May 2: A new publication by researchers at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) and the University of Michigan -- The Use of Models in Great Lakes Decision Making, An Interdisciplinary Synthesis -- examines how computer simulation models were used in four case studies in the Great Lakes. The four cases were chosen because they represent the increasing demands being placed on both environmental managers and computer modelers. They covered high interest topics as diverse as fish stocking and lake levels. Dr. Jack Manno of ESF said, “Computer models have been used for a long time, but no one asked how to do the modeling to best promote good decision making. The issue is whether the models really answer the right questions.”
Manno said the researchers looked at how models were used and which ones worked well in addressing the issue at hand and communicating the model's meaning to stakeholders. He said the publication suggests a process that can be used when facing a policy issue that has environmental aspects. The research project, “The Development and Use of Predictive Models in Great Lakes Decision-Making: An Interdisciplinary Synthesis,” was funded with a one-year, $65,330 grant from New York Sea Grant.
Access an announcement of the report (click here). Access a copy of the 96-page publication (click here).
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Next IJC Biennial Meeting October 6-7, 2009, In Windsor, Ontario
May 1: The International Joint Commission's (IJC's) next Biennial Meeting will take place on October 6-7, 2009, in Windsor, Ontario. The meetings will be held at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts. The IJC holds a Biennial Meeting every two years to hear from scientists and the public about issues relating to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and to assist the Commission with preparing its Biennial Report on the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. These reports assess the governments’ progress in meeting the goals of the Agreement to restore the physical, biological and chemical integrity of the Great Lakes waters. The upcoming meeting in Windsor will assist the IJC in preparing its 15th Biennial Report.
The IJC was established under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 to help prevent and resolve disputes by the United States and Canada over the use of the waters they share. Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the Commission is charged with making a full report to the federal, state and provincial governments in the Great Lakes basin every two years on progress toward achieving the general and specific objectives of the Agreement.
Access an IJC announcement (click here). Access the IJC website for additional information (click here).
The IJC was established under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 to help prevent and resolve disputes by the United States and Canada over the use of the waters they share. Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the Commission is charged with making a full report to the federal, state and provincial governments in the Great Lakes basin every two years on progress toward achieving the general and specific objectives of the Agreement.
Access an IJC announcement (click here). Access the IJC website for additional information (click here).
Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Teleconference May 13
May 5: The Great Lakes Regional Collaboration (GLRC) Executive Subcommittee invites interested stakeholders to participate in or observe teleconference discussion on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM CDT regarding ongoing and planned activities of the GLRC. The topics for discussion include: Update on GLRC Initiatives; Future actions on GLRC Initiatives; Continuing follow-up from previous Public Call; and Questions and Comments from Stakeholders.
Persons wishing to participate in the call should email GLRC staff prior to the call to let them know who will be participating in the teleconference. The teleconference will accommodate up to 125 participants with participation on a first come, first serve basis. However, persons may listen to the call on the Internet without participating.
Access complete instructions for participating or listening only (click here). Access current information on the GLRC Initiatives (click here). Access a summary of the February 19 teleconference call (click here). Access the GLRC website for additional information (click here).
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Controversial AOC Health Report Released For Comments
Apr 30: Dr. Henry Falk, Director, Coordinating Center for Environmental Health and Injury Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announced that the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) had issued a revised report for public comment on what is known about environmental contaminants and human health in 26 Great Lakes “Areas of Concern” (AOCs). The controversial report which had been suppressed for nearly a year responds to a request from the International Joint Commission (IJC) to define the threat to human health from critical pollutants found in the Great Lakes basin. The report analyzes many sources of data on environmental exposures and on human health in the Great Lakes basin. The report is open for public comment for 60 days.
On February 7, the Center for Public Integrity (CPI) announced that a massive 400-page study, originally entitled, Public Health Implications of Hazardous Substances in the Twenty-Six U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern [AOCs], completed in July 2007, was being withheld [See WIMS 2/8/08]. Subsequently, an inquiry and investigation from Representatives John Dingell (D-MI), the Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Bart Stupak (D-MI) caused the study to be publicly released [See WIMS 3/14/08]. The latest 2008 draft report released for comment is now entitled, Selected Information on Chemical Releases Within Great Lakes Counties Containing Areas of Concern (AOC).
According to a CDC announcement, the key conclusions of the revised report include: 1) available environmental health data provide a useful but only a partial picture of the burden of chemical exposures people in the region face; 2) current health and environmental data collection cannot define the threat to human health from critical pollutants in the Great Lakes region; and 3) need for additional data collection and analysis to permit scientists, decision makers, and members of the public to define the threat to human health from pollutants in the Great Lakes basin. CDC indicates that comments should be submitted by email to: greatlakes@cdc.gov.
