Asian Carp Hearings – Anti-carp barriers have weaknesses: Corps

Written By: admin on September 8, 2010 Comments Off

Army Corps general says barriers have weaknesses

CHICAGO (AP) – A top official with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it’s unlikely Asian carp are getting past electrical barriers by swimming under barges.

Gen. John Peabody testified in Chicago federal court Wednesday during a hearing in a five-state lawsuit regarding the invasive species.

Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are seeking the closure of two shipping locks and don’t believe the barriers adequately prevent the fish from overrunning the Great Lakes.

Peabody says metal-hulled ships can disrupt a small part of a barrier’s electrical field. But he says fish don’t like to swim under moving ships.

The barge industry and others say closing the locks would be a major blow to their businesses.

The hearing is set to continue Friday.

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