Vessel traffic restricted as Army Corps studies electric fish barrier

The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
 
(CHICAGO) — The Coast Guard continues to maintain a safety zone to enforce vessel traffic restrictions in the Chicago Sanitary Ship Canal while the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers conducts tests on the effects of higher voltage on certain vessels transiting near the electric fish barrier. The safety zone extends between mile marker 296.0 and 296.7 near the Romeo Road Bridge in Romeoville, Ill.
The captain of the port, on a case-by-case basis, may approve the use of commercial towing vessels to conduct dead-ship tows of restricted boats. For information on requesting a dead-ship tow and the types of vessels the restrictions apply to, visit www.uscg.fishbarrierinfo.com, or contact a Coast Guard Captain of the Port On-Scene Representative at (630) 336-0296.
Additionally, because of the transit restrictions, recreational boaters should anticipate significant delays and make plans in advance before the busy Labor Day weekend.

The Coast Guard urges pedestrians to steer clear of the canal. Boaters transiting the area should use extreme caution and follow the guidelines outlined at www.uscg.fishbarrierinfo.com. The electrified water in the restricted portion of the canal presents a very real danger to anyone who comes in contact with it.

For questions regarding the operation and construction of the barrier, contact the Army Corps of Engineers at 312-846-5330.
For information on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Aquatic Nuisance Species Dispersal Barrier, visit http://www.lrc.usace.army.mil/projects/fish_barrier/index.htnl.
By Professional Mariner Staff