News Release

Remarks from Lake County Board Member Bonnie Thomson Carter

We are indeed grateful that you are with us this morning on such a splendid occasion.

I have worked with the board members of the Long Lake Improvement and Sanitation Association, LLISA for several years bringing about better conditions in the well-being of Long Lake. It is from their commitment and energy that this team was put together.

As Joe mentioned, it was a challenge from that board to Baxter to work with local residents on maintaining the health of Long Lake and that challenge included no discharge of the treated wastewater into the tributary that flows into their lake. It was the correct step to take and Baxter joined them at the table. I want to thank both LLISA and Baxter for working together to facilitate the vision necessary accomplishing what I feel is an environmentally sound solution.

With the LLISA, the entire Baxter team and the additional support and dedication from the SMC, LCHD and LC Public Works, the resources at the table were exceptional.

As with any mission, our team knew where we needed to end in order to accomplish our goal, but sometimes had different ideas of how to get there. We had a few lively meetings with good debate on different options and outcomes. This open dialogue will result in significant benefits for the community and environment. I need to say, this would not have been possible without the added support of the IEPA. They joined the team, listened and responded.

The partnering with Synnestvedt went beyond the vision I had. Their pledge of support will benefit our community for years to come. I thank them for being an integral part.

To reinforce what Joe has already mentioned -- this environment project accomplishes many goals.

• 185 acres will remain open space and promote the growth of trees and shrubs;
• The nursery will use treated wastewater which will be applied to ensure absorption by trees or soil;
• It will reuse water to irrigate the nursery stock thereby reducing the amount of groundwater necessary from our local aquifer;
• It will ensure the protection of water quality in Long Lake;
• And it will maintain the quality and function of the wetlands feeding into Long Lake.

The parallel project of the Long Lake watershed analysis will enhance the SMC study and will play an integral part in the Squaw Creek Watershed Plan. Gary Hanline, has so much knowledge and understanding that his input is significant. The watershed plan will be complete in a year and will be superior because of Baxter input.

It has been an honor working side by side with the residents of Long Lake and a great privilege bringing Baxter into our community. You took the citizens serious and moved quickly for results. Much faster than government I might add. I look forward to several more partnerships enhancing our quality of life.

"This team is a diverse coalition of stakeholders working to improve the quality and health of Long Lake, the neighborhood we live and work in. The project to reuse Baxter's treated wastewater to irrigate nursery stock is a first-of-its kind in Illinois and I am proud to be a part of it."

Congratulations.

[Introduce Sander]

For the past several years, Sander Sundberg has rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable services to LLISA. Many for his tireless efforts admire him.

I appreciate his energy, the enthusiasm, the spirit and the resourcefulness he brought to our project team.

I would like to introduce Sandy Sundberg, president of Long Lake Improvement and Sanitation Association.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

	Media Contact: Tanya Tyska, 847-948-3256