New Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Website

Feb 26: The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLCI), a coalition of U.S. and Canadian mayors and other local officials, has announced its new website which it says is more user friendly and informative with the most current news on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence. David Ullrich, Executive Director of the Chicago based organization said, "In less than seven years, the Cities Initiative has established itself as a major, positive presence on the Lakes and Rivers with strong leadership in actions and results to protect, preserve, and restore the resource. . . we look forward to working with all our partners and stakeholders to create a more sustainable future with economic, social, and environmental balance.  With the largest freshwater resource in the world as our 'front yard,' we want to help provide economic well being and a quality of life that is unmatched anywhere.   

    Access a brief announcement GLCI (click here). Access the website at the same web address (click here).

Senate Hearing On Asian Carp Control

Feb 25: The Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Water and Power, Chaired by Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) held a hearing to examine the science and policy behind the Federal framework and non-Federal efforts to prevent introduction of the aquatic invasive Asian carp into the Great Lakes. Witnesses and organizations testifying at the hearing included: Nancy Sutley, White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ); United States Geological Survey (USGS); Ken DeBeaussaert, Michigan Department of Natural Resources & Environment (MDNRE); Illinois Department of Natural Resources; Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks; Supply Chain Management Programs Wayne State University; Illinois Chamber of Commerce; the National Wildlife Federation & Healing Our Waters (HOW)-Great Lakes Coalition.

 

    In an opening statement, Chairman Stabenow described the seriousness of the threat of the Asian Carp invasion and said, "I have introduced S.2946, the CARP ACT (along with Senators Brown, Schumer, Gillibrand, Franken, and Feingold), that includes many of the same short-term actions included in the framework, with one notable exception: our bill calls for the immediate closure of the Chicago canal locks until a permanent strategy is developed. For thousands of years, the Great Lakes and Mississippi River ecosystems were separated, until the construction of artificial canals and locks connecting them. Continuing threats of invasive species, especially the Asian carp, make it clear that we need to return to a permanent separation of the two ecosystems. This strategy was endorsed Monday by the Great Lakes Commission, a group made up of the eight states and two Canadian provinces that border the Great Lakes."

 

    CEQ's Sutley testified that the recently announced Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework (Framework) is "guided by the latest scientific research, encompasses more than 25 short and long-term actions at an estimated cost of $78.5 million to keep Asian carp from becoming self-sustaining in the Great Lakes. The scale of the effort described in the Framework is unprecedented for invasive species control, unifying Federal, State, and local action and introducing a multi-tiered defense of the Great Lakes to immediately prevent Asian carp from developing self-sustaining populations in the Great Lakes while longer term control methods are developed." She concluded saying, "the best scientists have said that we can be successful in this effort and prevent Asian Carp from invading the Great Lakes."

 

    The Illinois Chamber of Commerce submitted 23-pages of testimony and said it "shares the concern of the State of Michigan and others who want this invasive species stopped before it can enter the Great Lakes. We offer recommendations, which have been submitted to the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Asian Carp Workgroup, for action to stop the Asian Carp. We believe these suggestions can protect Lake Michigan from an invasion of Asian Carp via Illinois waterways and simultaneously provide for commerce to continue uninterrupted. . . This discussion needs to move from the courtroom to the conference room. The common objective is to stop the carp. However, in the process we do not believe the Solutions should pit Illinois Tow Boat operators like John and Jacque Kindra of Kindra Lake Towing of South Chicago against Michigan fisherman and Charter Boat Captains

like Paul Jensen of Muskegon. . ."

   

    The HOW Coalition called on Congress to declare the Asian carp an imminent threat to the Great Lakes and direct Federal agencies to separate the "carp-infested" Mississippi River system from Lake Michigan. HOW said, "Ecological separation is essential for the Great Lakes -- it is the only way of safeguarding the lakes from Asian carp. Anything short of separation will fail sooner or later."

 

Access the hearing website for links to all testimony and a webcast (click here). Access the opening statement from Senator Stabenow (click here).

2009 Summary Of Great Lakes Ballast Water Management Report

Feb 25: The U.S. Coast Guard has announced that the 2009 Summary of Great Lakes Seaway Ballast Water Management report compiled by the Great Lakes Ballast Water Working Group (BWWG) is now available. The BWWG is comprised of representatives of the Coast Guard, Transport Canada - Marine Safety, the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, and the Saint Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation.

    According to a brief announcement, "Preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species into the Great Lakes through stricter ballast water standards and a comprehensive enforcement policy is a top priority for the U. S. Coast Guard. In 2009, 100% of ships bound for the Great Lakes via the Seaway received a ballast tank exam. A total of 5450 ballast tanks onboard 295 different ships were sampled and had a 97.9% compliance rate. Ships that failed to properly manage their ballast tanks were required to either retain the ballast water and residuals on board, treat the ballast water in an environmentally sound and approved manner, or return to sea to conduct a ballast water exchange. The BWWG anticipates continued high ship compliance rates for the 2010 navigation season.

 

    The report indicates that, "Today, ballast water management requirements in the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway System are among the most stringent in the world. Mandatory ballast water regulations that include saltwater flushing, detailed documentation requirements, increased inspections, and civil penalties provide a comprehensive regulatory enforcement regime to protect the Great Lakes Seaway System. USCG regulations, and the Seaway no ballast onboard (NOBOB) regulation, require all vessels destined for Seaway and Great Lakes ports from beyond the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to exchange all their ballast tanks at sea. As a result, the risk of a ballast water mediated introduction of aquatic invasive species into the Great Lakes has been mitigated to extremely low levels."

 

    Access the announcement (click here). Access the 13-page summary report (click here).

