Jan 29: Syracuse Research Corporation (SRC) has produced an online, interactive modeling application for predicting the fate of chemicals within the Great Lakes environment. The project, led by Dr. Mario Citra of SRC, set out to produce an easy-to-use application that would allow users to determine several important factors relating to how chemicals behave once they have been released into the Great Lakes environment. These include: Where in the environment does the chemical tend to accumulate (such as in water, soils, sediments, air or fish)? How long is the chemical retained in the Great Lakes environment before it degrades or is transported to another region? What concentration in the environment would be produced by a given level of emission? What is the potential for a chemical to travel to the Great Lakes region from far away? And more.
By providing this capability through an online interface that is easy to access and use, the model gives users a powerful tool for answering their questions about the behavior of a given chemical in the Great Lakes system. The modeling program may be run with as little input as the chemical’s Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) identification number (of which 33 million are available) although more detailed characteristics may be input as well. The model’s ease of use and availability over the Internet make it a great tool for use in educational settings.
While much information can be generated by the model without specifying chemical quantities, knowing how much of a chemical is emitted into the environment allows a user to obtain even more information, such as predicted concentrations in air, water, soils, sediments and fish. It also allows the user to determine the likelihood that a certain concentration known to be a high-risk level would be exceeded. While users can enter their own emissions information, the website also includes links to pesticide application data from the CropLife Foundation and air emissions data from the Great Lakes Regional Toxic Air Emissions Inventory, which together provide useful release information on more than 350 toxic substances.
The model is configured to represent each of the five Great Lakes basins (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior). The user is able to choose which of these five they would like to use as the basis for the model. While other models may be more complex or offer additional capabilities, this modeling program has the advantage of being easy to access and use. Potential applications include investigating the behavior of new or unstudied chemicals; comparing emissions and monitoring data; and calculating expected concentrations of chemicals in the environment or the likelihood that such concentrations will exceed known risk values.
Access an announcement on the model (click here). Access the model on the SRC website (click here). Access additional model documentation (click here).
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
New USGS Genetic Research On VHS Fish Virus
Jan 23: New genetic research by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) indicates that the devastating virus that has killed thousands of fish in the Great Lakes over the past few years is different from other strains of the same virus found in Europe and the West Coast of the United States. The Great Lakes' strain of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) is the only strain outside of Europe that has been associated with significant die-offs of freshwater fish species.
Dr. Jim Winton, a fisheries scientist at the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC) in Seattle said, "VHSV is a rhabdovirus that is the causative agent of one of the most dangerous viral diseases of fish. The virus belongs to a family of viruses that includes rabies. The disease causes internal bleeding in fish, but is not harmful to people. This Great Lakes strain appears to have an exceptionally broad host range. Significant die-offs have occurred in muskellunge, freshwater drum, yellow perch, round goby, emerald shiners and gizzard shad."
Winton and co-authors Gael Kurath and William Batts recently authored a new USGS fact sheet that describes important genetic information about isolates of VHSV from Great Lakes region (Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus in the Great Lakes Region fact sheet). Other strains of the VHS virus are found in continental Europe, North Pacific Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea and North Sea.
Genetic research at the WFRC and by colleagues from Canada showed that this strain of the virus was probably introduced into the Great Lakes in the last 5 to 10 years, and that the fish die-offs occurring among different species and in different lakes should be considered as one large ongoing epidemic. The USGS genetic research also indicated that the Great Lakes' strain of the virus was not from Europe, where three other strains of the virus occur, but more likely had its origin among marine or estuarine fish of the Atlantic seaboard of North America. The strain is genetically most like samples of VHSV recovered during 2000-2004 from diseased fish in areas of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada.
The Great Lakes' strain has now been isolated from more than 25 species of fish in Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Saint Lawrence River and from inland lakes in New York, Michigan and Wisconsin. Experts fear the disease could potentially spread from the Great Lakes into new populations of native fish in the 31 states of the Mississippi River basin. Also, if VHS virus is introduced into the aquaculture industry, it could lead to trade restrictions as well as direct losses from the disease.
Regulatory agencies in the United States and Canada have already placed restrictions on the movement of fish or fish products that could pose a risk for the spread of VHS virus to regions outside of the known geographic range. These restrictions include requirements for viral examinations by standard methods.
Access a release from USGS (click here). Access the fact sheet (click here). Access more information on how to detect and confirm VHS virus from USGS's Aquatic and Endangered Resources Program (click here). Access a release from Wisconsin DNR and link to Wisconsin's VHS website (click here). Access Michigan DNR's VHS website for additional information (click here).
