Feedback: International Joint Commission May Drop Plan 2007

According to a letter from International Joint Commision U.S. Chairwoman Irene Brooks to Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, the IJC is looking to drop its proposed Plan 2007.

(Read the letter: ijc)

The IJC held several public hearings and obtained thousands of public comments on its proposed water management plan to replace the current system, Plan 1958 D.

Several residents, politicians and activist groups supported Plan B+, a more environmentally minded plan, which was developed in a 5-year, $20 million study.

From the letter, quote, “we have now completed our analysis…the hearings and public comments showed serious divisions by political unit and by interest and there was little support for Plan 2007. There was also a broad, strong interest in returning to more natural flows.”

Brooks went on to say that the Commission determined that Plan 2007 was not a practical option for implementation and said that the regulation of water levels and flows should be based on a revised set of goals, objectives and criteria.

The IJC also proposed in the letter to form a working group with representatives from New York, Quebec and Ontario to determine where to go from here.

Initial reaction from Congressman John McHugh, who has supported Plan B+, was positive.

“I applaud the IJC for finally recognizing the concerns of community leaders, local residents, and the State of New York, and abandoning plans to implement Plan 2007. I have long advocated for an approach that brings interested parties to the table to identify a solution that recognizes the natural ebbs and flows of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. Of chief concern to me has always been implementing a solution that protects the precious natural resources our region has and that are vital to our economic future. I am hopeful we can now move forward in a better direction in the future, and I will continue advocating on behalf our lake and river, and the concerns of local residents.”

See Jessica Cain’s report from 6 p.m.:

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Watch our Noon Show for reaction from Save the River Executive Director Jennifer Caddick and what this means for Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River residents:

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