Meetings & Comment On St. Clair River Water Level Study

Feb 22: The International Joint Commission (IJC) announced that it will hold public consultations from March 22-31, 2010 to invite comment on the report of its International Upper Great Lakes Study Board (IUGLSB) entitled Impacts on Upper Great Lakes Water Levels: St. Clair River, which was release on December 15, 2009 [See WIMS 12/16/09]. IJC indicates that the report concludes the first phase of the International Upper Great Lakes Study and examines the physical changes in the St. Clair River since 1962. It recommends that measures to remediate the increased conveyance, or water-carrying capacity, of the river not be undertaken at this time. It also recommends that mitigation measures in the St. Clair River be examined as part of the comprehensive assessment of the future effects of climate change in the second phase of the study.

    The Study Board concluded that: The difference in water levels between Lake Michigan-Huron and Lake Erie has declined by about 23 centimetres (cm) (9 inches) between 1963 (following the last major navigational channel dredging in the St. Clair River) and 2006. They also concluded that Three key factors contributed to this 23 cm (9 inches) change including: (1) A change in the conveyance (water-carrying capacity) of the St. Clair River accounts for an estimated 7 to 14 cm (2.8 to 5.5 inches) of the decline. (2) Glacial isostatic adjustment (the uneven shifts of the earth's crust since the last period of continental glaciations ended) accounts for about 4 to 5 cm (1.6 to 2.0 inches) of the fall. (3) Changes in climatic patterns account for 9 to 17 cm (3.5 to 6.7 inches); this factor has become even more important in recent years, accounting for an estimated 58 to 76 percent of the decline between 1996 and 2005.

    The organization Georgian Bay Forever (GBF), a Canadian environmental charity which has been the leading voice in raising concerns about the impact of low water levels on the unique ecology of Georgian Bay said the IUGLSB "missed a historic opportunity to recommend environmentally sound solutions to the serious water levels situation facing the middle Great Lakes." The group is now calling on IJC Commissioners to reconsider and overrule the "do nothing' recommendations" of the IUGLSB.

    Access a release from IJC with details on the meeting locations, two teleconferences and commenting procedures (click here). Access a 28-page summary report (click here). Access more background and additional information on the report and study (click here). Access a release from GBF (click here). Access the GBF website for links to a critique of the report and extensive background information (click here).

GLC Calls For Ecological Separation To Stop Asian Carp

Feb 23: The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) has called on Congress and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to embrace a clear goal of ecological separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River watersheds as the key, permanent strategy in the war against Asian carp and their threatened invasion of the Great Lakes. The resolution, approved by the Commission, asks Congress to provide the Corps with authority and substantial resources to complete the study of ecological separation -- defined as prevention of the movement of invasive species between the watersheds -- and to accelerate completion of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal portion of the study to September 2011.

    The resolution also calls for accelerating the timetable for full operation of the Asian carp barrier system on the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal and to establish structural measures to prevent the inadvertent introduction of Asian carp from floodwaters of the Des Plaines River into the canal, and ultimately the Great Lakes. The action took place at the Commission's 2010 Semiannual Meeting in Washington, DC where the eight member states of the Commission, along with associate Canadian member provinces of Ontario and Québec, voiced consensus on the need to inhibit further movement of Asian carp northward to the Great Lakes.

    In other Commission business, implementation and ongoing support for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) were key focal points of the Great Lakes Commission's federal legislative priorities for FY 2011, formally released at the meeting. The Commission's federal priorities, outlined in the publication "Fulfilling the Promise for the Great Lakes: Advancing Great Lakes Restoration and Economic Revitalization," are largely driven by the GLRI's five focus areas: aquatic invasive species, contaminated sediments, nonpoint source pollution, degraded wetlands and threatened fish and wildlife resources. Enacted by Congress with full funding of $475 million for FY 2010, the GLRI is planned as a five-year program to restore and protect the Great Lakes. The Administration has proposed funding at a level of $300 million for FY 2011. The complete GLC 2011 legislation program is available from the Commission's website indicated below.

 

    Access a release from GLC (click here). Access links to the Resolution details (click here, to be posted soon). Access the GLC FY11 Legislative Priorities (click here).

Great Lakes Advocates In DC For Funding & Carp Action

Feb 23: According to a release from the Healing Our Waters (HOW) Coalition, more than 100 citizens from the Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are traveling to Washington, DC on February 23-24, to ask U.S. Senators and Representatives to support three priorities: (1) Fund the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative at $475 million; (2) Take aggressive action to prevent the Asian carp from taking hold in the Great Lakes, while working toward the permanent separation of  the Mississippi and Great Lakes basins; and, (3) Pass Great Lakes restoration legislation that propels restoration forward by establishing a restoration framework to ensure transparent priority-setting, accountability, and most importantly action. The groups action comes immediately following U.S. EPA release of its 5-year, $2.2 billion Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Action Plan on February 21 [See WIMS 2/22/10].

 

    Jeff Skelding, campaign director for HOW Coalition said, "Congress and the Obama Administration have demonstrated that the Great Lakes are a priority for the nation. What's most needed now is an all-out effort to beat back the Asian carp and a commitment by Congress to restore funding for successful restoration programs that create jobs, while laying the foundation for long-term
prosperity. It's time for the nation to roll up its sleeves and get to work, before the problems get worse and more costly."

    While the Obama Administration has proposed only $300 million for GLRI in its FY 2011 budget -- down $175 million from FY 10 -- the Coalition is pushing for continuing the $475 million funding level. The Administration explained the reduced funding in budget documents indicating that, "In 2009, the President announced a new Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, committing the Federal government to significantly advance Great Lakes protection and restoration. In FY 2011, EPA is increasing the relative funding for the Invasive Species focus area in recognition of anticipated new demands such as fighting incursion of Asian Carp. FY 2011 funding has been reduced to reflect ramp up period, allowing time for the program to absorb the initial influx of FY 2010 $475 million in resources." [See WIMS 2/1/10].