Dr. Jim Winton, a fisheries scientist at the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center (WFRC) in Seattle said, "VHSV is a rhabdovirus that is the causative agent of one of the most dangerous viral diseases of fish. The virus belongs to a family of viruses that includes rabies. The disease causes internal bleeding in fish, but is not harmful to people. This Great Lakes strain appears to have an exceptionally broad host range. Significant die-offs have occurred in muskellunge, freshwater drum, yellow perch, round goby, emerald shiners and gizzard shad."
Winton and co-authors Gael Kurath and William Batts recently authored a new USGS fact sheet that describes important genetic information about isolates of VHSV from Great Lakes region (Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus in the Great Lakes Region fact sheet). Other strains of the VHS virus are found in continental Europe, North Pacific Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea and North Sea.
Genetic research at the WFRC and by colleagues from Canada showed that this strain of the virus was probably introduced into the Great Lakes in the last 5 to 10 years, and that the fish die-offs occurring among different species and in different lakes should be considered as one large ongoing epidemic. The USGS genetic research also indicated that the Great Lakes' strain of the virus was not from Europe, where three other strains of the virus occur, but more likely had its origin among marine or estuarine fish of the Atlantic seaboard of North America. The strain is genetically most like samples of VHSV recovered during 2000-2004 from diseased fish in areas of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada.
The Great Lakes' strain has now been isolated from more than 25 species of fish in Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Saint Lawrence River and from inland lakes in New York, Michigan and Wisconsin. Experts fear the disease could potentially spread from the Great Lakes into new populations of native fish in the 31 states of the Mississippi River basin. Also, if VHS virus is introduced into the aquaculture industry, it could lead to trade restrictions as well as direct losses from the disease.
Regulatory agencies in the United States and Canada have already placed restrictions on the movement of fish or fish products that could pose a risk for the spread of VHS virus to regions outside of the known geographic range. These restrictions include requirements for viral examinations by standard methods.
Access a release from USGS (click here). Access the fact sheet (click here). Access more information on how to detect and confirm VHS virus from USGS's Aquatic and Endangered Resources Program (click here). Access a release from Wisconsin DNR and link to Wisconsin's VHS website (click here). Access Michigan DNR's VHS website for additional information (click here).
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
House Hearing On Improving Great Lakes Water Quality
Jan 23: House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, Chaired by Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) held a hearing entitled, Progress Toward Improving Water Quality in the Great Lakes. The Subcommittee received testimony from representatives from the U.S. EPA, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the International Joint Commission, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and members of the United States House of Representatives on Great Lakes water quality. Representatives testifying included: Peter Visclosky (D-IN); Bart Stupak (D-MI); and Mark Kirk (R-IL); and Rahm Emanuel (D-IL).
GAO delivered testimony entitled, Great Lakes Initiative: EPA and States Have Made Progress, but Much Remains to Be Done If Water Quality Goals Are to Be Achieved (GAO-08-312T, January 23, 2007). GAO indicated that millions of people in the United States and Canada depend on the Great Lakes for drinking water, recreation, and economic livelihood. In 1995, EPA issued the Great Lakes Initiative (GLI). The GLI established water quality criteria to be used by states to establish pollutant discharge limits for some BCCs and other pollutants that are discharged by point sources. The GLI also allows states to include flexible permit implementation procedures (flexibilities) that allow facilities’ discharges to exceed GLI criteria.
GAO's testimony was based on its July 2005 report, Great Lakes Initiative: EPA Needs to Better Ensure the Complete and Consistent Implementation of Water Quality Standards (GAO-05-829) and updated information from EPA and the Great Lakes states. The statement addressed: (1) the status of EPA’s efforts to develop and approve methods to measure pollutants at the GLI water quality criteria levels, (2) the use of permit flexibilities, and (3) EPA’s actions to implement GAO’s 2005 recommendations.
GAO said in its 2005 report, it made a number of recommendations to EPA to help ensure full and consistent implementation of the GLI and to improve measures for monitoring progress toward achieving GLI’s goals. GAO said EPA has taken some actions to implement the recommendations. For example, EPA has begun to review the efforts and progress made by one category of facilities -- municipal wastewater treatment plants -- to reduce their mercury discharges into the basin. However, until EPA gathers more information on the implementation of GLI and the impact it has had on reducing pollutant discharges from point sources, as we recommended, it will not be able to fully assess progress toward GLI goals.
EPA testified that, "While significant and emerging challenges remain, the Great Lakes have made a dramatic comeback from severely polluted conditions - 30 to 40 years ago when the Lakes were seemingly on the verge of collapse... We have also made significant progress in incorporating revised permit limits into NPDES permits that reflect the Guidance [GLI]. The percentage of NPDES permitted discharges to the Lakes or major tributaries that had permit limits reflecting the Guidance's water quality standards has increased from 62% in 2002 to 95% in 2007." The Agency cited and listed many of the accomplishments of the recent State of the Great Lakes 2007 [See WIMS 6/7/07 and below].
