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Water Issues Management —Questions and Answers Session Q. Ned Dikmen, publisher of Great Lakes Boating Magazine, asked about the information used to develop regulations A. Gerald Galloway responded, “As opposed to 1977 or 1950, it is clear that we have considerably more technical backup, such as information technology, databases, and remote sensing, to help in decision-making.” Q. Peter Annin, of the Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources, asked for clarification of the impact of dredging on lake levels A. Frank Quinn noted that maintenance dredging does not affect the levels. But dredging to deepen the draft in the connecting channels would lower upstream water levels unless compensating structures such as dikes are used to retard the flow. Q. Bill Andresen, chairman of the Great Lakes Coalition, inquired why the Corps is slow to release information about beach replenishment A. Scott Vowinkel replied that priorities change during the year because of funding constraints linked to increasing fuel costs and contractor availability. When asked about the capability of the dredging fleet, he noted that the contractors would be available if the demand is there. Q. Rochelle Sturtevant, a Sea Grant extension agent, asked about using dredge material to reclaim mine sites A. Vowinkel noted that the Corps has authority for beneficial re-uses. Q. Philip Keillor, of the Wisconsin Sea Grant, noted that public infrastructure such as pumping stations, water treatment plants, and municipal wastewater treatment plants are designed to a specific range of water levels A. Quinn said that a committee is looking at infrastructure issues as part on an ongoing International Joint Commission Lake Ontario study. Q. Tim Eder, of the National Wildlife Federation, asked “what about growth in demand for consumptive uses?” A. Galloway noted that the IJC study found a potential for demand from nearby communities, though not from far away. Quinn added that impacts on tributary flows are a concern that has not yet been addressed. Q. The question came up about MadisonÕs use of electricity for lighting versus heating. A. Jayne Somers responded that surprisingly the cityÕs use peaks in the summer. Power used for air-conditioning is greater than energy used for heating. Q. When asked whether Madison should retain nuclear in its energy mix? A. Somers cited economic and public relations reasons for eliminating the use of nuclear power Q. Jo Sandin, an environmental reporter with The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, asked whether the Chicago Diversion is Òan idea whose time is past?Ó A. Quinn replied that, because of climate change and low water levels, it might become necessary for the Corps to explore that question. Q. A question from Keillor about information needs posed by climate change A Quinn said that we need better understanding of the impacts of land use on hydrology. “Right now we don´t have the tools and models to integrate the GCMs with the impacts of changing levels on ecosystems such as wetlands,” he said. “It is important to maintain funding so that we can maintain existing data and obtain better data for policymaking and engineering.” Q. Reg Gilbert, of Great Lakes United, asked about the impacts on water movement and ecosystems. A. Quinn replied that we know that climate change will decrease ice cover, which will affect some species. Galloway added that the IJC study contains an appendix on cumulative impacts of temperature differentials. Moderator Patty Glick, of the National Wildlife Federation, added that the June 15 workshop in Milwaukee will address the impacts of climate change on water ecology. Q. George Stone, of Milwaukee Area Technical College, asked how much lower lake levels need to go before they would be unique in the historical record. A. Quinn replied that another 8-inch drop would set a new record “and if it lasts another two or three years, we will be in the area of a new record in terms of duration.” |