Volume II, Issue 3, lSSN 0832-6673 November 1986 ocus On International Joint Commission Activities

Governments Ask for a New IJC Study of Water Levels

propose and evaluate measures that present a final report on the Reference by by Geoffrey Thornburn Governments could take in crisis May 1989. conditions to alleviate problems At the Commission's meeting in early s a result of the continuing high caused by high and low levels: September, it reviewed the request and water levels on the Great Lakes, review and revise previous lake established a framework for efforts to be A he Governments of Canada regulation studies; undertaken. A task force of senior staff and the United States have asked the 1IC II examine shoreline land use and members and experts available to the to examine and report on ways to management practices: Commission was proposed in order to alleviate the adverse consequences of determine the socio-economic address the limited, one-year study that fluctuating water levels, in terms of both impacts of alternative land use and will reexamine any available means to the immediate high level crisis and the shoreline management practices help alleviate the immediate crisis. The long-term consequences. Record high compared to lake regulation schemes: Commission intends to respond to the levels are continuing throughout most of investigate feasible methods of short-term request earlier than the the , except on Lake improving outflow capacity: one-year period suggested. Ontario. While levels are expected to stay develop a public information program The Commission also recognized and below recorded maximums on Lake for governments: and consider any welcomed the fact that the full Reference Ontario and . levels on other relevant matters. represented a far-reaching study that will these lakes will remain high if extreme The Commission was asked to prepare involve new initiatives, ideas and water supplies continue. an interim report within one year of methods of analysis beyond those of The Governments specifically asked the establishing its study team on measures previous studies. It was decided that. in IIC in their August 1. 1986 letter to: to alleviate the present crisis. and to order to frame and implement this task,

Inside ... Biennial Meeting ...... 4 The Green Bay Experience...... 5 Citizens Attend Public Hearings ...... 6 IAGLR Endorses Large Lakes Conference Recommendations ...... 8 The I1C from Coast to Coast ..... 9 GUI Citizen Hearings ...... 10 IIC Fall Semi-Annual Meeting ...... I 1 Food Web Workshop ...... 12 Sediment Reports Published ...... 14 Columns Events ...... 3 Briefs ...... 13 Focus on the IIC ... . . 15 Damage from a storm last December on the eastern shore of near Grand Haven. M~chigan. Credit: NOANGLERL Bookshelf ...... 16 2 FOCUS

the Commission would seek the assistance of various individuals whose depth of experience and varied expertise would provide a broad perspective on ~erorbdkd Maximum eve! year the issue. The Commission has embarked superior ...... Mi .Ma a.64' 1951 on a series of discussions to assist in Michigan-Hum ... 48 1 .WE 580.W Y973 formulating work plans, directives and St. flair ...... 576.53' 576.23' 1973 selecting members for the various work- Erie ...... TZI~W 573.51' 1973 ing groups that will be required. Oncarii ...... 244.65' 248.06' ! In the meantime, the Commission con- Plan '77: 116.600 ds IIC Directed: 11 5.MK3 6s tinues to watch the current serious water levels situation closely in order to re- spond effectively in their reports and will continue to facilitate communications Lake R& Lacel Nbxirnm Levd &ar among all concerned. Sqxw~r...... &A -80' 601.89' 19% The above description is only a sum- Midigan-Hmn. .. 581.28' 581.04' 1974 mary of the levels reference presented to 3.Ck ...... 5 7657' 57'62 Q' 1973 the IJC by both governments. For copies ErR ...... 573B 573.34' fW3 of the complete reference and further Ontario ...... 245.62' 247 74' 1947 information, contact either of the IIC Plan '77: 114.000 ds: IJC Dire& I l4.mSs Section offices. at I00 Metcalfe Street. 18th Floor. Ottawa, ON K I P 5M 1 . (613) 995-2984. OR 2001 S Street NW. L&e ~~ MmW Year 2nd Floor. Washington. DC 20440. Superkx ...... m2.m 7950 (202)673-6222. a.w hrlkhiga-Huron ... %.I .?a' m'P t 973 S. Clair ...... fi76A-P 576.03' 4973 Eae ...... 573.3f 533.Q3' 1973 Ontario ...... 24h37' 247.d5' I947 Fkm '77: 1 lS.OOD ds: OC Dire ds

Lahe ww fvmcimrnLwrl kar Superb ...... a14nrr m7.w 1~5 UchlgaoHum. .. !a .Zb' W.76' 1952 s.aw...... Sam. 575.7'3' !985 Erie ...... 572.W 572 :51' 1973

Ont& ...... 24$,;;W 24a.91' ' I947 Plan O77: 110.000 cfs: L)C mefkd. bW&

Lake i?ecvddM PedlnlmM W%r Superior ...... bb1.79' 4f.Z J4' 1985 likhgsn-flm ... 381 .M' 58Q.M' 1985

st. ck...... 576.81I 575.5~ grwis Erie ...... 373,37' 571.14' 1W3 Onmo ...... 2445.09' 244.33' 4945 Plan "77:84.000 ds: IIC Direawl 84.000 cfs FOCUS 3

" exceeded its normal monthly mean for October (2.65") in the first 10 days of that month in 1986."