Access the hearing website for background information and links to all testimony (click here). Access the 2007 Highlights Report on the State of the Great Lakes 2007 and other documents about Great Lakes indicators and the SOLEC website (click here); or the Binational website (click here).
GAO delivered testimony entitled, Great Lakes Initiative: EPA and States Have Made Progress, but Much Remains to Be Done If Water Quality Goals Are to Be Achieved (GAO-08-312T, January 23, 2007). GAO indicated that millions of people in the United States and Canada depend on the Great Lakes for drinking water, recreation, and economic livelihood. In 1995, EPA issued the Great Lakes Initiative (GLI). The GLI established water quality criteria to be used by states to establish pollutant discharge limits for some BCCs and other pollutants that are discharged by point sources. The GLI also allows states to include flexible permit implementation procedures (flexibilities) that allow facilities’ discharges to exceed GLI criteria.
GAO's testimony was based on its July 2005 report, Great Lakes Initiative: EPA Needs to Better Ensure the Complete and Consistent Implementation of Water Quality Standards (GAO-05-829) and updated information from EPA and the Great Lakes states. The statement addressed: (1) the status of EPA’s efforts to develop and approve methods to measure pollutants at the GLI water quality criteria levels, (2) the use of permit flexibilities, and (3) EPA’s actions to implement GAO’s 2005 recommendations.
GAO said in its 2005 report, it made a number of recommendations to EPA to help ensure full and consistent implementation of the GLI and to improve measures for monitoring progress toward achieving GLI’s goals. GAO said EPA has taken some actions to implement the recommendations. For example, EPA has begun to review the efforts and progress made by one category of facilities -- municipal wastewater treatment plants -- to reduce their mercury discharges into the basin. However, until EPA gathers more information on the implementation of GLI and the impact it has had on reducing pollutant discharges from point sources, as we recommended, it will not be able to fully assess progress toward GLI goals.
EPA testified that, "While significant and emerging challenges remain, the Great Lakes have made a dramatic comeback from severely polluted conditions - 30 to 40 years ago when the Lakes were seemingly on the verge of collapse... We have also made significant progress in incorporating revised permit limits into NPDES permits that reflect the Guidance [GLI]. The percentage of NPDES permitted discharges to the Lakes or major tributaries that had permit limits reflecting the Guidance's water quality standards has increased from 62% in 2002 to 95% in 2007." The Agency cited and listed many of the accomplishments of the recent State of the Great Lakes 2007 [See WIMS 6/7/07 and below].
Access the hearing website for background information and links to all testimony (click here). Access the 2007 Highlights Report on the State of the Great Lakes 2007 and other documents about Great Lakes indicators and the SOLEC website (click here); or the Binational website (click here).
$9 Million Great Lakes Watershed Restoration Grant Program
Jan 22: ArcelorMittal, the world's number one steel company, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced the ArcelorMittal Great Lakes Restoration Program. The new grant program is funded by a $2.1 million donation from the ArcelorMittal USA Foundation that will be matched by a $3 million investment by NFWF and Federal agency partners including: U.S. EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The contributions will then be leveraged by grantees to enable a total on-the-ground impact of $9 million throughout the Great Lakes watershed.
According to a release, the ArcelorMittal Great Lakes Restoration Program is an important step towards restoring the ecological integrity of the Great Lakes Basin. The program is designed to address the habitat and ecosystem restoration goals developed through the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration (GLRC). The Regional Collaboration, created by a Presidential Executive Order, is a wide-ranging, public-private cooperative effort to design and implement a strategy for the restoration, protection, and sustainable use of the Great Lakes. Specifically, ArcelorMittal funds will support wetland protection and restoration across the Great Lakes Region.
Lou Schorsch, President and CEO, ArcelorMittal Flat Carbon Americas said, “A vibrant, sustainable Great Lakes is important to our business and our community. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to lead the effort in improving the fish and wildlife habitat in the Great Lakes. Our USA Foundation is committed to supporting sustainability through the focus areas of education, the environment and support of healthy and safe communities where our employees and customers work and live.” Benjamin Grumbles, Assistant Administrator for Water at U.S. EPA said, “This seed money grows innovative partnerships to restore and sustain the greatness in the Lakes. The world's largest freshwater ecosystem benefits when governments and the private sector team up to achieve the environmental and economic goals of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration.”
Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation said, “Ever increasing pressure on our fresh water ecosystems underscores the need to protect and restore and Great Lakes, which represent ten percent of all fresh water globally. We are proud to work with ArcelorMittal and our federal, state, and local partners to move Great Lakes restoration forward. ArcelorMittal's commitment sets a high bar for corporate commitment to restoring the ecological integrity of the Great Lakes system.”
