CORNWALL SEDIMENT
STRATEGY
The Cornwall Sediment Strategy (CSS) was introduced in 2005 to address historical contamination along the Cornwall waterfront. Former industrial wastewater contained pollutants like mercury, creating zones of contaminated sediment. Through a collaborative effort, the CSS promotes natural recovery by allowing cleaner sediments to cover these areas, helping to restore the St. Lawrence River’s ecological health.
CONTAMINATED SEDIMENT
ZONES
Along the Cornwall waterfront, three specific near-shore zones contain legacy contaminants from industrial activity. To prevent the re-suspension of these toxic materials, the CSS restricts disturbances in these areas, relying on administrative controls and long-term monitoring. Supported by federal, provincial, and local agencies, including the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the CSS is designed to protect these zones and ensure the river’s recovery continues well into the future. A map of the contaminated sediment zones highlights these targeted areas.
FAQ
Why do we need a sediment strategy?
What contaminants are in the sediment?
The main contaminant of concern is a form of mercury called methylmercury, which is a toxic substance that can stay in the environment for a long time and travel up the food chain.
What is happening to the contaminated sediment?
What does the Cornwall Sediment Strategy do?
In 2005, the science-based Cornwall Sediment Strategy (CSS) was created by a group of government and non-government partners to address these three zones of contaminated sedimentzones. There are two key parts to the Strategy:
1. Administrative controls to regulate shoreline development and ensure that contaminated sediments are not disturbed, allowing a natural recovery process to occur over time
2. Long-term monitoring to make sure the natural recovery process continues to happen.
Should I be worried about swimming in the river?
As they currently exist, historically contaminated sediments in these zones are stable and covered with a cleaner layer of sediment and, therefore, do not pose a significant ecological or health risk.
However, certain development activities requiring dredging, filling, covering, piling, or scouring have potential to disturb, expose or re-suspend deeper, more contaminated sediments.
What do I do if I want to build on the river? (i.e., a dock)
1. Contact the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (https://rrca.on.ca/) to determine if your proposed activity is within the contaminated sediment zones or adjacent areas.
2. Submit application(s) and pay an application fee. The RRCA will coordinate the project proposal review with relevant government authorities to review each application with their requirements. Be sure to apply well in advance of proposed construction.
3. The RRCA will notify you of the decision regarding the approval or denial of your application. If your application is approved, you are responsible for ensuring compliance with the conditions of the approval throughout your construction phase. Any organization may visit your site at any time to ensure compliance. The CSS approval does not release you of the responsibility of obtaining any other permits or approvals that may be required under federal, provincial or municipal legislation.
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