Cornwall Sediment Strategy

There are three zones of mercury contaminated sediment in the St. Lawrence River along the Cornwall waterfront. These zones are identified in the following map: The contamination is from more than 70 years of discharges from three historic local industries that operated  at a time when there were minimal environmental regulations. Over time, cleaner sediment has been settling over the three areas sediment contamination and appears  to be creating a natural cap.  It is very important not to disturb this natural cap as it may expose the more  contaminated sediment. Administrative controls are in place to manage activities in the vicinity of these contaminated zones.  If you  are a landowner in this designated area, call before building any structure, including docks, in the water around the contaminated sediments.  The Raisin Region Conservation Authority will ensure a timely review of your plans with Environment Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and the City of Cornwall.  The Raisin Region Conservation Authority will provide you with feedback from the agencies on whether your plan is adequate to ensure protection of the sediment and the approval processes required for your proposal.  The benefit to you is a streamlined, harmonized review process for your application. Documentation on the Cornwall Sediment Strategy: Administrative Controls Protocol   (3.0 MB PDF) Administrative Controls Protocol – Guidance Document   (1.3 MB PDF) Brochure (4.3 MB PDF)