Lake Superior’s Nipigon Bay has been officially removed from a list of the most polluted locations in the Great Lakes.
Four decades of cleanup work have resulted in improved water quality, revitalized fish populations and restored habitats for fish and wildlife, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks announced Aug. 28.
The 50,000-acre (20,000-hectare) bay was listed as an Area of Concern in 1987 after hydroelectric development on the Nipigon River, discharges from the former Red Rock pulp and paper mill and municipal wastewater degraded water quality and fish habitat.
Work since has included upgraded wastewater treatment, stronger industry standards, and aquatic habitat restoration. The province has invested more than $17 million since 2018 and nearly $25.5 since the late 1980s on restoration. Canada has invested more than $12 million since 2012, with total partner investments of $68 million since collaborative restoration efforts began.
The delisting is being celebrated by the federal and provincial governments.
“Returning Nipigon Bay in northern Ontario to a vibrant, healthy ecosystem is a major victory made possible through the dedicated efforts of our two governments, along with the many Great Lakes partners and local residents who supported this conservation work,” Minister Todd McCarthy stated in a release.
“Today is a great day for Nipigon Bay, the Great Lakes, and freshwater in Canada. The delisting of Nipigon Bay as an Area of Concern reflects decades of dedicated work by our government and partners to restore water quality, habitats, and ecosystem health,” said Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency.
“The delisting of Nipigon Bay as an Area of Concern is a major milestone that reflects decades of hard work and collaboration among local partners and First Nations to improve ecosystem health, restore fish habitat and protect the natural resources our communities depend on,” Minister of Natural Resources Mike Harris stated. “It shows what’s possible when we work together with a shared commitment to keeping Ontario’s fisheries and waterways healthy, resilient, and thriving for future generations.”
Click here for more on Nipigon Bay as an Area of Concern.
