Critics call Devils Lake deal 'a joke'

[CHIMO]

Ottawa — Canada capitulated to American interests in signing a deal that does little to protect Canadian waterways from invasive species that could flow out of Devils Lake in North Dakota as early as this week, critics and environmental groups charge.

"It's pretty much of a joke," said Milt Sauer, chairman of a U.S. environmental group called People to Save the Sheyenne which is also fighting to stop a man-made outlet from draining water off the lake and into the Sheyenne River then into the Red River and Lake Winnipeg.

"I think it got to the point where they realized nothing was going to happen so, to save some face, they are saying that we've reached an agreement and this is going to help. But it is nothing in reality."

Critics in this country say the deal was little more than a face-saving measure signed at the last minute when it became apparent that nothing that would stop North Dakota Governor John Hoeven from opening the $28-million outlet that has just been completed.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050808.wxdevil08/BNStory/National/

http://www.cbc.ca/manitoba/features/devilslake/



Folks this is a precedent setting decision for the IJC. In my opinion what this means is that now Canada/US agreement is not required to change water related issues affecting both countries. The decisions will only be applicable to the laws of the individual countries. Lets call it a Bolton agreement from now on. Canada should have gone to the wall on this issue.

[cubschicago]

1. Fish don't swim upstream?

:shrug:

[CHIMO]

2. Sewage Flows

Downstream. Pulp mills, steel mills and all other industrial waste flows downstream. Companies are just waiting to export water. If one state or provincial government decides to sell a common asset it now only has to deal with its national laws and politics.

Spawning salmon swim upstream.