in fulfilling the goals and objectives set forth in the Precipitation Exceeds Normal Levels Great Lakes Water Quality Agreementsof 1972 and By Over 300% in Early October 1978. Plenary and panel sessions are scheduled to discuss water quality programs at all levels of Precipitation on all five lakes was above normal during the end of September government. new and proposed initiatives. how and early October. Figures for October 1-1 5. 1986 are shown below. I I critical pollutants travel through and affect the lakes' ecosystem. and other topics. For registration Precipitation has been so high on the southeastern end of the basin that Lake materials contact Vivian Maine. The Center for the Erie exceeded its normal monthly mean for October (2.65") in the first I0 days Great Lakes. 435 N. Michigan Avenue. Suite 1408. Chicago, lL60611. (3121 645-0901. of that month in 1986. La ke Precipitation level Normal level Percent of normal The University of Minnesota is sponsoring the 19th Annual Water Resources Conference November Superior ...... 1.84" 1.29" 143% 20-2 1. 1986 in St. Paul. For registration information contact John Vollum. University of Minnesota. Michigan-Huron . . 2.28" 1.32" 173% 315 Pillsburg DriveSE. Minneapolis. MN 55455. Erie ...... 3.34" 1.28" 360% (612) 373-3157. Ontario ...... 2.24" I .43" 157% The Banff Centre School of Management will 1 986 Great Lakes kvels present a seminar November 23-28. 1986 entitled and Flows "Native Canadian Relations and Resource Develop Listed at left is a monthly summary of the recorded water levels for the summer and ment Issues: Organized programs and small group fall months of 1986 and the maximum levels recorded for each of the Great Lakes and discussions are planned to allow participants an opportunity to share perspectives on general Lake St. Clair. Recorded levels are measured according to the height the water reaches issues surrounding resource development and above sea level. Plan '77 refers to the 1977 Plan of Regulation the Commission has native concerns. Contact Susie Washington. Prc- used since 1979 for setting outflows of Lake Superior to obtain systemic regulation gram Manager. The Banff Centre Schoolof Man- agement. Box 1020. Banff. Alberta TOL OCO. of the lakes. (403) 762-6137...... The National Water Resources Association will hold its Annual Convention December 1-5. 1986 at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. A series of INTERNATIONAL JOINTCOMMISSION lanuary 13-14 - Aquatic Ecosystem Objectives keynote and smaller sessions are planned on a Schedule of Meetings Committee wide variety of topics concerned with water re- Windsor, Ontario sources management. For regmarlon details The following includes upcoming meetings 13-14 - IIC Executive Meetlng contact the National Water Resources Association. scheduled by the Comm~ssionand its various Washington. DC 955 LEnfant Plaza SW. Washington. DC 20024. boards. Most meetlngs are not open to the publrc. February 10-12 - IIC Executive Meeting (202)488-0610. please contact an IIC office for further information. Ottawa. Ontario ...... The ~MinnesotaEnvironmental Quality Board November 12-13 - Task Force The 13th Annual Aquatic Toxicity Workshop. announces the 1986 Environmental Congress will Burlingron. Ontario sponsored by the University of Moncton. be held December 2-3 at the'lbwn Square Holiday 18 - Niagdra and St. Lawrence Rivers Department of Biology. tvill be held November Inn, St. Paul. Minnesota. Theconierencc IS de- %sk Force 11-14. 1986 in Moncton. New Brunswick For details signed to provlde a forum for a diverse group of Buffalo. New York contact Professor Lakshminaravana. Department of citizens to discuss the present and future state of 18-19 - Sed~mentSubcommittee Biology. University of ~oncton:~oncton. NB Minnesota's environment. Small group sessions are Ibronto. Ontarlo E I A 3E9. (506) 858-4323. planned to identify environmental issues that will 19-2 1 -Science Advisory Board require concerted effort by citizens and authorities Windsor. Ontario Environment Canada is hosting a Symposium until the year 2000. For more information contact 20 - loint Science Advisory November 11-12 on Wastewater Reatment at the the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board, Room BoardIWater Quality Board Hotel Meridien in Montreal. Quebec. It is 100. Capitol Square Building. 550 Cedar Street, Windsor. Ontario addressed to scientists. engineers. technicians. St. Paul. MN 55101. (612) 296-2603 20-2 I - water Quality Board plant operators and students involved in the *.*.* Windsor. Ontario research. deslgn, operation and management of "Acid Ra~nThe Relationship between Sources and 2@2 1 - Lake Superior Task Force wastewater treatment plants. For further Receptors:' a conference sponsored by the Acid Wlndsor. Ontario information contact Michel Cloutier, Whnology Rain Information Clearinghouse (ARICI. will be December 3 - Upper Connecting Channels Ttansfer and Paining Division. Environmental presented December 3-4. 1986 at the Sheraton Task Force Protection Service. Environment Canada. Ottawa. National Hotel. in Arlington. Virginia. The confer- Windsor. Ontario Ontario KIA IC8. ence is designed for the non-technical audience 4 - Niagara and St. Lawrence Rivers ..... and specialists in acid rain research who would Task Force "'86 Summit on Great Lakes Water Quality" is the benefit from discussions on the nature and scope Longueuil. Quebec theme of a three-day program offered by The of scientlf~cunderstanding and research programs 5 -Science Advisory Board Center for the Great Lakes, November 17-19. 1986. on acid rain, discovering areas of consensus and Executive Committee The goal of the conference is to provide an disagreement. and assessing current policy op Wlndsor. Ontario opportunity for citizens. scientists, elected officials. tions. Program brochures and registration materials 9-1 1 - IIC Executive Meeting government agents. and business and industry areavailable from ARIC. 33 South Washington Washington. DC leaders to review past progress and present efforts Street. Rochester. NY 14608. (7161 546-3796. 4 FOCUS

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment will host a lkhnology Iansfer Conference December 8-9. L986m the Sneracon Centre In Tormto Research aspects of air pdlut~onwater quallr). leachates llqu~dand sol~dwasts analyncal and Instrument development and enwronmentaleconomics will be d~scussedin Ilw concurrent sesskms. and progress made on Ministry external projects wtll be presented In we; 90 pap& and in poster sessions For more Informaton contact M Mwlhy Research Management Off~ceCorporate Pol~cyand Planning, Munutry of the Env~ronment.135 St Ckir Avenue West Toronto ON M4V I P5 (4 161 965-5788

Under the auspices of the European Cultural Foundation and in recognition of the European Year Ofthe Environment 1487. the European Conference on Industry and Environmental Management will be held in Interlaken. Switzerland on April 5-9. 1987. The event is the first in a b~annualserles of environmental conferences under the auspices of the European Cultural

Foundation---~- - - coswnsored bv the United and --.~------,~--- Nations Environment Programme. The purpose of Toledo has been chosen as the site for the IIC s 1987 Biennial Meeting on Water Quality. the conference is to focus on the state of Europe's environment. provide an overview of emerglng economic and political perspectives. and examine the role of business in powering and directing the transition toanenvironmentally and economically sustainable Europe. While the major locus will be the 1987 Biennial Meeting on issues of concern in Europe. material from around the world will be included. For more informationcontact European Conference on on Great Lakes Water Quality Industry and Environmentd Management. Usteristrasse 19. CH-8001 Zurich. Switzerland. he International JointCommission Concurrent workshops are scheduled . . *** will hold its 1987 Biennial meeting Wednesday, November 18 on topics OF The lnternat~onalGroundwater Modeling Center TNovember 16-18, 1987 at the current interest to citizens in the Great has developed a series of short cwrres for 1987. the Radisson Hotel and SeaGate Lakes basin. These workshops will beginning next March. Most coursesaretwo to four days in duration and center on a specific area Convention Centre in 'Ibledo, Ohio. As in provide an opportunity for public of study surrounding groundwater. such as past years, this will be an opportunity for participation and interaction with IJC modeling. pollution. flow and transport. and citizens in the Great Lakes basin to meet advisors and other experts in the water threedimensional groundwater models. For more informat~oncontact Margaret Butorac. IGWC. with staff and Commissioners from the quality field. Possible topics include Holcomb Research Inst~tute.Butler University. IIC and others working in the water toxics, lake levels. Areas of Concern. 4600 Sunset Avenue. Indianapolis. IN 46208. quality field to discuss progress achieved phosphorus programs, atmospheric 13171 283-9458 in restoring and preserving the Great deposition, nonpoint source pollution. .Sf.. Lakes, as well as what must still be and the Great Lakes Water Quality The National Water Research InstituteCanada Centre for Inland Waters is the site for the accomplished to achieve the goals set Agreement review process. Symposium on InterbasinTtansfer of Water: forth in the Great Lakes Water Quality Local tours and events are planned to Environmental Impacts and Research h;ccds Aprd Agreement. take advantage of Toledo's location on 27-29. 1987 in Burlington. Ontario. Cosponsored by the Institute. the Canadian Water Resources After a welcoming reception Monday the Maurnee River and Lake Erie. as well Association and the National Water Research evening for all registrants, the Great Lakes as evening entertainment and exhibits Institute, the objective of the symposium is to Water Quality and Science Advisory from organizations throughout the Great identify and define impacts to the environment from major water transfers and research needed to Boards will present their reports Ihesday. Lakes basin. Look for further program effectively plan and manage those projects. For November 17. A copy of both reports will and registration information on the more information contact Michellne Hawkins. be mailed to each participant prior to the 1987 B~ennialmeeting in the next issue Hydraulic Division. National Water Research Institute. 867 Lakeshore Road. P.O. Box 5050. conference to encourage discussion with of FOCUS. Burlington. ON L7R 4A6. (416) 336-4999. the boards after their presentations. FOCUS 5

