At just 59 kilometres long, the Niagara River is one of North America's shortest but best-known rivers. The famous Niagara Falls continue to draw millions of awe-struck visitors and lovestruck newlyweds to the water's edge. But even before the falls became an international tourist attraction they drew industry to the area, particularly on the U.S. side. Cheap electrical power and water for industrial processing created a complex of steel, petrochemical, and chemical manufacturing industries; they also created a mosaic of associated hazardous waste sites. Ultimately decisions made two or three generations ago to benefit society - creating jobs and cheaper products, as well as using pesticides and other substances to live better through chemistry - have caused environmental problems for the river, its surrounding area and especially for Lake Ontario. But over the past four decades people on both sides of the river have been working to create solutions.

In the early 1950's the International Joint Commission (IJC) began reporting on pollution problems in the river. In that era the culprits were such pollutants as bacterial contamination, oil and excessive levels of iron and phosphorus; most of these have been reduced significantly. By the mid-seventies, however, scientists began to realize the magnitude and gravity of the hazardous waste site problems along the U.S. side of the river. Concern shifted to how toxic chemical contamination of the river and Lake Ontario may be affecting human health and the ecosystem. "Love Canal" became a public rallying cry for a toxic substance problem perceived to be out of control.

"Living better through chemistry" has created problems for the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. Now both Canada and the US are working to create solutions

In 1973 the IJC designated both the Niagara River and the nearby Buffalo River as two of forty three "Areas of Concern." These were problem spots where the goal of "protecting the most sensitive beneficial use of the water" was not being met. Both nations immediately started preparing Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) for these areas all aimed at restoring the beneficial uses which had been impaired.

Nearly a decade later the state, provincial and two national environmental agencies worked together on a comprehensive three year study of toxic substances in the river. The resulting report led to the development of the Niagara River Toxics Management Plan (NRTMP) and the signing of the Niagara River Declaration of Intent by the 'four parties' in February 1987. The overall goal of this Declaration of Intent is to "achieve significant reductions of toxic chemical pollutants in the Niagara River." A sub-objective was a 50% reduction in the loading of toxic chemicals of concern (such as PCBs, mirex and dioxins) by 1996. These include chemicals from "point sources" (municipal and industrial inputs) and "non-point sources" (such as waste sites) in both Canada and the U.S.

There have been a number of successes over the past decade (see sidebar on this page). Recently the 'four parties' signed a Letter of Intent to reaffirm their commitment to the Niagara River Toxics Management Plan. "The Niagara River has been a priority for the Environmental Protection Agency and it continues to be so," said Jeanne Fox, U.S. EPA Regional Administrator. John Mills, Regional Director General for Environment Canada stated that, while the data show that there have been significant reductions in the inputs of chemicals to the river, "there is still a lot more work to be done." Similarly, Sheila Willis, former Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy said, "There is still much to learn about this magnificent river."

The Niagara River toxic substance problem did not develop over night, and it will take time to solve. The successes that have been achieved to date, however, have been due in no small way to the spirit of co-operation that continues to exist between Canada and the United States. Those successes are also a result of unique institutional arrangements like the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

By Don Williams
Head of Aquatic Science and Reporting with Environment Canada's Ecosystem Health Division


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