Group sues EPA over Chesapeake Bay cleanup

By BRIAN WITTE Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – (AP) A conservation group has filed a lawsuit aimed at forcing the Environmental Protection Agency to enforce laws to clean up the polluted Chesapeake Bay.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation President William Baker says scientists know how to revive the nation's largest estuary. He says that all that's missing is the political will to enforce the federal Clean Water Act.

The foundation filed its lawsuit in federal court in Washington.

Baker says he hopes the legal action will grab the attention of the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama and put the bay's restoration back on track.

Poor water quality caused by pollution from nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous has harmed the blue crab population, destroyed underwater grasses and hurt fish in the bay.

--- On the Net: Chesapeake Bay Foundation: http://www.cbf.org
Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov