[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 43 (Monday, March 5, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Page 9362]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-04319]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice: 10339]


International Joint Commission To Make Recommendations on 
Nutrient Loading and Impacts in Lakes Champlain and Memphremagog

AGENCY: Department of State.

ACTION: Notice.

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    The International Joint Commission (IJC) has released initial work 
plans relating to the reduction of nutrient loading and the causes of 
harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Lake Champlain-Missisquoi Bay and 
Lake Memphremagog basins. The Governments of Canada and the United 
States requested that the IJC undertake this work in a reference dated 
October 19, 2017.
    The governments have asked the IJC to examine current programs and 
measures to address high nutrient levels and algal blooms, and make 
recommendations on how to strengthen these efforts in both lakes. Algal 
blooms can foul shorelines, degrade water quality, and produce toxins 
that make people, wildlife and pets sick. As a result, recreational 
activities and local economies can be impacted.
    Though both lakes eventually empty into the St. Lawrence River, 
they are in separate watersheds. Because of this and other differences 
between the two systems, the IJC will carry out the work as two 
distinct projects. The IJC will present its findings and 
recommendations to governments in fall 2019.
    This work will complement existing activities regarding flooding in 
the Lake Champlain-Richelieu River basin, which are being conducted 
under a separate reference received from governments in September 2016.
    To learn more about the review of nutrient loading and impacts in 
lakes Champlain and Memphremagog, visit ijc.org/en_/lclm. Information 
on the International Lake Champlain-Richelieu River Flooding Study can 
be found on ijc.org/en_lcrr.
    If you wish to receive updates regarding the IJC's work on nutrient 
loadings and impacts in the Lake Champlain-Missisquoi Bay and Lake 
Memphremagog basins, including notice of opportunities for public 
comment, please send your contact information by email or regular mail 
to either secretary of the IJC:

Secretary, Canadian Section, 234 Laurier Avenue West, 22nd Floor, 
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6K6, [email protected]
Secretary, United States Section, 1717 H Street NW, Suite 835, 
Washington, DC 20440, [email protected]

    The International Joint Commission was established under the 
Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 to help the United States and Canada 
prevent and resolve disputes over the use of the waters the two 
countries share. Its responsibilities include investigating and 
reporting on issues of concern when asked by the governments of the two 
countries.

Charles A. Lawson,
Secretary, U.S. Section, International Joint Commission, Department of 
State.
[FR Doc. 2018-04319 Filed 3-2-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4710-14-P