Final Approved November 29, 2016

MINUTESINTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION

Fall Semi-Annual MeetingOttawa, Ontario

Executive MeetingOctober 24-27, 2016

The International Joint Commission met in Executive Session at the CanadianSection Office in Ottawa, October 24-27,2016,8:30 AM to 5:00 PM EDT. withGordon Walker in the Chair

COMMISSIONERSGordon WalkerLana PollackRich MoyBenoit BouchardRichard Morgan

Chair, Canadian SectionChair, U.S. SectionCommissioner, U.S. SectionCommissioner, Canadian SectionCommissioner, Canadian Section

SECTION STAFFChuck LawsonCamille MageauPaul AllenGlenn BenoyFrank BevacquaAntionette CadePierre-Yves CauxMark ColosimoSusan DanielDave DempseyDavid FayMark GabrielNick HeislerSamantha KlausMichael LaittaBrian MaloneyShannon Runyon

Secretary, U.S. SectionSecretary, Canadian SectionMgr, Policy, Communications, Canadian SectionSenior Science Advisor, Canadian SectionPublic Information Officer, U.S. SectionSpecial Assistant, U.S. SectionDirector, Sciences, Engineering, Canadian Section.Engineering Advisor, U.S. SectionLegal Advisor, U.S. SectionPolicy Advisor, U.S. SectionSenior Engineering Advisor, Canadian SectionEngineering Advisor, U.S. SectionSenior Advisor, Canadian SectionEnvironmental Officer, Canadian SectionGIS Coordinator, U.S. SectionSpecial Assistant, U.S. SectionSenior Advisor, U.S. Section

Vic ServeissCindy WarwickShane Zurbrigg

Ecologist, U.S. SectionPolicy Advisor, Canadian SectionLegal Advisor, Canadian Section

GREAT LAKES REGIONAL OFFICE STAFFPatricia MorrisAntonette ArvaiRaj BejankiwarJennifer BoehmeMark BurrowsMatthew ChildSally Cole-MischLizhu WangJohn Wilson

DirectorPhysical ScientistPhysical ScientistPhysical ScientistPhysical ScientistPhysical ScientistPublic Affairs Officer·Physical ScientistPhysical Scientist

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

1. Commissioners approved the agenda with the addition of two additionalbusiness items.

BRING-FORWARD SYSTEM

2. Prior to the Executive session, Commissioners reviewed recentcorrespondence between the Commission and the governments.

ACTION ITEMS LIST, COMMUNICATIONS ACTIVITIES LIST, ANDCOORDINATED SCHEDULE

3. Commissioners were provided with an updated Action Item List,Communications Activities List, and Coordinated Schedule.

AUDIT OF SECTION OFFICES

4. Commissioners were provided with an update of the financial audits beingconducted of the Washington ~nd Ottawa offices by DOS and GACrespectively.

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MODERNIZA TION OF THE IJC WEBSITE

5. Commissioners received an update on plans for the modernization of the IJCwebsite, approved the development of a Request for Proposal, and requestedthat staff prepare a detailed work plan and budget for consideration at theJanuary Executive.

STRATEGIC PLAN

6. Commissioners reviewed and approved the current version of the strategicplan, its posting on the Commission website and transmission togovernments.

GREAT LAKES TRIENNIAL ASSESSMENT OF PROGRES REPORT

7. Commissioners provided staff with direction on the both the TAP TechnicalAppendix and the TAP report and were briefed on the production and reviewschedule for both draft documents.

BOARD DECISION MAKING

8. Due to time constraints, the revised draft of guidance on decision making bythe boards was not reviewed but will be submitted for decision by polling.

INTERNATIONAL WATERSHEDS INITIATIVE

9. Due to time constraints, the update on International Watersheds InitiativeCIWI)activities will be provided to Commissioners via an information note.

LAKE CHAMPLAIN-RICHELIEU RIVER FLOODING STUDY

10. Commissioners received an update on preparations to initiate the LakeChamplain-Richelieu River flooding study. They approved: 1) theestablishment of the Lake Champlain-Richelieu River Study Board; 2)appointments of Mr. Jean-Francois Cantin to be Canadian Chair of the studyboard and Mr. Keith Robinson to be the U.S. Chair of the study board for theduration of the study; and 3) in principle the directive for the study board.

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REVIEW OF WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES

11. A) Water Quality Objectives ReviewCommissioners provided additional guidance on the draft paper regardingthe review of water quality objectives in the St. Croix, Rainy-Lake of theWoods, Red, and Souris basins, requesting that a revised draft be preparedfor the their consideration at the December Executive meeting.

B) Water Quality in the Transboundary RegionCommissioners reviewed and approved, as amended, the transmittal letter togovernments and the revised background paper regarding threats to waterquality in the transboundary region.

C) International Souris River Board Water Quality Objective ChangeCommissioners approved sending a letter to governments endorsing theboard's request that E-coli be added to the ISRB's water quality objective toreplace the current fecal coliform objective.

D) Lake of the Woods Binational Science Plan briefing

Commissioners received information on the governments' binational scienceplan to address water quality in Lake of the Woods.

