GLIN==> Lake Ontario outflows

["List Manager" <adminpst@great-lakes.net>]

Submitted by John Kangas <john.w.kangas@usace.army.mil>

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NEWS RELEASE
August 15, 2008

Control Board to continue following regulation plan

The International St. Lawrence River Board of Control (Board) recently 
reviewed conditions in the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River system and has 
decided to continue releasing outflows in accordance with the regulation 
plan.  Since early June, outflows have been those specified by the 
regulation plan.  Lake Ontario levels peaked for the year when the lake 
reached 75.34 m (247.18 ft) on May 3 - 10.  Levels in Montreal Harbour have 
remained well above chart datum since early January.

The supply of water received by Lake Ontario over the past two months was 
above average, primarily due to well-above average precipitation. 
Downstream, the flow of the Ottawa River and several tributaries have been 
at or near record high flows.  The Lake Ontario level in July declined by 
about 2 cm (1 in), compared to an average decline of 9 cm (3½ in).  The 
levels have declined by 23 cm (9 in) from their peak and are now about 21 cm 
(8 in) above average for this time of year.  In response to the above 
average levels and water supplies, the regulation plan is specifying 
outflows well above average.  In recognition that Lake Ontario levels are 
well within the regulation limits and declining, and that the regulation 
plan is responding accordingly, outflows will continue to be those specified 
by Regulation Plan 1958-D.  The Board also made provision for the outflows 
to be other than plan-specified should a critical situation arise.

The Board, in conjunction with its staff, is monitoring the situation 
carefully and is prepared to take further action if required. The Board will 
meet in about a month to assess the situation, or earlier if there is a 
significant change in conditions.

Contacts:
Flavio D'Agnolo: (613) 990-6016; DAgnoloF@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
John Kangas: (312) 353-4333; John.W.Kangas@usace.army.mil

The International St. Lawrence River Board of Control was established by the 
International Joint Commission in its 1952 order of approval. The Board's 
main duty is to ensure that outflows from Lake Ontario meet the requirements 
of the IJC order; it also develops regulation plans and conducts special 
studies requested by the IJC. For more information, visit www.islrbc.org/ or 
www.ijc.org (> Boards > International St. Lawrence River Board of Control). 
To receive a weekly e-mail about water levels and flows in the Lake 
Ontario-St. Lawrence River system, please send a blank e-mail message to 
stlaw-L-subscribe@cciw.ca, with the word 'subscribe' in the title and body 
of your message. 


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