Understanding the Impacts of High Water Levels on Your Facility

The purpose of a High Water Level Vulnerability Analysis (VA) is to identify potential impacts to a facility resulting from high water in the Great Lakes Basin. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) estimates that Lake Michigan and Lake Huron may reach an elevation of approximately 582.7 feet above sea level by July 2020. The USACE predicts that the lakes' elevation will then decline through October 2020 and begin to climb back to July 2020 levels by April 2021 (the extent of their 12-month prediction).

Envirologic is currently completing VAs for clients so they can understand the vulnerability of their infrastructure to damage caused by these potential high water levels. A VA includes a summary of a facility's current systems and its potential vulnerability to high water. The report also identifies response actions that may be necessary for the facility to continue to meet its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has also been requesting that certain lakeshore/near-lakeshore entities that have NPDES permits conduct and submit VAs. The intent is to prepare facilities to implement preventative measures to maintain the requirements of their NPDES permits in the event of high water level events.

While the rise of the Great Lakes' water levels is impacting shoreline communities and businesses, inland lakes and streams are also reaching record high water levels. It may be prudent to conduct a VA of your inland facility regardless of whether an NPDES permit is in place. Envirologic can assist you with conducting a Vulnerability Analysis of your facility, as well as updating your Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plans and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans.

If you have questions about potential high water levels at your facility, please contact David Warwick by phone at (800) 272-7802 or email.