§1258 Pollution Control in the Great Lakes

Summary

The EPA Administrator, working with other federal agencies, may make agreements with states, local governments, or public agencies to run demonstration projects in Great Lakes watersheds. These projects must test practical and cost‑effective ways to remove pollution and stop pollutants from entering the Great Lakes. Local partners must pay at least 25% of each project’s actual cost. Their share can be cash, land, equipment, or services that the EPA values. Up to $20,000,000 is authorized for these projects and the money stays available until spent. Because of serious problems in Lake Erie, the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, must design a demonstration wastewater management program to help restore the lake. Before detailed engineering begins, the Chief’s plan, recommendations, and financing proposal must go to Congress for approval. The program must be developed with EPA, other federal agencies, and state and local governments. It should offer regional wastewater options (including advanced treatment and land‑disposal methods like aerated spray‑irrigation), cover solid‑waste and sludge disposal, and tackle pollution from point sources, area sources (for example, acid‑mine drainage and runoff), and contaminated sediments. Up to $5,000,000 is authorized for this work and the money stays available until spent.