PROTECTION OF LAKE MICHIGAN
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The Waterways Control Center, located in the
Main Office Building, and manned around the clock,
continuously receives meteorological data, radar patterns plus information from 23
precipitation stations and 17 water level gauges. This data and information, coupled
with operational experience, are integrated by computer systems to provide the optimal
control of the 77 miles of the District's
navigable inland
waterways.
BETTER UTILIZATION OF TARP
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The Waterways Control Room is also the central information
center for the status of the three
TARP systems and
functions as the District's communication center. Predictive computer programs and
graphics, which utilize both TARP and operational information, are able to simulate
potential flooding problems; these simulations enable the dispatchers to make operational
adjustments which minimize the impact of most rainstorms. The full reduction in potential
flooding and improvement of water quality is subject to the completion of the
multi-billion gallon TARP reservoirs.
REVENUE
The outlet of the District's waterways is
controlled by the
Lockport Powerhouse. The 38 foot
drop in water elevation at this location is utilized to generate clean, efficient
hydroelectric power. The District receives a monetary credit from Commonwealth Edison for
the power generated at Lockport.
1995 |
$ 2.6 million |
57.0 million KWH |
|
1996 |
$ 2.5 million |
54.3 million KWH |
|
1997 |
$ 2.6 million |
54.6 million KWH |
|
1998 |
$ 2.5 million |
54.5 million KWH |
IMPROVED WATER QUALITY
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By United States Supreme Court Decree, the District is
allowed specific volumes of Lake Michigan water as
discretionary
diversion. Currently this volume is 270 cubic feet per second. This diversion is utilized primarily
in the critical summer months to improve the water quality of the District waterways. The
current allowable discretionary diversion for water quality improvement is directly tied
to the completion of the TARP systems. The completion of TARP will allow a reduction in
diversion without sacrificing water quality.
REVERSALS TO LAKE MICHIGAN
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The number of reversals of the District inland waterways
backflowing into Lake Michigan have been dramatically reduced with the onset of TARP and
the improved operational control of the waterways. There have been only four reversals
into Lake Michigan since November 1990.
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