Date: April 9, 2009

Contact: Lt.j.g. Jerry Federer
(630) 986-2155, phone

 Army Corps announces activation of new electric barrier,
Coast Guard reinforces safety

CHICAGO - The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is informing all marine industry and Illinois waterway users of the current operational status of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Electrical Dispersal Fish Barrier located on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) at river mile marker 296.5, near Lockport, Ill.

Chicago District USACE activated a new electric barrier, known as Barrier IIA, in the CSSC as part of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Dispersal Barrier, Wednesday, at 1 p.m., central standard time.  

Since 2002, the USACE has been operating a similar demonstration barrier in the CSSC.  Both Barriers, IIA and the demonstration barrier, will operate at the same time to provide redundant back up at an equivalent field strength of one-volt per inch.  The purpose of the barriers is to block the passage of aquatic nuisance species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. Currently, the greatest concern for the Coast Guard is facilitating safe navigation through the electrified water.

To address the safety concerns near the fish barrier, a Coast Guard Temporary Interim Rule (TIR), Docket number 2008-1247, became effective on January 17, 2009.  The TIR was published and is available for public view in the Federal Register at the Federal eRulemaking Portal, http://www.regulations.gov. 

The Coast Guard TIR established a regulated navigation area (RNA) and safety zone in the navigable waters located adjacent to and over the barrier system, placing navigational and operational restrictions on all vessels transiting the navigable waters.  The RNA encompasses all waters of the CSSC between river mile 295.0 and 297.5.  The activation of Barrier IIA now requires all commercial vessels certificated to carry, in bulk, any hazardous material as defined in 46 CFR - 150.115 to be escorted through the area by an USACE contracted bow boat.  A bow boat is a towing vessel capable of providing positive control of the bow of a tow while transiting the RNA.

All commercial and recreational mariners are reminded to exercise extreme caution while traveling the CSSC from the Romeo Road Bridge to the pipeline arch, river mile 296.1 to 296.7.  While transiting the area boaters are advised to: remain seated, stay out of the water, keep hands and feet out of the water, and closely supervise children and pets or send them below deck. All personnel on open decks are required to wear a Coast Guard-approved Type I personal flotation device and are prohibited to linger or attempt to moor in the restricted area.   

The Coast Guard is working in conjunction with the USACE, inter-agency members, marine industry waterway users and public stakeholders in a Fish Barrier Safety Work group.  By continuing to carefully manage the project, the Coast Guard in collaboration with the USACE, is working diligently to preserve the Great Lakes as an environmentally/navigationally safe commercial, economic, and recreational resource.

Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Chicago has issued a broadcast notice to mariners, which will be transmitted via Sector Lake Michigan on VHF marine radio channel 16.  Please do not hesitate to contact MSU Chicago for any questions or concerns you may have at 630.986.2155.

Click on the following link for an official Coast Guard photo of the fish barrier:

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=517957

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