Lake Erie shoreline erosion under investigation
Study consultant Peter Zuzek said the study will investigate the effect climate change and erosion are having on the Great Lakes. He said warming trends and increases in storm intensity are being looked at, although the magnitude of each is still to be determined.
“We don’t know where the future is going,” Zuzek said, adding that there is more warming happening in the winter, resulting in less ice cover.
The very big and dynamic Lake Erie could be susceptible to more frequent and severe flooding as storm intensity increases.
Zuzek’s study will also review historical flooding and estimate conditions in the coming years, along with developing management approaches.
The shoreline study is produced through Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Platform, with support from Natural Resources Canada.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is matching funds and offering in-kind support to this study. A staff member of Chatham-Kent states, “Using existing knowledge of natural hazards and projected effects of climate change, the study will develop information to reduce coastal risks, increase the resilience of the shoreline, and protect natural assets such as beaches and coastal wetlands.”
Study recommendations are expected in December, with the final report expected by March 2020.