 

    However, the Coalition points out that U.S. EPA recently requested proposals for approximately $120 million in restoration projects as part of the GLRI. The Agency received more than 1,050 proposals totaling more than $940 million -- a level of demand more than 7 times the supply of available funds. They said many projects will not be funded. Skelding said, "After decades of assault and abuse, the Great Lakes will not be healed over night. The backlog of work is enormous. It's going to take a sustained, multi-year effort to nurse the Lakes back to health, which is why we need Congress' support now. This is good to do for the environment and the economy."

 

    Access a release from the HOW Coalition (click here).

Administration Releases Great Lakes Restoration Plan

Feb 21: As previously announced U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson unveiled the Obama Administration's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Action Plan at a press conference on Sunday, February 21, at 10:30 AM in Washington, DC. The Plan developed in collaboration with 15 other Federal agencies describes how the Initiative will be executed from 2010 through 2014. In February 2009, President Obama proposed $475 million for the Initiative's FY 2010 funding and recently announced $300 million for the FY 2011 budget.

    According to an announcement of the Plan, the Initiative is not intended to be "another grand statement about the Great Lakes; it is intended to operationalize those statements. It builds on countless hours by elected, agency, business, public interest and other leaders, which resulted in the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy (GLRC Strategy). The GLRC Strategy provides a framework for the Action Plan, and the Action Plan is just that: an action driver. It articulates the most significant ecosystem problems and efforts to address them in five major focus areas."

    The five areas of major focus include: (1) Toxic Substances and Areas of Concern, including pollution prevention and cleanup of the most polluted areas in the Great Lakes; (2) Invasive Species, including efforts to institute a "zero tolerance policy" toward new invasions, including the establishment of self-sustaining populations of invasive species; (3) Nearshore Health and Nonpoint Source Pollution, including a targeted geographic focus on high priority watersheds and reducing polluted runoff from urban, suburban and, agricultural sources; (4) Habitat and Wildlife Protection and Restoration, including bringing wetlands and other habitat back to life, and the first-ever comprehensive assessment of the entire 530,000 acres of Great Lakes coastal wetlands for the purpose of strategically targeting restoration and protection efforts in a science-based manner; and (5) Accountability, Education, Monitoring, Evaluation, Communication and Partnerships, including the implementation of goal- and results-based accountability measures, learning initiatives, outreach and strategic partnerships.

    The Action Plan identifies goals, objectives, measurable ecological targets, and specific actions for each of the five focus areas identified above. The announcement indicates that, "The Action Plan will be used by federal agencies in the development of the federal budget for Great Lakes restoration in fiscal years 2011 and beyond. As such, it will serve as guidance for collaborative restoration work with participants to advance restoration. The Action Plan will also help advance the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement with Canada."

    Access the announcement (click here). Access the 41-page Action Plan (click here). Access the GLRI website for complete information (click here).

Officials To Announce Great Lakes Action Plan Sunday

Feb 19: According to an announcement from U.S. EPA, Administrator Lisa Jackson will unveil the Obama Administration's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan at a press conference on Sunday, February 21, at 10:30 AM in Washington, DC. She will be joined by Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle and Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, co-chairs of the Council of Great Lakes Governors. In February 2009, President Obama proposed $475 million for a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The Action Plan, which covers the years 2010 through 2014, will outline the goals and key actions the administration believes are necessary to restore and protect this natural and economic treasure.

 

    Access an announcement from EPA (click here).

Enviros Join In Supreme Court Request To Stop Asian Carp

Feb 19: Three major environmental groups -- Alliance for the Great Lakes (Alliance), National Wildlife Federation (NWF), and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), filed a friend of the court brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a Michigan lawsuit, filed by Attorney General Mike Cox [See WIMS 2/4/10] that calls for a long-term permanent solution to keep the destructive Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan through Chicago's artificial navigational channels. The brief indicates that the nation's highest court is the proper venue for deciding a dispute that affects everyone who lives in a Great Lakes state.

    Lyman Welch, attorney and Water Quality Program manager for the Alliance said, "An issue of this magnitude and consequence for all of the Great Lakes states should land squarely in the Supreme Court. We're asking the Court to intervene in an unprecedented crisis that, left unchecked, will impact the livelihoods of all who depend on a healthy Great Lakes." Alliance President Joel Brammeier, who co-authored a study on the subject in 2008 said, "The permanent solution is not technology, but what we call 'ecological separation' -- or no movement of live organisms between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River via the canals."

    Built to divert Chicago's wastewater away from Lake Michigan and into the Illinois River, the groups indicated that the City's complex system of rivers and canals creates an "aquatic superhighway for the jumbo-sized Asian carp and other invasives to travel between the Lake Michigan and Mississippi watersheds." The environmental groups have called for a physical separation of the two watersheds -- essentially returning them to their natural status -- as the only permanent way to protect both basins. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission and U.S.-Canadian International Joint Commission (IJC) have commended the Alliance for leading the separation initiative, and the concept is now supported by most experts, states and the international community as the only long-term solution.

    The Supreme Court on January 19 rejected Michigan's request for a preliminary injunction to temporarily seal off two Chicago-area locks and waterways leading into Lake Michigan [See WIMS 1/19/10 & 1/20/10]. The court has not yet ruled on another Michigan request to reopen a nearly century-old case in which the high court allowed Chicago to divert its wastewater from Lake Michigan to the Illinois River, despite the protests of the other Great Lakes states. Thom Cmar, attorney with NRDC said, "The Asian carp invasion is a crisis, but it's also an economic opportunity for Chicago and the entire Great Lakes region. By investing in a real solution to stop this army of fish, at the same time we can create new jobs and move toward sustainable transportation and wastewater infrastructure. The multi-billion dollar Great Lakes fisheries, tourism and recreation industries are at stake. The Supreme Court should take this case so we can bring the states together to solve this problem."