The Green Bay Experience in Developing a Remedial Action Plan

This is the third in a series of articles sed~mentsIn the lower Fox River and by John Hartig highlighting the development of remedial the navigation channel leading out into Green Bay are contaminated with action plans for restoring beneficial uses into Green Bay, the Fox River contributes high concentrations of volatile solids. in A reas of Concern in the Great Lakes the largest volume of water and most of chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen, basin. the suspended and dissolved pollutants oil and grease. mercury, phosphorus, om its early French name. "Baye entering the Bay. About one-third of the lead. zinc and PCBs: des Puants" (Bay of Bad Odors). to drainage basin is forested, while much of reproductive failure of Forster's terns its current name of Green Bay. this the rest is intensively farmed or occupied F nesting on Green Bay: by urban areas. In addition, the Fox River long, shallow extension of northwestern some tumors in fish inhabiting the Valley is heavily industrialized and Lake Michigan has had a long history of Fox River: contains the largest concentration of pulp degraded water quality. This is due, in elevated phosphorus Icxidings: and paper mills in the world. part, to the fact that the Green Bay dissolved oxygen depletion in the Major water quality problems identified watershed drains approximately 4.000 lower Fox River and lower Green Bay in the Fox River and Green Bay include: km2 (1 5.700 square miles) of land surface during limited times of the year: and fish contaminated with in 24 counties in both Wisconsin and cultural eutrophication of lower polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Michigan, or about one-third of the total Green Bay. resulting in the commercial carp Lake Michigan drainage basin. Although In recognition of these problems. Fox fishery being closed and issuance of 14 rivers and numerous tributaries drair RiverIGreen Bay was identified as one of fish consumption advisories: the 42 Areas of Concern in the Great Lakes basin. As a result of the 1985 Great Lakes Water Quality Board Report, the state of Wisconsin committed itself to develo~inaa remedial action plan IRAPI for ~ox'~iv~r1GreenBay. with ;he goal of 41 restoring beneficial uses by the year 2000. The RAP will be developed by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)in cooperation with other agencies and citizens of northeast Wisconsin. The RAP will build on past efforts of government. industry, local communities. public interest groups, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Fox Valley Water Qual~tyPlanning Agency, Future of the Bay and other groups. For example, over $300 million has already been spent by local governments and industry on water pollution control programs, which have resulted since 1970 in improved dissolved oxygen levels in the Fox River and Green Bay and a return of the fishery. Problems remain, however, including contaminated fish and sediments. Shipping, industry and other business developmenr line the shores of [he port of Green Bay. Wisconsin reproductive failure of terns. elevated Credit: Photo couflesy of the Brown County Board of Harbor Commissioners phosphorus loadings and the associated 6 FOCUS

cultural eutrophication in the lower Bay. biota and habitat management, eutrophi- completed and sent to the Secretary of The RAP will provide a strategy to solve cation and nutrient management. and Wiscons~nDNR. Following the secretary's these problems using the ecosystem institutional arrangements] and a Citizens' approval, the Fox RiverlGreen Bay RAP approach identified in the 1978 Great Advisory Committee. The four Technical will be submitted to the IlC's Water Qual- Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Advisory Committees are preparing ity Board, which is responsible for evalu- A March 1986 Green BayIFox River individual reports to serve as the basis for ating all RAPS for their adequacy. Research Symposium, jointly sponsored the RAP The Citizens' Advisory Commit- It also should be noted that the Great by University of Wisconsin Sea Grant and tee, through monthly meetings. provides Lakes National Program Office of the US Wisconsin DNR. helped to focus activit~es public input to development of the RAP. EPA has initiated a major study of Green related to the development ot the RAP The committee's top ten concerns were Bay to quantify loadings of PCBs, ben- This symposium was organized into three identified as: toxic substances. dredging zo(A)pyrene, dieldrin and phosphorus to topics (toxic substances, nutrient and and spoil disposal. habitat loss. conflict- the Bay and predict, via modeling, the trophic dynamics. and fishery resources) ing uses, sedimentation, nutrients and system response to different cleanup and addressed four questions: What eutrophication, nonpoint source pollu- strategies. Field work for this study will improvements have occurred? What tion, water levels, whether dredging be carried out in 1987-1988, with final problems remain? What should be taken should continue. and shoreline use. reports available in 1989. The results of into account to solve these problems? Once the Echnical Advisory Commit- this study will update the loadings data What are the management options? tees have submitted their final reports. base for Green Bay and further define Results of the Symposium were pub- the Citizens' Advisory Committee will remedial actions necessary to restore lished in July 1986 evaluate alternatives and advise the Wis- uses. Concurrent with the symposium. consin DNR on management strategies. For additional details on development Wisconsin DNR developed a "scope of The DNR will then hold public meetings of the Fox RiverlGreen Bay RAP, contact study" for development of the RAP and and a public hearing to obtain additional Ms. Lynn Persson. Wisconsin DNR. WRl2, established four Technical Advisory Com- public input. Based on this input and the P.O. Box 7921. Madison. WI 53707. mittees (toxic substances management. Wisconsin DNR review. the RAP will be (608) 266-92 57. Citizens Respond and Attend Pm Hearings for Areas of Concern f the concern and interest of citizens in the Great Lakes basin for clean water I was ever in question, it was answered this past summer when many of them attended public hearings at Ar- eas of Concern in Ontario and Michigan (see FOCUS. Volume I I, Issue 2, p. 9). The following is a brief synopsis of some of the activities and issues raised by citi- zens participating in these hearings. Community Efforts Mark Kickoff of 2D.year Cleanup of Detroit's Rouge River The Rouge River. an 125-mile waterway that drains 467 square miles in southeast Michigan, was the focus of efforts by more than 2,000 volunteers lune 7. 1986 to begin a massive cleanup of the river. Citizens join together to clean debris from the Rouge River for Rouge Rescue. Local residents from 36 communities and Credit: Rudolph T Ruzicska. Ir: FOCUS 7

