Human Health
The first triennial cycle under the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement completed its full circle on Nov. 28, when the IJC released its First Triennial Assessment of Progress on Great Lakes Water Quality.
In the first three versions of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the IJC reported every two years on progress by Canada and the United States to achieve the agreement's goals and objectives and provided advice and recommendations on any issue related to the quality of the Great Lakes…
The immense size of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River and their value to Canada and the United States are hard to imagine, even for residents of this region.
“The Waters of the Great Lakes should be free from pollutants in quantities or concentrations that could be harmful to human health, wildlife, or aquatic organisms, through direct exposure or indirect exposure through the food chain.”
Protocol Amending the Agreement Between Canada and the United States of America
on Great Lakes Water Quality, 1978, as Amended on October 16,
Although water quality in the Great Lakes is generally good, Canada and the US still lag behind in meeting goals to identify Chemicals of Mutual Concern and develop strategies to address pollution.
Imagine waking up one morning to hear news that your city is under a “do not drink” advisory, or receiving a text from your local government to remain indoors because of a toxic release at the local chemical plant. What would you do; how would you feel?