    Michigan and the environmental groups argue that the Supreme Court should appoint a "special master" -- an expert in water law, shipping, or related fields -- to decide whether to temporarily close the locks on Chicago-area canals and create an ecological separation between the Mississippi River and Great Lakes basins. NRDC's Cmar said, "Having the Supreme Court available as this neutral arbiter of disputes among states would take it out of this world we're in now where we're being asked by the state of Illinois and the Army Corps to just trust them. There are all sorts of reasons why we're concerned we can't simply trust them."

    Access a release from the groups (click here). Access the 31-page amicus brief to the Supreme Court (click here). Access a blog posting by NRDC with further explanation of the legal action (click here). Access a release and link to the Alliance study on ecological separation (click here). Access links to all Michigan filings in the Supreme Court case (click here). Access the Michigan, Illinois and all legal filings in the case (click here).

Agencies Begin Intensive Sampling For Asian Carp

Feb 17: Fisheries biologists from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are beginning intensive sampling operations in multiple locations within the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) this week. The sampling efforts include using commercial fishing nets and electro fishing gear in an attempt to locate either silver or bighead Asian carp above the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Electric Fish Barrier System. The sampling operation will also include the use of commercial fishermen and is scheduled to take place in the CAWS over the next 2-3 weeks.

    Sampling crews will concentrate their efforts near warm water discharges created by various industrial operations along the waterway system. These areas of warm water serve as a place of congregation for fish during the winter when water temperatures drop significantly. The agencies said, "The sampling effort on the CAWS is an important step in the Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework, which includes both short and long term actions to stop the migration of Asian carp into the Great Lakes."

    Access a release from IDNR (click here). Access the WIMS Great Lakes Environment Blog for recent posting regarding the Asian Carp issue (click here). Access the 46-page draft Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework (click here). Access the Asian Carp Coordinating Committee website for extensive details and background (click here).

Groups Continue Push To Slow Down Great Lakes Agreement

Feb 16: Environmental organizations are warning that the public is at risk of being shut out of renegotiation of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the landmark policy that, since 1972, has driven critical public health and water quality improvements in the region. In a letter sent to the governments three weeks ago [See WIMS 1/28/10], over 30 groups expressed concern that "this oversight would seriously undermine confidence in the final Agreement, depriving the governments of public input now and public support later." They said, to date, government negotiators have failed to acknowledge the letter and its recommendations.
 
    John Jackson, Director of Clean Production and Toxics with Great Lakes United said, "Canada and the United States have created a process that stifles public involvement and shuts out constructive input. Ultimately, this will fail their citizens, fail the communities dependent on the lakes for their livelihood, and fail the Great Lakes themselves." The groups said in a release that the letter of concern was sent after the governments outlined steps for the renegotiation that would rush the process through by the end of the year. The first step of that process, a "governance" comment period, closed yesterday -- giving the public just a month's notice to offer input on a complex set of issues and no hint of what either nation is proposing.
 
    In comments on governance issues submitted on February 15, to the governments, the groups argued that "if we fail to reform governance issues -- the rules and systems by which the U.S. and Canada and their agencies work together on Great Lakes challenges -- then our ability to make genuine progress on specific issues such as toxics, invasive species, and climate change will fall far short of what the lakes need." The groups said they are concerned that if this comment period is any example, the whole process of renegotiating the Agreement could fail. The Agreement has been renegotiated twice in the past and they point out that in each instance, public and scientific input has been critical in better defining the agreement's scope, and in setting strong obligations that have "dramatically improved the health of the Great Lakes." They cite, for example, in 1987, more than 30 citizen hearings were held across the region.
 
    The letter to the governments included six recommendations to improve the process: (1) Release a draft government position or options paper on governance issues. (2) The release of the draft government position or options paper should set off a 60-day public comment period. (3) Once the governments have negotiated draft language on governance, release it again for a public comment period. (4) For the "issues" consultations, follow a process similar to recommendations 1-3, with the release of a draft position or options paper followed by a 60-day public comment period followed by another opportunity for comment after the governments have completed their first round of negotiations on the topic. (5) Compile a web-posted summary of comments received from public input at each stage of the consultations. (6) Release a final draft of the complete revised Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement for comment prior to completing negotiations and hold public hearings in both countries on this draft.

 

    Access a release from the groups with links to more information on the recommendations and the letter (click here).

WIMS Publishing Notice

Subscribers & Readers Note: We will not be publishing today, February 15, 2010, in observance of the Washington's Birthday/President's Day holiday. We will return on Tuesday, February 16, 2010.

Important Asian Carp Control Meetings & Live Webcast

U.S. EPA , on behalf of the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee, will hold a meeting in Chicago on Feb.12 to discuss plans and get recommendations on Asian carp control efforts. The committee will answer questions and listen to comments from
the public.

When: 3:00 – 6:00 PM, Friday, Feb. 12 (4 - 7 EST/3 – 6 CST).
The meeting will be available via live web stream at: http://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/live.

 

Note: This meeting will essentially be repeated next week, from 3:00 - 6:00 PM (3 – 6 EST/2 - 5 CST), Wednesday, February 17, at the Marriott Ann Arbor Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, 1275 S. Huron, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. It will also be available via live web stream at the same website.

See the WIMS Great Lakes Environment Blog for recent posting regarding the Asian Carp issue (click here). Access the 46-page draft Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework (click here). Access the Asian Carp Coordinating Committee website for extensive details and background (click here).

House Hearing On Asian Carp Control Strategy

Feb 9: On February 9, despite weather conditions that nearly shut down Washington, DC, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, Chaired by Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) held a hearing on "Asian Carp and the Great Lakes." Representative Donna Edwards (D-MD, Vice Chair) presided over the hearing. Full Committee Chairman, Representative James Oberstar (D-MN) also delivered a statement. Those scheduled to testify include: U.S. EPA; Army Corps of Engineers: Illinois DNR; Michigan DNRE; Wisconsin DNR; University of Notre Dame;  Great Lakes Fishery Commission; Canal Barge Company, Inc. on behalf of The American Waterways Operators; and Alliance for the Great Lakes. The Obama Administration, including officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. EPA, the Department of the Interior, and the U.S. Coast Guard had unveiled their draft Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework (Framework), outlining over 25 short and long-term actions and $78.5 million in investments to combat the spread of Asian carp on the previous day [See WIMS 2/9/10].