OTHER BUSINESS

12. A) International Lake Superior Board of Control AppointmentCommissioners appointed Mr. Jean-Francois Cantin as the Canadian co-chair of the International Lake Superior Board of Control for a 3 year termbeginning October 26, 2016 and ending October 31, 2019.

B) Informal discussions with governmentsCommissioners agreed to a number of clarification questions to be put togovernments regarding the proposed Lake Ontario -. St Lawrence RiverRegulation Order of Approval

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DECISIONS TAKEN VIA POLLING

Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities InitiativeOn October 21, 2016, commissioners approved: 1) a response to a letter from theChair of the Initiative sent to the commission regarding the decision made underthe Great Lakes Compact and Agreement concerning the Waukesha diversionrequest; and 2) a response to a letter from the mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario,on the same matter.

International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed BoardOn October 20,2016, commissioners approved the appointment of Ms. HollaceHouse to be a U.S. member of the board for a three-year term, effective October18,2016, to October 17,2019.

International Souris River BoardOn October 19,2016, commissioners approved the appointment ofMr. GarlandErbele to be the U.S. Co-Chair of the board for a three-year term, effective October18,2016, to October 17,2019.

International Red River BoardOn October 11,2016, commissioners approved the reappointment of Ms. StellaFedeniuk as a Canadian member of the board for a three-year term, effective fromJuly 9,2016, to July 8, 2019.

Lake of the Woods Water QualityOn October 5,2016, commissioners approved a letter to the governments, asamended, responding to the governments' July 26,2016, letter that provided thegovernments' decision concerning the commission's Lake of the Woods waterquality Plan of Study.

Health Professionals Advisory BoardOn October 3, 2016, commissioners approved the appointments of Dr. Joan Roseand Dr. Samuel Dorevitch to be U.S. members of the board, each for a two-yearterm effective from October 1,2016, to September 30,2018.

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Great Lakes Water Quality BoardOn September 22, 2016, commissioners approved the release of the Board's reportentitled Evaluating Watershed Management Plans - Nutrient ManagementApproaches in the Lake Erie Basin and Key Locations Outside of the Lake ErieBasin and the board's revised Legacy Issues Work Group Lake Erie project workplan.

Great Lakes Science Advisory Board Research Coordination CommitteeOn September 21,2016, commissioners approved the reappointment of Dr. PatriciaChambers as a Canadian member of the Research Coordination Committee for athree-year term, effective from October 1,2016, to September 30,2019.

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Appearances of the Commission's Boards reporting on Monday, October 24,Tuesday, October 25, and Wednesday, October 26

NOTE: Commissioners agreed that, subject to any final edits by staff and Boards,all submitted Board Reports could be released to the public and posted on the IJCwebsite. Those Boards submitting reports included: the International St. LawrenceRiver Board of Control; the International Niagara Board of Control; theInternational Lake Superior Board of Control; -the Great Lakes AdaptiveManagement Committee; and the International Red River Board.*See attached Board Appearance Agenda.

BOARD APPEARING ON MONDAY. OCTOBER 24. 2016

INTERNATIONAL RED RIVER BOARD

13. The board provided Commissioners with a summary on hydrologic conditions of thebasin and on the water quality of the Red River and Devils Lake. The board is supportiveof the Commission's water quality objectives review work. The board's water qualitycommittee is utilizing findings from the stressor response IWI project to help inform thedevelopment of nutrient concentration targets for the Red River (total nitrogen, totalphosphorus) The board provided an update on the long standing issue of flooding in theLower Pembina River basin.

BOARDS APPEARING ON TUESDAY. OCTOBER 25. 2016

INTERNATIONAL ST. LAWRENCE RIVER BOARD OF CONTROL

14. Commissioners received an update from the board on recent hydrologic conditions andboard activities. Commissioners informed the board it had approved continued peakingand ponding activities for the next five years in accordance with existing IJC direction.The Commission further indicated that no changes to the winter hour-to-hour flowchange limits for peaking and ponding would be considered until it could bedemonstrated that the requested increase would not cause any significant adverse effect toother interests.

INTERNATIONAL NIAGARA BOARD OF CONTROL

15. The board reported on its activities, including their public meetings, and presented their127lh semi-annual progress report, which the Commission agreed could be released. Theboard also informed the Commission that New York State's project to rehabilitate thebridges over American Falls Channel was delayed.

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INTERNATIONAL LAKE SUPERIOR BOARD OF CONTROL

16. Commissioners received an update on board activities. Commissioners approved theboard's recommendation that peaking and ponding continue according to the existingdirective.

GREAT LAKES ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

17. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the Committee's continued public outreachefforts and voiced their support for the GLAM committee's 2017 work plan, andapproved posting of the plan on the Committee's website.

INTERNATIONAL SOURIS RIVER BOARD

18. Commissioners received an update on board activities, informed the board that thecommission endorsed the board's recommendation the fecal coliform parameter of theboard's water quality objective be substituted by the E-coli parameter, and noted that itwould forward its recommendation to governments. Commissioners encouraged theboard to take advantage of the expertise of the Commission's communication staff tosupport and diversify their public outreach approach.