Access the CDC announcement (click here). Access the ATSDR website for the Great Lakes report which contains extensive links to background information, the Statement of Concern, the 2004 & 2007 & 2008 drafts, and more (click here). Access the 2008 draft report (click here).
On February 7, the Center for Public Integrity (CPI) announced that a massive 400-page study, originally entitled, Public Health Implications of Hazardous Substances in the Twenty-Six U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern [AOCs], completed in July 2007, was being withheld [See WIMS 2/8/08]. Subsequently, an inquiry and investigation from Representatives John Dingell (D-MI), the Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Bart Stupak (D-MI) caused the study to be publicly released [See WIMS 3/14/08]. The latest 2008 draft report released for comment is now entitled, Selected Information on Chemical Releases Within Great Lakes Counties Containing Areas of Concern (AOC).
According to a CDC announcement, the key conclusions of the revised report include: 1) available environmental health data provide a useful but only a partial picture of the burden of chemical exposures people in the region face; 2) current health and environmental data collection cannot define the threat to human health from critical pollutants in the Great Lakes region; and 3) need for additional data collection and analysis to permit scientists, decision makers, and members of the public to define the threat to human health from pollutants in the Great Lakes basin. CDC indicates that comments should be submitted by email to: greatlakes@cdc.gov.
Access the CDC announcement (click here). Access the ATSDR website for the Great Lakes report which contains extensive links to background information, the Statement of Concern, the 2004 & 2007 & 2008 drafts, and more (click here). Access the 2008 draft report (click here).
Funding Opportunities From Great Lakes National Program Office
Apr 24: The U.S. EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) is now requesting applications in the following areas: (1)Approximately $100,000 to support Lake Michigan Forum activities, including work with ports/harbors in the nearshore and completion of the work with the four Lake Michigan states in a climate exchange program between farmers and industry. (2) Approximately $25,000 to support environmental education and outreach about Lake Michigan to Lake Michigan communities, including Areas of Concern and to teachers. (3) Approximately $75,000 to support training and tool development for Lake Michigan regional planning commissions and their shoreline communities in order to promote the use of green infrastructure and low impact land use design. (4) Approximately $75,000 for projects related to facilitating the Lake Superior Binational Forum. (5) Approximately $120,000 for a project that addresses the Lake Huron priority of Managing Water Quality to Protect and Restore Biodiversity. (6) Approximately $300,000 for a project to estimate loadings to Lakes Michigan, Huron, Superior, and Ontario of total phosphorus, total dissolved phosphorus, nitrate, and chloride.
Submissions must be postmarked or received by EPA or electronically through grants.gov by midnight, CST on June 10, 2008. EPA notes that this Request for Applications is one of four funding opportunities currently available. Other opportunities include: Request for Proposals for Great Lakes Pollution Prevention and Reduction and Rochester RAP Management (due June 10); Intermediary Support for Ecological Protection and Restoration Projects in the Great Lakes Basin (due May 21); and the Great Lakes Legacy Act Request for Projects (no date).
Access links to complete details on all of the above opportunities (click here).
Submissions must be postmarked or received by EPA or electronically through grants.gov by midnight, CST on June 10, 2008. EPA notes that this Request for Applications is one of four funding opportunities currently available. Other opportunities include: Request for Proposals for Great Lakes Pollution Prevention and Reduction and Rochester RAP Management (due June 10); Intermediary Support for Ecological Protection and Restoration Projects in the Great Lakes Basin (due May 21); and the Great Lakes Legacy Act Request for Projects (no date).
Access links to complete details on all of the above opportunities (click here).
Monday, April 28, 2008
House Passes Ballast Management Legislation: Parties Pleased
Apr 24: By a vote of 395-7, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 2830, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007. The bill increases the size of the Coast Guard, reorganizes the Service, and enhances the Coast Guard’s dual mission of homeland security and maritime safety. Among many other items, Title V the bill requires ships to begin installing ballast water treatment systems in 2009 to control the introduction of invasive species into U.S. ports and waterways -- a measure particularly important to Great Lakes interests. All ships will be required to have treatment systems installed by 2016. The bill was sponsored by Representative James Oberstar (D-MN), Chair of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.
Importantly, the bill apparently strikes a balance between states' rights and shippers concerns and has the support of the American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA) and the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF). Various shipping interests, who have been opposed to individual state legislation such as that in place in Michigan, are supporting the legislation. Wisconsin and Minnesota have been considering similar legislation. GLMTF President Patrick O'Hern said, "This legislation is tough but fair -- this problem is big enough that it needs a tough response." GLMTF represents carriers, maritime unions, longshoremen, shipyards, dredging companies, and terminal operators.
