Media Release from the International Niagara Board of Control

INSTALLATION PLANNED TO BEGIN DECEMBER 16, 2015

BURLINGTON, ONTARIO —– Placement of the 22 spans of the Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom is about to start.

 
Each winter since 1964, the Lake Erie-Niagara River Ice Boom has been installed near the outlet of Lake Erie to reduce the amount of ice entering the Niagara River. Reduction in ice entering the river reduces the potential for ice jams which can result in damage to shoreline property and significantly reduce water flow for hydro-electric power production.

 
Under the Commission’s 1999 Supplementary Order of Approval, placement of the spans may begin when the Lake Erie water temperature at Buffalo reaches 4ºC (39ºF) or on December 16, whichever comes first. Installation of the ice boom is planned to begin on Wednesday, December 16, weather permitting.

 
Ownership as well as the cost of operating and maintaining the boom is shared equally by the New York Power Authority and Ontario Power Generation. Installation, operation and removal of the boom is done by the New York Power Authority. The use of the boom is authorized by the International Joint Commission with its International Niagara Board of Control overseeing its installation, operation and removal.

The 2.7-kilometre (1.7-mile) long boom is installed at the outlet of Lake Erie, at the entrance to the Niagara River, to promote the formation and strengthening of a naturally occurring ice arch that reduces the amount of ice entering the Niagara River. The ice boom has substantially reduced the severity, number and duration of ice runs from Lake Erie into the Niagara River.

 
Severe storms with westerly winds may overcome the stability of the ice arch and force large masses of ice against the boom. The boom is designed so that when this occurs, it submerges and allows the ice to override it until the pressure is relieved. Once the storm subsides, the boom resurfaces and restrains ice which otherwise would flow down the river. The ice boom does not inhibit the flow of water out of the lake into the Niagara River.

 
The International Joint Commission’s International Niagara Board of Control will monitor the operation of the boom and ice conditions throughout the winter.

 
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For more information contact Derrick Beach, Canadian Secretary
International Niagara Board of Control at (905