Access a release from NFWF (click here). Access more information on the Great Lakes Watershed Restoration Program including applicant eligibility, eligible projects, and submission requirements (click here).
According to a release, the ArcelorMittal Great Lakes Restoration Program is an important step towards restoring the ecological integrity of the Great Lakes Basin. The program is designed to address the habitat and ecosystem restoration goals developed through the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration (GLRC). The Regional Collaboration, created by a Presidential Executive Order, is a wide-ranging, public-private cooperative effort to design and implement a strategy for the restoration, protection, and sustainable use of the Great Lakes. Specifically, ArcelorMittal funds will support wetland protection and restoration across the Great Lakes Region.
Lou Schorsch, President and CEO, ArcelorMittal Flat Carbon Americas said, “A vibrant, sustainable Great Lakes is important to our business and our community. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to lead the effort in improving the fish and wildlife habitat in the Great Lakes. Our USA Foundation is committed to supporting sustainability through the focus areas of education, the environment and support of healthy and safe communities where our employees and customers work and live.” Benjamin Grumbles, Assistant Administrator for Water at U.S. EPA said, “This seed money grows innovative partnerships to restore and sustain the greatness in the Lakes. The world's largest freshwater ecosystem benefits when governments and the private sector team up to achieve the environmental and economic goals of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration.”
Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation said, “Ever increasing pressure on our fresh water ecosystems underscores the need to protect and restore and Great Lakes, which represent ten percent of all fresh water globally. We are proud to work with ArcelorMittal and our federal, state, and local partners to move Great Lakes restoration forward. ArcelorMittal's commitment sets a high bar for corporate commitment to restoring the ecological integrity of the Great Lakes system.”
Access a release from NFWF (click here). Access more information on the Great Lakes Watershed Restoration Program including applicant eligibility, eligible projects, and submission requirements (click here).
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Groups Say Seaway Study Missed Sustainable Shipping Opportunity
Jan 22: According to a joint release from several organizations, in the newly released Final Report of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Study [See WIMS 11/26/07], the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has backed away from Seaway expansion, but missed an enormous opportunity to develop a blueprint for a sustainable shipping system argue forty-four groups from across the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River region. The governments of Canada and the United States released the binational study report on November 26, 2007.
Jennifer Caddick, Save the River Executive Director said, "The Corps has finally recognized what communities along the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes have known for some time -- expansion is the wrong direction for the River and Lakes. Unfortunately, this report falls short of articulating the right direction by trivializing the environmental impacts of shipping on the Lakes and River." Jennifer Nalbone, Campaign Director from Great Lakes United said, "The Final Report appears to justify 'business as usual' by conveniently ignoring the impacts of invasive species and climate change. Environment Canada estimate hundreds of millions are spent every year by Great Lakes communities trying to deal with zebra mussels and other invasive species introduced by ocean-vessels. The viability of future navigation with the looming impacts of climate change on levels and flows is also a huge gap in the report’s credibility."
The sentiments were expressed in a letter sent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in response to the study. The letter was signed by 44 groups in the United States and Canada, representing a diverse community of interests ranging from environmental, conservation, fishing, boating, residential, labor, tribal, and First Nations. While the binational report claims to envision a "truly sustainable" navigation system, it fails to address many of the destructive practices of the shipping industry on the Great Lakes. Ranking at the top of these threats are invasive species, which hitch a ride in the ballast tanks of ocean-going vessels and have caused tremendous damage to the ecosystem of the River and Lakes. The binational report also fails to prepare the shipping industry for a potentially enormous reduction of vessel capacity under future climate change scenarios.
Access a release from the groups (click here). Access the letter and complete list of the signing organizations (click here). Access the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Study website and links to the final report, FAQs and related information (click here).
Jennifer Caddick, Save the River Executive Director said, "The Corps has finally recognized what communities along the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes have known for some time -- expansion is the wrong direction for the River and Lakes. Unfortunately, this report falls short of articulating the right direction by trivializing the environmental impacts of shipping on the Lakes and River." Jennifer Nalbone, Campaign Director from Great Lakes United said, "The Final Report appears to justify 'business as usual' by conveniently ignoring the impacts of invasive species and climate change. Environment Canada estimate hundreds of millions are spent every year by Great Lakes communities trying to deal with zebra mussels and other invasive species introduced by ocean-vessels. The viability of future navigation with the looming impacts of climate change on levels and flows is also a huge gap in the report’s credibility."
The sentiments were expressed in a letter sent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in response to the study. The letter was signed by 44 groups in the United States and Canada, representing a diverse community of interests ranging from environmental, conservation, fishing, boating, residential, labor, tribal, and First Nations. While the binational report claims to envision a "truly sustainable" navigation system, it fails to address many of the destructive practices of the shipping industry on the Great Lakes. Ranking at the top of these threats are invasive species, which hitch a ride in the ballast tanks of ocean-going vessels and have caused tremendous damage to the ecosystem of the River and Lakes. The binational report also fails to prepare the shipping industry for a potentially enormous reduction of vessel capacity under future climate change scenarios.