 

    Chairman Oberstar stated, "To be clear, this is a challenge that we cannot fail to meet. We must do everything within our power to prevent the Asian carp from entering the Lakes. . .  Where things start to diverge is on the evaluation of other short-term and long-term Asian carp prevention efforts. These measures include the evaluation of operational changes of the existing navigation locks, and the possibility of an "ecological separation" between the Mississippi River and Great Lakes basins. I recognize that each of these options poses a unique challenge, not only in terms of protecting the Great Lakes, but in ensuring the continued economic livelihood of the communities along the Mississippi River and Great Lakes, as well as protecting their public health and safety.

 

    "Yet, we must move forward, in an expeditious manner, to evaluate all of these options fairly, and then make a rational decision on how best to address the threat of the Asian carp. We cannot tip the scales in either direction before we start this evaluation. Let's be begin by applauding the work to protect the Lakes undertaken thus-far by the Corps and the Environmental Protection Agency. It is heartening to start a hearing, such as this, with a word of praise for the seemingly fluid coordination of the Federal agencies. This is a welcome change. The challenge ahead is great. Yet, we must work together to expeditiously resolve the best course of action to preserve the economic and ecological health of the Great Lakes waters."

 

    Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment Director made several recommendations that echoed Governor Granholm's rejection of the Administration's Framework Strategy. Among her recommendations Humphries called for immediately "closing and ceasing operation of the O'Brien Lock and the Chicago Lock until a permanent ecological barrier is constructed between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed. The Army Corp of Engineers must have the authority to close the locks on emergency and permanent bases if necessary. . ."

 

    Michigan outlined some interim measures but ultimately called for "Developing and implementing plans for a permanent solution to the problems that would ecologically and physically separate the carp-infested waters of the Mississippi River watershed from the Great Lakes."

 

    The hearing produced no resolutions and significant differences in proposed control strategies still exist.

 

    Access information on the House Asian Carp hearing including an 8-page briefing report, links to all testimony and a video (click here). Access an Administration release on the Framework (click here). Access the 46-page Framework (click here). Access the Asian Carp Coordinating Committee website for extensive details and background (click here).

MI Governor Rejects Administration Asian Carp Plan

Feb 8: Federal officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. EPA, the Department of the Interior, and the U.S. Coast Guard unveiled a strategy that outlines over 25 short and long-term actions and $78.5 million in investments to combat the spread of Asian carp. The Administration said the draft Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework (Framework) is "an unparalleled effort to control the invasive species, unifying Federal, state, and local action, and introducing a multi-tiered defense of the Great Lakes to prevent Asian carp from developing self-sustaining populations while longer term biological controls are being developed."

 

    The Administration said in a release, in the near term, the Framework focuses on keeping carp from establishing populations in the Great Lakes. It calls for reduced openings of Chicago's navigational locks to prevent carp movement. In addition, Federal agencies will deploy enlarged field crews for physical and sonar observation, electro-shocking and netting operations within the waterway. Turnaround times on eDNA verification will be expedited and testing capacity will be doubled to 120 samples per week.

 

    In March, 2010, a $13.2 million contract will be awarded for construction of barriers between the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and Des Plaines River, which will prevent fish passage around the electric barrier in the event of flooding where the two water bodies mix. A $10.5 million contract will also be awarded for construction and operation of a third electric barrier (IIB). The Framework expedites a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' study of the feasibility and impacts of permanent lock closure, the effectiveness of lock closings to block carp movement, the risks and costs associated with closure, and a discussion of alternatives. The Framework identifies a variety of longer term Asian carp management techniques for the duration of 2010 and beyond. This includes $3 million in funds for commercial market enhancements and $5 million for additional chemical treatments in the case of barrier failure. It also puts forth over $1.5 million in new research funding.

 

    Michigan's Governor Granholm said that a proposal unveiled by the White House falls short of protecting the Great Lakes from the threat posed by Asian carp and continued her call for the locks in Illinois to be closed to protect the ecosystem and the $9 billion boating and $7 billion sport and commercial fishing industries that support the regional economy [See WIMS 2/8/10]. The Governor said, "I am grateful for the good deal of effort and thought that has gone into this by the Obama administration, but I am very disappointed with the proposal presented today during the White House meeting. We have to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes, but the proposal presented still leaves the lakes vulnerable to this threat."
 
    Granholm said she supports creating a physical and biological separation between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed that keeps Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan. Granholm has called for closing the locks between the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal electrical barrier and Lake Michigan until that separation is constructed. However, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposes to continue operating the locks while attempts are made to suppress Asian carp populations. She said, "While we did have some areas of agreement with the White House, we believe that the plan does not adequately address the concerns we have been voicing about the imminent threat Asian carp pose to the Great Lakes. I believe the proposal's primary objectives are not sustainable, and that this is a plan to limit damages -- not solve the problem."

 

    The only options that exist presently for fish population suppressions in rivers and canals are the use of rotenone and crews of commercial fishermen netting fish. To keep the locks open requires frequent poisoning of the waters with rotenone, Granholm noted, as well as long-term monitoring. She said, "Neither option is a real solution." Granholm also expressed concern that nearly 70 percent of the funding for the federal Asian carp proposal comes from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GRLI), an interagency plan to target the most significant problems in the region, including invasive aquatic species, non-point source pollution, and contaminated sediment.

