INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION

INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION IN THE MATTER OF EMERGENCY REGULATION OF THE LEVEL OF RAINY LAKE AND OF OTHER BOUNDARY WATERS IN THE RAINY LAKE WATERSHED TEMPORARY SUPPLEMENTARY ORDER December 8, 2023 To the Official Compilation Prescribing the Method of Regulating the Levels of Boundary Waters dated September 13, 2018 WHEREAS The IJC, as part of the broader review and amendment of the regulation o. [...] The WLC asked that the IJC amend its 2018 Order in order to eliminate the HFRRC and adopt a single, broader rule curve; The IRLWWB wrote the IJC on January 30, 2023, supporting the WLC’s proposed changes, stating “The International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board (IRLWWB)is aware of and endorses the Water Levels Committee’s proposed changes to the 2018 Supplementary Orders regarding the Hi. [...] As outlined by the WLC, the proposed amendment seeks to improve WLC public communication and perception of the regulation system for Rainy Lake, as well as provide flexibility in water level targets to any changes in hydrologic conditions after the March 10 decision”; The IJC approved the change to a single rule curve on March 3, 2023, issuing a Temporary Supplementary Order for the spring of 2023. [...] The extension will also allow time to receive public feedback on the rule curve change and to assess performance of the extended rule curve under a variety of conditions and scenarios through additional modeling, both of which will help inform the WLC’s recommendation on whether to make the [March] Temporary Order permanent.” The IJC is supportive of this request, and is of the view that an additi. [...] Prior to making any permanent changes to the HFRRC, the IJC will provide all interested parties a convenient opportunity to be heard regarding the proposed changes; and After assessing the performance of the single rule curve for an additional year, including by reviewing public comments and the WLC’s assessment of all impacts associated with the single rule curve, the IJC will consider making the.