrial facilities. Photo by www.merlin-net.com

Between huge campaign contributions, a powerful lobbying presence and close ties to ex-Governor Thompson, paper companies and other industries were able to slash the DNR’s budget and convince the governor to make enforcement a low priority.

Time For Real Enforcement: We have an opportunity right now to change the way the Wisconsin government thinks about protecting Wisconsin's waters. Our newly elected governor spent the past 12 years as the state's “top cop,” so he understands the importance of law enforcement.

Enforce The Laws, Fine The Violators
WISPIRG is calling on Gov. Jim Doyle to use his experience as Attorney General to enforce the Clean Water Act and make sure illegal polluters pay the penalty.

As polluters vie for his loyalty ,it's imperative that Gov. Doyle hear from citizens who want him to enforce the laws that protect our health, our environment and our natural heritage. WISPIRG is calling for:

100 Percent Of Facilities Monitored: Direct the DNR to annually inspect all major industrial facilities permitted under the Clean Water Act.

100 Percent Of Violators Fined: Direct the DNR to enforce Wisconsin's mandatory pollution penalties for Clean Water Act violators.

A Clean Water Future
Enforcing existing laws is only the first step. WISPIRG will also be working to:

• ensure that fines are high enough that polluting is not profitable;

• ensure that the DNR has adequate funding to enforce laws; and

• ensure that the DNR is setting legal discharge limits at levels that protect human health and the environment.

Report:

Overburdened Waters: How Weak Permitting and Enforcement Have Failed to Curb High Levels of Toxic Discharge into Wisconsin's Waterways 11/19/04

In Gross Violation: How Polluters Are Flooding America's Waterways With Toxic Chemicals 10/17/02

Water Enforcement White Paper