IJC Encourages Canadian and United States Governments to Implement Recommendations to Reduce Flooding Risks in the Lake Champlain-Richelieu River Basin

OTTAWA, ON and WASHINGTON, February 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – The International Joint Commission (IJC) submitted its recommendations to the Canadian and United States’ Governments on reducing risks and possible solutions for flooding in the Lake Champlain-Richelieu River basin.

After over 5 years of intense research, collaboration and engagement efforts, the International Lake Champlain-Richelieu River Study Board (Board) submitted its final report to the IJC Aug 2022. The report examines the causes, impacts, risks, and possible solutions for flooding in the Lake Champlain-Richelieu River basin Quebec, Vermont and new York.

After a consultation phase that included public hearings in autumn 2022, the IJC endorsed all of the committee’s recommendations in its final report and informed both governments December 2022. The IJC is confident that the study recommendations are concrete and workable.

In its letter, the IJC highlights some important study highlights, such as:

• Developed viable options to reduce future flooding;
• Improved Lake Champlain-Richelieu River Basin Flood Prediction Modeling System; and,
• New tools for simulating flooding and flood effects in the catchment area.

Concrete action by governments on the recommendations is important given the serious risk of future flooding, which will be exacerbated by climate change. The IJC calls on governments to endorse and implement all study recommendations and that implementation be timely.

The IJC remains committed to assisting both governments by assisting in the development of plans to implement each recommendation and subsequent implementation.

quotes

“I would like to commend the Board once again for their professionalism, rigor and commitment throughout the study and for making clear recommendations to the IJC and both governments. The research and science generated during the study is a legacy that will be useful to tank residents, partners and stakeholders for years to come.”

Pierre Béland, Commissioner and Canadian President

“During the public comment, basin residents, indigenous communities and stakeholders made it clear to the IJC Commissioners that they expect swift action from governments. The IJC is confident that the recommendations are specific and actionable, which will help reduce future flood risks and build resilience in the basin.”

Rob SisonCommissioner and Acting Chairman of the United States

Fast Facts

• In 2016, the IJC established the International Lake Champlain-Richelieu River Study Board to conduct a study of the causes and effects of the 2011 floods and make recommendations to mitigate future flood risks in the basin according to the reference received The United States and Canadian governments pursuant to Article IX of the Boundary Waters Treaty.
• The Board submitted its final report and recommendations to the IJC Aug 2022.
• off in March 2023Data and products, including tools, models and maps, produced by the Study Committee are published.
• Investments by the US and Canadian governments in the reference study amounted to almost 14 million dollars (CAD/USD), making it one of the most significant commitments for an IJC study in recent years.
• The Board’s work was a highly collaborative effort of over 100 professionals from the US and Canadaincluding contributions from indigenous communities, federal agencies, the states new York and Vermontthe province Quebecand many other bodies and organizations.
• The IJC collected public feedback on the Board’s study recommendations during a public comment period August 19 to October 14, 2022 This included in-person and virtual hearings.
• The IJC endorsed all of the Board’s recommendations in its final report and calls on the Canadian and US governments to support and implement any recommendations addressed to them.

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SOURCE Joint International Commission