Priority – improving coastal areas

Annex 5: areas of concern

The purpose of this annex is to restore water quality and ecosystem health in areas of concern.

Areas of concern (AOCs) are geographic areas in the Great Lakes that were identified in the mid-1980s because water quality and ecosystem health had been severely degraded by human activities to the point that beneficial uses were impaired. Restoring these areas not only benefits the local community, it also contributes to improving water quality and ecosystem health throughout the Great Lakes. Forty-three locations were formally recognized as AOCs by Canada and the United States pursuant to the 1987 Protocol to the Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement: 12 in Canada, 26 in the United States and five binational AOCs that are shared by the two countries.

The environmental degradation within AOCs is primarily a legacy of the past caused by industrial activities, agriculture, urban and rural runoff, municipal wastewater effluents, land-use planning and practices on urban and rural lands. These past practices resulted in degraded water quality, contaminated river and lake sediment, and severely impacted fish and wildlife populations and habitats. Working with community members and local governments, Canada and Ontario are implementing Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) to restore beneficial uses within the AOCs. Considerable progress has been made and, by 2010, three of the Canadian AOCs had been fully remediated and officially delisted (no longer deemed to be an AOC): Collingwood Harbour in 1994, Severn Sound in 2003, and Wheatley Harbour in 2010. Two additional Canadian AOCs have had all recommended remedial actions completed and have been recognized as being in recovery: Spanish Harbour in 1999 and Jackfish Bay in 2011. Environmental monitoring is continuing to confirm restoration of water quality and ecosystem processes.

In the remaining Canadian and binational AOCs, continued efforts are needed to complete implementation of the RAPs to restore ecosystem quality. Through this agreement, all actions required to achieve delisting criteria and restore beneficial uses will be completed in Nipigon Bay, Peninsula Harbour, Niagara River, Port Hope Harbour, Bay of Quinte and St. Lawrence River AOCs. The parties will continue to make progress in Thunder Bay, St. Marys River, St. Clair River, Detroit River, Hamilton Harbour, and Toronto and Region AOCs. The parties will also continue to monitor the restoration of beneficial uses in the Jackfish Bay and Spanish Harbour AOCs in recovery, including to support the confirmation of delisting in Spanish Harbour.

The collaborative efforts described in this annex support achievement of results of other annexes of this agreement. For example, restoration work in AOCs supports efforts to restore, protect and conserve the resilience of Great Lakes native species and their habitats, which is the focus of the habitat and species annex.

This will contribute to the long-term goal of delisting the remaining AOCs and ensuring that environmental improvements achieved through the AOC process are sustained.

Result 1

Advance remediation of AOCs through enhanced coordination and cooperation.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Meet annually to discuss priorities for advancing remediation of AOCs and strategies for maximizing cooperation and coordination.

Result 2

Continue to implement actions required to achieve delisting criteria and restore the four beneficial uses that remain impaired in the Thunder Bay AOC: degradation of fish and wildlife populations, degradation of benthos, beach closings, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat; and, determine the status of one additional beneficial use that requires further assessment: restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Assess the status of four remaining impaired beneficial uses and one requiring further assessment:
   1. Improve understanding of the consumption of fish to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption; and
   2. Complete status assessments, prepare status assessment reports, and as appropriate proceed with beneficial use impairment redesignation for degradation of fish and wildlife populations, degradation of benthos, beach closings, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat; and, a designation status of the beneficial use impairment that requires further assessment: restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption.
2. Undertake remedial actions to achieve beneficial use impairment delisting criteria:
   1. Provide financial and technical support for priority habitat restoration projects to improve riparian and nearshore habitat to advance progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for loss of fish and wildlife habitat.
3. Produce a preferred option for managing contaminated sediments in Thunder Bay AOC:
   1. Engage stakeholders, First Nations and Métis in building consensus on a preferred option to manage contaminated sediments to advance progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for degradation of benthos; and
   2. Develop detailed project engineering design and cost estimate to support decision making related to project implementation.
4. Undertake a process to engage local governments, First Nations, Métis and the public in remediation and decision-making for removal of beneficial use impairments.

Result 3

Confirm restoration of beneficial uses and delist Nipigon Bay AOC.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Support infrastructure upgrades to the Township of Red Rock’s sewage treatment facility from primary to secondary treatment;
2. Finalize the Nipigon Bay Remedial Action Plan Completion Report; and
3. Undertake a process to engage local governments, First Nations, Métis and the public in the delisting of this AOC.