coordinating agencies have vowed to City, Michigan. The purpose of the meet- cormorants and terns, the effects of over- reclaim the polluted Rouge River by ing was to provide the public with a status flow dredging in the Saginaw River recent 2005. Volunteers met at I6 des~gnated report on problems. proposed solutions mosquito sprays with malathion and the sltes to pull logs, bottles, b~cyclesand and progress In remed~alactions apparent lack of commitment to the other assorted trash from the river. Equip- The meeting, wh~chwas attended by philosophy of zero discharge for persist- ment was used to even pull an old, mud- approximately 200 people, was sepa- ent organic contaminants as promulgated covered Fiat car from one part of the rated into two parts. Agency representa- in the 1978 Great Lakes Water Qual~ty rlver tives made formal presentations. Agreement. The point was made a num- The Rouge is one of three inland rivers followed by a lively question and answer ber of times that the goals in the Clean In the region designated an Area of Con- period. For example. the first presenta- Water Act had been lost sight of and cern by the IIC Great Lakes Water Quality tion by Greg Goudy of Michigan Depart- current legislation. if enforced, was quite Board due to the proliferation of gross ment of Natural Resources (DNR) likely more than adequate to ensure solids, turbidity, odors, low oxygen, con- provided an overview of specific prob- environmental protection. Another con- taminated bottom sediments and algae lems in the area and a description of cern was that agencies should be pro- The Rauge River basin contains more remedial actions Three major concerns vided with resources and political than one million inhabitants and has the were identified: sediments as a second- commitment to enforce that legislation. greatest potential for public contact and ary source of contaminants (particularly The DNR committed themselves to use of any river basin in Michigan. How- PCBs. PBB and metals); fish consumption provide all attendees with copies of the ever, excessive discharges of human and health advisories, and eutrophication. proposed remedial action plan for further industrial wastes have created a river which is primarily related to nonpoint comment and dialogue to maintain pub- that, under conlputerized satellite source phosphorus loadings A number lic involvement in the rehabilitation proc- photographs. cannot be recognized of remedial actions were described, such ess. For further ~nformationon this or as a waterway. as the phosphorus ban on detergents other public hearings in Michigan, con- The bas~nis affected by direct ~ndustrial and extensive municipal source controls. tact Karen Gottlieb. Office of the Great discharges, nonpoint sources of pollution It was also suggested that implementa- Lakes. Michigan Department of Natural and the estimated 180 combined sewer tion of an industrial effluent pretreatment Resources, Box 30028. Lansing. MI overflows [CSOs]of sewage and industr~al program was having a significant effect 48909. (5 17) 373-3588. wastes. Total annual volume of discharge on active sources of contaminants. The - by Trefor Reynoldson from CSOs alone is estimated at more IIC has not been advised of any evidence than six billlon gallons. Volunteers at the of the success of this program to date. The Role of Citizens and Govern Rouge River Cleanup Day spent the Of current local interest were the ef- ment discussed at Hamilton morning and early afternoon realizing the fects of recent extensive flooding in the Harbur Public Meeting extent of the damage to the river, and Saginaw River as a result of heavy rainfall taking important first steps to create Two major concerns were raised by DNR More than 150 citizens and representa- greater emphasis towards cleanup of the representatives, including the possibility tives of government and industry at- Rouge River. of bacterial and viral contamination as a tended the "Dialogue on " public hearing July 16. 1986 at - by Sally Cole-Misch result of municipal sewage plant over- loads thus bypassing raw sewage, and the the Hamilton Convention Centre. The Michigan Provides Hearings flooding of the Dow Midland facility and meeting was cosponsored by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Environ- for Citizen Input the possible contamination of the Sa- ment Canada in order to hear citizens' ginaw River resulting from flooded waste- The State of Michigan, as a part of its response to the question. How important water treatment facilities and general site commitment to devising a cleanup strat- is it that water quality in Hamilton Har- runoff. Citizens were also concerned egy for each of their 14 Areas of Concern. bour be improved to permit: I) boating, about the possibility of dioxin releases has stated that involvement of local citi- 2) water sports, 3) swimming, 4) edible zens is an important part of ensuring that from Dow and the effects of heavy metals and natural reproducing fishery, 5) ship- a cleanup strategy is developed and and other contaminant deposition on ping and navigation, 6) industrial uses, implemented. As a first step in this pro- cropland after recession of flood waters. 7) wildlife habitat. and 8) a drinking cess, public hearings were held through- Additional concerns raised by the pub- water supply? out the summer at each of the 14 areas. lic and citizen organizations. including Like other public hearings on Areas of Such a meeting was held on Saginaw Greenpeace and the Advi- Concern and remedial action plans, gov- River and Bay September 16. 1986 in Bay sory Council, included deformities in ernment representatives presented the 8 FOCUS

More than I50 citizm anen& the Hamilton public hearing to learn more about remedial action plus to improve water quality in the hadxw past and present water quality of the Harbour. the extent of damage on wildlife and fisheries, and the role remedial action plans will take in restoring quality to the water in the harbour. The level of contamination in the bottom sediments is a significant factor contributing to the harbour's present condition. More than 80% of the loadings of suspended solids into the harbour are retained there. Inputs from municipal and industrial ! sources provide an environmental stress that cannot be assimilated by the har- bour's ecosystem, and reducing the International Association of Great Lakes present loadings will be more expensive Research Endorses Recommendations of than previous efforts to reduce nutrient loadings. World Large Lakes Conference Dissolved oxygen levels. a major deter- lournal. Bernard 0. Bauer of lohn minant of water quality, are extremely low by Tefor Reynoldson Hopkins University received the HYDRO- and have even dipped to as low as three LAB award for best student paper, he 29th Conference on Great Lakes to zero parts per million during the sum- entitled "Wave Energy Distribution in a Research was held at the Scarbo- mer months. Because of this. few cold Lacustrine Nearshore:' coauthored by rough Campus of the University water fish can survive in the harbour T Brian Greenwood. waters. Iron and chromium exceed re- of Toronto, May 2629. 1986. These an- A keynote session on toxic chemicals nual conferences stimulate information quired levels throughout the harbour: presented the conclusions and recom- exchange on all aspects of theoretical the majority of iron is discharged by the mendations of the World Conference on and experimental research which have a and steel companies. Large Lakes. held a week earlier on Mack- direct relationship to the Great Lakes and Citizens commenting at the hearing inac Island. These conclusions and rec- may be applicable to the understanding were concerned about the future of ommendations will be available in full in of large lakes in general. Specific sessions . which connects with the the Proceedings of the World Confer- focused on toxic chemicals: physical. ence. The membership of the Interna- harbour via the Desjardins Canal and chemical and biological monitoring; the represents the largest warm water fish tional Association of Great Lakes biology and ecology of fish: and the Research unanimously voted to endorse habitat in western . While ecosystem approach to Great Lakes these recommendations Those recom- some wanted that area preserved as it is management. for protection of wildlife, others preferred mendations which relate directly to the A highlight of the 29th Conference was lnternational JointCommission and the that the area be dredged in order to the presentation of the Chandler-Misener 1978 Great Lakes Water Quality Agree- remove the oxygen-consuming bottom Award to Dr. Fernando Rosa of the Na- ment were highlighted during the keynote sediment. The possibility of leachate tional Water Research Institute. session. They include: from landfills was also discussed, as well Burlington, Ontario for his paper "Sedi- as ensuring the safe treatment and dis- mentation and Sediment Resuspension in that the memberships of the Science charge of water from the Dofasco and Lake Ontario:' The lnternational Associa- Advisory Board and the Council of Great Lakes Research Managers Stelco steel companies who are the prin- tion for Great Lakes Research gives this should be developed so that their cipal users of Hamilton Harbour water for award each year for the scientific paper recommendationsare incorporated industrial purposes. Additional hearings published in the lournal of Great Lakes into the research priority-setting mech- are expected as the remedial action plan Research judged to be of the highest anisms of both governments: for the harbour progresses. quality. Dr. W. Sonzogni, editor of the - by Sally ColeMisch Journal, presented the Editor's Award to H that a conference of international Dr Y. K. Chau, also of the National Water commissions be convened to address Research Institute. for continued long- institutional arrangements and the role term service as an associate editor to the of international commissions FOCUS 9

"Since the Commission was formed in 1909, it has been involved in many issues ... and others will doubtless emerge."

