Water Levels in Rainy Lake and Namakan Lake.—

Sec. 510. Water Levels in Rainy Lake and Namakan Lake.— (a) Findings.—Congress finds that— (1) the Rainy Lake and Namakan Reservoir Water Level International Steering Committee conducted a 2-year analysis in which public comments on the water levels in Rainy Lake and Namakan Lake revealed significant problems with the current regulation of water levels and resulted in Steering Committee recommendations in November 1993; and (2) maintaining water levels closer to those recommended by the Steering Committee will help ensure the enhancement of water quality, fish and wildlife, and recreational resources in Rainy Lake and Namakan Lake. (b) Definitions.—In this section: (1) Existing rule curve.—The term “existing rule curve” means each of the rule curves promulgated by the International Joint Commission to regulate water levels in Rainy Lake and Namakan Lake in effect as of the date of enactment of this Act. (2) Proposed rule curve.—The term “proposed rule curve” means each of the rule curves recommended by the Rainy Lake and Namakan Reservoir International Steering Committee for regulation of water levels in Rainy Lake and Namakan Lake in the publication entitled “Final Report and Recommendations” published in November 1993. (c) Water Levels.—The dams at International Falls and Kettle Falls, Minnesota, in Rainy Lake and Namakan Lake, respectively, shall be operated so as to maintain water levels as follows: (1) Coincident rule curves.—In each instance in which an existing rule curve coincides with a proposed rule curve, the water level shall be maintained within the range of such coincidence. (2) Noncoincident rule curves.—In each instance in which an existing rule curve does not coincide with a proposed rule curve, the water level shall be maintained at the limit of the existing rule curve that is closest to the proposed rule curve. (d) Enforcement.— (1) In general.—The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shall enforce this section as though the provisions were 109 STAT. 422 included in the license issued by the Commission on December 31, 1987, for Commission Project No. 5223–001. (2) Rule of construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the Commission to alter the license for Commission Project No. 5223–001 in any way. (e) Sunset.— This section shall remain in effect until the International Joint Commission review of and decision on the Steering Committee’s recommendations are completed. This Act may be cited as the “Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 1996”.