PUBLIC NOTICEMarch 18, 2002
IJC authorizes peaking and ponding in St. Marys River for one year The International Joint Commission (IJC) has decided to extend the authority for Edison Sault Electric Company and Great Lakes Power Ltd to conduct peaking and ponding operations in the St. Marys River, under the supervision of the International Lake Superior Board of Control (the Board of Control), until March 20, 2003.
The IJC made this decision after considering the February 28, 2002 report of its Board of Control and public comment. It has asked its Board of Control to undertake further investigations over the next year and provide a written report by the end of 2002. The IJC will review the authority provided for peaking and ponding prior to the start of the 2003 navigation season, taking into account the board’s report, additional operational experience, any further studies and the status of dredging activities in the St. Marys River.
In light of its decision to extend authority for peaking and ponding for an additional year, the IJC has deferred, at this time, consideration of the applications from the two power companies for authority to conduct peaking and ponding activities.
Peaking and ponding operations are carried out by the Edison Sault Electric Company and Great Lakes Power Limited to store water during times of off-peak demand and increase hydroelectric power generation during times of on-peak demand. Peaking is the variation of hourly flows within the daily average flow while ponding is the variation of daily flows within the weekly average flow (i.e. higher weekday flows and lower weekend flows).
The International Joint Commission is an international organization established by the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 to prevent and resolve disputes over the use of waters shared by the United States and Canada. More information is available on the IJC’s website at: www.ijc.org .
Contacts:
Frank Bevacqua Washington, D.C. (202) 736-9024 Fabien Lengellé Ottawa, Ontario (613) 995-0088
