Great Lakes…
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE
For immediate release
Contact:
Lynne Whelan, 312-846-5330
[email protected]
Corps solicits public comment on Great Lakes study
CHICAGO -The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is holding a public scoping meeting
at the University of Minnesota to get public input for the Great Lakes and
Mississippi River Interbasin study, or GLMRIS, Jan. 20.
The meeting is scheduled from 2 – 8 p.m. at the McNamara Alumni Center, Room
35, on the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus, 200 Oak Street S.E.,
Minneapolis. Identical presentations about the study will be given at 2 p.m.
and 5:30 p.m., each followed by a comment period.
The purpose of GLMRIS is to evaluate a range of options and technologies to
prevent the transfer of aquatic nuisance species, or ANS, between the Great
Lakes and Mississippi River through aquatic pathways. Asian carp and zebra
mussels are some of the better known ANS.
Using input obtained during the scoping period, the Corps will refine the
scope of GLMRIS to focus on significant issues, as well as eliminate issues
that are not significant from further detailed study.
Issues associated with GLMRIS are likely to include, but will not be limited
to: significant natural resources, such as ecosystems and threatened and
endangered species; commercial and recreational fisheries; recreational uses
of the lakes and waterways; effects of potential ANS controls on waterways
uses such as: flood risk management, commercial and recreational navigation;
and statutory and legal responsibilities relative to the effected waterways.
If you plan to make an oral comment, please register on the GLMRIS website:
http://www.glmris.anl.gov. Oral comments will be limited to three minutes per
speaker. Comments can also be submitted electronically through the website.
An ANS is a nonindigenous species that threatens the diversity or abundance
of native species; the ecological stability of infested waters; or the
commercial, agricultural, aquacultural or recreational activities dependent
on such water. As a result of international commerce, travel and local
practices, ANS have been introduced and spread throughout the Great Lakes and
Mississippi River basins.
Connected primarily by man-made channels, ANS transfer was impeded
historically by the poor water quality of those waterways. Recent water
quality improvements have lessened that impediment making it more likely for
ANS transfer between the two basins to occur.
For more information regarding GLMRIS, the meeting agenda and scoping
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act, visit the GLMRIS
website at http://www.glmris.anl.gov or call Dave Wethington, GLMRIS project
manager, at 312-846-5522 or e-mail at [email protected].
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Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE
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