INTERNATIONAL RAINY-LAKE OF THE WOODS WATERSHED BOARD

19. Commissioners received an update on board activities and noted stakeholders' continuedconcerns regarding AIS and pollution in the watershed, including concerns about nutrientenrichment. Commissioners praised the Engagement and the Water Levels Committeefor its continued work with the public, First Nations, Metis and Tribal groups.

INTERNATIONAL RAINY-NAMAKAN LAKES RULE CURVES STUDY BOARD

20. Commissioners received an update on the study board's activities and noted keydevelopments including the upcoming practice decision workshop in the basin where theShared Vision Model will be discussed with basin Stakeholders.

BOARDS APPEARING ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2016

GREAT LAKES WATER QUALITY BOARD

21. Commissioners were briefed on the board's proposed work plan for 2017-2018.Commissioners gave their approval in principle for projects being proposed but reservedfinal approval pending review of all of the Great Lakes Advisory Boards work plans andassociated budgets.

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HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ADVISORY BOARD

22. Commissioners received an update on the board's projects undertaken in 2016. Theboard outlined its preliminary thoughts on potential areas of interest for 2017-18,including potential work in partnership with the International Rainy Lake of the WoodsWatershed Board.

GREA T LAKES SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD - RESEARCH COORDINATIONCOMMITTEE

23. Commissioners approved the RCC report entitled "Future Improvements to Great LakesIndicators" for posting on the board's website. Commissioners thanked the board for itscontinued support and involvement in the Commission's Triennial Assessment Report.

GREAT LAKES SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD - SCIENCE PRIORITY COMMITTEE

24. Commissioners received an overview of the SPC's proposed 2017-2018 work plan andendorsed the work in principle pending review of all of the Great Lakes Advisory Boardswork plans and associated budgets.

INTERNATIONAL OSOYOOS LAKE BOARD OF CONTROL

25. Commissioners congratulated the board on the development of their CommunicationProtocols and their innovative outreach activities including progress to date on theirdocumentary to explain water management issues and practices in the Okanagan Riversystem. The Commission informed the board that it would be seeking their views on thepotential impacts of the proposed Enloe Dam hydroelectric rehabilitation project on waterlevels and flows at the border.

INTERNATIONAL COLUMBIA RIVER BOARD OF CONTROL

26. Commissioners thanked the board for their continued monitoring and reporting on thewater level and discharges of Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake and the Columbia River at theInternational Boundary.

INTERNATIONAL KOOTENAY LAKE BOARD OF CONTROL

27. Commissioners informed the board that they had approved its draft directive and thankedthe members for their review of the document.

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ACCREDITED OFFICERS OF THE ST. MARY AND MILK RIVERS

28. Commissioners were provided with an update on the Montana-Alberta St. Mary and MilkRivers Water Management Initiative. The WMI will be invited to appear at theCommission's spring Semi-annual meeting to further report on their progress. In additionto providing information on the IWI consumptive use studies and the possibleincorporation of results into ongoing procedures, the Accredited Officers andCommissioners discussed the potential impacts of climate change on the increasingfrequency of water level fluctuations in the Milk River Basin.

. Ci2J. (l £0NJi0{lCharles A. Lawson

ecretaryCanadian Section

SecretaryU.S. Section

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International Joint CommissionFall Semi-Annual Meeting

October 24-26, 2016

234 Laurier Avenue West, 22nd floorOttawa, Ontario KIP 6K6

Phone: (613) 995-2984

MONDA Y, October 24

10:45-11 :45 am International Red River Board

TUESDA Y, October 25

8:30-9:30 am International St. Lawrence River Board o/Control

9:30-10:00 am International Niagara Board o/Control

10:00-10:15 am Health Break

10:15-10:45 am International Lake Superior Board o/Control

10:45-11:30 am International St. Lawrence River Board o/Control,International Niagara Board o/Control, and InternationalLake Superior Board 0/ Control: Great Lakes - St. LawrenceRiver Adaptive Management Committee

11:30 am - Lunch2:00 pm

2:00-3:00 pm International Souris River Board

3:00-4:00 pm International Rainy-Lake o/the Woods Watershed Board

4:00-5:00 pm International Rainy-Namakan Lakes Rule Curves Study Board

5:00 pm Adjourn Board Appearances

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WEDNESDAY, October 26

8:30-9:15 am Great Lakes Water Quality Board

9:15-10:00 am Health Professionals Advisory Board

10:00-10:15 am Health Break

10:15-11 :00 am Great Lakes Science Advisory Board - Research CoordinationCommittee

11:00-11:45 pm Great Lakes Science Advisory Board - Science PriorityCommittee

11:45-12:15 pm Great Lakes Water Quality Board, Great Lakes ScienceAdvisory Board, Health Professionals Advisory Board

12:15-1:45 pm Lunch

1:45-2:30 pm International Osoyoos Lake Board of Control andInternational Columbia River Board of Control

2:30-3:15 pm International Kootenay Board of Control

3:15-3:30 pm Health Break

3:30-4:15 pm Accredited Officers of the St. Mary and Milk Rivers

4:15 pm Adjourn

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