NAVNOTICE# 1966 - USCG Industry Notification of CSSC closure OOA December 1, 2009

To: ALL MARINERS
From: MSO Chicago
Date: 11/13/09
Subject: USCG Industry Notification of CSSC closure OOA December 1, 2009
NAVNOTICE # 1966

Greetings:

The U.S. Coast Guard is supporting Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) effort to prevent Asian Carp from entering the Great Lakes. Attached (and below) is the initial notification of the Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal closure. This effort is still a work in progress, as operating conditions are changing rapidly. This morning we began engaging local industry partners and will continue the open dialog and invite your constructive feedback in order to minimize the impact of the waterway closure.

Respectfully,
LT Doug Salik
Chief, Waterways Management
MSU Chicago
O. 630-986-2165

INDUSTRY NOTIFICATION OF CHICAGO SANITARY SHIP CANAL SHUTDOWN

During the first week of December, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) will shut down the electric fish barrier located in the Chicago Sanitary Ship Canal (CSSC) near Romeoville, IL for required, routine maintenance. The barrier is the only physical protection against the carp entering the Great Lakes and its shutdown may present an opportunity for the destructive fish to advance up the CSSC.

Before the barrier is taken out of service, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will use a fish toxicant (rotenone) to eradicate any carp in the vicinity of the barrier. Rotenone will also kill other fish in the canal and the application and cleanup process will necessitate the temporary closure of the CSSC to all commercial and recreational boat traffic between the Lockport Lock (MM 291) to just north of the barrier (MM 298). While the toxicant will eradicate Asian carp and other fish in the canal, rotenone does not present a risk to people or other wildlife when used properly.

To increase the efficacy of the rotenone process, all barges and tugs will need to be removed from the affected area prior to the rotenone application. Specifically, all vessels will need to be moved either north of mile marker 298 or south of mile marker 291 prior to 0800 CST on December 1, 2009. All vessels will be permitted to return to the canal upon the completion of the eradication process.

The Coast Guard will manage the closure of the canal and movement of vessels from the affected area through two Safety and Security Zones which will be published in the Federal Register.

In addition to the operations in the Lockport pool, there is a possibility that a third safety and security zone will be promulgated to support operations in the vicinity of the Ruby St. boat launch at mile marker 288.5 in the Brandon Road pool. Details on those operations, and any additional restrictions, will be communicated as soon as they are finalized.

Once the application operation begins on December 2nd 2009, the Asian Carp Rapid Response Group anticipates the CSSC will need to remain closed to all vessel traffic for a minimum of four to five days.

The safety and security zones will be in effect until 18 December 2009 in the event of unexpected weather or application delays. Broadcast Notice to Mariners will include the detailed closure and waterway reopening information. The most current information on restrictions to vessels operating in the CSSC can also be found at: www.uscg.fishbarrierinfo.com.

For questions about the waterway safety and security zones and waterway closure, contact the U.S. Coast Guard at 216-902-6020.

For questions about upcoming maintenance on the Aquatic Nuisance Species Dispersal Barrier contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at 312-846-5330.

For questions about Rapid Response Group operations being conducted in conjunction with planned barrier maintenance, please contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at 217-785-0075.

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