Date: August 24, 2009 

Contact: Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs

(216) 902-6020

UPDATED: U.S. Coast Guard establishes safety zone and regulated navigation area near Romeoville, IL

CLEVELAND - The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Lake Michigan has issued a safety zone closing a portion of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, in Romeoville, IL., between mile marker 296.0 and 296.7.

The waterway is closed to all non-metallic hull vessels, and all vessels under 20-feet.  A decision to open the waterway will not be considered until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completes safety tests on the barrier at the increased operating voltage of two volts per inch.  

Violation of this safety zone is punishable by a maximum civil penalty of $32,500 for each violation.  A willful violation of the safety zone may also constitute commission of a Class D felony.  A Class D felony is punishable by a fine of no more than $250,000 and/or imprisonment for not more than six years.

The USACE build the Aquatic Nuisance Species Barrier to protect the Great Lakes from the threat of Asian carp.  The construction was completed in 2002.  The barrier was initially operated at one volt per inch, but was increased to two volts per inch to repel juvenile Asian carp, that may require greater voltage to deter, or another smaller invasive species that may be identified in the future.  For more information on the history of the ANS Dispersal Barrier, CLICK HERE.

The U.S. Coast Guard's major concern with the increased capability is the real risk of severe injury or possible death that may occur if someone comes in contact with the waterway while the barrier is operating.

"Safety of the recreational and commercial mariners that transit the waterway is the Coast Guard's primary concern," said CAPT Luann Barndt, Captain of the Port and Commanding Officer of Sector Lake Michigan. "To promote safety and keep the public informed, we are engaging in an aggressive public awareness campaign to alert waterways users of current restrictions to certain vessels so they can make plans or alternative arrangements to reach their southern destinations."

CLICK HERE for the August 24, 2009 safety zone and regulated navigation area, Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, Romeoville, IL.

For information on waterway closures and safety zone enforcement, visit the U.S. Coast Guard's Fish barrier information site at http://www.uscg.fishbarrierinfo.com.

For information on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Aquatic Nuisance Species Dispersal Barrier, visit http://www.lrc.usace.army.mil/projects/fish_barrier/index.htnl.

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