Michigan Lt. Governor John D. Cherry Jr. who also serves as chairman of the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) praised House members for passing a bill. Cherry said, "This bill requires the federal government to accelerate actions that protect our Great Lakes and other waters nationwide. I urge members of the U.S. Senate to join in crafting a solution to stop aquatic invasive species from using ballast water as a pathway to the Great Lakes. As one of the few states to take strong independent action, I hope Congress will agree on a new federal law that Michigan and other states can strongly support."
The National Environmental Coalition on Invasive Species which includes the National Wildlife Federation, Union of Concerned Scientists, Great Lakes United, National Audubon Society, Defenders of Wildlife, Natural Areas Association, Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition (HOW), and The Nature Conservancy has endorsed the bill. The Coalition said the bill includes several key provisions which they have advocated, including an enhanced role for U.S. EPA to review and improve discharge standards, the addition of a provision allowing for citizens to petition the government, and the closure of a loophole that could have resulted in long-term delays in implementing onboard treatment. Additionally, they said the bill allows states to retain their ability to complement and strengthen the federal program.
The Coalition said the White House has cited the lack of clarification on how the ballast water title applies to recreational vessels among its concerns. The administration, which has threatened to veto the bill has indicated, however, that its main objection is not in Title V, but particular to Coast Guard requirements to protect liquefied natural gas terminals and vessels. The Union of Concerned Scientists says, “The House has already promised to address the White House’s concerns regarding recreational boaters separately. This strong demonstration of support in the House bodes well for withstanding the threat of a potential veto.”
On September 27, 2007, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-HI) approved somewhat similar legislation in S. 1578, The Ballast Water Management Act of 2007 [See WIMS 10/1/07]. That bill provided states with the authority to develop programs to regulate invasive species from ships so long as the provisions did not conflict with the Federal program. Michigan's Attorney General Mike Cox opposed the provisions of the bill that would limit the ability of Michigan, other states and the EPA to protect the Great Lakes from harmful ballast water discharges. Cox and the Attorneys General of five other Great Lakes States -- Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin -- sent a joint letter to the Committee urging them not to approve parts of Senate Bill 1578.
Access a release from Representative Oberstar (click here). Access a release from Lt. Governor Cherry (click here). Access legislative details for H.R. 2830 (click here). Access a release from GLMTF (click here). Access a release from the Invasive Species Coalition (click here). Access a separate release from the HOW Coalition (click here). Access a summary of some legislators actions in support of the bill (click here). Access the AGLPA website for additional information (click here).
Importantly, the bill apparently strikes a balance between states' rights and shippers concerns and has the support of the American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA) and the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF). Various shipping interests, who have been opposed to individual state legislation such as that in place in Michigan, are supporting the legislation. Wisconsin and Minnesota have been considering similar legislation. GLMTF President Patrick O'Hern said, "This legislation is tough but fair -- this problem is big enough that it needs a tough response." GLMTF represents carriers, maritime unions, longshoremen, shipyards, dredging companies, and terminal operators.
Michigan Lt. Governor John D. Cherry Jr. who also serves as chairman of the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) praised House members for passing a bill. Cherry said, "This bill requires the federal government to accelerate actions that protect our Great Lakes and other waters nationwide. I urge members of the U.S. Senate to join in crafting a solution to stop aquatic invasive species from using ballast water as a pathway to the Great Lakes. As one of the few states to take strong independent action, I hope Congress will agree on a new federal law that Michigan and other states can strongly support."
The National Environmental Coalition on Invasive Species which includes the National Wildlife Federation, Union of Concerned Scientists, Great Lakes United, National Audubon Society, Defenders of Wildlife, Natural Areas Association, Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition (HOW), and The Nature Conservancy has endorsed the bill. The Coalition said the bill includes several key provisions which they have advocated, including an enhanced role for U.S. EPA to review and improve discharge standards, the addition of a provision allowing for citizens to petition the government, and the closure of a loophole that could have resulted in long-term delays in implementing onboard treatment. Additionally, they said the bill allows states to retain their ability to complement and strengthen the federal program.
The Coalition said the White House has cited the lack of clarification on how the ballast water title applies to recreational vessels among its concerns. The administration, which has threatened to veto the bill has indicated, however, that its main objection is not in Title V, but particular to Coast Guard requirements to protect liquefied natural gas terminals and vessels. The Union of Concerned Scientists says, “The House has already promised to address the White House’s concerns regarding recreational boaters separately. This strong demonstration of support in the House bodes well for withstanding the threat of a potential veto.”
On September 27, 2007, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-HI) approved somewhat similar legislation in S. 1578, The Ballast Water Management Act of 2007 [See WIMS 10/1/07]. That bill provided states with the authority to develop programs to regulate invasive species from ships so long as the provisions did not conflict with the Federal program. Michigan's Attorney General Mike Cox opposed the provisions of the bill that would limit the ability of Michigan, other states and the EPA to protect the Great Lakes from harmful ballast water discharges. Cox and the Attorneys General of five other Great Lakes States -- Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin -- sent a joint letter to the Committee urging them not to approve parts of Senate Bill 1578.