 

    The Governor said, "We are concerned they are robbing funds from other vital issues we need to address in Great Lakes restoration. The needs we have to address environmental and sustainability issues in the Great Lakes are paramount and a major economic issue for our state. I applaud the administration for commitment to construction of the second electrical fish barrier, separation of the rivers and canal systems to prevent carp movement during floods, increased research, and an aggressive public education campaign. These areas of agreement, however, are not enough to address this very serious issue threatening the health of the Great Lakes and the region's tourism economy."

 

    According to a release from the Governor's Office, Granholm and the Michigan delegation do support the administration's multi-tiered approach to addressing the Asian carp issue.  They also support emergency measures to block passage of water and fish between the Des Plaines River and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC), and the Illinois and Michigan Canal and the CSSC. Michigan also supports increased research of the issue and construction of an additional barrier.

 

    Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) released a statement on the Framework saying, "The effort to control Asian Carp received an unprecedented investment from the Obama Administration today. The $78.5 million strategic framework proposes 25 short and long term actions involving four federal agencies that will work closely with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the City of Chicago. It is clear that the Administration is prepared to wage an aggressive battle prevent this invasive species from reaching the Great Lakes. I am committed to working together to find a solution that will protect our lakes, while preserving jobs and promoting economic activity in the region."

 

    Access an Administration release on the Framework (click here). Access the 46-page Framework (click here). Access a lengthy release from Governor Granholm (click here). Access a release from Senator Durbin (click here). Access the Asian Carp Coordinating Committee website for extensive details and background (click here). Access a Chicago Tribune report on the meeting (click here).

Great Lakes Cities Call For Unity To Stop Asian Carp

Feb 8: As tensions rise and differences emerge between various parties involved in the Asian Carp control issue, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative announced on February 5, that maintaining unity within the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence community is essential to prevent  Asian carp from establishing populations in the largest freshwater resource in the world. The Cities Initiative Board of Directors has adopted a "Statement of Unity" that sets out key steps that need to be taken to protect the resource.

 

    Cities Initiative Chairman George Heartwell, Mayor of Grand Rapids, MI, said, "This is a matter of utmost urgency and we need a united sense of purpose among the government partners and the stakeholder community that the Asian carp must be stopped dead in their tracks. There is no tomorrow when it comes to solving this problem."

 

    The Cities Initiative outlines key steps in the short, mid, and long term that need to be taken. They said, "In the short term in 2010, much more comprehensive surveillance and monitoring is essential immediately to know where the Asian carp are, how many of them are there, and where they are going. With that information available, the authorities can make much better decisions about what type of actions are necessary for what numbers of fish in what locations. While this is being done, continued operation of the electronic barrier at optimum levels, construction of flood protection, additional chemical treatment, and other possible steps must be taken or readily available. 

 

    "Moving from the short term to the mid- term in 2011 and 2012, there must be an expedited study for long term solutions, including separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi watersheds in a way that prevents fish and plant life from moving between the two basins. Upon completion of those studies, there must be full and timely implementation of the solutions in 2013 and beyond, and the funding to make it happen."

 

    David Ullrich, Executive Director of the Cities Initiative, said, "Mayors from across the basin are prepared to work with all partners to come up with the best solutions and make them a reality so the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence are protected. The quality of life and economic well being of our people are determined by the resource, and we owe it to ourselves and future generations to keep the Asian carp out."

    As an example of the elevated rhetoric and hostility developing between parties in the issue, on February 5, lawmakers from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan launched an online campaign "demanding that Chicago bureaucrats and the Governor of Illinois" close two shipping locks to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes. Michigan Representative Judy Nerat (D-Wallace) said, "We can't let complacent Illinois politicians and bureaucrats continue to hold the Great Lakes hostage when there is an imminent Asian carp threat at our doorstep."

    In a release, Michigan State representatives issue a release saying they were launching "an aggressive online effort by sending a virtual postcard of a boat filled with Asian carp to Chicago and invited people from around the Great Lakes region to join their fight by e-mailing 'boatloads of carp' to Chicago bureaucrats like Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Executive Director Dick Lanyon and the Governor of Illinois, who are stalling action to protect Great Lakes." State Representative Mike Lahti (D-Hancock) said, "Summits are fine as far as they go, but meetings and position papers aren't enough to end this enormous threat to the Great Lakes. We need action now from the Illinois governor and the bureaucrats in charge of the Chicago locks." 

    Access a release from the Cities Initiative (click here). Access the "Statement of Unity" (click here). Access the Cities Initiative website for more information (click here). Access a release and link to the MI Reps. online campaign (click here).

NY Appeals Court Upholds States' Ballast Regulations

Feb 4: A release from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) highlights a New York State appellate court ruling that dismissed a challenge brought by shipping interests against what they say are the State's tough new ballast water requirements, designed to limit the introduction of more invasive species into the Great Lakes. NRDC points out that this is the second time that the State, with help from intervening NGOs, has successfully defended the ballast water restrictions in court. Legal experts at NRDC and National Wildlife Federation (NWF) hailed the win as a huge victory for states in the region that have taken an aggressive stand to limit dumping of water containing biological pollution from ocean going vessels. They indicated that alien species have already cost the Great Lakes economy billions of dollars.

 

    Due to the incredible environmental threat posed by invasive species, lawyers from NRDC intervened in the shipping industry lawsuit alongside the State of New York, representing NWF. The Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Third Judicial Department, rejected shipping industry arguments that the New York ballast water regulations were illegal because they were stricter than the U.S. EPA's nationwide discharge permit. Marc Smith, Policy Manager with NWF said, "Today's court decision is an important victory in the ongoing saga to protect our majestic Great Lakes from invasive species. Requiring the shipping industry to install effective protections against these invaders is long over-due. Now more than ever do we need aggressive federal action to help reinforce New York's leadership to ensure a more comprehensive defense policy against invasive species."

