Olson's Statement Regarding the Unanimous Approval of the Waukesha Diversion Application
On behalf of FLOW (For Love of Water), Jim Olson released the following statement regarding today’s decision on the Waukesha Diversion Application.
“For better or worse, the Compact governors’ decision approving Waukesha’s diversion is done. There were a number of loose provisions that pointed to a bad precedent where a community’s water system doesn’t even straddle the Basin divide. It will all depend on the details, the amendments and conditions made part of the decision. This remains a serious matter and as we have done so far, FLOW will dig in and evaluate these conditions and make sure they are strictly interpreted and enforced. When it comes to the Great Lakes and the duties of government to protect their integrity, there is no room for mistakes or relaxation. It would have been better for the public to be able to see and comment on these amendments and conditions. For the moment, all we can do is review them after the fact. The key to this and future decisions is to make sure they meet the standards for exceptions like Waukesha’s request as a community in a straddling county. These standards are the beacons by which the Great Lakes will be protected from diversions and exports. They must burn bright and respected. The public trust duty of the governors to protect the integrity of these waters from one generation to the next is first and foremost.”
