MPR’s Dick Daly reports a hearing on lake water use held in Duluth. All the Great Lakes have had too much water in recent years and high water and strong winds have eroded shorelines and caused flooding. Lake Superior water levels are held artificially high by the IJC, a US joint commission with Canada.

At the hearing, Jim Oberstar, newly-elected 8th District Congressman, talked about Lake Superior being used as reservoir to ease pressure on other Great Lakes. Oberstar spoke about residents living along the North Shore, who may not have their concerns addressed because of low population, and environmental damage and shore erosion. He says there should be structural action and financial compensation for those suffering from artificially-high water levels. Charles Ross, co-chairman of the IJC, says the current plan that has caused problems is not permanent, was an interim measure.