Dec 15: Since 2007, a binational team of experts, with extensive public input, has been investigating whether there are ongoing changes in the St. Clair River that might be affecting water levels in the upper Great Lakes [See WIMS 5/5/09]. The International Upper Great Lakes Study Board (IUGLSB), of the International Joint Commission (IJC), released its final report and found that: (1) There has been no significant erosion of the channel in the upper reach of the St. Clair River bed since at least 2000. (2) Based on 15 different analyses, an increase in the river’s conveyance capacity accounts for 7 to 14 cm (2.8 to 5.5 inches) of the decline in head difference between Lake Michigan‐Huron and Lake Erie from 1963 to 2006; however, this change is not ongoing and there has been a slight decrease in conveyance capacity since 2000. (3) Climate is the main driver of lake level relationships over time and accounts for 9 to 17 cm (3.5 to 6.7 inches) of the decline in head difference.
In particular, hydroclimatic change contributed to a substantial decline in net water supplies to Lake Michigan‐Huron in the most recent decade. Overall, the Study Board also found that the difference in water levels between Lake Michigan‐Huron and Lake Erie (head difference) declined on average by about 23 cm (9 inches) between 1963 and 2006. They also found that shifts in the earth’s crust as it continues to adjust to the retreat of glaciers account for 4 to 5 cm (1.6 to 2 inches) of the decline in head difference with the apparent resulting decrease in water levels being more pronounced in the Georgian Bay region of eastern Lake Huron.
Given that the change in conveyance capacity is not ongoing, is small relative to the degree of scientific uncertainty associated with the various analyses and data measurements and appears to be decreasing, the Study Board did not recommend remedial measures in the St. Clair River at this time.
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.
GBF said, "The main recommendation of the IUGLSB final report -- that no remedial measures are needed to slow down the outflow of the middle Great Lakes -- ignores the consequence of the continuing and irretrievable loss of water from the Lakes Huron/Michigan and Georgian Bay." They indicated that, "The IUGLSB has previously conceded up to six billion more gallons (almost 23 billion litres) of water per day are flowing out of the Middle Lakes compared to 1971, but have decided the amount is too insignificant to justify any action."
Access a release from IUGLSB (click here). Access links to the complete scientific report, a summary for the public, 34 scientific reports that form the foundation for the main report and additional information (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).
Showing posts with label IUGLS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IUGLS. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
GBA Disputes IJC St. Clair River Report
May 1: The Georgian Bay Association (GBA) is calling the International Joint Commission (IJC) report on erosion of the St. Clair River and water levels in the Upper Great Lakes "premature and its science incomplete." The draft study -- Impacts on Upper Great Lakes Water Levels: St. Clair River -- was released by the International Upper Great Lakes Study (IUGLS), an arm of the IJC, on May 1, and concluded that “remedial measures not be undertaken at this time.” [See WIMS 5/1/09].
GBA commissioned Baird & Associates, an internationally respected coastal consulting engineering firm, who release a 2004 report that found that decades of dredging in the St. Clair River, shoreline alterations and sand and gravel mining have led to an increased conveyance that draws more water from Lakes Michigan and Huron into the lower Lakes and out to the Atlantic Ocean. While the IUGLS study found that 6 billion more gallons of water are flowing out of Lakes Michigan and Huron per day as compared to 1971, they said it is due to "natural causes," and that no remedial measures need to be taken. The 2004 Baird Report found that the loss is 12 billion gallons per day and increasing.
Roy Schatz, Founding President of the GBA Foundation said, "The changes in the St. Clair River and their effect on water levels have been cited previously following rigorous and public scientific processes -- the new Study Board was meant to examine physical changes and establish the best solutions moving forward. The fact that it completely dismisses such an enormous increase in outflow and recommends that nothing be done about it is very disturbing." Bill Bialkowski, a recently retired engineer and GBA Foundation water levels committee member who has devoted years of volunteer time and expertise to this issue said, "They started with flawed data and they got flawed conclusions. The Study Board needs to move to a higher level of science in order to understand this complex river. It appears that sources were carefully screened to support preconceived conclusions."
Access a release and more information from GBA (click here).
