Nutrient Loading and Impacts in Lakes Champlain and Memphremagog
In October 2017, the International Joint Commission (IJC) received a request from the governments of Canada and the United States concerning high levels of phosphorus and harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog. This page is where you can find out how the IJC responded to that request.
Though both lakes eventually empty into the St. Lawrence River, they are in separate watersheds. Because of this and other distinctions between the two systems, the IJC conducted the review as two projects.
On April 21, 2020, the International Joint Commission released its final report to the Governments of Canada and the United States in response to the October 2017 request.
Project 1 - Missisquoi Bay, Lake Champlain and Richelieu River
Lake Champlain, Missisquoi Bay and Richelieu River continue to suffer from excessive loads of nutrients and harmful algal blooms (HABs). To deliver on the requests of governments, five major work components are planned.
Project 2 - Lake Memphremagog
Significant resources and efforts have been dedicated to the reduction of nutrient loading to Lake Memphremagog and the prevention of harmful algal blooms (HABs); however, ecological conditions have not improved. To deliver on the request of governments regarding Lake Memphremagog, three major components are planned.
NEW - World Literature Review
The goal of this report is to inform and support recommendations regarding nutrient loading and harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Missisquoi Bay-Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog. The content deals with how other jurisdictions beyond the region (Québec, Vermont, and New York) and around the world are addressing this water quality issue.