Author Description

Cornwall, Ontario and Massena, N.Y. are major industrial centres on the international section of the St. Lawrence River. Previous surveys from 1979-82 identified municipal and industrial discharges from both sides of the river which contributed to excess pollution levels. In 1985, the Cornwall-Massena area was re-identified as a Great Lakes area of concern and further surveys were begun. The 1985 surveys were designed mainly to update the 1979 sediment quality data; document existing sources of trace contaminants and assess their impact on the Cornwall area aquatic environment and water use; assess the effectiveness of plant modifications and effluent treatment by Domtar Fine Papers and other point sources; and collect information relevant to further remedial measures at Courtalds/BCL, CIL and Domtar. This report presents sediment and water quality conditions in 1985 and provides a comparison with 1979 conditions.