International Joint Commission
Mission
The International Joint Commission of Canada and the U.S. (IJC) prevents and resolves disputes between the United States of America and Canada under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty and pursues the common good of both countries as an independent and objective advisor to the two governments.
Agency Initiatives
Lake Champlain–Richelieu River Flooding Study
The IJC was directed to more fully explore the causes, impacts, risk, and solutions to flooding in the Lake Champlain–Richelieu River basin. The Study is evaluating ways to address flooding by 4 different means: (1) Reducing water levels with structural solutions, (2) Slowing watershed runoff to the lake by enhancing wetlands or storing water, (3) Enhancing flood response capabilities, and (4) Improving floodplain management, and will provide recommendations to the governments in each of these areas.
Nutrient Loading and Impacts in Lakes Champlain and Memphremagog Study
In response to public concern over harmful algae blooms (HABs), Governments asked the IJC to solicit recommendations on how to address nutrient loading in both Lake Champlain–Missisquoi Bay and Lake Memphremagog. The Study recommendations included reducing nutrient loading from agricultural lands and other developed lands, increasing understanding of nutrient inputs/outputs, developing and initiating implementation of basin-specific action plans, and strengthening current government efforts.
The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management Committee
The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Adaptive Management (GLAM) Committee is undertaking the monitoring, modeling and assessment needed to support ongoing evaluation of the regulation of water levels and flows. The report of the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence River Task Team: “Building Collaboration Across the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence River System: An Adaptive Management Plan for Addressing Extreme Water Levels” provided the basis for the GLAM Committee.
Current Projects
The Lake Champlain – Richelieu River Study
The Study is exploring the causes, impacts, risk, and solutions to flooding in the Lake Champlain – Richelieu River basin, and evaluating a range of structural and non-structural solutions to help reduce flood damages.
Other Federal Agencies Involved: NOAA, USGS, Environment Canada