Access a release from the groups (click here). Access the letter and complete list of the signing organizations (click here). Access the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Study website and links to the final report, FAQs and related information (click here).
Thursday, January 17, 2008
EPA Posts Comments & Transcript On U.S. Steel Gary Works
Jan 17: U.S. EPA Region 5 has announced that comments it has received on its objections to a draft wastewater treatment permit for U.S. Steel Gary Works, in addition to a transcript of a December 11 public hearing on the issue [See WIMS 11/24/07], are available on its website. Copies will also be available at EPA's regional office in Chicago and the Gary Public Library, 220 W. 5th Street. EPA said it received more than 300 comments by the close of the comment period December 28, 2007. The Agency is currently evaluating the comments, will prepare responses to them and make sure that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management is informed of any significant issues raised.
Access an EPA announcement (click here). Access the comments and related information on the draft permit (click here). Access extensive information from IDEM on the permit (click here).
Access an EPA announcement (click here). Access the comments and related information on the draft permit (click here). Access extensive information from IDEM on the permit (click here).
U.S. & Canada Harmonize Ballast Water Regs
Jan 16: The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) announced a further strengthening of ballast water management practices for the 2008 season. The regulatory initiative regarding ballast water management rules by its U.S. partner, the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC), will result in all ocean vessels being subjected to a consistent and rigorous inspection process in Montreal, before they enter the Seaway / Great Lakes. Since 2006, all ocean vessels bound for a Canadian port have been subjected to ballast water inspections, to ensure that water within the ballast tanks adheres to a minimum level of salinity of 30 parts per thousand. With the harmonization of U.S. and Canadian standards, all vessels entering the Seaway, irrespective of their destination, will be subjected to the same inspection process.
Beginning with the 2008 navigation season, all ocean vessels, including those with "no ballast on board", will be subjected to an inspection, covering 100% of ballast water tanks. The inspection process will ensure that the vessel -- while still a minimum of 200 km offshore -- flushed all of its tanks with salt water. On subsequent transits during the year, the vessel will again be subjected to a series of inspections, with the objective of ensuring that the vessel’s crew is strictly adhering to the salt water flushing practice.
Salt water acts as a natural biocide against fresh water organisms found in ballast water. A recent study led by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the University of Michigan found this practice to be a highly effective means to eradicate organisms suspended in ballast water (including zebra mussels). The new harmonized regulations will ensure that all ocean vessels flush their ballast tanks with salt water, well before they enter U.S. or Canadian waters.
Richard Corfe, President and CEO of the SLSMC, stated that “this agreement demonstrates the resolve of the Seaway corporations, the Canadian and U.S. governments, and that of the marine industry to effectively manage ballast water, and apply industry leading best practices to each and every ocean vessel entering our system.
The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes (HOW) Coalition issued a statement saying, "The proposed rule is a helpful interim measure, but is no substitute for what’s most needed now: a comprehensive solution to aquatic invasive species transported in ballast water. Until Congress addresses the issue head-on, the problem will continue to get worse and cost more money. Salt-water flushing will reduce, but not completely eliminate, the problem of aquatic invasive species because of the wide range of salinity tolerances in living organisms. In addition, unless conducted properly, saltwater flushing will not be effective against organisms found in the sediment and sludge of ocean-going vessels. Among other things, ballast tanks must be regularly and thoroughly cleaned to remove all sediment, and sufficient quantities of ocean water must be used when flushing.”
Access a release from SLSMC (click here). Access the SLSMC website (click here). Access a release from SLSDC (click here). Access the SLSDC website (click here). Access the SLSMC Ballast Water website for extensive information (click here). Access the HOW statement (click here).
Beginning with the 2008 navigation season, all ocean vessels, including those with "no ballast on board", will be subjected to an inspection, covering 100% of ballast water tanks. The inspection process will ensure that the vessel -- while still a minimum of 200 km offshore -- flushed all of its tanks with salt water. On subsequent transits during the year, the vessel will again be subjected to a series of inspections, with the objective of ensuring that the vessel’s crew is strictly adhering to the salt water flushing practice.
Salt water acts as a natural biocide against fresh water organisms found in ballast water. A recent study led by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the University of Michigan found this practice to be a highly effective means to eradicate organisms suspended in ballast water (including zebra mussels). The new harmonized regulations will ensure that all ocean vessels flush their ballast tanks with salt water, well before they enter U.S. or Canadian waters.
