For additional information pertaining to the fish barrier operation, please contact Lynne Whelan with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District at (312) 846-5330 or via e-mail at
lynne.e.whelan@usace.army.mil
 
For information regarding vessel safety, please contact LT Larry Ouzts with the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Chicago at (630) 986-2155 or via email to:
Walter.L.Ouzts@uscg.mil

     The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Coast Guard have begun a safety campaign to advise boaters how to safely transit over the electric fish barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Romeoville, IL. A portion of the canal near the barrier system has been a Regulated Navigation Area for passage of vessels since 2005.
     The Corps of Engineers and Coast Guard have expanded their safety information campaign following the findings of a draft report that indicates the effect of the barrier’s electric field on a person immersed in the electrified water could result in serious injury or death. The Corps commissioned the report to determine the potential effects of the barrier’s electric field should a person fall into the water. The final report will not be available until later this Spring, but the Corps of Engineers and Coast Guard have decided to begin an expanded education and information campaign now in order to reach people before the start of the Chicago area boating season.
     The key message is to inform boaters to use extreme caution while traveling in the Sanitary and Ship Canal between River Miles 296.1 to 296.7. This area is bounded approximately by the power plant near the Romeo Road bridge and an aerial pipeline arch. While traveling through the area, boaters are advised to take the following precautions:

• Do not enter the water or place hands or feet in the water for any reason.
• Be sure to closely supervise children and pets or send them below deck if possible.
• Do not linger or attempt to moor in the area.