The Great Lakes of North America - An Ecosystem Perspective

Transcription

1 The Great Lakes of North America - An Ecosystem Perspective World Water Forum IV (Session FT 2.08) Transboundary Waters in the Americas: Lessons in IWRM Presented by: Eugene Z. Stakhiv Co-Director IJC Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Study

2 The IJC (International Joint Commission) in Brief A Unitary Treaty Organization Six Commissioners (3 Canada, 3 U.S.) -Serve without Instructions Operates from Yukon to Gulf of Maine Controls Flows in Boundary Waters Prevents and Resolves Disputes Over Shared Water and Air Watchdog of Great Lakes Restoration Efforts Conducts Studies for Governments

3 IJC OVERSEES CANADA-US TRANSBOUNDARY WATER COAST TO COAST

4 Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 Provided Principles and Mechanisms to Prevent and Resolve Disputes Concerning Water Quantity and Water Quality and Other Environmental Issues Along the U.S.-Canada Boundary Established the International Joint Commission (IJC) Limited Levels/Flow-Related Construction in Boundary Waters to that Approved by IJC

5 IJC Experience Independently Regulates Operation of 19 Structures in Boundary/transboundary Waters Addressed Over 50 Potential Problems At Request of Governments Provides Periodic Alerting Reports to Governments on Transboundary Air and Water Issues Apportions Waters on 3 Transboundary Rivers Monitors Government Progress Under Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement

6 IJC Boards and Task Forces BOARDS of CONTROL/COMBINED BOARDS/POLLUTION BOARDS International St. Lawrence River Board of Control International Niagara River Board of Control International Lake Superior Board of Control International Osoyoos Lake Board of Control International Rainy Lake Board of Control International Rainy River Pollution Advisory Board International Lake of the Woods Board of Control International Kootenay Lake Board of Control International Columbia River Board of Control International Air Quality Advisory Board International Red River Board International St. Croix River Board International Souris River Board St. Mary-Milk Rivers Accredited Officers GREAT LAKES WATER QUALITY Great Lakes Water Quality Board Great Lakes Science Advisory Board Council of Great Lakes Research Managers INVESTIGATIVE BODIES Health Professionals Task Force Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Study Board St. Mary-Milk Rivers Administrative Task Force

7 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement 1972 Agreement between U.S. and Canada to address pollution concerns Established IJC Great Lakes Regional Office to assist Established advisory boards to assist IJC Agreement replaced in 1978 Purpose: Restore and maintain chemical, physical and biological integrity of the waters of the Basin Ecosystem Major new focus on persistent toxics Agreement revised in 1987 Required plans to restore local degraded areas ( Areas of Concern ) Required plans to reduce critical pollutants in open waters ( Lakewide Management Plans )

8 Great Lakes Water Quality Binational GL Water Quality Agreement Set ecosystem goals, allowed national plans to achieve IJC Watchdog Parties Implement IJC Biennial Report to Governments on progress in achieving goals Issues Restoration Adequate Funds (>$6B) Role of Air Pollution Aquatic Nuisance Species Standards Federal Action Gap Emerging Issues Groundwater Urban Sprawl Review of the Agreement

9 The Great Lakes 20% of World s Fresh Water Inland Navigation Highway Power Source for Industries Water Source for 40 Million Natural Treasure Recreation Centerpiece Threatened by Pollution Challenged by Demand

10 Changing Great Lakes Water Levels Water Level Shifts Highs - 70s-90 s Lows - 60 s, Impacts High Levels Shoreline Erosion Flooding - Low Levels Hydropower - Navigation - Recreational Boating - Environment Actions - Review of IJC Orders $20 Million St. Lawrence-Ontario Study Proposed Upper Lakes Study Unknown - Climate Change

11 Lake Ontario St. Lawrence River Study IJC Conducting Review to Ensure Consideration of: Existing Interests (Hydropower, Navigation, Water Supply) New Interests (Recreational boating, Riparian flooding, Environment/Ecology) Updated hydrology Climate Change/Variability Public Values & Preferences Native and Aboriginal Tribes 5 Year Review (Dec March 2006) - $20 M (US/ Cdn )

12 Shared Vision Planning Foundations: Public Involvement > 500 active participants, NGO s 2500 at public meetings, 10,000 newsletter Circles of influence concepts promote team building Concentric circles linked through existing networks win the trust of the trusted Circle A Model Building team Circle B Model Users Circle C All interested parties Circle D Political Decision Makers

13 We Studied the Effects of Fluctuating Water Levels on: The ecosystem Recreational boating and tourism Coastal property & processes Commercial navigation Water intakes and outfalls Hydroelectric power production

14 Comparison of Actual and Unregulated Levels