New York State accuses International Joint Commission (IJC) of mismanagement of Lake Ontario water levels

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October 09, 2019- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announces that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is filing a lawsuit against the International Joint Commission for its mismanagement of Lake Ontario water levels that caused catastrophic damage to shoreline communities.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is suing the International Joint Commission (IJC) for allegedly mismanaging the water levels of Lake Ontario.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the state’s legal action against the IJC during a press conference on Wednesday.

In his remarks, Gov. Cuomo emphasized that the IJC is responsible for managing the water levels of Lake Ontario, but it failed to do that.

Shoreline communities suffered from devastating damages due to extremely high water levels. The State also sustained more than $4 million in property damages that still need full repair.

New York State is seeking compensation from IJC

Gov. Cuomo said the IJC is “unresponsive” and failed to take action to improve the situation. He added, “We will not shoulder the burden of the destruction that is a direct result of the IJC’s gross mismanagement of Lake Ontario water levels. IJC needs to compensate New York for the severe damage to the homes and businesses along the shoreline. That’s what this lawsuit is all about.”