Nov 13: Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) announced that a section of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) is planned to be closed to all traffic, weather permitting, beginning December 2 for a period of four to five days. During the first week of December, the ACOE is planning to perform scheduled maintenance on Barrier IIA, one of two electric barriers presently in operation on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal constructed to prevent the movement of the destructive Asian carp into Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes. Performing scheduled maintenance is required in order to maintain reliability of the structures and minimize the risk of unplanned outages due to inadequate maintenance.
During the maintenance shutdown, Barrier I will remain active. However, because of late summer detection of Asian carp near the barrier system and concern that Barrier I may not be effective in deterring juvenile fish, a fish toxicant called rotenone will be applied to the canal between the barrier and the Lockport Lock and Dam. The application will allow for the removal of Asian carp and other fish to keep them from advancing past the barrier toward Lake Michigan. Illinois EPA water quality experts will be monitoring downstream of the application zone to ensure that the waters of the state are protected, and the chemicals do not move beyond the designated application area.
IDNR Assistant Director John Rogner said, “The barrier is currently the only protection against Asian carp for the Great Lakes and the maintenance shutdown may present an opportunity for the destructive fish to advance up the canal toward Lake Michigan. During this process, the U.S. Coast Guard will be enforcing a safety zone and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) will be closed to all commercial and recreational vessel traffic between CSSC Mile Marker 291 and CSSC Mile Marker 298.
Michigan Lt. Governor John Cherry issued a release saying that because work on the planned second part of the existing barrier (2B) isn't complete, an emergency response plan was announced to ensure that carp are contained when Barrier 2A is deactivated for planned maintenance in December. Cherry said, "Michigan has supported plans to protect the Great Lakes during a period when the existing barrier may be deactivated for maintenance, however, these emergency response efforts fall short of the long term solution needed. We know the damage Asian Carp would cause if they reached the Great Lakes, and we must take every available action to prevent that from happening."
Cherry called for the following actions: completion of work on Barrier 2B; full power operation of Barrier 2A (currently operating at half power); installation of a physical barrier to prevent carp, detected in the nearby Des Plaines River, from entering the Chicago Sanitary and Shipping Canal during periods of flooding; and making the CSSC a priority as the Corps of Engineers studies a range of options and technologies to prevent the transfer of aquatic invasive species.
Access an announcement from IDNR and link to more information on the Asian Carp (click here). Access a Federal Register announcement [74 FR 58545-58550, 11/13/09] from the Coast Guard (click here). Access a release from Lt. Governor Cherry (click here).
Monday, November 16, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Comments Wanted On Mercury Emission Reduction Strategy
Nov 12: The Great Lakes Regional Collaboration (GLRC) announced a sixty-day public comment period for a Draft Great Lakes Mercury Emission Reduction Strategy. In fulfillment of a Collaboration Strategy recommendation, in April 2008 representatives from the Great Lakes states and U.S. EPA commenced development of a basin-wide Strategy for the reduction of mercury emissions. A draft Strategy is now available for public comment through January 12, 2010. GLRC invites comments on the Strategy itself and on how best to move forward with implementation, as well as commitments from stakeholders to implement components of the Strategy.
A copy of the initial draft document was first distributed to stakeholders for a 30-day review and comment period to provide input on the structure of the report and the emission sources to be covered in detail in the final document. The draft report reflects recommendations based on feedback received. A summary of those comments is also available.
The following information is available: Draft Great Lakes Mercury Emission Reduction Strategy, November 10, 2009; and related document: Mercury Emission Reduction Strategy Development Process and Team Structure; Mercury Emission Reduction Strategy Management Team Members; Response to Public Comments Received on Draft Outline and Background Sections of Great Lakes Mercury Emissions Reduction.
Access an announcement and links to all documents and commenting instructions (click here).
A copy of the initial draft document was first distributed to stakeholders for a 30-day review and comment period to provide input on the structure of the report and the emission sources to be covered in detail in the final document. The draft report reflects recommendations based on feedback received. A summary of those comments is also available.
