International Joint Commission to Get Public Input on Red River Water Quality Standards
The International Joint Commission (IJC) is seeking public comments on proposed recommendations for nutrient pollution targets for the Red River.
While nonbinding, these proposed nutrient target recommendations are designed to limit how much of the nutrients phosphorus and nitrogen are allowed into the river as it crosses the boundary between the United States and Canada. This should improve water quality along the Red River. This should also assist with reducing algal blooms on Lake Winnipeg.
The IJC will be holding a public hearing January 16, 2020 in Fargo, ND at the Delta Marriott Fargo, located at 1635 42nd Street SW. The hearing is scheduled to run from 7-9 pm (CST). Additionally, the IJC will be accepting comments by mail, email and online at www.ijc.org until February 28, 2020.
Once finalized, these nutrient targets will be recommended to the two federal governments. Canada and the United States would then make the decision how, when and if to implement them.
The IJC’s International Red River Board developed these targets. The board has a water quality mission assigned by the two federal governments. Its full report can be found here: https://ijc.org/en/rrb/proposed-nutrient-concentration-objectives-and-loading-targets-red-river-uscanada-boundary.
Comments page: https://www.ijc.org/en/what/engagement/public-comment-IIRB-nutrient-2020
Contact:
Sarah Lobrichon (Ottawa) 613-992-5368 lobrichons@ottawa.ijc.org
Frank Bevacqua (Washington) 202-736-9024 bevacqauf@washington.ijc.org