Over 200 in Alexandria Bay Ask the International Joint Commission to Move Forward With Plan B+

Over 200 people came to Bonnie Castle Resort in Alexandria Bay to tell the International Joint Commission (IJC) that its proposed water level plan, Plan 2007, won’t work.

The IJC conducted a five year study and spent $20 million in research to develop different options, including Plan B+, but then decided that a modified plan was the best.

While Plan B+ is recognized as the most environmentally sound plan by both its supporters and the IJC, there are issues with the proposal that need to be taken into consideration.

The IJC says that Plan B+ could cause damage on the southern shores of Lake Ontario and until mitigation measures are established, the commission says Plan 2007 would have to be a temporary solution.

While the IJC hoped that Plan 2007 would make everyone happy, people at tonight’s hearing said they are willing to fight to make sure Plan B+ is used instead of Plan 2007.

“Our people, our properties, our businesses are just as important as those on Lake Ontario and we demand equal consideration,” said St. Lawrence Legislator Tom Nichols.

Nichols said he would be willing to join a threatened county lawsuit if the IJC moves forward with Plan 2007.

Public comment will be taken on Plan 2007 until July 11 and while the IJC has its concerns about Plan B+, it looks forward to the day they can implement such a plan.

“Everybody is interested in improvements to the environment and that is certainly our goal,” said IJC Commissioner Irene Brooks.

Jessica Cain reports:

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