in addressing prevention and remed- issues of concern along the boundary the large Souris-Red Rivers system along iation of transboundary pollution: waters. Members are generally appointed the Saskatchewan-North Dakota- that the policy of the Great Lakes in equal numbers from each country by Manitoba borders. A broad advisory Water Quality Agreement be reaf- the Commiss~on.and most are from function in this area is provided to the firmed, particularly that "... the philos- governmental agencies. However, Commission by the Souris-Red Rivers ophy adopted for control of inputs of mem bers serve in their personal and Engineering Board. as well as providing persistent toxic substances shall be professional capacities to share the water quality monitoring on the Red River zero discharge': and best information possible among itself. In recent years. the Commission Ithat the Governments of Canada and themselves and for consideration by has also been active in addressing water the United States present a reference the Commission. apportionment and quality issues on the tc> the International loint Commission In British Columbia and Washington Poplar River, an assessment of the trans- to untlertake a maior study on an State, the IIC is involved in the regulation boundary impacts of the Garrison intcgrated approach to the manage- of several transboundary waters. The Diversion project and other prairie ment of tox~ccontaminants. water schemes. For more ~nformationon the confer- Osoyoos Board of Control has been ence or the International Association of particularly busy in 1986. overseeing the From the middle plains region to the Great Lakes Research. contact Dr. Russell construction of a new dam near Oroville. Great Lakes lies the large Rainy River-Lake Kreis. US Environmental Protection Washington. The dam was first approved of the Woods system. The Rainy River Agency Large Lakes Research Station. by the Commission in 1982 to replace an and Namakan chain of lakes form the 03 l I Groh Road. Grosse Ile. MI 48138. aging wooden structure that had been international boundary for much of their (113) 226-7811 subject to an IIC Order of Approval. combined length, and the Commission Other Boards report regularly on the has responsibilities with respect to water levels of the Columbia River at the levels, controlled by several dams. and boundary and Kootenay Cake, which has water quality. Levels on the Lake of the TheIJCfi I been subject to several llC Orders over Woods, covered by a separate bilateral the years. The Skagit River Board of Con- Convention. are a domestic Canadian Coast to Coast trol was disbanded at the end of 1984 responsibility unless they go beyond following the signing of the Skagit River defined limits. by Geoffrey Thornburn Treaty, which resulted from the resolu- For water quantity concerns in the h~lemost readers of Focus may tion, under IIC auspices, of the long- Great Lakes. the Commission has three identify the International loint standing Ross Dam controversy. Control Boards. These Boards monitor WComrn~ssion with the Great From the southeastern corner of British and guide the implementation of the Lakes. rhe work vf the Commission in fact Columbia, the Flathead River crosses into Commission's Orders of Approval con- stretches from coast to coast. the State of Montana where it forms a cerning the outflows of Lake Superior. These activities include the approval boundary of Glacier National Park. As a and the distribution of flows in the Niag- and monitoring of requirements for the result of United States concerns about ara River and the St Lawrence River. operation of dams and other structures the possible recreational and environ- which controls the outflows of Lake On- on rivers runnlng along or across the mental impacts of a proposed British tario. 'These decisions, especially those boundary. or studying and monitoring Columbia coal mine, the Governments of on the St. Lawrence River. are complex water quality and quantity problems the United States and Canada asked the and a number of important human fac- (past. present or potential) and advising Commission to study the situation. The tors and changing natural conditions governments on appropriate actions in must be taken into account in regulating relation to these problems. The Commis- work of the study board established by outflows. A new advisory structure is sion also has a continuing responsibility the IIC is nearing completion and the expected to be formed in response to the to observe and advise governments as Commission will hold public hearings in may be appropriate on air pollution prob- the next few months and write its report 1986 reference on fluctuating Great Lakes lems along the boundary. to the governments. levels. A complete description of this As with Great Lakes matters, technical The IIC has continuing responsibilities reference is on page one of this issue boards undertake studies and monitoring for various river systems in the midpart of of FOCUS. as may be required to inform and advise the continent, including the St. Mary and East of the Great Lakes. the Commis- the Commission on specific or general Milk Rivers just east of the Rockies, and sion has been involved in a number of 10 FOCUS

issues over the years. including complex studies and specific approvals on the Citizen Hearings Focus Attention on the Richelieu R~verflowing from Lake Cham- plain where New York. Vermont and 1978 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Quebec meet, and on the Saint John River, which forms part of the Maine-New forums were unique. It was the first time a by Tim Eder Brunswick boundary. The present con- citizen's organization travelled to cities cern of the Commission in this region is "Bxics in the Great Lakes dwarf all other throughout the basin to ask the public the St. Croix River, forming another part issues by comparison " . . . "The 19 78 what they thought about the agreement. of the boundary between New Brunswick Water Ouality Agreement has good And, it may have been the first time pov- and Maine. For many years. the Commis- language but it hasn 't been implemented ernment officials presented testimony to sion has had jurisdiction over the con- or enforced." a panel made up of citizen group repre- struction and operation of dams on the ese are typical comments Creat sentatives. Great Lakes united will com- pile and summarize the comments it river, and has monitored progress on Lakes United IGLU) heard as they received at the hearings into the first restoring the water quality of the river completed a tour of the Great Lakes T binational, basinw~destatement from since 196 1. Because of improvements in to host public hearings and press confer- c~tizenson what is needed to improve the river's water quality. the focus of the ences in 19 Canadian and US cities (see Commission's work and that of its active water quality protection efforts for the FOCUS. Volume l I. Issue 2. p. 1 1-1 2). At Great lakes. Advisory Board has shifted recently to each hearing, citizens, government offi- restoration of the salmon fishery and Attendance at the hearings exceeded cials and agency representatives were GLU's expectations. with an average of I 5 other aquatic resources, which can now asked to comment on the effectiveness of realistically be achieved. to 20 people presenting testimony and efforts to fulfill the goals and objectives of 50 to I20 in the audience. Citizens at- Since the Commission was formed in the 1978 Great Lakes Water Quality tended from almost every major conser- 1909. it has been involved in many other Agreement. They also were asked for vation and environmental organization in issues along the boundary of the United suggestions on how the agreement the region, including fishing enthusiasts. States and Canada, and others will doubt- should be revised, if at all. tourism councils. labor groups and the less emerge. Several issues have contin- While it may not be the first time com- League of Women Voters. Representa- ued to be of concern through the years; ments such as these were expressed. the tives from Congress. Parliament, the US others are resolved and disappear from Environmental Protection Agency. Envi- active prominence. Through the work ronment Canada. Commissioners and and help of its many technical boards - a staff from the International loint Commis- much larger institutional family than that sion. state and provincial water quality involved with the Great takes water qual- programs, industry. and officials from ity issues - the Commission can continue state and local governments either testi- to assist the governments in dealing with. fied or attended various hearings. preventing and resolving problems of Delegations at the hearings often raised mutual concern along the common many of the same issues and concerns. boundary. Nearly everyone agreed, for example. For further ~nformationon the IlC's that the agreement IS a good document. responsibilities outside the Great lakes Many citizens recommended strengthen- basin, contact either of the IIC Section Of- ing it in the areas of toxic rain. atmo- fices. at 100 Metcalfe Street. 18th Floor. spheric fallout, hazardous waste landfills Ottawa. ON K l P 5M I. (613) 995-2984 or and nonpoint runoff as sources of toxics 2001 S. Street NW, 2nd Floor. Washing- to the lakes. Some suggested the agree- ton. DC 20440. (2021 673-6222. ment be renegotiated, while others feared that renegotiation at the present time could weaken the document. .TNO of the most often repeated Lovell Richle. Senior Executive Officer of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and member themes included: of the IIC'sGreat Lakes Water Quality Board. I. There must be an improved means of testifies at the Duluth public hearing enforcing the agreement. Various Lakes of Great United. positions were taken as to how to Credir: Photo courtesy of Creat Lakes United meet this need. from giving the IIC budget, it relied on local organizations it will be successful for a number of rea- broader powers to creating a new, and individuals in each location to assist sons: the tremendous number of presen- binational water quality police force. in organizing boat tours and press confer- tations and recommendations from the 2. Public information and involvement ences. arranging transportation and hearings, which were of excei!ent quality. under the agreement must be im- scheduling for three to five panelists. and the "army" of citizens, act~vists,pollti- proved. Because the agreement does identifying from six to 20 people who cians and sympathizers GUI encountered not provide a direct means of en- could speak at each hearing on a docu- along the way who will work to ensure forcement, it is critical that the public ment as abstract as the 1978 Great Lakes action is taken on the recomniendations. knows and understands its provisions. Water Quality Agreement. Great Lakes and. finally, because the people Great its requirements and how well the United is indebted to these people for Lakes United met care deeply about the Parties are meeting these require- the success of its hear~ngs. lakes and their future. ments. GLU found that the public has The true success of the project. hnw- For more information on Great Lakes a strong desire to be involved in all ever, will be measured by the final report United and its report. contact Tim Eder. efforts to restore and preserve the and GLU's ability to garner action on its 24 Agassiz Circle, Buffalo. NY 14214 (7161 Great Lakes. par?icularly in tackling recommendations. The organization feels 886-0142. the tough issues surrounding toxic contamination. At many hearings. GLlJ was literally applauded for taking the time to visit each area and ask citizens how they felt about the Great Great Lakes Levels Addressed at IJC's Lakes and the agreement. These two concerns and others will be Fall Semi-Annual Meeting analyzed by GLlJ to form several specific recommendations. Other issues that were by Alan Clarke and Sally Spiers water quality and discussed their particl- addressed will also be reviewed. at ion in the next biennial meetine on including: ielnternational lo~ntCommission &eat Lakes Water Quality to be held in I. the lack of a strategy or technology to held its fall semi-annual meeting Toledo, Ohio the week of November 16. deal with in-place pollutants or to TOctober 7-9. 1986 at the 1987. The Water Quality Board expressed protect the ecosystem during dredg- Conference Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. its satisfaction with efforts that are so far ing and disposal of contaminated The Commission met in executive ses- being made toward developing remedial dredge spoils. sions before and after board presenta- actions plans for Areas of Concern in the 2. the impact of toxics on human health, tions Tuesday and Wednesday. basin. which is of tremendous concern to Cochairs of the Great Lakes Water Oual- In its report to the Commission, the citizens due to the finding that resi- ity Board, Great Lakes Science Advisory lnternational Air Quality Advisory Board dents of this region carry high body Board and the lnternational Air Quality provided an overview of the board's burdens of toxic chemicals. and Advisory Board met with the Commis- activities and directed the Commission's 3. the critical need for public involve- sion Tuesday. The three boards discussed attention to a number of matters, includ- ment in remedial action plans for preparations for a jointly sponsored ing the potential for transboundary Areas of Concern in the basin. workshop on atmospheric deposition migration of air pollutants from a new Now that the 19 hearings have been that was held October 29-3 I, 1986 in incinerator now under construction in completed. GLlJ's Water Quality Task Scarborough. Ontario. Also discussed Detroit. Force has begun the arduous task of was the Forum on Remedial Action Plans. The Detroit Resource Recovery Facil~ty. reviewing tapes. transcripts, notes and which brought the coordinators of plans an incineratorlboiler, is located three testimony to compile and release its for each of the 42 Areas of Concern to report by February 1987. The report will miles from the US-Canada border. Con- analyze water quality and institutional Windsor October 20-2 I. 1986, Reviews of cern has been raised by government and issues and make numerous recommenda- these workshops ~lillbe included in the public interest representatives on both tions. next issue of FOCUS. sides of the border that the facility falls 'The tour of the Great Lakes, in order to The Great Lakes Water Ouality bard short of state-of-the-art air pollution con- put on the hearings, was tremendously and the Great Lakes Science Advisory trol. The Commission requested the rewarding for the GLlJ members involved. Board also reported on preliminary out- Board keep it informed of all on-going Because of the organization's limited lines of their 1987 reports on Great Lakes actions pertaining to the incinerator, and 1 2 FOCUS

