Search
E-News Signup
Contact Judy Button
Search Bill
-
The Path to Prosperity
Click here, to view the Path to Prosperity
![]() |
The Plainfield Sun, 02-16-10: Groups fight over plan to fight Asian carp
02/16/10
By Kim Smith
February 16, 2010
A group of environmentalists met Friday prior to an EPA public hearing with the Asian Carp Workgroup to discuss their concerns over the latest plan to keep the invasive species from infiltrating the
While coming short of calling for a complete closing of the
"The government's plan is like a list of ingredients without a recipe," said Andy Buchsbaum, regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federation's
$78.5 million plan
The recently released $78.5 million plan calls for new barriers to be constructed along the
The plan also called for more DNA testing with speedier results. Last month, DNA tests revealed Asian carp have already made it into the waters of
Joel Brammeier, CEO and president of the Great Lakes Alliance, said only 1,000 recreational boats pass through
Jobs on the line?
Andy Buchsbaum, regional director of the National Wildlife Federation, said the closing of the lock system would actually create more jobs as businesses seek alternate transportation, contradicting claims made by local officials.
Local officials say closing the locks would jeopardize the millions of tons of cargo that use the canals. In 2008, nearly 7 million tons of cargo passed through the O'Brien and Chicago locks.
On Friday, U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete, and Judy Biggert, R-Hinsdale, met with members of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to stress the importance of protecting local jobs.
"Even reduced operation of the locks will have a devastating impact on our region's economy and would result in a loss of jobs and higher prices for consumers," Halvorson said.
Halvorson said if the corn industry alone began shipping their products on highways instead of the waterways, it would cost an additional $500 million a year.
Slow attack
Asian carp were brought to the
The bighead and silver Asian carp are targeted because of their ability to scarf 40 percent of their weight a day in plankton, eliminating food for species sought by the commercial and sport fishing industries -- a $7.5 billion a year business.
Silver Asian carp have been described as live missiles for their ability to leap high into the air into boats, which could wreak havoc on the $16 billion recreational boating industry.
Both species can grow up to 4 feet long and 100 pounds. Females can carry up to a million eggs and spawn multiple times each season.