Water level on the Great Lakes have been high all summer long, and it’s made for a busy season for one local dock company.
“There’s nothing we can do about it but deal with it,” says Ernie Roberts, Owner of Roberts E-Z Dock & Lift.
For 39 years Roberts has been in the dock business, he says he hasn’t quite ever seen lake levels this high.
The Army Corp of Engineers expects it to continue.
They say all Great Lakes are above their long-term averages for September.
Lakes Michigan and Huron are projected to reach almost 3 feet higher than their October long-term average.
“It’s been busy because of the high water,” Roberts said. “It’s just harder to put the stuff in in the deeper water, when the water was down before a few years ago it was waist deep, now some of it’s over your head.”
Roberts’ docks are adjustable and removable, which making dealing with high water levels just a little easier.
They are unlike the permanent docks you see at many city marinas.
The Mackinaw City Marina manager says their docks are ok for now, but even higher water levels will change that.
The Army Corp of Engineers says that’s possible if we see a high snowpack and wetter than average spring.
Now, state leaders are taking notice including Congressman Bill Huizenga.
“[We are] really trying to get our arms around what those fluctuations stem from, making sure that there’s not man made reasons or issues of why some that may be getting influenced,” said Rep. Huizenga, R – Michigan. “Lots of studying that needs to be done yet.”
For now, Roberts is just finishing up this season’s work and preparing for anything next year.
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