Rep. Dave Camp (R-Mich.) detailed measures that need to be taken on Monday to stop Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes.
“Hydrologically separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins is the only sure way to protect the Great Lakes, and the $7 billion industry they support, from the threat of Asian carp…” Camp said.
The Army Corps of Engineers has studied the issue and is scheduled to deliver an expedited action plan to stop the spread of Asian carp to Congress by Jan. 6.
“…I look forward to reviewing the Army Corps of Engineer’s research and action plan to begin working towards a permanent solution,” Camp said.
The Stop Invasive Species Act, which was signed into law in July 2012, directed the Army Corps of Engineers to devise a plan to hydrologically separate the Mississippi River from Great Lakes basin.
The Army Corps of Engineers was directed to focus specifically on the Chicago-area waterway system, which was deemed the most likely route for Asian carp to enter the Great Lakes.
Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) said Asian carp and other invasive species threaten the livelihoods of millions in the Great Lakes basin.
“Asian carp pose a significant threat to the future health of the Great Lakes and the millions of Americans who rely on this national treasure for their livelihood,” Slaughter said. “The Corps’ long-awaited action plan will be a critical step in our efforts to permanently protect the Great Lakes from this damaging threat.”