Oct 14: Great Lakes conservation and environmental organizations are urging the Federal government to take emergency action to prevent one of the most notorious invasive species from entering the Great Lakes and wreaking havoc on the world’s largest surface fresh-water resource. As invasive Asian carp bear down on the electrical barrier operating in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) in Illinois, the groups are calling on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take emergency action to stop the threat now and to look at the separation of the Mississippi River from the Great Lakes as a permanent solution.
The carp have been discovered in waterways less than 100 feet from the CSSC, and could bypass the barrier completely if a heavy rain floods the Des Plaines River and causes it to spill into the canal. Joel Brammeier, acting president and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes said, “There is an urgent threat of Asian carp entering Lake Michigan if the nearby waterways flood into the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. We are just one heavy rain away from this emergency becoming an epidemic.”In addition to the Des Plaines River, which in some places is only yards away from the CSSC, the carp could also enter another adjacent canal, the Illinois & Michigan (I&M), which is connected to the CSSC by small culverts that the carp can swim through during heavy rains.
The Asian carp are invasive fish that are harming the environment and economies of the Mississippi and threaten to do the same to the Great Lakes. The fish consume enormous amount of food that other fish rely on, allowing the carp to muscle out native species. The fish can grow to up to 3 feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds, quickly dominating a waterbody due to their size. The fish also pose a risk to people: the silver carp are easily startled and often jump out of the water when startled, making them a hazard to boaters, anglers and water-skiers.
The groups are calling on the U.S. government to: (1) Build an emergency barrier (like sandbags) between the Des Plaines and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal to ensure the Des Plaines River and live carp cannot flood into the CSSC past the electrical barrier. (2) Install a barrier (such as a bubble/acoustic barrier) to stop the carp from migrating upstream into the Des Plaines River. (3) Fill in critical sections of the I&M Canal so that carp cannot swim into the CSSC during floods. The groups involved in the latest request are: Alliance for the Great Lakes; Great Lakes United; Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition; and Sierra Club Great Lakes Program.
Access a release with pictures and links to additional information (click here). Access an illustration indicating the risks (click here).
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Live Webcast Of IJC's Biennial Meeting
Oct 5: The International Joint Commission (IJC) has announced that there will be live webcast of sessions from the IJC's Biennial Meeting under the Great Lakes Quality Agreement. The two-day agenda for October 7 & 8 includes: Opening plenary; Keynote speakers James Bruce, Environmental Consultant and Cameron Davis, Senior Advisor to U.S. EPA Administrator; Reporting out from the six priority workshops; "Great Lakes Protection and Restoration" Senior U.S. and Canadian officials; Public forum and dialogue on Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement; "A Look to the Future" by Commissioner Pierre Trépanier; and "Rethinking Water for the 21st Century: New Challenges, New Opportunities" Peter Gleick.
Access the complete agenda (click here). Access the Great Lakes Live website for the webcast (click here).
Access the complete agenda (click here). Access the Great Lakes Live website for the webcast (click here).
Friday, October 2, 2009
HOW Coalition Says Coast Guard Action On Invasive "Too Slow"
Oct 2: The U.S. Coast Guard is holding a hearing in Chicago, on a proposed rule to protect the Great Lakes and other U.S. waters from the introduction of aquatic invasive species via ballast water discharge. Hearings were also held in Seattle, WA (September 28) and New Orleans, LA (September 30). Additional hearings will be held in Washington, DC (October 8), Oakland, CA (October 27) and New York, NY (October 29). The comment period on the proposed rulemaking for Standards for Living Organisms in Ships' Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters [74 FR 44631-44672, 8/28/09]; and a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for the standards [74 FR 44673-44674, 8/28/09] ends on November 27, 2009.
Andy Buchsbaum, co-chair of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, commented on the proposed regulations and said, “Invasive species from ballast water have infected the Great Lakes like a cancer. We need strong medicine to stop this disease, and we need it fast. The Coast Guard rule could be that medicine -- but right now it’s too slow and it has too many loopholes. The Coast Guard has set a standard that is as environmentally protective as the toughest state law. That’s good. But the timeline for implementing the standard is weak. Ocean-going ships could avoid complying until after 2020. And there are loopholes that extend the deadline even farther. The Great Lakes will be irreparably damaged by that time.
Access a release from HOW (click here). Access the HOW website for more information (click here). Access the proposed rule FR announcement (click here). Access the draft PEIS FR announcement (click here). Access the combined docket USCG-2001-10486 for both actions for complete background and to submit and review comments (click here).
Andy Buchsbaum, co-chair of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, commented on the proposed regulations and said, “Invasive species from ballast water have infected the Great Lakes like a cancer. We need strong medicine to stop this disease, and we need it fast. The Coast Guard rule could be that medicine -- but right now it’s too slow and it has too many loopholes. The Coast Guard has set a standard that is as environmentally protective as the toughest state law. That’s good. But the timeline for implementing the standard is weak. Ocean-going ships could avoid complying until after 2020. And there are loopholes that extend the deadline even farther. The Great Lakes will be irreparably damaged by that time.
