5 Great Lakes states file federal lawsuit demanding tougher action to block Asian carp advance
By John Flesher, APMonday, July 19, 2010
5 Great Lakes states sue feds over Asian carp
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Five states are suing the federal government and Chicago’s water department in federal court, demanding stronger action to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes.
Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota and Pennsylvania filed the lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court in northern Illinois.
It seeks an order to close Chicago shipping locks and gates that could provide a pathway to Lake Michigan for the voracious fish.
The U.S. Supreme Court refused twice this year to order the locks closed.
State officials say the situation has become more urgent since a live Asian carp was found within a few miles of Lake Michigan last month.
The suit also asks for an expedited study of permanently separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins.