Result 4

Monitor recovery of beneficial uses in order to confirm achievement of delisting criteria and restore the three remaining beneficial uses in the Jackfish Bay AOC in recovery: degradation of fish and wildlife populations, degradation of benthos, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat; and, determine the status of two additional beneficial uses that require further assessment: restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, and degradation of aesthetics.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Assess the status of three remaining impaired beneficial uses and two requiring further assessment:
   1. Improve understanding of the consumption of fish to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption;
   2. Determine status of fish populations to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria; and
   3. As appropriate, complete status assessments, prepare status assessment reports, and proceed with beneficial use impairment redesignation for degradation of fish and wildlife populations and loss of fish and wildlife habitat; and, a designation status of the beneficial use impairments that require further assessment: restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, and degradation of aesthetics.

Ontario will:

4. Conduct monitoring of fish contaminants to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption.

Canada and Ontario will:

2. Monitor the effectiveness of the natural recovery of Moberly Bay in Jackfish Bay to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria; and
3. Undertake a process to engage local governments, First Nations, Métis and the public in remediation and decision-making for removal of beneficial use impairments.

Result 5

Complete remaining actions required to achieve delisting criteria and restore the two beneficial uses that remain impaired in the Peninsula Harbour AOC: restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, and degradation of benthos; and, determine the status of two additional beneficial uses that require further assessment: degradation of fish and wildlife populations, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Assess the status of two remaining impaired beneficial uses and two requiring further assessment:
   1. Improve understanding of the consumption of fish to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption;
   2. Determine status of fish populations and fish and wildlife habitat to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria; and
   3. Complete status assessments, prepare status assessment reports, and as appropriate proceed with beneficial use impairment redesignation for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption and degradation of benthos; and, a designation status of the beneficial use impairments that require further assessment: degradation of fish and wildlife populations, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat.

Ontario will:

4. Conduct monitoring of fish contaminants to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption.

Canada and Ontario will:

2. Monitor the effectiveness of the thin layer cap remediation of contaminated sediment:
   1. Review results of post-remediation monitoring to determine effectiveness of management option.
3. Undertake a process to engage local governments, First Nations, Métis and the public in decision-making for removal of beneficial use impairments, designating the AOC as an AOC in recovery and/or delisting this AOC.

Ontario will:

4. Conduct long-term monitoring of the effectiveness of the thin layer cap.

Result 6

Continue to implement actions required to achieve delisting criteria and restore the six beneficial uses that remain impaired in the St. Marys River AOC: restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, fish tumours or other deformities, degradation of benthos, restrictions on dredging activities, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Assess the status of six remaining beneficial use impairments:
   1. Improve understanding of the consumption of fish to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption;
   2. Determine status of fish populations to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
   3. Conduct monitoring of fish liver tumours to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria; and
   4. Complete status assessments, prepare status assessment reports, and as appropriate, proceed with beneficial use impairment redesignation for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, fish tumours or other deformities, degradation of benthos, restrictions on dredging activities, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat.
2. Undertake remedial actions to achieve beneficial use impairment delisting criteria:
   1. Provide support for habitat restoration to advance progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for loss of fish and wildlife habitat.
3. Complete a sediment management strategy and provide advice for managing contaminated sediments in the St. Marys River AOC to advance progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for degradation of benthos:
   1. Engage relevant stakeholders, First Nations and Métis, in building consensus to develop a sediment management plan for contaminated sediments east of Bellevue Marine Park; and
   2. Continue to engage with local industry regarding the dredging of sediments in the Algoma boat slip.
4. Undertake a process to engage local governments, First Nations, Métis and the public in remediation and decision-making for removal of beneficial use impairments; and
5. Communicate as needed with federal and state agencies in the United States on matters that advance restoration and delisting of this binational area of concern.

Canada will:

6. Monitor and manage sediment quality in the St. Marys River federal waterlot, as appropriate; and
7. Work with Batchewana First Nation to advance habitat restoration at Whitefish Island.

Result 7

Monitor recovery of beneficial uses in order to confirm achievement of delisting criteria and restore the two beneficial uses that remain impaired in the Spanish Harbour AOC in recovery: restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, and degradation of benthos.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Assess the status of two remaining beneficial use impairments:
   1. Improve understanding of the consumption of fish to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption; and
   2. Complete status assessments, prepare status assessment reports, and as appropriate proceed with beneficial use impairment redesignation for restrictions of fish and wildlife consumption and degradation of benthos.