Access a release from HOW (click here). Access the HOW website for more information (click here). Access the proposed rule FR announcement (click here). Access the draft PEIS FR announcement (click here). Access the combined docket USCG-2001-10486 for both actions for complete background and to submit and review comments (click here).
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
GLC Reacts To EPA Inspector General AOC Report
Sep 30: U.S. EPA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report in mid-September entitled, EPA Needs a Cohesive Plan to Clean Up the Great Lakes Areas of Concern (No. 09-P-0231, September 14, 2009) [See WIMS 9/15/09], evaluating the Agency’s management of contaminated sediment cleanups in the Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOC). The report focuses on the effectiveness of the Great Lakes Legacy Act, established in 2002 to fund the cleanup of contaminated sediment sites in the 31 AOCs in the U.S. portion of the Great Lakes. The report indicated that the U.S. EPA lacks a coordinated approach for managing sediment cleanups and recommends that the agency establish a management plan for remediating contaminated sediments; develop an action plan for each site; and publish comprehensive information on each site annually.
The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) issued a reaction to the report and said it has long been concerned about the slow pace of progress in restoring the AOCs, but believes that changes to the Great Lakes Legacy Act, coupled with the proposed Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, will address many of the issues raised in the OIG report. The Commission believes that "improved coordination and data collection will strengthen the program, particularly as additional resources become available to implement sediment cleanups."
GLC said that, "President Obama’s proposed $475 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) will accelerate the pace of cleaning up the Great Lakes. Nearly one-third of the funding is proposed for removing contaminated sediments and restoring the AOCs." GLC indicated that, "While improved coordination and better information are always warranted, the key obstacle facing the Great Lakes has been the lack of adequate funding to implement a comprehensive restoration program. . . The program has facilitated productive federal-state-industry partnerships that are yielding real results while minimizing wasteful litigation and bureaucratic delays. Where additional improvements are needed . . .they should be incorporated into cleanups as they are developed and implemented. However, this should occur concurrent with -- and not delay the implementation of -- the GLRI."
Access a release from the GLC (click here).
The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) issued a reaction to the report and said it has long been concerned about the slow pace of progress in restoring the AOCs, but believes that changes to the Great Lakes Legacy Act, coupled with the proposed Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, will address many of the issues raised in the OIG report. The Commission believes that "improved coordination and data collection will strengthen the program, particularly as additional resources become available to implement sediment cleanups."
GLC said that, "President Obama’s proposed $475 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) will accelerate the pace of cleaning up the Great Lakes. Nearly one-third of the funding is proposed for removing contaminated sediments and restoring the AOCs." GLC indicated that, "While improved coordination and better information are always warranted, the key obstacle facing the Great Lakes has been the lack of adequate funding to implement a comprehensive restoration program. . . The program has facilitated productive federal-state-industry partnerships that are yielding real results while minimizing wasteful litigation and bureaucratic delays. Where additional improvements are needed . . .they should be incorporated into cleanups as they are developed and implemented. However, this should occur concurrent with -- and not delay the implementation of -- the GLRI."
Access a release from the GLC (click here).
Monday, September 28, 2009
Great Lakes Conferences' Sessions Webcast Live
Sep 25: Experts will discuss Lake Michigan and Great Lakes issues at three conferences in Milwaukee from September 29 through October 2. Topics at the concurrent State of Lake Michigan and Great Lakes Beach Association conferences September 29 - October 1 include Lake Michigan fisheries; invasive species; nuisance and harmful algal blooms; climate change; lake water levels; sustainability; progress in cleanups on contaminated sediment; rapid testing methods for beach management; and beach restoration. In association with these meetings, the annual Areas of Concern (AOC) conference will be held October 1-2 at the same location.
The events will be held at the Hyatt Regency and many sessions will be webcast live (See link below). The conferences are sponsored by U.S. EPA, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute, Great Lakes Beach Association and many other organizations.
Access agendas, sponsors and information at (click here). Access separate information for the Areas of Concern conference (click here). Access the schedule of conference session webcasts (click here).
The events will be held at the Hyatt Regency and many sessions will be webcast live (See link below). The conferences are sponsored by U.S. EPA, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute, Great Lakes Beach Association and many other organizations.
Access agendas, sponsors and information at (click here). Access separate information for the Areas of Concern conference (click here). Access the schedule of conference session webcasts (click here).
Monday, September 21, 2009
Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force Interim Report
Sep 17: Obama Administration officials released the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force Interim Report for a 30-day public review and comment period. The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, led by White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Chair Nancy Sutley, consists of 24 senior-level officials from Administration agencies, departments, and offices. The report provides proposals for a comprehensive national approach to uphold stewardship responsibilities and ensure accountability for actions for America’s oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes.
