Preventing the Transfer of Invasive Species via the Champlain Canal

The Lake Champlain Basin encompasses 8,000 square miles of mountains, forests, farmlands, and communities with 11 major tributaries that drain into Lake Champlain, ranging from 20 miles to 102 miles in stream length. The Vermont and New York portions of the Lake Champlain basin are home to about 500,000 people, with another 100,000 people in the Canadian portions of the watershed. At least 35% of the population relies on Lake Champlain for drinking water.

The Threat of Aquatic Invasive Species

The Lake Champlain basin is threatened by a large number of non-native aquatic invasive plant and animal species and pathogens. The Champlain Canal, a 60-mile canal in New York that connects the Hudson River to the south end of Lake Champlain has been identified by natural resources scientists and managers as a major pathway by which non-native and invasive species can invade Lake Champlain.

Aquatic invasive species that are present in the surrounding Great Lakes, Erie Canal, and Hudson River (e.g. hydrilla, round goby, Asian clam, quagga mussel, Asian carp, and snakehead) are a threat to Lake Champlain.

Once these harmful aquatic invasive species enter the lake and become established, they compete with and displace native species, severely impacting water quality, the lake ecosystem and the local economy. Infestations of these non-native invasive organisms cost citizens and governments in New York, Vermont, and Quebec millions of dollars each year to control and manage.

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) infestations reduce the recreational and economic health of communities in the Basin by choking waterways, blocking water intake pipes, outcompeting native species, lowering property values, encrusting historic shipwrecks, and ruining beaches. Additionally, they are known to decrease biodiversity and change the structure and function of ecosystems by displacing native species, transporting pathogens, and threatening fisheries, public health, and local or even regional economies.

Studying Viable Alternatives to Prevent the Transfer of Invasive Species

A study of the Champlain Canal was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and New York State Canal Corporation (NYSCC),  the non-Federal sponsor, New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), HDR Inc, and Princeton Hydro. The main purpose of the “Champlain Canal Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Barrier Phase 1 Study” was to compare the costs, benefits, and effectiveness of different management alternatives that could best prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species between the Hudson and Champlain drainages via the Champlain Canal.

The primary focus of this study was located at the summit canal between locks C-8 and C-9, as this location is the natural point of separation for the watersheds. This is where (the summit) the Glens Falls Feeder Canal supplies Hudson River water to the height of the Champlain Canal to maintain water levels for navigability that flows south back to the Hudson, but also north and into the Champlain drainage.

The scope of the study included analyzing alternatives for a dispersal barrier on the Champlain Canal and evaluating options to prevent the spread of AIS, including fish, plants, plankton, invertebrates, and pathogens. The study examined potential physical and mechanical modifications to separate the two basins to prevent movement of aquatic nonnative and invasive species between the Hudson River and Lake Champlain. Physically and mechanically modifying the canal was evaluated to be the most effective at reducing the inter-basin transfer of invasives that might swim, float, or be entrained through the system, and it was found to be the most effective protection against all taxa of aquatic nonnative and invasive species.

Princeton Hydro’s main role was the initial administration of the project and development of a species inventory. This species inventory of the Champlain Canal included native and non-native aquatic species and potential aquatic invasive species that are threatening to become invasive to the Canal. Dispersal methods of the species were also evaluated to inform an Alternative Analysis. The overall study includes a Cost Benefit Analysis and Final Recommendations report of the Alternatives.

Plan Formulation and Evaluation of the Prevention Alternatives

The project team utilized a standard, three-step approach for developing alternatives: 1) gather general information about measures that may contribute to a solution to the problem, 2) narrow the list of measures through application of project-specific constraints, and 3) develop alternatives by combining measures that reduce or eliminate the cross-basin transfer of invasive species.

The alternative to construct a physical barrier across the canal was identified as the most effective approach to limiting the transfer of non-native AIS, and would address all taxa – plants, animals, plankton, viruses and pathogens. This alternative would include the installation and management of a large boat lift, a boat access ramp, a boat cleaning station, and repairs to the existing lock seals.

At the Glens Falls Feeder Canal cleaning station and boat lift area, small and large boats would be cleaned prior to being placed back in the water on the other side, and the wash water would be captured and stored to be sent to a treatment plant. This alternative provides the most effective protection from AIS crossing between the Hudson River and Lake Champlain Watersheds, but it does remove the possibility of large commercial barges traveling the full length of the canal. A larger loading/offloading and cleaning facility would be required for commercial shipping vessels to be granted continued access along the canal.

The Champlain Canal Barrier Study (Phase I) Final Report and Appendices can be viewed in full on the New York District webpage.

Moving Forward Towards a Healthier Ecosystem

In a press release from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announcing the completion of the Phase I Study, Colonel Matthew Luzzatto, Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District was quoted as saying, “This is an important milestone in moving forward towards a more healthy ecosystem for the Lake Champlain and Hudson River Watersheds. These two watersheds are vital to the lives and wellbeing of millions of residents of New York and Vermont. This study will have a positive impact on the overall economic and ecological health of the Lake Champlain Region, this is a win-win-win for all interested parties.”

Following the completion of the Phase I portion of the study, the Phase II portion of the study will consist of detailed analyses of alternatives including engineering studies such as hydrologic evaluation for stream capacities / canal makeup water, geotechnical investigations at the location of the proposed concrete berm, topographic / utility survey as well as boundary / easement survey, vessel traffic studies through the canal, detailed cost estimates, and NEPA compliance. Once Phase II is complete and funding is appropriated, the Canal Barrier Project will be closer to construction.

Stay tuned for updates!

• Invasive Species Management
• Natural Resource Management