 

    The New York court's ruling that states have authority to adopt ballast water rules that are more protective than Federal standards is consistent with the decision last year in a lower state court as well as the Sixth Circuit Federal appeals court in Cincinnati to uphold Michigan's ballast water rules against a similar shipping industry challenge. NRDC and NWF also intervened in those cases, along with other environmental groups, to defend the challenged rules. 

    Access a release from NRDC and link to the court ruling and related information (click here).

Another Asian Carp Meeting On February 17

Feb 8: The International Joint Commission (IJC), in cooperation with the other participating agencies will be hosting a public meeting in Ypsilanti, MI, on February 17, to discuss plans and get recommendations on Asian carp control efforts. According to IJC the following agencies will be represented: International Joint Commission; U.S. EPA; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Coast Guard; Great Lakes states, provinces, municipalities and tribes (invited); White House Council on Environmental Quality; and Scientific experts.

    The meeting will be held from 3:00 - 6:00 PM, Wednesday, February 17, at the Marriott Ann Arbor Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, 1275 S. Huron, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. The meeting will also be available via live web stream (See below). Those who cannot attend the meeting in person can submit questions on the website. When available, the framework and a transcript of the meeting will be posted on the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee website (See below).

 

    On February 3, U.S. EPA, on behalf of the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee, announced a similar meeting in Chicago on February 12, at the Metcalfe Federal Building, to discuss plans and get recommendations on Asian carp control efforts [See WIMS 2/4/10]. The committee will answer questions and listen to comments from the public. That meet is also available via live interactive web stream.

 

    A meeting on the Asian Carp issue, scheduled for today, February 8 in Washington, DC with Great Lakes Governors and White House & agency officials was cancelled due to record snowfall in DC that have paralyzed the city. According to reports, the meeting between Governors Jennifer Granholm (MI), Jim Doyle (WI), and Pat Quinn (IL) and the Administration was to take place via teleconference.

 

    In a related matter, U.S. Representative Pete Hoekstra (R-Holland), introduced a bill (H.R. 4604) that would make the Army Corps of Engineers the lead agency and provide them with the authority to fight the invasion of Asian carp into the Great Lakes. Hoekstra said, "Asian carp pose a devastating threat to Michigan's environment and economy. The Asian Carp Action Plan will provide the Army Corps of Engineers with a host of tools to prevent the carp from establishing a habitat in the Great Lakes." Hoekstra's bill would authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite a number of measures to prevent the Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes, including applying fish poisons, fixing locks and installing new barriers that include electrical, air-bubble and sound barriers that disorient fish.

 

    In late January, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and U.S. Representative Dave Camp (R-MI) also introduced companion legislation, the CARP ACT (Close All Routes and Prevent Asian Carp Today, S. 2946, H.R. 4472) [See WIMS 1/22/10]. That bill would direct the Army Corps of Engineers to take immediate action to prevent the potential entry of Asian Carp into the Great Lakes.

 

Also, on February 9, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, Chaired by Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) will be holding a hearing on "Asian Carp and the Great Lakes." Those scheduled to testify include: U.S. EPA; Army Corps of Engineers: Illinois DNR; Michigan DNRE; Wisconsin DNR; University of Notre Dame;  Great Lakes Fishery Commission; Canal Barge Company, Inc. on behalf of The American Waterways Operators; and Alliance for the Great Lakes. [Note: Continuing weather problems could prevent this hearing].

 

Access the announcement of the Feb. 17 meeting (click here). Access the website for the live web stream for both meetings (click here). Access a report on the cancellation of the Governors' meeting (click here). Access a release from Rep. Hoekstra (click here). Access legislative details for H.R. 4604 (click here). Access the Coordinating Committee website (click here). Access information on the House Asian Carp hearing including an 8-page briefing report (click here).

Agencies Meeting On Asian Carp Control Efforts

Feb 3: U.S. EPA, on behalf of the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee, announced it will hold a meeting in Chicago on February 12, to discuss plans and get recommendations on Asian carp control efforts. The committee will answer questions and listen to comments from the public. A second meeting will be scheduled in the near future elsewhere in the Great Lakes basin.

Attending the meeting will be: Senior representatives from EPA; Fish and Wildlife Service; Army Corps of Engineers; Coast Guard; State of Illinois and other Great Lakes states; City of Chicago; Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago; White House Council on Environmental Quality; and Scientific experts. The meeting is scheduled for 3:00 – 6:00 PM, Room 331, Metcalfe Federal Building, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., in Chicago. The meeting also will be available via live web stream (see link below). Those who cannot attend the meeting in person can submit questions on the website. EPA also said that, when available, the framework and a transcript of the meeting will be posted on the Coordinating Committee website (see link below). Comments on the framework may also be submitted online at the same website.

In related matters, officials in the Obama Administration and three Great Lakes governors, including are scheduled to meet to discuss the Asian carp threat to the Great Lakes on February 8. Also, on February 9, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, Chaired by Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) will be holding a hearing on "Asian Carp and the Great Lakes."

Access a release from EPA on the Feb 12 meeting (click here). Access the live web stream website for the Feb 12 meeting (click here). Access the Coordinating Committee website (click here). Access information on the House Asian Carp hearing (click here).

Michigan Files New Supreme Court Motion To Stop Carp

Feb 4: Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox filed a renewed motion with the U.S. Supreme Court asking for a preliminary injunction to close Chicago-area locks because of new information that became available after the Court denied the original motion on January 19 [See WIMS 1/19/10 & 1/20/10]. Cox pointed to eDNA tests showing evidence of Asian carp in Lake Michigan that was available three days before the Court made its decision but not provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers until afterward.