Richard Corfe, President and CEO of the SLSMC, stated that “this agreement demonstrates the resolve of the Seaway corporations, the Canadian and U.S. governments, and that of the marine industry to effectively manage ballast water, and apply industry leading best practices to each and every ocean vessel entering our system.
The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes (HOW) Coalition issued a statement saying, "The proposed rule is a helpful interim measure, but is no substitute for what’s most needed now: a comprehensive solution to aquatic invasive species transported in ballast water. Until Congress addresses the issue head-on, the problem will continue to get worse and cost more money. Salt-water flushing will reduce, but not completely eliminate, the problem of aquatic invasive species because of the wide range of salinity tolerances in living organisms. In addition, unless conducted properly, saltwater flushing will not be effective against organisms found in the sediment and sludge of ocean-going vessels. Among other things, ballast tanks must be regularly and thoroughly cleaned to remove all sediment, and sufficient quantities of ocean water must be used when flushing.”
Access a release from SLSMC (click here). Access the SLSMC website (click here). Access a release from SLSDC (click here). Access the SLSDC website (click here). Access the SLSMC Ballast Water website for extensive information (click here). Access the HOW statement (click here).
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
RFP For Discarded Electronics/Medicines Recycling
Jan 15: U.S. EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office announced that it is requesting applications for an estimated $175,000 in funding for 8-10 cooperative agreement grants which would mobilize citizens and communities to collect and recycle household unwanted electronics and/or dispose of unwanted and expired medicines from within the Great Lakes basin. Both prescription and over the counter medicines can be collected. Selection criteria include the potential for a successful collection event taking place during the week of April 22, 2008. Applications must be received or postmarked by 5:00 PM, Central Standard Time on February 28, 2008. Access a Request for Applications (click here). Access the Great Lakes Funding website for additional information (click here).
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Great Lakes Commission’s Semiannual Meeting & Lobby Day
Jan 14: The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) announce that Great Lakes Day 2008 will be held in Washington DC on February 28, 2008. This year, Great Lakes Day will be preceded by the Great Lakes Commission’s Semiannual meeting, which will be held in Washington on February 26, beginning at 1 PM through Noon on February 27 at the Palomar Hotel. Lunch and an afternoon session on February 27 will be held in conjunction with the Healing Our Waters Coalition to brief Great Lakes Day participants on legislative priorities and to prepare for visits to Congressional offices the next day.
Great Lakes Day is an annual event hosted by GLC and its partners to carry a unified expression of the Great Lakes region’s priorities for legislation and appropriations to assist in protecting the Great Lakes region’s environment and sustaining our economy. Last year, the Commission, in partnership with the Northeast Midwest Institute, the Council of Great Lakes Governors, the Healing Our Waters® - Great Lakes Coalition, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the Mayors of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and tribal representatives brought more than 150 people from the region to Washington. Access an announcement, program and registration information (click here).
Great Lakes Day is an annual event hosted by GLC and its partners to carry a unified expression of the Great Lakes region’s priorities for legislation and appropriations to assist in protecting the Great Lakes region’s environment and sustaining our economy. Last year, the Commission, in partnership with the Northeast Midwest Institute, the Council of Great Lakes Governors, the Healing Our Waters® - Great Lakes Coalition, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the Mayors of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and tribal representatives brought more than 150 people from the region to Washington. Access an announcement, program and registration information (click here).
Presque Isle Bay AOC Air Deposition Study
Jan 15: Presque Isle Bay near Erie, Pennsylvania, is one of 43 locations around the Great Lakes region to have been designated an “Area of Concern” by the International Joint Commission (IJC), indicating that past use and contamination of the bay has led to impairments on the ability to fully use the bay for beneficial purposes. Presque Isle Bay has become the first of these 43 areas to be re-designated as an “Area of Recovery,” indicating that the bay’s management committee has determined that allowing a natural recovery -- rather than an active remediation project -- is the best course for bringing the bay back to full health. Local, state and national officials are therefore working hard to eliminate remaining sources of pollution to the bay and determine how long a wait is needed until the bay will return to health on its own.
Although historical pollution of the bay was largely through industrial discharges directly into the bay’s waters, the great majority of such releases have now been eliminated. However, large amounts of some toxic substances may be entering the bay -- and Lake Erie to which it connects -- by depositing from the atmosphere. If chemicals are entering from the atmosphere at a significant level, it could significantly affect the time it will take for the bay to recover and for pollution levels in the bay’s sediment to decrease.
Among the primary contaminants causing concern in Presque Isle Bay are a group known as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, or PAHs. Unlike some persistent chemicals that can be transported across the globe in the atmosphere, PAHs are degraded quickly enough in the atmosphere that most deposition of these chemicals is likely to come from relatively local (within a few hundred miles) sources.