The following information is available: Draft Great Lakes Mercury Emission Reduction Strategy, November 10, 2009; and related document: Mercury Emission Reduction Strategy Development Process and Team Structure; Mercury Emission Reduction Strategy Management Team Members; Response to Public Comments Received on Draft Outline and Background Sections of Great Lakes Mercury Emissions Reduction.
Access an announcement and links to all documents and commenting instructions (click here).
Enviros Still Oppose U.S. Steel’s Draft NPDES Permit
Nov 12: In a release, the Alliance for the Great Lakes announced that the region’s third-largest discharger of arsenic and lead could continue releasing "unlimited amounts of arsenic" and only slightly less lead to Great Lakes waters under a proposed Indiana permit. The Alliance is encouraging the public to demand stricter pollution limits at a hearing on the draft wastewater discharge permit for U.S. Steel’s Gary Works plant, scheduled for 6 PM Wednesday, November 18 in Gary. Those unable to attend the hearing can submit written comments through November 30.
Lyman Welch, the Alliance Water Quality Program manager said, “Strong pollution limits need to be written into the permit now. Or we’ll spend more time and taxpayer dollars getting this pollution out of the water later.” The Alliance said despite numerous permit revisions to resolve objections from EPA as well as comments from their comments and those from other environmental groups, "the revised permit still falls short." Welch said, “While we are pleased with many improvements made in the proposed permit since the last public hearing, Indiana must go further to reduce toxic chemicals dumped into Lake Michigan from storm water runoff.”
On October 15, 2009, U.S. EPA Region 5 withdrew its earlier objections to a 2007 version of Indiana's wastewater discharge permit for U.S. Steel's Gary Works [See WIMS 10/19/09]. EPA said it was withholding final judgment on the new draft permit until Indiana Department of Environmental Management's 45-day comment period, including the November 18 public hearing, is completed and all comments are considered. On October 14, IDEM proposed the revised draft permit for the steel mill that EPA said "addresses objections raised by EPA in October 2007." EPA said, "The new draft permit requires lower discharge levels than currently allowed for a number of pollutants including ammonia, metals, organic compounds and suspended solids. No pollutants can be discharged at a higher rate than the current permit allows."
Access a release from the Alliance with links to additional information including the draft permit (click here). Access more information and background from EPA (click here). Access an IDEM fact sheet (click here).
Lyman Welch, the Alliance Water Quality Program manager said, “Strong pollution limits need to be written into the permit now. Or we’ll spend more time and taxpayer dollars getting this pollution out of the water later.” The Alliance said despite numerous permit revisions to resolve objections from EPA as well as comments from their comments and those from other environmental groups, "the revised permit still falls short." Welch said, “While we are pleased with many improvements made in the proposed permit since the last public hearing, Indiana must go further to reduce toxic chemicals dumped into Lake Michigan from storm water runoff.”
On October 15, 2009, U.S. EPA Region 5 withdrew its earlier objections to a 2007 version of Indiana's wastewater discharge permit for U.S. Steel's Gary Works [See WIMS 10/19/09]. EPA said it was withholding final judgment on the new draft permit until Indiana Department of Environmental Management's 45-day comment period, including the November 18 public hearing, is completed and all comments are considered. On October 14, IDEM proposed the revised draft permit for the steel mill that EPA said "addresses objections raised by EPA in October 2007." EPA said, "The new draft permit requires lower discharge levels than currently allowed for a number of pollutants including ammonia, metals, organic compounds and suspended solids. No pollutants can be discharged at a higher rate than the current permit allows."
Access a release from the Alliance with links to additional information including the draft permit (click here). Access more information and background from EPA (click here). Access an IDEM fact sheet (click here).
Friday, November 6, 2009
Regional Body & Compact Council To Meet Dec. 8
Nov 6: The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Water Resources Regional Body (Regional Body) announced it will meet on December 8, 2009, at 2:00 PM EST. The conference call meeting will be open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comments. An agenda and materials to be discussed will be available in coming weeks on the Regional Body website (See link below).