Ontario will:

3. Conduct monitoring of fish contaminants to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption.

Canada and Ontario will:

2. Monitor the effectiveness of the natural recovery of contaminated sediments in Whalesback Channel to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for degradation of benthos; and
3. Undertake a process to engage local governments, First Nations, Métis and the public in decision-making for removal of beneficial use impairments and delisting this AOC.

Result 8

Continue to implement actions required to achieve delisting criteria and restore four beneficial uses that remain impaired in the St. Clair River AOC: restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of benthos, restrictions on drinking water consumption, or taste and odour problems, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat; and, determine the status of two additional beneficial uses that require further assessment: degradation of fish and wildlife populations, and fish tumours or other deformities.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Assess the status of four remaining impaired beneficial uses and two requiring further assessment:
   1. Improve understanding of the consumption of fish to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption;
   2. Conduct monitoring of fish and wildlife habitat (quantity and quality) to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
   3. Determine status of fish and wildlife populations to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
   4. Conduct monitoring of upstream/downstream water quality along the St. Clair River to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria; and
   5. Complete status assessments, prepare status assessment reports, and as appropriate proceed with beneficial use impairment redesignation for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of benthos, restrictions on drinking water consumption, or taste and odour problems, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat; and, a designation status of the beneficial use impairments that require further assessment: degradation of fish and wildlife populations, and fish tumours or other deformities.

Canada will:

6. Complete analysis of fish liver tumours to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria.

Ontario will:

7. Conduct monitoring of fish contaminants to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption.

Canada and Ontario will:

2. Undertake remedial actions to advance progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for loss of fish and wildlife habitat;
3. Complete detailed engineering and cost estimates for the preferred sediment remedial option in the three priority zones in the St. Clair River to advance progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for degradation of benthos;
4. Undertake a process to engage local governments, First Nations, Métis and the public in remediation and decision-making for removal of beneficial use impairments; and
5. Communicate as needed with federal and state agencies of the United States on matters that advance restoration and delisting of this binational area of concern.

Canada will:

6. Work with Walpole Island First Nation to restore wetland habitat.

Ontario will:

7. Track spills to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on drinking water consumption, or taste and odour problems.

Result 9

Continue to implement actions required to achieve delisting criteria and restore four beneficial uses that remain impaired in the Detroit River AOC: restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, bird or animal deformities or reproductive problems, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat; and, determine the status of one additional beneficial use that requires further assessment: degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Assess the status of four remaining impaired beneficial uses and one requiring further assessment:
   1. Improve understanding of the consumption of fish to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption;
   2. Determine status of fish populations to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
   3. Determine status of fish and wildlife habitat (quantity and quality) at priority areas to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
   4. Finalize fish models to complete the long term fish and wildlife habitat plan; and
   5. As appropriate, complete status assessments, prepare status assessment reports, and proceed with beneficial use impairment redesignation for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, bird or animal deformities or reproductive problems, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat; and, a designation status of the beneficial use impairment that requires further assessment: degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations.

Canada will:

6. Conduct monitoring studies on wildlife populations to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
7. Complete analysis of fish liver tumours to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria; and
8. Conduct monitoring to determine the status of degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations.

Ontario will:

9. Conduct monitoring of fish contaminants to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption.

Canada and Ontario will:

2. Undertake remedial actions to achieve beneficial use impairment delisting criteria:
   1. Provide technical and financial support to priority actions to advance progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for loss of fish and wildlife habitat and degradation of fish and wildlife populations.
3. Undertake a process to engage local governments, First Nations, Métis and the public in remediation and decision-making for removal of beneficial use impairments; and
4. Communicate as needed with federal and state agencies of the United States on matters that advance restoration and delisting of this binational area of concern.

Result 10

Complete remaining actions required to achieve delisting criteria and restore the five beneficial uses that remain impaired in the Niagara River AOC: restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, degradation of benthos, beach closings, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Assess the status of five remaining beneficial use impairments:
   1. Determine status of fish populations and fish and wildlife habitat to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
   2. Improve understanding of the consumption of fish to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption;
   3. Continue to monitor water and sediment quality, biota, and benthos in the Niagara River AOC to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria; and
   4. Complete status assessments, prepare status assessment reports, and as appropriate proceed with the beneficial use impairment redesignation for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, degradation of benthos, beach closings, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat.

