A group made up of both Canadian and American delegates has been tasked with investigating flooding and water supply issues in the Souris River Basin.

The International Joint Commission (IJC) has appointed the International Souris River Study Board and issued a directive to investigate flooding and water supply issues in the Souris River basin. The study was requested by the governments of Canada and the United States.

RM of Two Borders Reeve Debbie McMechan is a board member with the International Souris River Study Board. “I’m part of an international group that looks into thing along the Souris River. The latest directive has us zoning in on all the flooding that has been happening along the Souris River.”

The governments have asked the Commission to coordinate the completion of the full scope of the IJC’s 2013 Plan of Study and evaluate and make recommendations regarding the Operating Plan contained in Annex A to the 1989 International Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America for Water Supply and Flood Control in the Souris River Basin. Among other things, the agreement coordinates the operation of dams and reservoirs in the basin.

The study will examine the hydrology of the basin and make recommendations to reduce flooding and water supply risks. It may address additional flood protection measures beyond those contained in the 1989 agreement.
“We haven’t met yet but my understanding is we look at how research and study dollars could be applied and what we will study.”

McMechan says if you want to make things better you have to know where to start.
The group is tasked with coming up with recommendations for both governments. “It’s my understanding that any suggestions coming from our group will be taken seriously. From what I understand past recommendations had a lot of weight with government.”

The study will also facilitate the collaboration among various federal, state, provincial and local agencies, the public and Native American Tribes, First Nations, and Métis located within the basin. Subject to the availability of adequate funding, the IJC is to report to the two federal governments within three years.

“I’m quite excited about this process because we all want the same thing. The scientists at the table will want better water quality and healthier waterways. Others on the group like myself will want a health, maintained and well controlled water system.