These high-flow conditions occasionally provide a hydraulic connection between the Mississippi and the Hudson Bay drainage systems and open the way for the migration of exotic aquatic species between watersheds. The studies investigated persistent toxic materials transported to Lake Winnipeg during the flood. They also looked at the potential damage to the lake from increased deposits of fertilizers and on contaminants associated with suspended sediments. The Task Force concluded that there is currently no public health concernrisk. However, the potential remains during a major flood for damage from the release of substances harmful to the aquatic ecosystem, including the Lake Winnipeg fisheries, and to public health.
Action is needed to control the storage of toxic substances within the floodplain.
In an effort to better understand flooding issues and in recognition of weaknesses in technological infrastructure within the basin, the Task Force devoted much of its energy and resources to data issues and computer modeling. On reviewing current data availability, the Task Force concluded that further improvement and maintenance of the Red River floodplain management database is required. Federal, state and provincial governments and local authorities must maintain a high level of involvement in further database development and in improving data accessibility. Data access in Canada is particularly problematic. In partnership with the U.S. Global Disaster Information Network, the Task Force established the basis for a virtual database and a decision- support system.