Coast Guard to Conduct Target Practice in Great Lakes

Southfield (WWJ)  -- The Coast Guard wants to do target practice, with live ammunition, on all five of the Great Lakes. 

Chief Petty Officer Robert Lanier, of the U.S. Coast Guard Ninth District, said the proposed target ranges would allow Coast Guard units to perform homeland defense exercises by firing at floating targets from cutters and small boats. 

Lanier said the Coast Guard has to be ready for anything.   

There would be specific times announced for the practice and boaters would be kept out of those areas.  

The proposal has many people concerned.  Hugh McDiarmid Junior from the Michigan Environmental Council says so far the Coast Guard has not responded to the Council's request for public hearings and environmental studies.  But, the Coast Guard is not required to hold public hearings because it is part of the Homeland Security Department.

McDiarmid says the Environmental Council has many concerns from boater safety to the use of lead ammunition that may harm the environment and wifelife.

The proposal is filed with the Federal Register and the comment period is expected to end today.  Anyone who would like to comment should call their U.S. Representative or U.S. Senator.  Michigan Senator Carl Levin's Washington office number is 202-224-6221 or click here for Levin's website.   U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow's office is 202-224-4822 or click here for Stabenow's website. For U.S. Representatives click on www.house.gov.