Ontario will:

5. Conduct monitoring of fish contaminants to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption.

Canada and Ontario will:

2. Undertake remedial actions to achieve beneficial use impairment delisting criteria:
   1. Provide technical and financial support for the design of remedial actions to address high bacterial levels at Queen’s Royal Beach; and
   2. Provide technical and financial support for remaining priority coastal wetland and riparian habitat project(s) to advance progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for loss of fish and wildlife habitat and degradation of fish and wildlife populations.
3. Monitor the natural recovery of contaminated sediments in Lyons Creek East:
   1. Monitor the effectiveness of the natural recovery of contaminated sediments in Lyons Creek East to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for degradation of benthos;
   2. If required, assess the need for further actions to achieve delisting criteria; and
   3. Provide technical advice to local agencies on applying the Lyons Creek East administrative controls protocol to ensure proper management of the contaminated sediment.
4. Undertake a process to engage local governments, First Nations, Métis and the public in remediation and decision-making for removal of beneficial use impairments, designating the AOC as an AOC in recovery and/or delisting this AOC; and
5. Communicate as needed with federal and state agencies of the United States on matters that advance restoration and delisting of this binational area of concern.

Result 11

Continue to implement actions required to achieve delisting criteria and restore eight beneficial uses that remain impaired in the Hamilton Harbour AOC: restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, degradation of aesthetics, degradation of benthos, restrictions on dredging activities, eutrophication or undesirable algae, beach closings, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat; and, determine the status of three additional beneficial uses that require further assessment: degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations, fish tumours or other deformities, and bird or animal deformities or reproductive problems.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Assess the status of eight remaining impaired beneficial uses and three requiring further assessment:
   1. Improve understanding of the consumption of fish to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption;
   2. Conduct monitoring of water quality and algae to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
   3. Determine status of fish populations to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
   4. Conduct monitoring of aesthetics to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
   5. Conduct monitoring of fish liver tumours to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
   6. Develop an approach to assess the status of degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations; and
   7. As appropriate, complete status assessments, prepare status assessment reports, and proceed with beneficial use impairment redesignation for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, degradation of aesthetics, degradation of benthos, restrictions on dredging activities, eutrophication or undesirable algae, beach closings, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat; and, a designation status for the beneficial use impairments that require further assessment: degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations, fish tumours or other deformities, and bird or animal deformities or reproductive problems.

Ontario will:

8. Conduct monitoring of fish contaminants to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption.

Canada and Ontario will:

2. Undertake remedial actions to achieve beneficial use impairment delisting criteria:
   1. Provide technical and financial support to priority actions to advance progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for loss of fish and wildlife habitat and degradation of fish and wildlife populations; and
   2. Continue to promote infrastructure funding for the Dundas sewage treatment plant to reduce phosphorus inputs into Cootes Paradise, as well as continue current funding for the completion of tertiary upgrades to the Woodward Avenue wastewater treatment plant to advance progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for eutrophication or undesirable algae.
3. Undertake a process to engage local governments, First Nations, Métis and the public in remediation and decision-making for removal of beneficial use impairments; and
4. Complete the Randle Reef Sediment Remediation Project to advance progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for degradation of benthos.

Canada will:

1. Lead and complete the Randle Reef Sediment Remediation Project in accordance with the Grant Funding Agreement for the Randle Reef Contaminated Sediment Remediation Project between Canada and Ontario and in accordance with Canada’s agreements with the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority, Stelco, City of Burlington, and Regional Municipality of Halton;
2. Conduct monitoring for air, suspended sediment, and water during implementation of the Randle Reef Sediment Remediation Project to ensure minimal to no environmental impact during remediation;
3. Conduct monitoring (fish and wildlife, benthos, water quality) during and after remediation to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
4. Provide technical support and expert advice for the project; and
5. Hand over ownership, operation and maintenance and long term monitoring to the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority.

Ontario will:

6. Support actions to restore a healthy, functioning fish community to achieve delisting criteria for degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations;
7. Continue to provide technical and funding support for the implementation of the Randle Reef Sediment Remediation Project; and
8. Provide regulatory oversight for the management of contaminated sediments at the Strathearne and Kenilworth slips.

