The powers that be have decided the time is right for removing the ice boom from Lake Erie, a right of passage into spring and a process that is more involved than many of us may realize. A statement from the International Joint Commission indicates the New York Power Authority is removing the ice boom this week. The boom, which is made up of steel pontoons linked together, is owned by the NY Power Authority and the Ontario Power Generation. Ultimately, though, the IJC makes the determination when to remove the barrier.
The ice boom was installed in December where Lake Erie meets the Niagara River. The barrier keeps ice from flowing down river, building up and interfering with hydro-electric power production. The ice boom also reduces flooding and damage to property along the shoreline.
The decision to remove the ice barrier involves determining how much ice is left on Lake Erie. "Ice Flights" and radar imagery help the IJC figure out whether there is more than 250 square miles of ice on the eastern end of Lake Erie. Once ice levels fall below that number, the ice boom is taken out.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers oversees the removal process. The Corps' Keith Koralewski spoke with WBFO Host Jay Moran on Morning Edition Tuesday about the ice boom.
The IJC typically begins the process of making a determination when to remove the ice boom in late March, with an April 1 target date. This winter's extreme cold though meant waiting a few more weeks for ice on the lake to melt. Last year, crews began removing the barrier on April 29.
The latest start date ever for removing the ice boom was May 3, 1971.
