When BP proposed a $3.8 billion expansion of its Whiting Refinery, politicians and environmentalists pounced on the plant's pollution permit, required by the Clean Water Act. They should have looked from where they were leaping.

The most vocal critics were from Illinois.

Do they not realize some of Chicago's own municipal sewage treatment sites dump thousands more pollutants into the Lake Michigan basin than some Northwest Indiana industries?

And that Chicago's failure to fully disinfect wastewater that reaches Lake Michigan is blamed for summertime beach closings and more.

This is among facts determined during an eight-month Times investigation into Lake Michigan pollution detailed in a special Sunday report, "Under the Surface."

There is no question Northwest Indiana industries are among the largest contributors of regulated pollution flowing into Lake Michigan. But consider these facts also determined by the investigation:

* There are more than five dozen companies in Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana making the list of lake polluters.

* Pollution comes not just from major industries but from many sources along streams emptying into the lake, such as the Fox River in Wisconsin.

* Indiana is stricter in enforcing environmental laws than other lakeside states.

* And while Indiana regulators had a problem with a backlog of water permit renewals, the same problems have been experienced in the other states.

The report goes deep to outline facts about Lake Michigan pollution. It found the world-class steel mills and refinery in Northwest Indiana have drastically reduced their emissions over the years and continue working to safeguard the lake.

Can more be done to protect Lake Michigan? Certainly, especially if more money and technology is available. But let's be reasonable. The situation is not as bad as the misinformed critics say.

Northwest Indiana's premier environmentalist, Lee Botts, admits great strides have been made in throttling pollution in and along Lake Michigan.

She understands reason, not rebellious reaction, must prevail as public and private officials move forward to renew permits for BP and local mills.

To be clear: The environment must be and is being protected. But the strength of the nation's manufacturing heartland, the welfare of Northwest Indiana's economy and thousands of jobs, must be a part of any solution.

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