GBA commissioned Baird & Associates, an internationally respected coastal consulting engineering firm, who release a 2004 report that found that decades of dredging in the St. Clair River, shoreline alterations and sand and gravel mining have led to an increased conveyance that draws more water from Lakes Michigan and Huron into the lower Lakes and out to the Atlantic Ocean. While the IUGLS study found that 6 billion more gallons of water are flowing out of Lakes Michigan and Huron per day as compared to 1971, they said it is due to "natural causes," and that no remedial measures need to be taken. The 2004 Baird Report found that the loss is 12 billion gallons per day and increasing.
Roy Schatz, Founding President of the GBA Foundation said, "The changes in the St. Clair River and their effect on water levels have been cited previously following rigorous and public scientific processes -- the new Study Board was meant to examine physical changes and establish the best solutions moving forward. The fact that it completely dismisses such an enormous increase in outflow and recommends that nothing be done about it is very disturbing." Bill Bialkowski, a recently retired engineer and GBA Foundation water levels committee member who has devoted years of volunteer time and expertise to this issue said, "They started with flawed data and they got flawed conclusions. The Study Board needs to move to a higher level of science in order to understand this complex river. It appears that sources were carefully screened to support preconceived conclusions."
Access a release and more information from GBA (click here).
Friday, May 1, 2009
No Action Necessary Now For St. Clair River Erosion
May 1: The International Upper Great Lakes Study (IUGLS) issued a draft report nearly one year ahead of its original schedule, indicating that erosion of the St. Clair River is not ongoing and recommended that “remedial measures not be undertaken at this time.” The report -- Impacts on Upper Great Lakes Water Levels: St. Clair River -- is the product of intense effort by a 10 member binational Study Board of experts and public members, who commissioned 42 research projects that engaged over 100 scientists. Fourteen public meetings have been scheduled throughout the region where residents can learn about the findings and provide comments.
The Study Board was appointed by the International Joint Commission (IJC) to determine whether the conveyance capacity of the St. Clair River has changed, to assess if there is ongoing erosion in the river bed and to identify other factors that may be affecting water levels. Specifically, the independent panel examined the change in head drop (or difference in water levels) between Lake Huron and Lake Erie, estimating the decline to be 23 centimeters (cm) or 9 inches (in) between 1962 and 2006. After an exhaustive effort to collect and verify historical data, conduct new research and analyze results, three key factors were identified as contributing to the decline: A change in the conveyance of the St. Clair River; Changes in climatic patterns; and Glacial isostatic adjustment.
The report emphasized that, “Climate is the main driver of the lake level relationships between lakes and over time. There has been a persistent decline in net total supply of water to Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron over the past two decades that has resulted in declining lake levels and a change in the relationship to Lake Erie.” The Study Board also recommended that, “The need for mitigative measures in the St. Clair River continues to be examined as part of the continuing Study that will include a comprehensive assessment of the future effects of climate change on water supplies in the upper Great Lakes basin on Lake Superior regulation.”
Access a release from the IUGLS (click here). Access an overview and summary of the report (click here). Access links to the complete report, upcoming public meetings, commenting procedures and more (click here).
The Study Board was appointed by the International Joint Commission (IJC) to determine whether the conveyance capacity of the St. Clair River has changed, to assess if there is ongoing erosion in the river bed and to identify other factors that may be affecting water levels. Specifically, the independent panel examined the change in head drop (or difference in water levels) between Lake Huron and Lake Erie, estimating the decline to be 23 centimeters (cm) or 9 inches (in) between 1962 and 2006. After an exhaustive effort to collect and verify historical data, conduct new research and analyze results, three key factors were identified as contributing to the decline: A change in the conveyance of the St. Clair River; Changes in climatic patterns; and Glacial isostatic adjustment.
The report emphasized that, “Climate is the main driver of the lake level relationships between lakes and over time. There has been a persistent decline in net total supply of water to Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron over the past two decades that has resulted in declining lake levels and a change in the relationship to Lake Erie.” The Study Board also recommended that, “The need for mitigative measures in the St. Clair River continues to be examined as part of the continuing Study that will include a comprehensive assessment of the future effects of climate change on water supplies in the upper Great Lakes basin on Lake Superior regulation.”
Access a release from the IUGLS (click here). Access an overview and summary of the report (click here). Access links to the complete report, upcoming public meetings, commenting procedures and more (click here).
Monday, November 10, 2008
International Upper Great Lakes Study Meeting
Nov 10: The International Upper Great Lakes Study (IUGLS) will be holding a public meeting at the University of Toledo, Lake Erie Center, from 7 to 9 PM on Wednesday, November 19th, 2008. Persons interested in and concerned about Great Lakes water levels are urged to attend and to share personal examples of the impact of changing water levels. The initial focus of IUGLS is whether possible physical changes in the St. Clair River and other factors are contributing to changes in the relative levels of Lake Erie and Lake Huron [See WIMS 4/4/08].
