Supervisor Bill Reilich has announced that a letter has been sent to International Joint Commission Chairwoman Lana Pollack calling on the board to maintain or increase Lake Ontario outflows.
The U.S. Chair of the International Joint Commission was issued a letter today requesting that the entity maximize outflows from the Lake Ontario system to reduce the flooding risk for New York shoreline residents and businesses. A copy of the letter sent by Supervisor Bill Reilich is attached to this release.
If the IJC reduces outflows, shoreline residents would face similar flooding situations as last year. The IJC must sustain or increase the outflow levels in order to decrease the chances of potential flooding. The letter sent to the IJC requests that the outflow decisions be made in accordance with the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty which call for the equitable sharing of this burden between New York and the Montreal region.
The Town of Greece has already begun deploying sang bags, sandbagging equipment, a berm structure, new piping, and other response assets to ensure minimal damage in the event of flooding this year. The Department of Environmental Conservation is also assisting residents through its continued efforts in the emergency permitting process, which allows property owners to bolster break-walls and other protective structures. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has already started to install aqua dams and sandbags along portions of Lake Ontario in anticipation of flooding this spring.
“Since its launch, I have opposed the International Joint Commissions plan to raise the lake levels and advocated against its implementation. I have contacted International Joint Commission Chairwoman Lana Pollack asking her and the IJC Board to maximize outflows from the Lake Ontario system, which will minimize potential flooding this year. Town of Greece residents experienced significant damages during the flooding events last year due to the decisions made by the IJC. I am asking the IJC Board to start making decisions in accordance with the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty, which calls for equitable sharing between New York and the Montreal region. I will continue contacting the the IJC and other government officials until a plan that takes into account our water-front residents is adopted” said Supervisor Reilich.
April 3, 2018
Honorable Lana Pollack
Chairwoman, U.S. Section
International Join Commission
1717 H Street NW, Suite 801
Washington, DC 20006
Dear Chairwoman Pollack:
I am reaching out to you on behalf of Town of Greece shoreline residents and businesses to officially request the International Joint Commission Board to either maintain or increase Lake Ontario water outflows. Maximizing outflows from the Lake Ontario system will aid in reducing the flooding risk for New Yorkers living and working along the shoreline.
If the decision is made by the IJC Board to reduce Lake Ontario outflows, Town of Greece residents will face similar flooding issues as last year. Outflow levels must be increased in order to decrease the chances of potential flooding. I request that the outflow decisions be made in accordance with the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty. By adhering to this treaty, the IJC can once again equitably share the water flow burden between New York and the Montreal region. This will limit the potential of flooding and ensure the protection of the public for both regions.
The Town of Greece has already begun implementing proactive measures to assist residents and business owners in preparation for the potential of flooding this year. We have begun deploying sand bags, sandbagging equipment, a berm structure, a new piping system, and other response assets to ensure minimal damage in the event of flooding this year. Additionally, an aqua dam was recently requested and we are anticipating its arrival to help with the possible flooding.
With Greece water-front residents concerned about the potential for flooding this year, I implore you to take reasonable actions to minimize that possibility, including maximizing outflows from the Lake Ontario system to reduce the flooding risk for New York residents and businesses. The problems associated with high water levels should not fall disproportionately on New York’s shorelines.
Since its launch, I have opposed the International Joint Commissions plan to raise the lake levels and advocated against its implementation. In the best interest of my constituents, I implore you and the IJC Board to maximize outflows from the Lake Ontario system.Town of Greece residents experienced significant damages during the flooding events last year due to the decisions made by the IJC. From the start, I have been advocating for Greece residents and calling on the IJC to make decisions in accordance with the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty. I will continue contacting the IJC until a plan that takes into account our water-front residents is adopted.
If I can be of any further assistance to you please do not hesitate to contract my office at
(585) 723-2311 with any further questions.
Sincerely,
William D. Reilich
Supervisor
Town of Greece