Cox indicates that in the aftermath of this revelation, Michigan's motion questions the lack of action by Illinois and Federal authorities to increase efforts against the spread of Asian carp despite claims they made in earlier legal filings that they would "re-visit the conclusions related to lock closure" in the event new information became available. Additionally, Michigan's motion includes an economic study on the effects of the closure of the locks necessary to separate the Mississippi River basin from the Great Lakes basin. The study, conducted by a Wayne State University transportation expert, concludes Illinois' claim that "even a temporary closure of the locks will devastate the local economy" cannot be supported.

A release from the Attorney General indicates that, Statistics previously submitted to the Court by Illinois and the federal government on the potential economic costs of lock closure are "seriously exaggerated." The report says annual costs would amount to less than $70 million, much lower than the $190 million claim made by Illinois and the Federal government. This stands in contrast to the billions in economic activity and thousands of jobs at risk if Asian carp enter the Great Lakes.

Cox said, "We think the Court should take another look at our request to hit the pause button on the locks until the entire Great Lakes region is comfortable that an effective plan is in place to stop Asian carp. While we would like to see significant and immediate action as a result of next week's meeting between the governors and administration, that is an unknown at this time, so our battle to protect the Lakes will continue." Cox noted that Michigan's request to reopen the "Chicago Diversion" case, supported by Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Province of Ontario, remains before the Supreme Court and that briefs are due by February 19. That request seeks a long-term solution to the crisis that will protect the ecology and economy of the Great Lakes.

Access a release from AG Cox (click here).

Coalition Pushes To Restore Great Lakes Restoration Funding

Feb 2: In his FY 2011 budget, the President proposed to cut funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) from $475 million to $300 million. In their initial reaction the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes (HOW) Coalition said they were analyzing the President proposal, and indicated, "The level of funding that the President committed indicates that he understands the plight of the Great Lakes and the urgency to do something about it." However, they said, "This is not the amount of funding we had hoped for, but coupled with this year's historic investment, the President's request will continue to advance Great Lakes restoration and economic recovery."

Following their analysis, HOW has now issued a statement on February 3, urging Congress to restore funding to last year's level of $475 million." Jeff Skelding, campaign director for the HOW Coalition said, "Although President Obama's budget makes Great Lakes restoration a priority, the proposed funding will make it difficult to keep pace with the urgent threats facing the Lakes. We're going to work with Congress and the White House to restore funding to Great Lakes programs before the problems get worse and the solutions get more costly. "Fully funding Great Lakes restoration will benefit people, businesses and communities. We have the solutions to these urgent problems. It is time to use them."

In EPA budget documents the Administration provides and explanation for the reduction in funding and says, "In 2009, the President announced a new Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, committing the Federal government to significantly advance Great Lakes protection and restoration. In FY 2011, EPA is increasing the relative funding for the Invasive Species focus area in recognition of anticipated new demands such as fighting incursion of Asian Carp. FY 2011 funding has been reduced to reflect ramp up period, allowing time for the program to absorb the initial influx of FY 2010 $475 million in resources."

In a related matter, on February 9, 2010, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, Chaired by Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) will be holding a hearing on "Asian Carp and the Great Lakes."

Access the original Feb. 1 release (click here). Access the Feb. 3 release (click here). Access a 102-page EPA FY11 budget-in-brief detail on the EPA budget (click here). Access further details on EPA's FY 2011 budget including the FY 2011 Congressional Justification (999-pages) and the Verification and Validation (257-pages) (click here). Access information on the Asian Carp hearing (click here).

Researchers Find Disinfection To Stop VHSV Transmission

Feb 2: A disinfection solution presently used for salmon eggs also prevents transmission of the virus that causes viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHS or VHSV) -- one of the most dangerous viral diseases of fish -- in other hatchery-reared fish eggs, according to new U.S. Geological Survey-led research. VHSV has caused large fish kills in wild fish in the U.S., especially in the Great Lakes region, where thousands of fish have died from the virus over the last few years. The disease causes internal bleeding in fish, and although in the family of viruses that includes rabies, is not harmful to humans. Thus far, the virus has been found in more than 25 species of fish in Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie, St. Clair, and Ontario, as well as the Saint Lawrence River and inland lakes in New York, Michigan and Wisconsin. On January 27, 2010, researchers from Cornell University reported that VHSV had been discovered in for the first time in fish from Lake Superior [See WIMS 1/29/10].

Mark Gaikowski, a USGS researcher who led the USGS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service research team indicated that effective disinfection methods are critically important to natural resource agencies that collect eggs from wild fish stocks and private aquaculture because the spread of the virus to a fish hatchery "could be devastating." He said, "If VHS virus is introduced into the aquaculture industry, it could lead to trade restrictions, as well as direct economic losses from the disease."

USGS and USFWS researchers tested the effectiveness of using iodophor disinfection in walleye and northern pike eggs and found that it eliminated active virus from fertilized eggs. Iodophor disinfectant solutions contain iodine formulated for use on fish eggs. The researchers also found that although some of the disinfection treatments reduced hatch, iodophor treatment at 90 minutes after fertilization occurred did not alter egg hatch or fry development. USGS said in a release that 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. 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.

Access a release fro USGS with links to more information on the VHSV (click here).

Lana Pollack Nominated To International Joint Commission

Jan 29: President Obama announced his intent to nominate Lana Pollack, as a Commissioner on the International Joint Commission (IJC). Pollack was the President of the Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) for 12 years through the end of 2008 and is a former Democratic Michigan State senator (1983-1994). The IJC has three commissioners each from the United States and Canada and is designed to facilitate cooperation, resource protection and resolve disputes and treaty enforcement over boundary waters including the Great Lakes between the two countries. It assists the two countries in the protection of the transboundary environment, including the implementation of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and the improvement of transboundary air quality

Pollack currently chairs the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board. She earned a BA in political science from the University of Michigan (U-M) in 1965, and an MA in Education from U-M in 1970. Pollack’s nomination must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become official.

Access an announcement and biography from the White House (click here). Access the IJC website for complete background information (click here).