Author(s): Carl Argiroff; Les E. Weigum
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Abstract: The Corps of Engineers is investigating the economic, social, and environmental impacts of extending winter operation of the U. S. Locks in the St. Marys River (Figure 1) at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, from the current closing date of 8 January ± 1 week to 31 January ± 2 weeks. Under the current plan, operation stops with the development of significant ice cover. Under the 31 January ± 2 weeks plan, navigation would continue in ice, subject to the need and capability of vessels to operate. This one-month additional extension could cause several minor adverse environmental impacts from navigation, i. e., effects on water quality, benthic invertebrates, submergent aquatic plants, and deer migration. These adverse effects would be confined to relatively small areas on the St. Marys River, and would not be significant to the ecosystem. There would also be additional winter damage to certain types of shore structures near navigation channels. Based upon studies and field data obtained to date, extension of winter lock operation to 31 January ± 2 weeks can serve the needs of commerce with relatively insignificant adverse environmental impacts. The additional extension of one month is supported by the findings of no significant adverse environmental impacts caused by current operations during the last six years. Further background material on winter navigation on the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System can be found in papers published for the 1974,1975,1981 and 1984 IAHR Ice Symposiums.
Year: 1986