Additionally, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Council (Compact Council) will meet on the same day at 3:00 PM. The conference call meeting will be open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comments. An agenda and materials to be discussed will be available on the Council of Great Lakes Governors website in coming weeks (See link below). The Council of Great Lakes Governors serves as Secretariat to the Regional Body and the Compact Council.
Access the Regional Body information (click here). Access the Compact Council information (click here).
Additionally, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Council (Compact Council) will meet on the same day at 3:00 PM. The conference call meeting will be open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comments. An agenda and materials to be discussed will be available on the Council of Great Lakes Governors website in coming weeks (See link below). The Council of Great Lakes Governors serves as Secretariat to the Regional Body and the Compact Council.
Access the Regional Body information (click here). Access the Compact Council information (click here).
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Comments Wanted On IJC Work Group Reports
Nov 3: The International Joint Commission (IJC) is inviting comments on a series of reports it released in September on its 2007-09 Priorities under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between Canada and the United States. The reports, developed by work groups of the IJC advisory boards, address critical issues of the nearshore, eutrophication, beaches and recreational water quality, chemicals of emerging concern, binational aquatic invasive species (AIS) rapid response, and the benefits and risks of Great Lakes fish consumption.
Commissioners of the IJC are encouraging persons to provide comment on the Work Group Reports during an open public comment period running now through November 30th. The Commission is developing its 15th Biennial Report on Great Lakes Water Quality based on the reports and comments received from the public at its Biennial Meeting in Windsor last month and during this open comment period [See WIMS 10/6/09].
Access the reports and provide your comments online conveniently (click here).
Access links to the key documents for the review of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) between Canada and the United States (click here).
Commissioners of the IJC are encouraging persons to provide comment on the Work Group Reports during an open public comment period running now through November 30th. The Commission is developing its 15th Biennial Report on Great Lakes Water Quality based on the reports and comments received from the public at its Biennial Meeting in Windsor last month and during this open comment period [See WIMS 10/6/09].
Access the reports and provide your comments online conveniently (click here).
Access links to the key documents for the review of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) between Canada and the United States (click here).
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Groups Focus On Great Lakes Ship Emission Standards
Oct 28: The Ohio Environmental Council and Great Lakes United have issued a release drawing attention to an intervention by Congress that they say would weaken a new rule proposed by the U.S. EPA to regulate exhaust emissions from ships in the Great Lakes and ocean ports [See WIMS 7/2/09]. The groups have produced two factsheets to better explain the rule and clear up misconceptions.
The first factsheet provides an overview of the standard, while the second counters dire claims being made by the Great Lakes shipping industry in an effort to exempt them from the rule. The groups said the new standard is an effort to clean up the dirty exhaust emissions ships release. Most commercial vessels are equipped with engines that consume some of the dirtiest fuel on the planet- producing higher levels of sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter when burned. The emissions affect the health of those living near ports and coastlines, and can travel far inland. Children, people with heart disease, and the elderly are most at risk when they breathe this polluted air.
EPA estimates that when the new standard is fully in place it will prevent up to 32,000 premature deaths each year, with over 500 of those in the Great Lakes region. The groups indicate that as the proposed rule approaches finalization, "Wisconsin Representative David Obey, with the support of Minnesota Representative James Oberstar, struck a deal with the EPA to exempt 13 steamships from meeting the new exhaust emission rules and allow 13 additional C3 Lakers to petition for a waiver if they demonstrate serious economic hardship. The exemption is in the form of an amendment attached to the Natural Resources spending bill that covers the EPA budget for the fiscal year that began on October 1st." They said, "This is a disappointing turn of events, and appears to be a lost opportunity to improve air quality, protect human health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Great Lakes region."
The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) issued a statement on October 28, saying it is "deeply committed to protecting the Great Lakes environment and appreciates the opportunity to work with the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that the final implementation of this rule is fair, balanced, and reasonable." GLMTF represents vessel owners, cargo shippers, shipboard and shoreside labor, port authorities, shipyards, marine construction companies, and others operating on the Great Lakes.
