The International Joint Commission invites Public Comment on a Proposal for Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Regulation

The International Joint Commission invites Public Comment on a Proposal for Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Regulation 

The International Joint Commission (IJC) is inviting the public to comment on a proposal for managing the water levels and flows in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River that will continue to contribute to the economic health of communities throughout the basin while improving the long-term ecological health of Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River.

Since 1960, the IJC has managed the flow of water at the Moses-Saunders hydropower dam, located on the St Lawrence River between Cornwall, Ontario and Massena, New York. The management of water flows influences water levels on Lake Ontario and in the St Lawrence River as far downstream as Lake St. Pierre. Although water levels and flows are primarily determined by precipitation, snowpack and storms,   water flow management has provided substantial benefits to the region. These include reducing flooding and erosion on the Lake Ontario shoreline, reducing flooding downstream, and providing more favorable conditions on the lake and river for water intakes, recreational boating, commercial navigation and hydroelectric power production.

http://bit.ly/19904kB International Joint Commission

Restore Our Water International (ROWI) applauds the International Joint Commission (IJC’s) Advice

Press Release: Monday, April 29, 2013
Restore Our Water International (ROWI) applauds the International Joint Commission (IJC’s) Advice to Governments to investigate installation of flow reduction structures in the St. Clair River to respond to the ongoing low water crisis across the middle and upper Great Lakes. 

http://bit.ly/17tTpRf Restore Our Water International

I like the 20 Inch idea

Fix water levels in Huron, Michigan: IJC

Fix water levels in Huron, Michigan: IJC

http://bit.ly/Z9HFhs Midland Free Press

The international agency tasked with monitoring the quantity and quality of water in the Great Lakes is recommending governments need to address record low water levels in lakes Michigan and Huron.

However, at least one group advocating for action questions whether the recommendations will adequately address the long-term issues facing the Great Lakes — especially Huron and Michigan.
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It is a start

Low water levels worry local MPs

Low water levels worry local MPs 

Immediate action must be taken to restore water levels in Georgian Bay, says Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton.

“The worry is if we have another hot, dry summer, which is entirely probable... these conditions are going to worsen,” Stanton said Wednesday. “We’re going to have lower water levels than we’ve experienced since they have begun measuring them.”

Read the rest on the Orillia Packet & Times web site


http://bit.ly/Qgmd7C Orillia Packet & Times

An Open Letter on the Upper Great Lakes Study

An Open Letter on the Upper Great Lakes Study
Dear Stakeholder,

The International Joint Commission (IJC) deeply appreciates the hospitality, participation and passion of the people who shared their perspectives on Great Lakes water levels and flows. In mid-July, the Commission held public hearings in 13 communities on Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, western Lake Erie and both the Detroit River and St. Marys River. We heard both praise and concern regarding the report and recommendations of the International Upper Great Lakes Study (IUGLS).


At the hearings, the IJC heard perspectives from governments, First Nations and Tribes, property owners, and citizens on proposed Lake Superior outflow management; an exploratory analysis on raising Lakes Michigan and Huron water levels; and the realities of living with the dynamic Great Lakes system.

Due to strong public interest, the IJC has extended the deadline for written comment until September 30, 2012. If you were not able to attend a public hearing, Commissioners will be available to listen to your comments at a public hearing by teleconference on September 19, 2012, from 7-9 p.m. EDT. You can find instructions to participate at bit.ly/iugls-hearing.

The IJC carefully considers all comments in deliberating on orders of approval, directives, and recommendations for water levels management.

The IJC encourages you to share your perspective on the Study Board report and recommendations at ijc.org/iuglsreport/. On the website, you will also find a presentation about the study, the record of the hearings, the final Study Board report, archives, and related research.

While the IUGLS was focused on water quantity, the Commission also plays a role in providing advice to the governments on water quality. And in that regard, we urge you to join the IJC and our partners in Cleveland, Ohio, for Great Lakes Week on September 10-13, 2012, to discuss the unprecedented efforts underway and opportunities to sustain North America’s Great Lakes.
We look forward to receiving your comments on water levels and working with you to sustain our shared waters.

Sincerely,

Lana Pollack Joe Comuzzi
U.S. Co-Chair Canada Co-Chair

Lyall Knott Rich Moy
Commissioner Commissioner

Dereth Glance
Commissioner

http://bit.ly/SsHDTr

Express concerns about lakes' health or live with less

Express concerns about lakes' health or live with less
Huronia residents concerned about the water levels of Georgian Bay are being urged to attend the International Joint Commission (IJC) public hearings in Midland on Monday.

The IJC is seeking public input on the International Great Lakes Study Board’s report, Addressing Uncertainty in Upper Great Lakes Water.

The hearing will be at 7 p.m. in the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre.

Read the full article

http://bit.ly/M8FmIr Midland Freepress