To determine the amount of these chemicals entering the bay, a study has been undertaken by a research team at Gannon University, led by Dr. Michelle Homan and Dr. Weslene Tallmadge, sponsored by the Great Lakes Commission’s Great Lakes Air Deposition (GLAD) Program. The results of the study allowed the research team to make some preliminary assessments of the relative importance of various sources to the PAH concentrations and deposition to the bay. Activities are now underway to collect additional sampling data, which is needed to improve the results of the source identification work.
Access a posted announcement of the project with links to additional information (click here). Access details on the project including a summary report and the complete final report (click here).
Although historical pollution of the bay was largely through industrial discharges directly into the bay’s waters, the great majority of such releases have now been eliminated. However, large amounts of some toxic substances may be entering the bay -- and Lake Erie to which it connects -- by depositing from the atmosphere. If chemicals are entering from the atmosphere at a significant level, it could significantly affect the time it will take for the bay to recover and for pollution levels in the bay’s sediment to decrease.
Among the primary contaminants causing concern in Presque Isle Bay are a group known as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, or PAHs. Unlike some persistent chemicals that can be transported across the globe in the atmosphere, PAHs are degraded quickly enough in the atmosphere that most deposition of these chemicals is likely to come from relatively local (within a few hundred miles) sources.
To determine the amount of these chemicals entering the bay, a study has been undertaken by a research team at Gannon University, led by Dr. Michelle Homan and Dr. Weslene Tallmadge, sponsored by the Great Lakes Commission’s Great Lakes Air Deposition (GLAD) Program. The results of the study allowed the research team to make some preliminary assessments of the relative importance of various sources to the PAH concentrations and deposition to the bay. Activities are now underway to collect additional sampling data, which is needed to improve the results of the source identification work.
Access a posted announcement of the project with links to additional information (click here). Access details on the project including a summary report and the complete final report (click here).
GLU Report On Great Lakes Decision-Making and Accountability
Jan 15: Great Lakes United (GLU) released a report describing how governance structures have stalled progress on protecting and restoring the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River ecosystem. The report outlines a series of recommendations that GLU says will improve leadership and accountability across the basin and enhance leadership from key institutions. The report, A Way Forward: Strengthening Decision-Making and Accountability under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, focuses on the role and actions of the federal governments (with a particular emphasis on the Canadian government), the Binational Executive Committee, and the International Joint Commission.
The report is viewed principally through the lens of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the historic pollution prevention document signed by Canada and the United States. The report calls for the two governments to reinvigorate leadership on clean-up and protection through the present review and possible renegotiation of the Agreement, and to fully involve the public throughout this process. The report was co-authored by John Jackson, Clean Production Coordinator for Great Lakes United, and Karen Kraft Sloan, a former Member of Parliament and previously Canada’s Ambassador for the Environment.
Key recommendations in the report include: (1) That Canada and the United States empower the Binational Executive Committee to create a comprehensive binational, basin-wide workplan to achieve the goals of the GLWQA and fully include the public in this process. (2) That the Prime Minister identifies or creates a Ministerial position with direct and specific responsibility for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basin and give a Parliamentary Standing Committee special responsibility for commenting on Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basin matters. (3) That the responsible minister in Canada and the director of the U.S. EPA regularly undertake a government-wide review of basin-related programs and funding trends to ensure alignment with the basin-wide plans’ objectives. (4) That an All-Party Great Lakes Caucus be formed by members of Canada’s House of Commons and Senate. (5) That there be a more open appointment process for IJC commissioners. (6) That the public be more fully included in IJC board activities, including the appointment of a wider array of the Great Lakes community members to the IJC’s boards. (7) That legislative hearings in Parliament and Congress be held after the release of the IJC’s biennial reports to lead to more public accountability by the federal governments.
Access a release from GLU (click here). Access the complete 66-page report (click here).
The report is viewed principally through the lens of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the historic pollution prevention document signed by Canada and the United States. The report calls for the two governments to reinvigorate leadership on clean-up and protection through the present review and possible renegotiation of the Agreement, and to fully involve the public throughout this process. The report was co-authored by John Jackson, Clean Production Coordinator for Great Lakes United, and Karen Kraft Sloan, a former Member of Parliament and previously Canada’s Ambassador for the Environment.
Key recommendations in the report include: (1) That Canada and the United States empower the Binational Executive Committee to create a comprehensive binational, basin-wide workplan to achieve the goals of the GLWQA and fully include the public in this process. (2) That the Prime Minister identifies or creates a Ministerial position with direct and specific responsibility for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basin and give a Parliamentary Standing Committee special responsibility for commenting on Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basin matters. (3) That the responsible minister in Canada and the director of the U.S. EPA regularly undertake a government-wide review of basin-related programs and funding trends to ensure alignment with the basin-wide plans’ objectives. (4) That an All-Party Great Lakes Caucus be formed by members of Canada’s House of Commons and Senate. (5) That there be a more open appointment process for IJC commissioners. (6) That the public be more fully included in IJC board activities, including the appointment of a wider array of the Great Lakes community members to the IJC’s boards. (7) That legislative hearings in Parliament and Congress be held after the release of the IJC’s biennial reports to lead to more public accountability by the federal governments.
