ITCS Memo# 2592 - Updated MSU Chicago BNM for ILR High Water

To: RIAC
From: IRCA Chairman
Date: 8/27/07
Subject: Updated MSU Chicago BNM for ILR High Water
ITCS Memo # 2592

MARINE SAFETY UNIT CHICAGO ISSUES THE FOLLOWING SAFETY
ADVISORY:
A. THERE ARE CURRENTLY LOCKING RESTRICTIONS AT STARVED ROCK LOCK AT MM 231.0, MARSEILLES LOCK AT MM 244.5, AND DRESDEN LOCK AT MM 271. VESSELS APPROACHING THESE LOCKS MUST CONFIGURE LOADED BARGES ON THE GUIDE WALL SIDE OF THE TOW AND LOCKING DOUBLES REQUIRES AN ASSIST VESSEL AT STARVED ROCK LOCK IN EITHER DIRECTION.
B. ZONE 9 (MILES 200 - 230.9), ZONE 10 (MILES 231-244.6), AND ZONE
11 (MILES 244.7-271.5) ON THE ILR ARE CURRENTLY IN THE HIGH WATER RECOVERY PHASE OF THE ILR WATERWAYS ACTION PLAN ANNEX. ZONE 8 (MILES 181-199.9) IS CURRENTLY IN THE HIGH WATER WATCH PHASE.
C. ALL TOWING VESSELS SHOULD PROCEED AT THE SLOWEST SAFE OPERATING SPEED BASED UPON PREVAILING CONDITIONS IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE WAKE DAMAGE.
D. DUE TO HIGH RIVER LEVELS, DRIFT OF DEBRIS MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH NAVIGATION, AND IT MAY DRAG BUOYS OFF STATION AND SEVER BUOYS FROM THEIR MOORINGS.
E. ALL MARINERS SHOULD USE EXTRA CAUTION AND BE ESPECIALLY VIGILANT DURING ALL BRIDGE AND LOCK APPROACHES IN THESE ZONES DUE TO SWIFT CURRENTS.
F. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT MSU CHICAGO AT 630-986-2155.