CHICAGO—AUGUST 5, 2010—From Sept. 7 to 11, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal will be unavailable for recreational boating transit during certain hours. The U.S. Coast Guard anticipates establishing a safety zone on the canal to support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the installation of underwater electric barrier structures designed to prevent the spread of the Bighead Asian carp. This initiative will close the waterway to all traffic during certain periods of time. Details are subject to change, but the Coast Guard recognizes the importance of providing maximum advance notice.

WHERE: The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in the vicinity of the barrier, likely from mile 296.1 (approx 450’ south of the Romeo Road Bridge) to MM 296.7 (aerial pipeline located approx 0.51 miles northeast of Romeo Road bridge).

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., each day from Sept. 7 through Sept. 11.

This is an advisory for Great Lakes boaters on southern Lake Michigan who use the canal for transit during the migratory period. 

Please direct any questions to Cmdr. Charlie Tenney, prevention chief, Sector Lake Michigan at (414) 747-7163 or to Lt. Cmdr. Sean Brady, executive officer, Marine Safety Unit Chicago at (630) 986-2155.

“This joint effort by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard comes at a critical migratory time period for boaters of the region returning to their dry storage yards on the Chicago River. Boaters are advised to coordinate their returns with these time periods and Chicago bridge openings,” said Ned Dikmen, chairman of the Great Lakes Boating Federation, voice to 4.3 million boaters on the Great Lakes.