Update: WWF statement on the City of Montreal’s decision to dump raw sewage in the St. Lawrence River

Toronto, October 6, 2015 – In response to the City of Montreal’s plans to dump eight billion liters of raw sewage into the St. Lawrence River over the course of one week in October, World Wildlife Fund Canada issued the following statement from James Snider, Acting VP Freshwater Program.
 
“WWF-Canada is aware of the decision to dump sewage in the St. Lawrence River. Based on WWF’s 2015 watershed reports, pollution in the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding watershed is already very high – this is partly due to pollution stemming from municipal sites.

WWF is concerned about the negative impacts of a massive raw sewage dump would have on the health of the St. Lawrence River and the species that live in its waters.  WWF’s watershed report for the St. Lawrence watershed shows that, based on available data, there is a significant downward trend in water quality.

We hope an alternative, more viable course of action can be taken to avoid the release of eight billion liters of sewage into the St. Lawrence. What is needed is an effective wastewater and stormwater system to prevent pollution from entering our waters. WWF will continue to track the situation closely.”

Update: Since the issuance of this statement, the Minister of the Environment has asked the City of Montreal to puts its plans on hold until a more comprehensive assessment has been conducted.

Update: On November 9, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, issued a final Order requiring the City of Montreal to modify its plans to discharge untreated wastewater into the St. Lawrence River. 
 
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References:
St. Lawrence Watershed Pollution http://watershedreports.wwf.ca/#ws-21/by/threat-pollution/threat
St. Lawrence Watershed Health: http://watershedreports.wwf.ca/#ws-21/by/health-overall/health
 

For more information:
 
Rowena Calpito | Communications Specialist| WWF-Canada
t: 416-489-4567 x7267|  c: 647-931-5385 |  e: [email protected]