The Herald News
By Joe Hosey Staff Writer
Posted Sunday, July 1, 2007

A thin line keeps the voracious Asian fish from overrunning Lake Michigan, and Illinois taxpayers should not have to shoulder the cost of keeping it running, U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Hinsdale, said.

Biggert pushed for a provision that would require the federal government to foot the bill for the long-term operation of Asian carp dispersal barriers, such as the two on the Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal near Romeoville. This would save the state about $1 million a year over the course of the barriers' existence.

The Army Corps of Engineers began operating a temporary demonstration barrier in 2002. The barrier was to last two or three years, when a permanent carp-proof fence could be built.

The permanent barrier was designed to be constructed in northerly and southerly halves that can operate independently or in conjunction. Construction of one half has been completed but is not operational. An emergency operating plan, however, is in place.

Testing of the permanent barrier and meetings between agencies must still be conducted before bringing the new anti-carp measure on line.

At Biggert's request, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee included language in the Water Resources Development Act that would upgrade the demonstration barrier to make it permanent, operate and maintain the two barriers as a system, and study the full range of options and technologies available to prevent the inter-basin transfer of aquatic species.

"When all is said and done, it simply makes sense to upgrade the existing demonstration barrier to provide redundant protection," Biggert said. "In the case of preventing invasive species from endangering the ecosystem of the Great Lakes, no precaution is too great."

Especially, she pointed out, with so much hanging in the balance.

"If the Asian carp reach Lake Michigan and multiply in number, they could devastate the ecosystem of the Great Lakes and endanger the multi-billion (dollar) commercial fishing industry," Biggert said.

Contact Joe Hosey at (815) 729-6054 or e-mail him at jhosey@scn1.com.