Access a release from GLU (click here). Access the complete 66-page report (click here).
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Groups Appeal Ohio Lake Erie Access Decision
Jan 8: Conservation groups took the first step to appeal an Ohio lower court decision that blocks Ohio citizens from walking, fishing and recreating along the shores of Lake Erie. The groups seek to overturn a December 11th decision by Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Eugene Lucci, which redefines the boundary separating public and private property along the Lake Erie shoreline from the ordinary high water mark to the point at which the water meets land from moment to moment -- effectively barring citizens from the shores of Lake Erie unless they are in the lake itself. The case is, Merrill v. State of Ohio and NWF, et. al (Case No. 04CV001080). The National Wildlife Federation, Ohio Environmental Council and League of Ohio Sportsmen filed the notice of appeal with the Eleventh District Court of Appeals of Ohio.
Neil Kagan, senior attorney for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) said, “We are filing this appeal to protect the historic right of all citizens to stroll, fish and recreate along the shores of Lake Erie. The law is clear: The Lake Erie shoreline is a public trust for all to enjoy.” The lower court ruling goes against more than 100 years of Ohio legal precedent, which holds that the land up to the high water mark be held in public trust.
Keith Dimoff, executive director for the Ohio Environmental Council said, “Our appeal comes down to one thing -- beating back an attempt to strip Ohio citizens of their centuries-old right to access the shores of Lake Erie. This flawed decision will mean fences and 'KEEP OUT' signs along our shore; we will not let that happen.” The groups said that Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann is also expected to file a notice of appeal today, even though Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has sided publicly with the plaintiffs who are attempting to keep Ohio citizens off the shores of Lake Erie.
The case is similar to a landmark Michigan lawsuit that resulted in a unanimous Michigan Supreme Court decision upholding the public trust up to the high water mark. On July 29, 2005 the Michigan Supreme Court decided, Glass v. Goeckel, Case No. 126409. In the 5-2 decision, the Michigan Supreme Court overruled , a highly controversial Appeals Court decision, and said that under the public trust doctrine individuals retain the right to walk freely along the shoreline of the Great Lakes up to the ordinary high water mark. In its decision the Michigan High Court defined the "high water mark" using a Wisconsin definition, and clarified the distinction between "littoral property" pertaining to property on the seas, oceans or Great Lakes; and "riparian,” pertaining to property on rivers and streams.
Access a release from NWF (click here). Access Judge Lucci's decision (click here). Access the Ohio Attorney General's website (click here). Access the complete Michigan Supreme Court opinion and dissent (click here). Access links to all of the briefs filed in the Michigan Supreme Court case (click here).
Neil Kagan, senior attorney for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) said, “We are filing this appeal to protect the historic right of all citizens to stroll, fish and recreate along the shores of Lake Erie. The law is clear: The Lake Erie shoreline is a public trust for all to enjoy.” The lower court ruling goes against more than 100 years of Ohio legal precedent, which holds that the land up to the high water mark be held in public trust.
Keith Dimoff, executive director for the Ohio Environmental Council said, “Our appeal comes down to one thing -- beating back an attempt to strip Ohio citizens of their centuries-old right to access the shores of Lake Erie. This flawed decision will mean fences and 'KEEP OUT' signs along our shore; we will not let that happen.” The groups said that Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann is also expected to file a notice of appeal today, even though Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has sided publicly with the plaintiffs who are attempting to keep Ohio citizens off the shores of Lake Erie.
The case is similar to a landmark Michigan lawsuit that resulted in a unanimous Michigan Supreme Court decision upholding the public trust up to the high water mark. On July 29, 2005 the Michigan Supreme Court decided, Glass v. Goeckel, Case No. 126409. In the 5-2 decision, the Michigan Supreme Court overruled , a highly controversial Appeals Court decision, and said that under the public trust doctrine individuals retain the right to walk freely along the shoreline of the Great Lakes up to the ordinary high water mark. In its decision the Michigan High Court defined the "high water mark" using a Wisconsin definition, and clarified the distinction between "littoral property" pertaining to property on the seas, oceans or Great Lakes; and "riparian,” pertaining to property on rivers and streams.
Access a release from NWF (click here). Access Judge Lucci's decision (click here). Access the Ohio Attorney General's website (click here). Access the complete Michigan Supreme Court opinion and dissent (click here). Access links to all of the briefs filed in the Michigan Supreme Court case (click here).
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