advised the Governments of the situation following the semi-annual meeting, the of nutrients has reduced winter-time at a meeting with representatives later in Commission considered what immediate phosphorus levels in Lake Michigan, the week. steps could be taken to partially allev~ate which lowered the amount of spring The Commission met Wednesday with the current high water level crisis on the phytoplankton. and that "top down" its three Great Lakes Control Boards: the Great Lakes. The Commission will discuss controls reduced alewife abundance and lnternational St. Lawrence River Board of th~sand other issues in further detail thus increased large cladoceran zoo- Control. the lnternational Lake Superior again at its executive session in Washing- plankton (i.e. Daphnia pulicaria). These Board of Control and the lnternational ton. DC December 9-1 1. 1986. larger zooplankton, which are efficient at Board of Control. Current feeding on the phytoplankton, increased high water levels on all of the lakes was the amount of grazing on phytoplankton discussed as well as possible ac[lons and thus caused the increase in summer which could be taken to alleviate the water clarity. Such findings have signifi- present crisis. Science Advisory cant implications for agencies attempting Cochairs of the Flathead River Interna- Board Sponsors Food to manage lake systems. tional Study Board also met with the In an effort to increase our Commission to discuss the progress of a Web Workshop understanding of the role of such food study on the potential effects of the pro- web dynamics in regulating water quality posed Sage Creek coal mine on the qual- by lohn Hartig and to determine whether the changes ity of water in the Flathead River system. that were found in Lake Michigan are he first Food Web Workshop, The lnternational Osoyoos Lake Board of occurring or could occur in other Great hosted by the Great Lakes Science Control outlined the removal of Zosel TAdvisory Board in December. 1985. Lakes, the Science Advisory Board w~ll Dam and construction of a new dam on. host a Food Web II workshop on Lake focused on the role of food web dy- the Osoyoos River, and the lnternational Ontario in 1987. It has been proposed namics in explaining recent increases in Souris-Red Rivers Engineer~ngBoard summer water clarity in the open waters that the Food Web I and I1 workshops reviewed activities in the Souris and Red of Lake Michigan. Over the past 15 years. (along with other related initiatives] River basins. should culminate in a major international Lake Michigan has experienced reduc- After the boards presented their re- conference on food web interactions in tions in phosphorus cladings and a sub- ports. the commission met with repre- stantial increase in stocking of salmon large lakes. This proposed international sentatives from the Governments of the and trout. The fundamental question for conference could synthesize and United States and Canada. Wilson Riley disseminate information on the potential participants of the Food Web Workshop from the Office of Canadian Affairs. US for a coordinated approach to was what caused the increase in water Department of State and ten Mader from management of large lakes that takes clarity during the summer months: the the US Transboundary Relations Division. reduced levels of phosphorus loadings to advantage of the synergism of nutrient Canadian Department of External Affairs abatement and food web controls. the lake, changes due to predation by the attended along with representatives from For further information on the Food salmon and trout, or both. the US Environmental Protection Agency Web I workshop contact Dr. JimKitchell. The workshop brought almost 40 ex- and Environment Canada. Topics dis- Limnology Laboratory. University of perts on Lake Michigan together to dis- cussed included high water levels of the Wisconsin, Madison. WI 53706. (608) cuss this question. Participants were Great Lakes, the status of removal of the 262-2840 or Dr. Marlene Evans, Great divided into two groups representing barge at the lnternational Peace Bridge. Lakes Research Division, University of each possible cause of the increased the report of the Special Envoys on acid Michigan, IST Building. Ann Arbor, MI water clarity. those who believe the "bot- rain, Commission plans for the next Bien- 48109. (3131 764-6540. For more tom up" theory, in which nutrient abate nial Meeting on Great Lakes Water Qual- information on Food Web 11, contact Dr. ment (reduction in phosphorus loading] is ity in Toledo. the distribution of the IJC john Hartig. IJC Regional Office. 100 responsible. or "top down" theorists, 1985 Activities Report and the Commis- Ouellette Avenue, Eighth floor, Windsor who believe increases in top predator sion's concern about the potential ad- ON N9A 6T3 or PO. Box 32869, Detroit. fishes changed the food web structure verse effects of the Detroit Resource MI 48232. In Canadacali (5291 256-7821 and thus created greater water clarity. Recovery Facility. and in the US call (313) 226-2 170. During the executive sessions and at a Consensus was reached by workshop meeting of an ad-hoc group of experts participants that "bottom up" abatement FOCUS 13

