[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 248 (Friday, December 27, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71522-71523]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-27946]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice: 10985]


Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909; Fargo, ND Hearing International 
Red River Board Report on Nutrient Targets

AGENCY: International Joint Commission, State.

ACTION: Notice of public hearing.

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SUMMARY: The International Joint Commission Invites Public Comment on 
Recommendations by the International Red River Board (IRRB) on proposed 
nutrient concentration objectives and nutrient load targets for the Red 
River at the boundary between the United States and Canada. Comments 
will be accepted at a public hearing to be held on January 16, 2020 in 
Fargo, North Dakota and by mail, email and on-line until February 28, 
2020. The IRRB's full report can be found on the IJC website at the 
following link: www.ijc.org/what/engagement/public-comment-IIRB-nutrient-2020. Public Hearing on IRRB's Report on Proposed Nutrient 
Water Quality Objectives:

DATES: January 16, 2020. Time: 7-9 p.m.

ADDRESSES: Delta Marriott Fargo, 1635 42nd St. SW, Fargo, ND 58103.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah Lobrichon (Ottawa), 613-992-
5368, [email protected] or Frank Bevacqua (Washington), 202-
736-9024, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission reports on water quality of 
the Red River as it crosses the boundary pursuant to a reference under 
Article IX of the Boundary Waters Treaty between the United States and 
Canada. Commission recommendations to the two federal governments under 
Article IX References of the Boundary Waters Treaty are not binding and 
not to be considered decisions of the two federal governments.
    The International Red River Board was established by the Commission 
in part to assist in reporting on the water quality of the Red River as 
it crosses the boundary and to recommend amendments or additions to the 
water quality objectives approved by the U.S. and Canadian governments 
in 1968 when considered warranted by the Commission.
    In the 2000s the IRRB identified nutrients as an issue of concern. 
The Board established a Water Quality Committee to develop 
recommendations for potential nutrient load allocations and/or targets. 
At the IRRB's September 2019 meeting the Board agreed to recommend the 
following nutrient concentration objectives and nutrient load targets 
for the Red River at the boundary between the U.S. and Canada:

Nutrient concentration objective: Total Phosphorus 0.15 mg/L; Total 
Nitrogen 1.15 mg/L
Application: Seasonal Average (April 1-October 30)
Nutrient load target: Total Phosphorus 1,400 tonnes/year; Total 
Nitrogen 9,525 tonnes/year
Application: Five year running average

    Commissioners will be present to hear comments at the above 
referenced public hearing in Fargo, North Dakota on January 16, 2020 
from 7-9 p.m. A public comment period on the IRRB's report will also be 
open through February 28, 2020. Public input is essential to the 
Commission's consideration of a recommendation to the Governments of 
the United States and Canada.
    The International Joint Commission was established under the 
Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 to help the United

[[Page 71523]]

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. www.ijc.org.

Charles A. Lawson,
Secretary, U.S. Section, International Joint Commission, Department of 
State.
[FR Doc. 2019-27946 Filed 12-26-19; 8:45 am]
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