Last Sunday the Obama administration spelled out a five-year action plan [1] to tackle toxic pollution, invasive species, and wildlife restoration in the Great Lakes.

The Great Lakes are a source of drinking water for more than 40 million people, including New Yorkers.The plan targets long-term pollution from manufacturing, aims to restore the spawning areas of indigenous fish, and to control invasive species, such as huge Asian carp [2], which the EPA identifies as a significant threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem.

In addition to industrial pollutants, the plan addresses e-waste, including the dumping of 45 million pounds of old computers, millions of unwanted medications, and 4.5 million pounds of household hazardous waste, reports a recent New York Times [3] Op-Ed.

Finally, the plan seeks to protect endangered species, such as the enormous lake sturgeon, which according to the New York Times [4] is the victim of overharvesting and habitat degradation. Goals include introducing stocks of young sturgeon to the lakes.

While environmental groups are generally pleased with the plan, reservations have been voiced regarding funding adequacy. 

The administration plans to allocate over $2 billion to the first five years of its restoration plan.  While Obama's 2010 budget allocated $475 million for the project, thus far the 2011 budget proposes only $300 million. Some, such as Jennifer Nalbone of Great Lakes United [5], think at least $475 will be needed in 2011 to cover the large number of project proposals associated with the plan. 

The Great Lakes are the largest surface freshwater system on Earth, span over 750 miles, contain 21 percent of the world's water supply, and provide water for transportation, power, and recreation, according to the EPA [6].