Ontario has dweloped a new policy and program statement on controlling municipal and industrial discharges in surface waters. which will beenacted into Ontarios Environmental Protection Act and Water Resources Act The program. "Municipal-Industrial Strategy for Abaement:' or MISA, requires monitoring and strict effluent limits for both industrial and municipal dischargers of toxics. While the province's present puilurion control system regulates only a limited number of conventional contaminants according to their concentration. MlSA will set lirnirs for several persistent toxic organics. Maior features or the program ~nclude: Reductions in pollution are required from virtually every malor tox~cpolluter of Ontario waterways, induding eight industrial sectors where 200 of Ontario's 300 direct dischargers are located. By setting stria pollution control standards fur municipal sewage plant effluet:t. pollution from an additional 11.700 industries that discharge wastewater ir~ro 400 municipal sewer systems will be reduced. A limit isset. for the first rime in Ontario. on A 175-foot barge jammed against an abutment of the Peace Bridge on the Niagara River the absolute amount of contamination each Credit. US Army Corps of Engineers. Buffalo off~ce source may discharge: Each direct discharger must meet standards Corps of Engineers estimates. The Corps is New York State Department of Environmental attainable by the best available abatement overseeing the removal of the barge. which is Conservation. 50 Wolf Road. Albany. NY 12233. technology: and expected to take until late November. (518)474-2121. Each industrial and municipal sector will be reexamined periodically €0see if further The Canadian and US governments have agreed Minnesota has established a system to classify reductions are necessary. to develop a ioint. 15-year. S 1.5 billion plan to those waters which have limited resource value TWO sets of regulations will implement the protect and increase North American waterfowl in an attempt to identify those waterways MlSA program. by setting effluent limits and numbers. Through funds contributed by public unlikely to reach the national water use goal of monitoringrequirements. Far copies of the and private sources from bath countries, a joint "fishable and swimmable:' Under 1983 program, write to the Ontario Ministry of the management committee will allocate funds to amendments to US EPAs Water Quality Environment. 135 St. Clarr Avenue West. cooperating farmers who will proteu marshland Standards Regulation. states can remove a Toronto, ON M4V i P5 and other nesting areason their land Farmers designated water use that is not an existing use. I.... will be offered per-acre payments t~ encourage or establish subcategories of a use if it can A 175-lmt (53 meter) barge, bound for them to take land out of grain product~onand demonstrate that attaining the designated use is Richmond. Virginia from Derroit through the return it to forage or pasture land that could not feasible. Great Lakes and New York State Barge Canal, also be used for ducks. Over the past decade. The state defined limited resource value ran into diff~ultyon the Niamra R~verin earlv Canadian populations of mallard and pintail waters as those with conditions such as a August The tug--powered barge missed the ducks have decreased significantly. to less than severely limited existing fishery, limited entrance to the Black Rock Canal near Buffalo five million. recreational opportunities and intermittent Harbor and proceeded down the Niagara River. flows. Out of approximately 92.000 miles of When the tug and barge entered the high An agreement between Quebec and New York Minnesota waterways. about 775 miles have velocity area upstream of the Peace Bridge. the state was reached in early August to work been designated thus far. where 100 municipai barge swung sideways and was smashed against together on key environmental issues such as and 25 industrial wastewater treatment facilities an abutment of the bridge. The Peace Bridge hazardous waste, acid rain and water quality. discharge into these waterways. These waters sits where the lake narrows into the Niagara The five-year agreement widens the scope of a are still protected to allow secondary body River. and the barge is acting as a barrier for 1982 agreement between the province and the contact use, preserve groundwater for potable water to enter the river from Lake Erie by taking state. which was limited to the study of acid rain. use. maintain aesthetic quality, protect up more than 10 percent of the river width. The The study undertaken under the 1982 downstream waters and allow for agricultural. barge is thus aggrevating alr~adyrecord level agreement. A Water Chemistry Comparison of wildlife and industrial use. Estimated annual conditions on Lake Erie by raising levels by as Several Ouebec and New York Lakes in Relation cost savings, due to a reduction in use of much as two inches. according to US Army to Acidification. is available from David Shaw. resources to attempt to achieve an unrealistic 14 FOCUS

goal rn certaln water5 lnclude $12-19 rnlltioh In for the luly Fourth celebratrons From there 23 caprral spending and 5 1 3 mrll~onfor operaring crew members from around the basln sa~ledthe and rnalntenance cogs. ship on a tour of the Great Lakes The sh~pwas buik 26 years ago for a remdke of the orrgrnal .*... mwle and returned to ~tshome In Flor~daIn According to a rept cornm~ss~onedby the Cktober CanadIan gouernment and produced as part of the Federal mb Force on Program Review tax= or emisslon charges levled against companies A new radro news program debuted on many of would he more effect~vern conrroll~ngpolltrtron M~ch~gans commercral and publ~cradro statrons than the current syaem of subs~ckes.tax thrs past summer Outdoors Update IS a expendrtirre and punme regulat~onsThe 10-m~nuteweekly program that covers repart states [hat ex tst~ngregularow envrronmental conservatron and outdoor appraaches In Canada and the Vnrted St* are recreaoon news from around the state and not eff~tivebecause of the wcessl~ettme particularly bgislat~onand publrc pollcy requ~redto carry our coun actions on each affecting ckenvironment Several programs vwlarian d env~ron~nentalregulations Rather 11 have centered around risues concerning the TkuS5Bounty at hew Park In encourages irnpx~nga Fee on each spec~fled anchd Great Lakes and the~rwater qualrty The Wndmrfor four daysasa part of irstour dthe program IS pa~dFor and d~str~butedby the pollutant emitled by an ~ndusti'lalplant to place Ctwl Lakes cant~nuedpwre on the polluter to reduce M~chrganUn~ted Conservat~on Clubs If you re ernislorn m the most effic~ent&ay The report rntermed rn stanlng a srm~larprogram or have recommended greater study into the ecanomic The Sate Un~vers~tyof New York (SUNY] has rnformatlon for the program contact Don efMaf envrronmmtal problems and fonned the Great Lake Research Consort~um Weeks PO Box 12179 Lansrng MI 48901 dwelaplng a nat~onatenvironmental pd~ythat w~thpartic~pat~on from mare than 50 (5 17) 487-144 1 more closely ties w~thresource development re-archers from the carnpllses at Buffalo. policy For a copy of the Errv~ronrnentalauallty BraAport Qswego and the Collegeof Stratgrc Rw~ew.contact Renouf Publrshlng. 2 11 Env~ronmentalLknce md F0rsu-j' The Great Ybnge3rew. krmro, ON M5U I M4 (4 161 Lakes ResearchConsortium w~llwcoumge 343-3171 sc!entwiand schol;i~;tn theSUNY system to Two Sediment Reports mperatruely address and solve Great lakes ...a. proMems and wl!l serve rus a falpoint for Published by IJC - New York s water quality standasds w~thsrda Interactton and communrcatlon among challenge before the stare Supreme Court in carnpllsrr and with government and industry Dredging Subcon~mittee late luly when the coun drsmlssed an attempt Far Further rnfonnatton wrlte to Great Lakes Conwrr~um.Room 257 lllrck Hall SUNY College by the N~agaraFalls Industrial Walson by Robert E. White fommmand the Natlond Solrd Waste of Envrrmmenral Science and Forestry Management aS-xlon to wemm numerical Syracuse NY 11210 water drscbrge standards set In 1985 for 95 ..*a* e Dredging Subcommittee of the toulcchem~cdsWhile the piainrrffsclaimed that Sc~entrstsat Ohlo State Un~versrtyhave IJC'sGreat Lakes Water Quality the mte dld not carmcb the full economlc and developed an ErwtrmrnentaISensrt~v~ty Index Board has ~ssued soc~alrrnparta of stricter standar& as rqulred T to msurepo~enuaJ damage from 011sprls or by the Smte Environmental &Illy 17eview Act two reports on sediments. The first aha toxic chscharges Into I&? kre Maps are the court sald that the state's env~ronmental used to colwiode the US sbrel~neto lnd~cate report. A Forum to Review Confined Impact Statemenr only had to address the relawe parenttal darnage that rox~c Disposal Facilities for Dredged Materials environmental questtons and the ctlscussmn by substances can cause in dffferent types of defendants was sufficient Before rhe in the Great Lakes. is the result ok a Forum c-l areas For example exwsed bedrock standards were estab4,llshed the state regdated held by the subcommittee at Public bluffs ilre listed as least sealrive whlle only seven substances weelands area.; are clasSifted ds most ensrtrve Works Canada, Willowdale (Toronto). I **.. to damage The maps will be made available to 'The objectives of the forum were. rhe US Coast Guard & an ~nlormar~onbase In The Un~versityof Wlndsor, Ontan0 harecerved to discuss the history and future uses of cases d major 011sp~lls or aher toxlc a 52 50 000 grant from the provlnoal Mnistry of confined disposal facilities (CDFs) the Envrronment to monrtor thest Qair Rlver - discharg~mta the lake For more ~nfowat~on Lk St Clarr system for the presence and lweb an the mdex con= Laura Fay or Charles in the Great Lakes: of chlorinated hydmcabns and other Herdendorf Ohro State Unrversrty Columbus Ohlo 43212 (6141292 8949 1 to share current information on the compounds rncludlng PCBs Over three years. design. construction. operation and mnnrtorlng of exIstlngchm1caI5wtll be .*.I. followed by the srudy of tkuptake of The USS Bounty anchored along theDetrort and maintenance of CDFs: contaminam by aquatic plants and animals Windsor r~verfrontsfor a week m August as a 1 to relate research and experience on Results will be used to develop a computer part of ~trtour of the mat Lakes The repl~caof the performance of CDFs in isolating m&l to help predict the movement and the origlnd Bounty shtp u& In rhe rnovle d~str~butron6f contaminants In rhe syaem 'Mutlny on the Bounty lo~nedthe paradeof contaminants krom the aquatic .m*e* rail shlps that sared through New York harbor environment: and FOCUS 15

