The Manitoba government’s efforts to protect Lake Winnipeg will be supported by the International Joint Commission (IJC) recent decision to review two dairy projects in North Dakota.
“The health of Manitoba’s lakes and rivers is a top priority for our government, and we want to be sure that developments upstream don’t negatively affect Lake Winnipeg and the Red River,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes. “We are working with partners upstream and taking action at home to ensure developments address the risk of sending even more algae-causing nutrients into Lake Winnipeg. We must protect Lake Winnipeg for generations to come.”
The binational IJC has now directed its International Red River Watershed Board to review information and permits related to the proposed dairy operations. The goal is to assess how impacts on aquatic ecosystem integrity at the international boundary, including water quality and biological aspects, were considered, especially as this relates to nutrient targets for the Red River.
The minister originally wrote in June to the International Red River Watershed Board, and subsequently to North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand regarding two proposed large dairy operations in North Dakota near the Red River. The Manitoba government has sought their commitment to support work undertaken through the IJC and to take action on any recommendations identified to address potential transboundary water impacts.