At the meetings, experts from the binational study of water levels in the Upper Great Lakes will present the latest scientific work and provide current information about water levels. They will also briefly outline the structure and purpose of the Study and review a history of water level regulation in the Great Lakes. The presentation will stress the importance of public input to the Study process and the need for interested individuals and organizations from throughout the basin to participate. Attendees will have an extensive opportunity to present their views and ask questions.
More broadly, the Study is examining whether regulation of outflows from Lake Superior might be improved to take into consideration changing climate and evolving interests of property owners, ecosystems, local governments, the shipping sector, and the recreation/tourism industry. IUGLS was launched by the International Joint Commission (IJC) of the U.S. and Canada in March of 2007. While the overall project has a five year timeline, a final report regarding the St. Clair River question is due in June of 2009.
Access the IUGLS website for details and further information (click here). Access information and presentations from previous meetings (click here). Access a 22-page progress report on the International Upper Great Lakes Study (click here).
At the meetings, experts from the binational study of water levels in the Upper Great Lakes will present the latest scientific work and provide current information about water levels. They will also briefly outline the structure and purpose of the Study and review a history of water level regulation in the Great Lakes. The presentation will stress the importance of public input to the Study process and the need for interested individuals and organizations from throughout the basin to participate. Attendees will have an extensive opportunity to present their views and ask questions.
More broadly, the Study is examining whether regulation of outflows from Lake Superior might be improved to take into consideration changing climate and evolving interests of property owners, ecosystems, local governments, the shipping sector, and the recreation/tourism industry. IUGLS was launched by the International Joint Commission (IJC) of the U.S. and Canada in March of 2007. While the overall project has a five year timeline, a final report regarding the St. Clair River question is due in June of 2009.
Access the IUGLS website for details and further information (click here). Access information and presentations from previous meetings (click here). Access a 22-page progress report on the International Upper Great Lakes Study (click here).
Friday, April 4, 2008
Meetings Will Present Findings On Upper Great Lakes Water Levels
Apr 3: Public advisors to a binational study of Great Lakes water levels announced that three public meetings will be held in Michigan this spring. The meetings are scheduled for Bay City on April 28; Port Huron on April 29; and Muskegon on May 3. In February two public meetings were held in the Detroit area [See WIMS 2/6/08].
At the meetings, experts from the International Upper Great Lakes Study (IUGLS) will present the latest scientific findings and provide current information about water levels. They will also briefly outline the structure and purpose of the Study and review a history of water level regulation in the Great Lakes. The presentation will stress the importance of public input to the Study process and the need for interested individuals and organizations from throughout the basin to participate. Attendees will have an extensive opportunity to present their views and ask questions.
The initial focus of IUGLS is whether possible physical changes in the St. Clair River are contributing to near record low levels in the upper Great Lakes. More broadly, the Study is examining whether regulation of outflows from Lake Superior might be improved to take into consideration changing climate and evolving interests of property owners, the environment, local governments, the shipping sector, and the recreation/tourism industry. IUGLS was launched by the International Joint Commission (IJC) of the U.S. and Canada in March of 2007. While the overall project has a five year timeline, a final report regarding the St. Clair River question is due in June of 2009. The study area includes lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie, and their interconnecting channels (St. Mary's River, St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, Detroit River and Niagara River), up to Niagara Falls.
Access a release with details on the locations and times of the meetings (click here). Access the IUGLS website for details and further information (click here).
At the meetings, experts from the International Upper Great Lakes Study (IUGLS) will present the latest scientific findings and provide current information about water levels. They will also briefly outline the structure and purpose of the Study and review a history of water level regulation in the Great Lakes. The presentation will stress the importance of public input to the Study process and the need for interested individuals and organizations from throughout the basin to participate. Attendees will have an extensive opportunity to present their views and ask questions.
The initial focus of IUGLS is whether possible physical changes in the St. Clair River are contributing to near record low levels in the upper Great Lakes. More broadly, the Study is examining whether regulation of outflows from Lake Superior might be improved to take into consideration changing climate and evolving interests of property owners, the environment, local governments, the shipping sector, and the recreation/tourism industry. IUGLS was launched by the International Joint Commission (IJC) of the U.S. and Canada in March of 2007. While the overall project has a five year timeline, a final report regarding the St. Clair River question is due in June of 2009. The study area includes lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie, and their interconnecting channels (St. Mary's River, St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, Detroit River and Niagara River), up to Niagara Falls.
