The International Joint Commission (IJC) has released recommendations for a plan of study (PDF) for flooding tendencies in the Lake Champlain Richelieu River basin. The study comes in response to the 2011 flooding that damaged nearly 4,000 homes and caused millions of dollars in damage. The recommendations included proposals for analyzing the causes of the 2011 flood, as well as study into potential structural and non-structural flood mitigation measures.
“The recommended study will improve understanding of the positive and negative impacts of structural and non-structural flood mitigation option and their impact on the basin’s resources, environment, and multiple water users,” said Commissioner Dereth Glance.
The IJC developed three unique study options which it presented to the governments of Canada and the United States. The most highly recommended study would cost $14 million over five years.
“In determining appropriate action for the common good, a comprehensive study would rely on public engagement and the involvement of authorities at all levels,” said Commissioner Benoît Bouchard. “We are hoping the Canadian and U.S. governments act quickly on the recommendations in our plan of study.”