IJC launches study of flooding in Souris River basin
Date

The International Joint Commission (IJC) has appointed the International Souris River Study Board and issued a directive to investigate flooding and water supply issues in the Souris River basin. The study was requested by the governments of Canada and the United States.

The governments have asked the Commission to coordinate the completion of the full scope of the IJC’s 2013 Plan of Study and evaluate and make recommendations regarding the Operating Plan contained in Annex A to the 1989 International Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America for Water Supply and Flood Control in the Souris River Basin. Among other things, the agreement coordinates the operation of dams and reservoirs in the basin.

The study will examine the hydrology of the basin and make recommendations to reduce flooding and water supply risks. It may address additional flood protection measures beyond those contained in the 1989 agreement.

The study will also facilitate the collaboration among various federal, state, provincial and local agencies, the public and Native American Tribes, First Nations, and Métis located within the basin. Subject to the availability of adequate funding, the IJC is to report to the two federal governments within three years.

Membership of the International Souris River Study Board:

Dr. Alain Pietroniro
Canadian Co-Chair
 		 Col. Samuel Calkins
U.S. Co-Chair
Jeff Woodward
Canadian Alternate Co-Chair
 		 Rebecca Seal-Soileau
U.S. Alternate Co-Chair
John Fahlman
 		 Megan Estep
Mark Lee
 		 Tim Fay
Debbie McMechan
 		 David O’Connell
Bruce Davison
Canadian Study Board Manager		 Gregg Wiche
U.S. Study Board Manager


For information on the International Souris River Study Board visit the website: http://ijc.org/en_/isrsb.

The International Joint Commission was established under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 to help the United States and Canada prevent and resolve disputes over the use of the waters the two countries share. Its responsibilities include investigating and reporting on issues of concern when asked by the governments of the two countries. For more information, visit the Commission's website at www.ijc.org.  

For more information, contact:

Sarah Lobrichon                                613-992-5368                     lobrichons@ottawa.ijc.org

Frank Bevacqua                                202-736-9024                     bevacquaf@washington.ijc.org