Will Demand DNR Upholds Law and Protects Lake Michigan
Despite a state court ruling requiring WE Energies to use the best available technology for the waterintake
cooling system at their Elm Road coal plant in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, the company continued to
construct the outdated and environmentally-destructive “once-through cooling” system. Now, WE Energies
is asking the DNR to provide an exemption from federal law to use this system that will suck 3.2 billion
gallons of water out of Lake Michigan through a 1.5 mile long pipe, killing millions of fish, crustaceans,
shellfish, fish eggs and larvae. Neglecting its duty to protect one of Wisconsin’s most treasured resources, a
draft permit issued by the DNR suggests that it is poised to allow WE Energies to use this atrociously
destructive system. On Monday, June 9th, community members from across the state will gather at DNR
public hearings held at the Oak Creek Community Center to stand up for Lake Michigan by telling the DNR
not to permit the outdated system Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dubbed the “giant fish killing machine” on a recent
visit to Milwaukee.
When: Monday, June 9th: 1:30pm-3:30pm and 6:30pm-8:30pm
What: DNR public hearing for the controversial Elm Road cooling system
Where: The Social Room at the Oak Creek Community Center
8580 South Howell Avenue
Oak Creek, Wisconsin