Lake Erie Water Level Study. Appendix F. Environmental Effects.
Abstract
This appendix presents the environmental evaluation carried out by the International Lake Erie Regulation Study Board of potential changes in water quality, wildlife and fish resources resulting from limited regulation of Lake Erie. Each of these three areas was generally addressed according to available methodology and data. The results of the evaluations are presented for each lake as potential systemic impacts and for the Niagara and St. Lawrence River as potential structural impacts. The Water Quality evaluation included an investigation of seven water quality characteristics: turbidity, embayment flushing, change in the size of the hypolimnion, Cladophora growth, phosphorus concentrations, waste water discharge and general water quality. The wildlife evaluation investigated the effects of the regulation plans on wildlife resources and habitat with respect to systemic, construction and operation induced impacts. Changes in four vegetation zones and seven wetland types were predicted. The effects of habitat changes on wildlife species were also described. The possible impact of water level regulation on the fish resources was inferred from changes to the wetland communities, changes in water quality characteristics, and some data on relative spawning success of fish which may be influenced by the particular water levels during spawning/incubation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA114590