GLMTF said, "We believe that a full understanding of the commercial vessels operating on the Great Lakes, their small environmental footprint, their large environmental benefits, and tremendous economic impact can result in a balanced approach that meets the needs of all. The EPA’s proposed regulation would have eliminated 25% of the U.S.-Flag Great Lakes within a few years. Even the Government of Canada has taken the highly unusual step of asking the EPA to undertake further analysis before proceeding with the Great Lakes portion of this proposed regulation lest 50 Canadian-Flag ships be put at risk. By closely examining the impacts and unintended consequences of over-regulating air emissions from vessels, the Great Lakes region can be protected without impeding our regional and national economic recovery. The U.S.-Flag Great Lakes fleet already burns cleaner fuel than that used by many of the world’s oceangoing vessels.
"We appreciate the effort of the Great Lakes Congressional delegation and Administration officials who crafted a solution that extends the useful lives of the thirteen U.S.-Flag steamships to 2020, when the .5 % sulfur standard is implemented worldwide. Vessel owners now have more time to make informed business decisions regarding the future of those vessels and explore other options to meet emission requirements. In particular, we thank Congressmen Dave Obey (D-WI) and Jim Oberstar (D-MN), who worked tirelessly to ensure that this regulation can achieve its goals without decimating Great Lakes shipping.
"We still must determine the best way to deal with the thirteen U.S.-Flag lakers that employ Category 3 compression-ignition engines. The regulatory flexibility extended to other industries and other fuel standards is appropriate for the Lakes Heavy industry needs affordable transportation of raw materials and so does the American consumer, otherwise neither will prosper. The potential economic impact of the proposed rule, if enacted as proposed, would have been just one more blow for a region already suffering record unemployment. . ."
Access a joint release and link to the two fact sheets (click here). Access EPA's Oceangoing Vessels website for extensive information on the proposed regulations (click here). Access the EPA docket for this rulemaking for background documents and reviewing comments (click here). Access the GLMTF statement (click here). Access the GLMTF website for more information (click here). Access a recent article by MinnPost.com covering various sides on the issue (click here).
The first factsheet provides an overview of the standard, while the second counters dire claims being made by the Great Lakes shipping industry in an effort to exempt them from the rule. The groups said the new standard is an effort to clean up the dirty exhaust emissions ships release. Most commercial vessels are equipped with engines that consume some of the dirtiest fuel on the planet- producing higher levels of sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter when burned. The emissions affect the health of those living near ports and coastlines, and can travel far inland. Children, people with heart disease, and the elderly are most at risk when they breathe this polluted air.
EPA estimates that when the new standard is fully in place it will prevent up to 32,000 premature deaths each year, with over 500 of those in the Great Lakes region. The groups indicate that as the proposed rule approaches finalization, "Wisconsin Representative David Obey, with the support of Minnesota Representative James Oberstar, struck a deal with the EPA to exempt 13 steamships from meeting the new exhaust emission rules and allow 13 additional C3 Lakers to petition for a waiver if they demonstrate serious economic hardship. The exemption is in the form of an amendment attached to the Natural Resources spending bill that covers the EPA budget for the fiscal year that began on October 1st." They said, "This is a disappointing turn of events, and appears to be a lost opportunity to improve air quality, protect human health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Great Lakes region."
The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) issued a statement on October 28, saying it is "deeply committed to protecting the Great Lakes environment and appreciates the opportunity to work with the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that the final implementation of this rule is fair, balanced, and reasonable." GLMTF represents vessel owners, cargo shippers, shipboard and shoreside labor, port authorities, shipyards, marine construction companies, and others operating on the Great Lakes.
GLMTF said, "We believe that a full understanding of the commercial vessels operating on the Great Lakes, their small environmental footprint, their large environmental benefits, and tremendous economic impact can result in a balanced approach that meets the needs of all. The EPA’s proposed regulation would have eliminated 25% of the U.S.-Flag Great Lakes within a few years. Even the Government of Canada has taken the highly unusual step of asking the EPA to undertake further analysis before proceeding with the Great Lakes portion of this proposed regulation lest 50 Canadian-Flag ships be put at risk. By closely examining the impacts and unintended consequences of over-regulating air emissions from vessels, the Great Lakes region can be protected without impeding our regional and national economic recovery. The U.S.-Flag Great Lakes fleet already burns cleaner fuel than that used by many of the world’s oceangoing vessels.
