Chicago Park District Kicks Off Petition Against BP's Dumping into Lake Michigan

According to a Chicago Park District press release, the park district and the City of Chicago has announced plans to start a petition drive at local beaches in order to gain support against industrial sludge in Lake Michigan. The petition known as the "Save Our Lake" petition will fight against BP's dumping of sludge into the lake and all other toxic dumping into the lake.

The Chicago Park District is also asking volunteer to come help out at a total of 14 locations along Chicago's Lakefront between July 21st-22nd from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers should ask people to sign the petition.

Currently, BP has had their plans of dumping ammonia and sludge into the lake approved. The city of Chicago and the Park District strongly believe that BP's Whiting Refinery circumvented environmental laws. The dumping will also contaminate Chicago's fresh water source.

"Pollution of Lake Michigan is a serious matter. People enjoy the lake every day out of the year and dumping pollution and waste into the lake would ultimately ruin it. How long until the water isn't fit to swim in, or even live next to? Should our children have to suffer down the road because some people were careless enough to dump waste into it?" said Chicago resident Amelia Eckhardt.

Timothy J. Mitchell, Superintendent & CEO of the Chicago Park District said, "The Chicago Park District works hard to manage our lakefront beaches and keep them clean for all Chicagoans and visitors to enjoy...clean, fresh water is an essential human necessity that we require to sustain a healthy lifestyle. We are urging concerned citizens to help by signing this petition that helps preserve and protect this valued natural resource, so that future generations can use and enjoy its clean water."

As previously stated, a total of 14 locations will have the petition available. Those locations are:

Loyola Park, 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.
Foster Avenue Beach, 5200 North and the lake
Montrose Beach, 4400 North and the lake
North Avenue Beach, 1603 N. Lake Shore Drive
Oak Street Beach, 1000 North and the lake
Navy Pier
Buckingham Fountain, Congress Parkway and Columbus Drive
Museum Campus (12th Street Beach)
31st Street Beach, 3100 South and the lake
57th Street/Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 South and the lake
63rd Street Beach, 6300 South and the lake
South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr.
Rainbow Beach, 3111 E. 77th St.
Calumet, 9801 S. Ave. G

For more information on the "Save Our Lake" petition and program, call 312-742-4775 or email at janis.taylor@chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Even if you can't make it out to one of the locations on the designated weekend, you can fill out your own petition and send it in.