Access a release with details on the locations and times of the meetings (click here). Access the IUGLS website for details and further information (click here).
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Upcoming Upper Great Lakes Study Meetings In SE Michigan
Feb 4: The Public Interest Advisory Group (PIAG) of the International Upper Great Lakes Study (IUGLS) -- a binational team of researchers studying whether possible physical changes in the St. Clair River are contributing to record low levels in the Great Lakes -- has scheduled two public meetings in the Detroit area for February 19-20, 2008. PIAG co-chair Kay Felt and researchers will present an overview of the Study, highlighting the latest findings and focusing on the importance of public input and collaboration with local governments. Attendees will have an extensive opportunity to present their views and ask questions. More broadly, the Study is examining whether regulation of outflows from Lake Superior might be improved to take into consideration changing climate and evolving interests of property owners, local governments, the shipping industry, and the recreation/tourism industry.
On Tuesday, February 19, 2008, from 7 to 9 PM, PIAG will meet at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms. On Wednesday, February 20, 2008, from 1 to 3 PM, PIAG will meet jointly with the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), at 535 Griswold St., Suite 300, Detroit, Michigan.
The International Joint Commission (IJC) appointed the International Upper Great Lakes Study Board in February 2007 to examine whether the regulation of Lake Superior outflows can be improved to address the evolving needs of the upper Great Lakes. The study area includes lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie, and their interconnecting channels (St. Mary's River, St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, Detroit River and Niagara River), up to Niagara Falls.
Major topics for investigation include determining the factors that affect water levels and flows, developing and testing potential new regulation plans and assessing the impacts of these potential plans on the ecosystem and human interests. Physical changes in the St. Clair River will be investigated early in the study as one factor that might be affecting water levels and flows. Depending on the nature and extent of the physical changes, and their potential impact on water levels and flows, the study may also explore potential remediation options.
On November 1, 2007, the IUGLS released preliminary results that did not appear to support the theory that an eroding river bed is responsible for causing the Lake Michigan-Huron system to "hemorrhage" 2.5 billion gallons of water a day [See WIMS 11/2/07]. On August 14, 2007, an analysis from a consultant for the Georgian Bay Association (GBA), indicated that the channel drainage in the St. Clair River was causing the extensive loss of water from the Lake Michigan-Huron system. However, the preliminary results from the extensive IUGLS indicate that the so-called "armour layer" in the upper part of the St. Clair River is considered to be stable and therefore, the bed cannot be eroding.
Access the IUGLS website for details and further information (click here).
On Tuesday, February 19, 2008, from 7 to 9 PM, PIAG will meet at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms. On Wednesday, February 20, 2008, from 1 to 3 PM, PIAG will meet jointly with the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), at 535 Griswold St., Suite 300, Detroit, Michigan.
The International Joint Commission (IJC) appointed the International Upper Great Lakes Study Board in February 2007 to examine whether the regulation of Lake Superior outflows can be improved to address the evolving needs of the upper Great Lakes. The study area includes lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie, and their interconnecting channels (St. Mary's River, St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, Detroit River and Niagara River), up to Niagara Falls.
Major topics for investigation include determining the factors that affect water levels and flows, developing and testing potential new regulation plans and assessing the impacts of these potential plans on the ecosystem and human interests. Physical changes in the St. Clair River will be investigated early in the study as one factor that might be affecting water levels and flows. Depending on the nature and extent of the physical changes, and their potential impact on water levels and flows, the study may also explore potential remediation options.
On November 1, 2007, the IUGLS released preliminary results that did not appear to support the theory that an eroding river bed is responsible for causing the Lake Michigan-Huron system to "hemorrhage" 2.5 billion gallons of water a day [See WIMS 11/2/07]. On August 14, 2007, an analysis from a consultant for the Georgian Bay Association (GBA), indicated that the channel drainage in the St. Clair River was causing the extensive loss of water from the Lake Michigan-Huron system. However, the preliminary results from the extensive IUGLS indicate that the so-called "armour layer" in the upper part of the St. Clair River is considered to be stable and therefore, the bed cannot be eroding.
Access the IUGLS website for details and further information (click here).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
