The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) is celebrating the re-designation of four beneficial use impairments along part of the St. Clair River.
Over the past five years, fish tumours and other deformities, bird and animal deformities, restrictions on dredging activities, and beach closings have been classified as "not impaired" in the area of concern on the Canadian side.
Caption – St. Clair River AOC Boat Cruise – Mike Moroney – RAP Coordinator – Mike Moroney, Remedial Action Plan Coordinator for the St. Clair River Area of Concern addresses the crowd of almost 70 who attend the celebratory boat cruise.
SCRCA spokesman Mike Moroney said 2022 also marks the 50 year milestone of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
"It's an agreement between the United States and Canada to restore and protect the waters of the Great Lakes," said Moroney. "The agreement provides a framework for identifying binational priorities and implementing actions that improve water quality. The agreement was first signed in 1972 so it's been in place for 50 years. We'd like to celebrate how it has enabled us to make progress in restoring the St. Clair River."
Moroney said there are still a few environmental challenges to address in the area, including restrictions on drinking water, restrictions on fish consumption, the loss of fish and wildlife habitat, and the degradation of benthos.
The Binational Public Advisory Council recognized the milestones with a recent two hour cruise on the Duc D'Orleans.