to provide for the exchange of information on experience in the design, construction. operation and maintenance of CDFs in the Great Lakes and other locations in North AsmdlMx~ppmd-~wurkdthe America through the presentation of Cornrnissim. ad the Camdim case studies %ion m parWk. from its dices at Over 60 experts in dredging matters I00 Walk Street in Ottawa. attended the forum. and 22 papers were Canadian CmmissiorwT indude presented. As a result of these presented Chairman RereAheBissomePbe. papers and discussions with participants. and ComMiE. Fuftat the Dredging Subcommittee developed andi?&mtSK.Wkh. h-l thisissued eight recommendations in the report. Focus on heIK. we introduce yau lo A second report. Evaluation of the Ottawa ~ff. Sediment Bioassessment Techniques. Thedtkesf dreSecreary tothe stems from'previous findings of the Canadian Saim 1Ms been ktd9nce Dredging Subcommittee that bulk (total) t 959 by &wid Cham wbbin& analysis of dredge material may not thecorn- st& mefiveyears adequately forecast potential biological &r. His Secretary since R79 has harm at dredging and disposal sites. knCaw bhambise, kxmerty In its previous findings the with the Inflation Ebad. Subcommittee had issued guidelines. ?he longest Sanding employee, w&h including the need for sediment rhe GxnrnkiSm since 1952, is &dm bioassessment. To test the practicality of lWacKirmon. Secrwary to bgmeeribg sediment bioassessment. samples of Advir;cHs Murray CIairmn ad Ted Toronto Harbour and Toledo Harbor were Baky arb to Senor ~nvironmeod shared with four federal laboratories to Advisa Andrew Hamh-€x be tested for bioassessment by their Clamen lira pi& kmin, method of choice. i976 and, a pekd asaprle From critical review of the four consulmt retuned in 1983. MY bioassessment reports, the Dredging MlevmsIcXwdtpk~ Subcommittee developed eight byEnvimmLC& m I984 recommendations. ~ll~kmed theiKstalfin 1974 These reports and the following related fotkmmg en yearswtth thefederal reports -Open Lake Site Selection Freshwater Institute as a scientist ad Criteria Development. Great Lakes research manager, and two years -n Dredging in an Ecosystem Perspective - environmental advisor with the Lake Erie, and Evaluation of Dredge Atomic Energy Board. Material Disposal Options for lZNo Great ban CamQbelL who transferred to Lakes Harbours - are available. the IJCfmm the National Museum For copies or further information. Cmporatkm staff in 1981, is Secretary contact the IJC Great Lakes Regional to the Legal. SocioEconornic and Office. 100 Ouellette Avenue, 8th floor, Research Advisors. Michael Vechskr. Windsor. ON N9A 6T3 or P.O. Box 32869. formerly with the Department of Detroit, MI 48232. (519) 256-7821 External Affairs for most of his cm. or 13131226-2 170 began hrs IIC work in 1984. Geoffrey Thornburn hati been the Econamics Advrscrr since T977 and previously Mseveral pos~tionsIn Environment 16 FOCUS

29 0 ..... !$.35n3. 5 a i the Canadian Science Writers' Association. the 3:z y] developed by the National Sanitation Foundation. a 2 to provide readers with a comprehensive approach g-c 5 8" for U.S. citizens. contact Macmillan of Canada. koQ 29 Birch Avenue. Toronto. ON M4V I E2 quallty over time. Written by Mark K. Mitchell and .? 6 g 14 16) 963-8830. William B Sbpp. the Manual has been used extensively by upper elementary, secondary and ..... university students. It is available through William Lewis Publishers has produced several B Stapp. 2050 Delaware. Ann Arbor. MI 48103 for environmental books in 1985. Most recent SO 80 postpaid. Discounts are available for 10 or publications include: Artificial Reefs, edited by 10 -. > 0 Frank M. D'ltri: PetroleumSpills in the ~Martne ..... -4a 2 " z2 inn Water Resources Projects, by Larry Carter. and

system.s ability to compete with other inland ...*. transportation systems. Several recommendations special report that covers the development and a result of these changes. Copies are available for 58 00 from Communications Office. Sea Crar~t history. US EPA plans to carry out the amendments .. . .. and the effect on drinking water utilities. TheSafe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986 is Managing the Legacy is the title for proceedings of available for $35 from The Bureau of National a Colloquium on the Environment held in Affairs. Inc.. Customer Service. 9435 Key West December 1985 and sponsored by the Econom~c Avenue. Rockville. MD 20850. (301) 258-1033, Council of Canada. Topics presented include Discounts are available for multiple orders. freshwater issues, forest and wildlife management. environmental preservation and economic growth. .I..*

effectively, thanks to the Michigan Household Canada KIA OS9. (819)997-2560. Pricesare 59.95 Hazardous Substance Handbook. The book (Canada)and S I 1.95 (all other countries]. provides an overview of the household hazardous I.... substances problem, product toxicity, posslble alternatives to disposal, a directory for more information and updates on contents. Although the handbook is titled for a particular state, much of the material is applicable to elsewhere in the