Result 12

Continue to implement actions required to achieve delisting criteria and restore five beneficial uses that remain impaired in the Toronto and Region AOC: restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, beach closings, eutrophication or undesirable algae, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat; and, determine the status of one additional beneficial use that requires further assessment: degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Assess the status of five remaining impaired beneficial uses and one requiring further assessment:
   1. Improve understanding of the consumption of fish to assess the progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption;
   2. Complete analysis of wildlife populations to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
   3. Determine status of fish populations to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
   4. Conduct monitoring of water quality to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
   5. Develop an approach to assess the status of degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations; and
   6. As appropriate, complete status assessments, prepare status assessment reports, and proceed with beneficial use impairment redesignation for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, eutrophication or undesirable algae, beach closings, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat; and, a designation status of the beneficial use impairment that requires further assessment: degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations.

Ontario will:

7. Conduct monitoring of fish contaminants to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption.

Canada and Ontario will:

2. Undertake remedial actions to achieve beneficial use impairment delisting criteria:
   1. Provide technical and financial support for habitat restoration projects to advance progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for loss of fish and wildlife habitat and degradation of fish and wildlife populations;
   2. Continue to promote funding of the Don River and Central Waterfront infrastructure projects, which includes the Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant upgrades, that are required to reduce combined sewer overflows, improve water quality and advance progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for beach closings and eutrophication or undesirable algae; and
   3. Provide technical advice related to the Don River Naturalization and Portlands Flood Protection Project to advance progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for loss of fish and wildlife habitat.
3. Undertake a process to engage local governments, First Nations, Métis and the public in remediation and decision-making for removal of beneficial use impairments.

Ontario will:

4. Support actions to restore a healthy, functioning fish community to achieve delisting criteria for degradation of fish and wildlife populations.

Result 13

Complete actions required to achieve delisting criteria and restore the one beneficial use that remains impaired and delist the Port Hope Harbour AOC: restrictions on dredging activities.

Canada will:

1. Assess the status of one remaining beneficial use impairment:
   1. Complete status assessments, prepare status assessment reports, and as appropriate proceed with beneficial use impairment redesignation for restrictions on dredging activities.
2. Undertake remedial actions to achieve beneficial use impairment delisting criteria:
   1. As part of the federal Port Hope Area Initiative, continue to lead the funding, planning, consultation and engagement, oversight and implementation of remedial actions to remove and safely manage contaminated sediment from Port Hope Harbour.

Result 14

Complete remaining actions to achieve delisting criteria and restore four beneficial uses that remain impaired in the Bay of Quinte AOC: restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of aesthetics, eutrophication or undesirable algae, and degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Assess the status of four remaining beneficial use impairments:
   1. Improve understanding of the consumption of fish to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption;
   2. Complete analysis of aesthetics conditions to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
   3. Develop an approach to refine delisting criteria for degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations; and
   4. Complete status assessments, prepare status assessment reports, and as appropriate proceed with beneficial use impairment redesignation for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of aesthetics, eutrophication or undesirable algae, and degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations.

Ontario will:

5. Conduct monitoring of fish contaminants to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption.

Canada and Ontario will:

2. Through the development and implementation of the Bay of Quinte Phosphorus Management Plan, continue to advance progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for eutrophication or undesirable algae; and
3. Undertake a process to engage local governments, First Nations, Métis and the public in remediation and decision-making for removal of beneficial use impairments, designating the AOC as an AOC in recovery and/or delisting this AOC.

Result 15

Complete remaining actions required to achieve delisting criteria and restore the five beneficial uses that remain impaired in the St. Lawrence River AOC: restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, beach closings, eutrophication or undesirable algae, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat; and, determine the status of two additional beneficial uses that require further assessment: fish tumours or other deformities, and degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Assess the status of five impaired beneficial uses and two requiring further assessment:
   1. Improve understanding of the consumption of fish to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption;
   2. Assess provincially significant wetlands to support the development of local strategies and actions and to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria;
   3. Develop an approach to assess the status of degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations; and
   4. Complete status assessments, prepare status assessment reports, and as appropriate proceed with beneficial use impairment redesignation for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, beach closings, eutrophication or undesirable algae, and loss of fish and wildlife habitat; and, a designation status of the beneficial use impairments that require further assessment: fish tumours or other deformities, and degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations.

Ontario will:

5. Conduct monitoring of fish contaminants to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption; and
6. Complete water quality monitoring at remaining nearshore areas of priority tributaries to assess progress towards achievement of delisting criteria for eutrophication or undesirable algae.

