[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Page 8087]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-02835]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice: 11019]


Winnipeg, MB, Canada Hearing International Red River Board Report 
on Nutrient Targets

ACTION: Notice of public hearing; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The International Joint Commission is having a meeting and 
request 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. 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.

DATES: Public Hearing: February 12, 2020, 7-9 p.m.; Comments due: 
February 28, 2020.

ADDRESSES: The public hearing will be held at Four Points by Sheraton 
Hotel Winnipeg South, 2935 Pembina Highway Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada 
R3T 2H5. Comments will be accepted by the following methods:
     Public hearing: 2935 Pembina Highway Winnipeg, Manitoba, 
Canada R3T 2H5.
     Mail: 1717 H Street NW, Suite 845, Washington, DC 20006.
     Email: [email protected].

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 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on February 12, 
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 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.

Frank L. Bevacqua,
Public Information Officer, U.S. Section, International Joint 
Commission, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2020-02835 Filed 2-11-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4710-14-P