Access a release from Representative Oberstar (click here). Access a release from Lt. Governor Cherry (click here). Access legislative details for H.R. 2830 (click here). Access a release from GLMTF (click here). Access a release from the Invasive Species Coalition (click here). Access a separate release from the HOW Coalition (click here). Access a summary of some legislators actions in support of the bill (click here). Access the AGLPA website for additional information (click here).
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Wisconsin To Approve Great Lakes Compact
Apr 9: Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced that the Great Lakes Compact, which he referred to as "a historic accord that will protect one of the world’s most precious natural resources," is ready to be signed into law under an agreement reached with legislators. Governor Doyle, who was joined at New Berlin City Hall by Republican and Democratic lawmakers, environmental group representatives, and business leaders, called for a special session on April 17, 2008.
Doyle said, “This is an outstanding day for all of Wisconsin. Our Great Lakes waters in many ways define who we are, and now the Great Lakes Compact will ensure that we protect this tremendous resource while responsibly using the water we need to prosper and grow.” Governor Doyle thanked Senator Mark Miller (D), Representative Scott Gunderson (R), and the many environmental, agricultural, and industrial leaders who came to agreement on the Great Lakes Compact. Thus far, the Great Lakes Compact has been signed into law in Illinois, Indiana, New York, and Minnesota as well as both Canadian Provinces of Quebec and Ontario.
Doyle indicated in a release that the Compact creates unprecedented protections for the Great Lakes and ensures their continued availability for regional economic growth. It will ban long-distance diversions and provide a framework for ensuring sustainable water use in the Great Lakes basin. The new agreement maintains the one state veto provision of the Compact. It also addresses communities partially outside straddling counties, creates for the first time a statewide conservation program, introduces incentives for regional water planning, and develops legislative oversight of the Governor’s vote on the regional rules implementing the Compact.
Representative Gunderson issued a release saying, "When the Assembly began our review of the Compact, there were a lot of naysayers who said we did not want to pass the Compact. But, I promised from the beginning of this process that we would pass a strong and fair Compact that did not place Wisconsin at an economic disadvantage to our neighboring states. I am pleased to announce with Governor Doyle that, today, we have reached an agreement on the Great Lakes Compact that will not only ensure the waters of the Great Lakes are protected for generations to come, but also allow Southeast Wisconsin communities the opportunity to provide safe drinking water to their residents and businesses.”
Access a release from Governor Doyle (click here). Access a release from Senator Miller (click here). Access a release from Representative Gunderson (click here). Access links to other releases from Senators, Representatives and officials on the Compact agreement (click here, scroll down). Access links to various media coverage on the Compact agreement (click here). Access the WIMS-Great Lakes Environment Blog for additional information and links on the Compact (click here).
Doyle said, “This is an outstanding day for all of Wisconsin. Our Great Lakes waters in many ways define who we are, and now the Great Lakes Compact will ensure that we protect this tremendous resource while responsibly using the water we need to prosper and grow.” Governor Doyle thanked Senator Mark Miller (D), Representative Scott Gunderson (R), and the many environmental, agricultural, and industrial leaders who came to agreement on the Great Lakes Compact. Thus far, the Great Lakes Compact has been signed into law in Illinois, Indiana, New York, and Minnesota as well as both Canadian Provinces of Quebec and Ontario.
Doyle indicated in a release that the Compact creates unprecedented protections for the Great Lakes and ensures their continued availability for regional economic growth. It will ban long-distance diversions and provide a framework for ensuring sustainable water use in the Great Lakes basin. The new agreement maintains the one state veto provision of the Compact. It also addresses communities partially outside straddling counties, creates for the first time a statewide conservation program, introduces incentives for regional water planning, and develops legislative oversight of the Governor’s vote on the regional rules implementing the Compact.
Representative Gunderson issued a release saying, "When the Assembly began our review of the Compact, there were a lot of naysayers who said we did not want to pass the Compact. But, I promised from the beginning of this process that we would pass a strong and fair Compact that did not place Wisconsin at an economic disadvantage to our neighboring states. I am pleased to announce with Governor Doyle that, today, we have reached an agreement on the Great Lakes Compact that will not only ensure the waters of the Great Lakes are protected for generations to come, but also allow Southeast Wisconsin communities the opportunity to provide safe drinking water to their residents and businesses.”
Access a release from Governor Doyle (click here). Access a release from Senator Miller (click here). Access a release from Representative Gunderson (click here). Access links to other releases from Senators, Representatives and officials on the Compact agreement (click here, scroll down). Access links to various media coverage on the Compact agreement (click here). Access the WIMS-Great Lakes Environment Blog for additional information and links on the Compact (click here).
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