What is the administrative function of the IJC?
Because of its mandate to approve dams and other structures in the Great Lakes, the IJC exercises considerable control over the movement of water through the Great Lakes. The IJC has issued orders of approval for major structures in three different areas of the basin. These structures are managed by Boards of Control that report to the IJC. The Boards must balance the sometimes conflicting interests of navigation, hydroelectric generation and environmental concerns such as the protection of fisheries and shorelines. • The International Lake Superior Board of Control The IJC’s first order of approval in the Great Lakes Basin was in 1914 for control structures for navigation and hydroelectric generation above the St. Mary’s Rapids at Sault St. Marie. These structures include power canals, navigation locks and a control dam. The Lake Superior Control Board was set up to supervise the operation and maintenance of these works and to regulate the outflow from Lake Superior in order to balanc
