Work of this Technical Working Group (TWG) is primarily focused on power generation in the St. Marys River at Sault Ste. Marie where there are two U.S. and one Canadian power plants because changes to Lake Superior regulation could have a significant impact on hydropower operations. If potential Lake Superior regulation changes are expected to have measurable impacts on Lake Erie water levels and outflows, then their examination would include impacts on Niagara River hydropower facilities.

To meet energy demand, St. Marys River hydropower plants engage in “peaking and ponding” operations in which high flows are passed during the day when demand is high, offset by lower flows during the night and on weekend when demand is low. While beneficial to hydropower interests, these flow variations have raised concerns by navigation, fishery and other interests – especially during periods of low water. The TWG will be evaluating the positive and negative impacts of peaking and ponding, identifying regulation changes that might improve operations and evaluating the impacts of outflow regulation under a variety of conditions, including those generated by climate change and variability.

• Hydropower Terms of Reference

Canada		USA
Paul King-Fisher Co-lead Renewable Energy Program Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources 5th Floor, South Tower 300 Water Street Peterborough, ON K9J 8M5 Email: paul.king-fisher@ontario.ca		Steve Rose Co-lead U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Soo Area Office 312 W. Portage Avenue Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 Email: steven.s.rose@usace.army.mil