WASHINGTON – U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10) today joined with a bi-partisan group of her Congressional colleagues to protect the Great Lakes from Asian carp and other invasive species. The measure introduced, the Permanent Prevention of Asian Carp Act, will direct the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a study for the purposes of permanently separating the Mississippi River and Great Lakes Basins, therefore preventing the further spread of Asian carp and other invasive species between the connecting water basins. Congresswoman Miller has been a staunch supporter of reversing the Chicago Area Water System and urges quick action on this measure, especially after one Bighead Asian carp was found above the electric barrier in Calumet Lake, approximately six miles downstream of Lake Michigan.

“For years, I have advocated separating the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River systems because of the diversion of water out of Lake Michigan, but the threat posed by Asian carp is just one more reason that this is an idea whose time has come. Prompt action is needed immediately to stop the spread of this and other invasive species. I urge all of Congress to act quickly and fully support this study of permanently separating the Mississippi River and Great Lakes Basins – a necessary step needed to stopping the spread of Asian carp,” Miller said. “Last week’s announcement of a live, 20-pound Bighead Asian carp found miles away from Lake Michigan is the terrible proof that we must act quickly to protect one of our nation’s most treasured natural resources, the Great Lakes. Once again, I call on President Obama to put aside his parochial interests and close these locks immediately.

“The bottom line is that this waterway and the change in flow of the Chicago River never should have been constructed over 100 years ago. You cannot upset Mother Nature this way and the threat of Asian carp is one of the prices we are now paying. I and every member supporting this legislation understands the negative impact the Chicago-area will have to face with this separation. This study will look for ways to manage any possible negative impact and provide the much needed protections for our fragile waters,” Miller concluded.

The study must begin within 30 days of the bill’s enactment, and the Army Corps must send a progress report to Congress and the President within six months and again in 12 months. The full study must be completed and given to Congress and the President 18 months after the bill is enacted. It will be monitored by the Council on Environmental Quality to ensure its thorough and timely completion.

The study will also address flooding threats, Chicago wastewater, water safety operations, and barge and recreational vessel traffic alternatives. It will examine other modes of transportation for the shipping industry and influence new engineering designs to move canal traffic from one body of water to the other without transferring invasive species.

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