BEYOND

The St. Lawrence River Remedial Action Plan (RAP) addresses key environmental issues related to historical contaminants, but efforts to protect the river go beyond the RAP itself. Two major initiatives, the Kahnekarónnion (River) Strategy and the Cornwall Sediment Strategy, help to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the river and its ecosystems beyond the life of the RAP program.

RIVER

STRATEGY

The Kahnekarónnion (River) Strategy aims to facilitate inclusive and equitable communication and collaboration among stakeholders along the St. Lawrence River. This initiative aims balance environmental, social, and cultural needs, to help ensure the long-term health of the river beyond the life of the Remedial Action Plan (RAP). By promoting collaboration between agencies, local communities, and Indigenous partners, the River Strategy supports the sustainable management of the river’s ecosystems and resources for future generations.

CORNWALL SEDIMENT

STRATEGY

Wastewater from local industries once contained contaminants like mercury, which created zones of contaminated sediment along the Cornwall waterfront. The Cornwall Sediment Strategy (CSS) was created in 2005 in an effort to promoted natural recovery, and with stricter regulations and industry closures, cleaner sediment is slowly covering these contaminated zones. The CSS continues to ensure that these zones remain undisturbed to prevent the re-suspension of toxic material. A collaborative effort between federal, provincial, and local agencies, including the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the strategy combines long-term monitoring with planning controls to support the river’s ecological health beyond the life of the RAP program