PROTECTION OF LAKE MICHIGAN

The Waterways Control Center, located in the Main Office Building, and manned around the clock, continuously receives meteorological data, radar patterns plus information from 23 precipitation stations and 17  water level gauges. This data and information, coupled with operational experience, are integrated by computer systems to provide the optimal control of the 77 miles of the District's navigable inland waterways.

BETTER UTILIZATION OF TARP

TARP systems and functions as the District's communication center. Predictive computer programs and graphics, which utilize both TARP and operational information, are able to simulate potential flooding problems; these simulations enable the dispatchers to make operational adjustments which minimize the impact of most rainstorms. The full reduction in potential flooding and improvement of water quality is subject to the completion of the multi-billion gallon TARP reservoirs.

REVENUE

The outlet of the District's waterways is controlled by the Lockport Powerhouse. The 38 foot drop in water elevation at this location is utilized to generate clean, efficient hydroelectric power. The District receives a monetary credit from Commonwealth Edison for the power generated at Lockport.

1995	$ 2.6 million	57.0 million KWH
1996	$ 2.5 million	54.3 million KWH
1997	$ 2.6 million	54.6 million KWH
1998	$ 2.5 million	54.5 million KWH

IMPROVED WATER QUALITY

By United States Supreme Court Decree, the District is allowed specific volumes of Lake Michigan water as discretionary diversion. Currently this volume is 270 cubic feet per second. This diversion is utilized primarily in the critical summer months to improve the water quality of the District waterways. The current allowable discretionary diversion for water quality improvement is directly tied to the completion of the TARP systems. The completion of TARP will allow a reduction in diversion without sacrificing water quality.

REVERSALS TO LAKE MICHIGAN

The number of reversals from the Chicago Area Waterways to Lake Michigan have been reduced with the onset of TARP. There are two types of reversals: gate reversals and lock reversals. The more common is a gate reversal which is characterized by a smaller volume of water released through gates adjacent to the lock. The other type of reversal is a lock reversal during which the locks are opened to maximize flow. Lock reversals allow a much greater volume of water to flow back to the Lake. They are only necessary in cases of severe storms and have only occurred three times between 2000 and 2010.