Nancy Sutley, CEQ Chair said, “This Interim Report represents a wide spectrum of views and considerations, not just from within the federal government, but from members of the public, local officials, stakeholders and experts from coast to coast. It delivers on President Obama’s request for recommendations that will move this country towards a more robust national policy for our oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes and recognizes that we have a responsibility to protect the oceans and coasts for the benefit of current and future generations.” Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said, “America's oceans are vital to our prosperity, health, security and quality of life. This is a historic day -- for the first time, we as a nation say loudly and clearly that healthy oceans matter.”
The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force was created by Presidential Memorandum on June 12, 2009, to develop a national policy for the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. The Memorandum charged the Task Force with developing recommendations that include a national policy for our oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes, a framework for improved Federal policy coordination, and an implementation strategy to meet the objectives of a national ocean policy within 90 days. Within 180 days, the Task Force is charged with developing a recommended framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning.
The Interim Report outlines a more balanced, productive and sustainable approach to ocean resources. Specifically, it highlights three key areas: A National Policy; A Robust Governance Structure; and Categories for Action. The Interim Report prioritizes nine categories for action, including ecosystem-based management, regional ecosystem protection and restoration, and strengthened and integrated observing systems, that seek to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. These strategies and objectives provide a bridge between the National Policy and action on the ground.
The Task Force is now focusing its efforts on developing a recommended framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning as charged within 180 days. In addition, the Task Force continues its public engagement activities, including holding at least five more regional public meetings scheduled to take place in the following cities: San Francisco, CA; Providence, RI; Cleveland, OH; New Orleans, LA; and Honolulu, HI. The initial meeting was held in Anchorage, AK on August 21, 2009. Expert briefings will continue while the Interim Report is available for review and public comment. The Task Force will provide a final report with all of its recommendations later this year.
Access a release from NOAA (click here). Access information on the Interim Report (click here). Access the 38-page report (click here). Access an on-line commenting form (click here).
Nancy Sutley, CEQ Chair said, “This Interim Report represents a wide spectrum of views and considerations, not just from within the federal government, but from members of the public, local officials, stakeholders and experts from coast to coast. It delivers on President Obama’s request for recommendations that will move this country towards a more robust national policy for our oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes and recognizes that we have a responsibility to protect the oceans and coasts for the benefit of current and future generations.” Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said, “America's oceans are vital to our prosperity, health, security and quality of life. This is a historic day -- for the first time, we as a nation say loudly and clearly that healthy oceans matter.”
The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force was created by Presidential Memorandum on June 12, 2009, to develop a national policy for the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. The Memorandum charged the Task Force with developing recommendations that include a national policy for our oceans, coasts and the Great Lakes, a framework for improved Federal policy coordination, and an implementation strategy to meet the objectives of a national ocean policy within 90 days. Within 180 days, the Task Force is charged with developing a recommended framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning.
The Interim Report outlines a more balanced, productive and sustainable approach to ocean resources. Specifically, it highlights three key areas: A National Policy; A Robust Governance Structure; and Categories for Action. The Interim Report prioritizes nine categories for action, including ecosystem-based management, regional ecosystem protection and restoration, and strengthened and integrated observing systems, that seek to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. These strategies and objectives provide a bridge between the National Policy and action on the ground.
The Task Force is now focusing its efforts on developing a recommended framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning as charged within 180 days. In addition, the Task Force continues its public engagement activities, including holding at least five more regional public meetings scheduled to take place in the following cities: San Francisco, CA; Providence, RI; Cleveland, OH; New Orleans, LA; and Honolulu, HI. The initial meeting was held in Anchorage, AK on August 21, 2009. Expert briefings will continue while the Interim Report is available for review and public comment. The Task Force will provide a final report with all of its recommendations later this year.
Access a release from NOAA (click here). Access information on the Interim Report (click here). Access the 38-page report (click here). Access an on-line commenting form (click here).
Friday, September 18, 2009
US-Canada Release Nearshore Areas Of The Great Lakes 2009 Report
Sep 18: Environment Canada and the U.S. EPA released the Nearshore Areas of the Great Lakes 2009 report. The report describes the current state of nearshore area environmental conditions and changes in nearshore areas of the Great Lakes since 1996, and suggests management implications related to nearshore issues. Nearshore areas of the Great Lakes are important because this is where land-based activities can impact water quality and where humans generally interact with the Great Lakes.
The report includes information on the issues of botulism, harmful algae blooms, viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), and shoreline development, among other stressors. Experts in the United States and Canada contributed the chapters for the report, which was prepared for the State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conference (SOLEC) 2008.
Access the complete report (click here, Note we experienced problems with this website). Access the State of the Great Lakes 2009 Highlights report (click here). Access EPA's SOLEC website for additional information (click here).
The report includes information on the issues of botulism, harmful algae blooms, viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), and shoreline development, among other stressors. Experts in the United States and Canada contributed the chapters for the report, which was prepared for the State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conference (SOLEC) 2008.
Access the complete report (click here, Note we experienced problems with this website). Access the State of the Great Lakes 2009 Highlights report (click here). Access EPA's SOLEC website for additional information (click here).
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