Below Are Notes From The 9/29/2011 Water Level Meeting In Greece NY.
This Meeting Was Held For A Handful Of "Invited" Property Owners

There Was A Second Meeting Later On The Same Day For Elected Officials
This Meeting Was For Selected Elected Officials

Meeting Notes & Expert Opinion Courtesy Of Dr. Dan Barletta

Notes from September 29, 2011 

On this date the International Joint Commission held a meeting at the Greece Town Hall.  The purpose was to preview to a select number of Lake Ontario riparians a proposed new regulation plan for the Lake Ontario/ St. Lawrence River system. A similar meeting was held in the Syracuse area the preceding day. 

Below are a summary of the notes taken by those in attendance.  The full length notes can be requested by subscribing the LORA Newsletter at www.loranet.org  

·         The members present at the meeting included representatives of the IJC (the PR dept, the US IJC Secretary, the LOSL Canadian and US liaisons to the LOSL study) members of NYS DEC, and NYS Dept of State. One of these NYS representatives is a member of the behind closed door committee that is developing this new planBV7. 

·         The meeting began with a PowerPoint presentation of a new proposed plan, Plan BV7.  It was developed in 9 closed door meetings held since 2009.  This presentation was in similar format as previous presentations of earlier plans.  There was a description of lake-river system, factors influencing Lake Ontario water levels; there was a listing of objectives for the new proposed plan.  They presented charts with possible water levels.  These graphs showed that the new plan would have an increased range both higher and lower than the existing plan.  However, there would be more frequent higher periods as well as lower water level periods.  These higher and lower periods would be in the spring and summer months.  Overall, the lake on average would be higher throughout the year. 

·         They had economic and environmental values in charts that pretty much were the same as Plan B+ that was put forth by the LOSL study.  There was only small decrease in damages on the Lake for Riparians and Recreational boaters.  There is still a disproportionate amount of damages for Lake Ontario shoreline as well as Lake Ontario Recreational Boaters compared to other areas of the system as with the original Plan B+ presented by the LOSL study 5 years ago. 

·         They stated that the plan was to hold a number of meetings with stakeholders, then go back for refinement of the plan then come out with information next spring along with public meetings.  This would be followed by another review and then presentation to the IJC Commissioners who would then conduct their own public meetings.  However, the plan is to be implemented by 2013.  Sure sounds like a done deal! 

·         As to the science behind this new plan

      The foundation of this new plan was based on data produced during the LOSL Study for 2000-2005.  Much of this data was found by the independent peer review to be defective. It was pointed out that the data for coastal was inaccurate.  The cost for shore protection was under   estimated by a factor of 3.  The Study used a value of approximately $1000.00 per meter whereas real-life costs are around $1000.00 or more per foot for class 1 type of protection.  

·         Wetlands.  It was stated in presentation that the plan would allow for a broader spread of water levels in the wetlands but since the major plant species in current wetlands is narrow leaf cattails which is an invasive species in the system, would this not allow for additional spread of this species?  This cattail can withstand flooding and drying without dying. The assumption about the system environment that was propagated during the LOSL Study, that the system has been damaged by the current plan 58DD continues.  At no time during the LOSL Study, or since then, has any unregulated lake like Lake Erie, been evaluated to compare Lake Ontario to establish level of damages. 

·         They stated that the Riparians on the lake have had a annual benefitted of about $27 million per year since the project was built but they say now that are asking for a 12 % reduction for riparian's and 25% for recreational boaters.  At the same time, there is no decrease in benefits for the lower river.  They implied the promise made during the 50's to get the project (seaway and dam) built with the effect of reduced fluctuations on the lake to protect the shore were no longer applicable especially since there has been damages to the ecosystem of the lake and river (see above paragraph for this false assumption) 

·         Other items pointed out to presenters:

·   The home values on the lake have increased which would increase damage values. During the study the values were based on tax assessment rolls for the year 2000.  It was pointed out during the LOSL Study that the values need amending but this was never done.  At current time in the town of Greece the home values have increased at least 26% since 2000. Additionally assessments lack behind real market values.

·   Public infrastructure there is still no accounting for damages to public land or even private lands without shore protection. 

·   With the increase in range of proposed plan and increased frequency of high levels about 247, that the public drinking water system on south shore will be affected.  Currently the intake for drinking water for 7 counties on south shore is on Edgemere Drive in the Town of Greece.  Flooding of this plant will have a widespread affect. 

·   Sewers- again, it was pointed out that much of south shore has sewers that would be affected by higher levels. 

·   The Drinking waste and Sewers affects again were pointed out in LOSL study but ignored. 

·   Flood maps.  One of the NYS representatives pointed out that the USACE is working on new flood maps that will aid with finding areas in need of mitigation.  However it was pointed out that

·   these same new maps have created different flood levels for areas separated by only a few  miles.  For example, Edgemere drive has seen a reduction of base flood plane from 251 to 250 ft. whereas Shore Acres in Hamlin now has flood plan of 253 ft. 

Other NYS representatives stated that the government will be there before any new plan is implemented with guidance (sound like a new Pamphlet!) and possibly money from some grants to help mitigate damages.  However I find this hard to believe in this fiscal time that we are in, NYS state has no money!  Note see article by Dr. Frank Sciremammano regarding mitigation discussion in Ottawa, Canada 

As you can now see it is time again for the Lake Ontario Riparians as well as Lake Ontario recreational boaters to become more resolved.  This not just the Lakeshore problem but all the ponds and embayments along the lake 

If we do not speak, the bureaucrats who are meeting in private will be determining our fate.  Even thought the LOSL Study had many scientific flaws, the one thing it did have was public involvement.   

Remember the St. Lawrence River Dam at Massena was built only because it was agreed that the extreme water levels of Lake Ontario would be ameliorated! 

If you want your voice to be heard please join us as a member of the Lake Ontario Riparian Alliance (LORA)!  The web site: www.loranet.org

 Click Here To Let Your Elected Officials Know You Are Not In Favor Of Damaging Water Levels