Barrier on to keep carp out of Lake Michigan

April 8, 2009 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- A $10 million electronic barrier meant to keep Asian carp out Lake Michigan was turned on for the first time on Wednesday.

It runs across the Chicago sanitary and ship canal. It was completed three years ago, but was not activated because of fears it might hurt or damage barge operators or recreational boaters.

The Asian carp are bigger than fish native to Lake Michigan. If they get into the lake, they would takeover and upset the ecological balance.

The electronic barrier will be tested over the next few weeks to find a proper voltage that keeps the fish away but is safe for boats and barges.

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