"We appreciate the effort of the Great Lakes Congressional delegation and Administration officials who crafted a solution that extends the useful lives of the thirteen U.S.-Flag steamships to 2020, when the .5 % sulfur standard is implemented worldwide. Vessel owners now have more time to make informed business decisions regarding the future of those vessels and explore other options to meet emission requirements. In particular, we thank Congressmen Dave Obey (D-WI) and Jim Oberstar (D-MN), who worked tirelessly to ensure that this regulation can achieve its goals without decimating Great Lakes shipping.
"We still must determine the best way to deal with the thirteen U.S.-Flag lakers that employ Category 3 compression-ignition engines. The regulatory flexibility extended to other industries and other fuel standards is appropriate for the Lakes Heavy industry needs affordable transportation of raw materials and so does the American consumer, otherwise neither will prosper. The potential economic impact of the proposed rule, if enacted as proposed, would have been just one more blow for a region already suffering record unemployment. . ."
Access a joint release and link to the two fact sheets (click here). Access EPA's Oceangoing Vessels website for extensive information on the proposed regulations (click here). Access the EPA docket for this rulemaking for background documents and reviewing comments (click here). Access the GLMTF statement (click here). Access the GLMTF website for more information (click here). Access a recent article by MinnPost.com covering various sides on the issue (click here).
Friday, October 23, 2009
Ocean (Great Lakes) Policy Meeting In Cleveland
Oct 23: Obama Administration officials will hold their sixth regional Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday, October 29, 4:00-7:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the Marriott Cleveland Downtown at Key Center, Ballroom (Salon D and E), 127 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44114.
The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, led by White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, consists of senior-level officials from Administration agencies, departments, and offices including: Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); Cameron Davis, Senior Advisor to the U.S. EPA Administrator; Rear Admiral Sally Brice O’Hara, Deputy Commandant for Operations, U.S. Coast Guard; and Captain Byron Black, Senior Maritime Safety and Security Advisor to the Secretary, Department of Transportation.
The Task Force is charged with developing a recommendation for a national policy that ensures protection, maintenance, and restoration of the oceans, our coasts and the Great Lakes [See WIMS 6/15/09]. It will also recommend a framework for improved stewardship, and effective coastal and marine spatial planning. The public is encouraged to attend and an opportunity for public comment will be provided.
Members of the public can access the meeting in three ways: by attending in person at the Cleveland meeting; by calling into the listen only phone line (800-369-2133; participant code: 8314284); or via live webstream at the website Great Lakes Live (link below). Public comment can also be submitted online at the link below.
Access the White House Ocean Policy website for complete background and to submit comments (click here). Access the Great Lakes Live website (click here).
The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, led by White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, consists of senior-level officials from Administration agencies, departments, and offices including: Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); Cameron Davis, Senior Advisor to the U.S. EPA Administrator; Rear Admiral Sally Brice O’Hara, Deputy Commandant for Operations, U.S. Coast Guard; and Captain Byron Black, Senior Maritime Safety and Security Advisor to the Secretary, Department of Transportation.
The Task Force is charged with developing a recommendation for a national policy that ensures protection, maintenance, and restoration of the oceans, our coasts and the Great Lakes [See WIMS 6/15/09]. It will also recommend a framework for improved stewardship, and effective coastal and marine spatial planning. The public is encouraged to attend and an opportunity for public comment will be provided.
Members of the public can access the meeting in three ways: by attending in person at the Cleveland meeting; by calling into the listen only phone line (800-369-2133; participant code: 8314284); or via live webstream at the website Great Lakes Live (link below). Public comment can also be submitted online at the link below.
Access the White House Ocean Policy website for complete background and to submit comments (click here). Access the Great Lakes Live website (click here).
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