Judith Ruiz-Branch
Illinois News Connection
Protected wetlands across Illinois could be at risk as the Trump administration considers changes to the Clean Water Act.
The Environmental Protection Agency is considering a new rule to narrow the scope of the waters the act protects.
Robert Hirschfeld with Prairie Rivers Network said wetlands are essential for filtering runoff from farms and absorbing floodwaters. He explained they save Illinois an estimated $750 million in flood damage every year.
“They basically act as these giant sponges,” Hirschfeld pointed out. “When you get these big rain events — which are becoming increasingly common — wetlands soak up millions and millions of gallons of water and prevent that water from going onto your streets, into your town, into your basement.”
Hirschfeld added Illinois has already lost about 85% of its wetlands due to agricultural land transformation. If the new EPA rule takes effect, experts estimated up to 96% of the state’s remaining wetlands could be left unprotected.
Pollution from agricultural runoff is often filled with manure, pesticides and other toxins. Hirschfeld noted wetlands help to filter pollutants which would otherwise eventually run into our drinking water.
“If you care about clean water, if you care about clean drinking water, wetlands are another cost-effective way to protect that water,” Hirschfeld asserted.
He emphasized wetlands are an important habitat for wildlife like fish, birds, amphibians and reptiles. In Illinois, wetlands are home to thousands of species of plants and animals.
“Sometimes people don’t understand the value of those,” Hirschfeld acknowledged. “We’re all connected on this planet and the health of the overall ecological system has direct impact on the health of human communities as well.”
Hirschfeld stressed Illinois lacks sufficient laws to protect its wetlands, which makes the Clean Water Act crucial. The Illinois Wetlands Protection Act, which aims to recreate federal protections at the state level, is currently being considered in the Illinois legislature.
