U

OUR

AOC

Discover the unique challenges and restoration efforts focused on the St. Lawrence River Area of Concern (AOC) and learn about the history of the St. Lawrence River (Cornwall/Akwesasne) Remedial Action Plan (RAP).

THE ST. LAWRENCE

RIVER AOC

The St. Lawrence River at Cornwall, Akwesasne, and Massena designated as a binational AOC by the International Joint Commission (IJC) under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (QLWQA), due to the presence of contaminated sediments and poor water quality resulting from industrial activity in the area. 
RAP 101

THE ST. LAWRENCE

RIVER RAPS

Two separate Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) were created to address the environmental concerns found within the different jurisdictions that fall within the St. Lawrence River AOC, including Canada, the United States (U.S.), Ontario, New York State, and the traditional territory of the Mohawks of Akwesasne.

The Cornwall/Akwesasne RAP is managed by Canada and Ontario, in partnership with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, while the Massena/Akwesasne RAP is managed by the U.S. EPA, New York State and St. Regis Mohawk Tribe.

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THE ST. LAWRENCE

RIVER RAPS

Two separate Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) were created to address the environmental concerns found within the different jurisdictions that fall within the St. Lawrence River AOC, including Canada, the United States (U.S.), Ontario, New York State, and the traditional territory of the Mohawks of Akwesasne.

The Cornwall/Akwesasne RAP is managed by Canada and Ontario, in partnership with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, while the Massena/Akwesasne RAP is managed by the U.S. EPA, New York State and St. Regis Mohawk Tribe.

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ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPACTS

The St. Lawrence River has seen many changes over the years, explore how human activities have impacted this important waterway.

Learn more about the history of the St. Lawrence River

DISCOVER

Legacy pollutants

LEGACY POLLUTANTS

Historical industrial activities have left behind legacy pollutants like PCBs, mercury, and dioxins in sediments and water. These persistent chemicals continue to affect the health of aquatic life and can bioaccumulate in fish, posing risks to human health through consumption.

Invasive Species

INVASIVE SPECIES

Species like round gobies, dreissenidae mussels and sea lampreys disrupt the ecosystem balance of the Great Lakes. They outcompete native species, alter habitats, and can contribute to water quality issues by affecting nutrient cycles and food webs.

Urbanization & Development

URBANIZATION & DEVELOPMENT

As cities grow and expand around the lakes, urban runoff carrying pollutants like oil, fertilizers, and litter can enter the waterways. Stormwater runoff can overwhelm sewage systems, leading to combined sewer overflows that release untreated sewage into the lakes during heavy rains.

Nutrient Pollution

NUTRIENT POLLUTION

Excess nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen from fertilizers and sewage, can cause harmful algal blooms. These blooms produce toxins harmful to aquatic life and can lead to oxygen depletion in the water, creating dead zones where fish and other organisms cannot survive.