Canada and Ontario will:

2. Monitor the natural recovery of contaminated sediments along the Cornwall waterfront:
   2. Monitor the effectiveness of natural recovery to assess progress towards achievement of the delisting criteria for restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption; and
   3. Provide technical advice to local agencies on applying the Cornwall Sediment Strategy Administrative Controls Protocol to ensure proper management of the contaminated sediment.
3. Undertake a process to engage local governments, First Nations, Métis and the public in remediation and decision-making for removal of beneficial use impairments, designating the AOC as an AOC in recovery and/or delisting this AOC; and
4. Communicate as needed with federal and state agencies of the United States on matters that advance restoration and delisting of this binational area of concern.

Annex 6: lakewide management

The purpose of this annex is to advance restoration, protection and conservation of the Great Lakes through collaboration among jurisdictions domestically and binationally and with the Great Lakes community on a lake-by-lake basis.

Lakewide Action and Management Plans (LAMPs) provide a mechanism to assess and report on the state of the ecosystem, identify science and management priorities, conduct studies and outreach activities, and identify the need for and facilitate further action. The Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement outlines a commitment to update and implement LAMPs for each of the four Canadian Great Lakes including their major river systems of St. Marys, St. Clair, Detroit, Niagara and the international section of the St. Lawrence. It also contains commitments to implement a nearshore framework, and consult and cooperate with the Great Lakes community to assess the status of each Great Lake and address environmental stressors on a lakewide scale.

The nearshore areas of the Great Lakes have great biological diversity, provide numerous benefits and are the focal point for human interaction with the Great Lakes but are also subject to tremendous human impact. The nearshore framework provides a foundation for assessing and managing the nearshore including Great Lakes beaches. It is science-based, considers sources of stress and potential stress, and includes monitoring and reporting.

This annex builds on and supports existing and new initiatives in priority geographies in each Great Lake to help achieve ecosystem objectives and to address those lakewide and nearshore issues that can be best addressed on a lakewide scale. It recognizes the important contributions of natural and agricultural systems in meeting objectives for water quality and ecosystem health. Commitments in other annexes such as nutrients, areas of concern, habitat and species, and harmful pollutants also support the objectives of this annex.

The Great Lakes are Ontario’s primary source of drinking water. This annex includes commitments to further assess and address threats to sources of drinking water in connection with efforts under Ontario’s Clean Water Act, 2006 as well as through existing federal policies and programs. Commitments throughout the agreement are augmented by ongoing federal and provincial programs such as the federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan, and provincial contaminated site remediation efforts.

Result 1

The status of each of the Great Lakes, including the connecting river systems, is regularly assessed and reported, and issues best addressed on a lakewide scale are coordinated and implemented binationally through LAMPs and with domestic agencies and organizations. Canada will lead, with Ontario’s support:

1. Assessment and reporting on the state of the waters (physical, chemical and biological attributes) and ecosystem health of each Canadian Great Lake and its connecting channels including current and future potential threats and trends;
2. Identification of research, monitoring and other science priorities for the assessment of current and future potential threats to water quality and lake ecosystem health, including climate change, and for the identification of priorities to support management actions;
3. Ecosystem science and monitoring surveys, inventories, studies and outreach activities that support the above assessments and management actions;
4. Identification and coordination of required actions by government agencies and the Great Lakes community to address lake-specific priority threats to water quality and lake ecosystem health and the achievement of lake ecosystem objectives;
5. Canadian input to development and implementation of lake-specific binational strategies to address objectives and any current and future potential threats to water quality and lake ecosystem health that are judged to be best addressed on a lake-by- lake basis; and
6. Publication of LAMPs for each lake, on a five-year rotational basis such that LAMPs for Lakes Superior, Huron (2022), Ontario (2023) and Erie (2024) will be completed.

Result 2

The Great Lakes community is engaged in decision making and taking action to restore, protect and conserve the lakes and connecting rivers.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. a) Increase opportunities for engagement in assessing lake status, identifying priorities for science and action; and taking action to address lake specific issues, including:
   1. Opportunities for the Great Lakes community to review and provide input at various stages in the LAMP development process for each lake;
   2. Develop a process to engage First Nations and Métis in assessing lake status, identifying priorities for science and action, and taking action to address lake-specific issues, for each Great Lake, through the Lakewide Action and Management Plans; and
   3. Opportunities for the Great Lakes community to undertake actions that support the LAMP.

Result 3

The Great Lakes nearshore framework implementation is continued in cooperation with the Great Lakes community.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Complete an assessment of the Canadian Great Lakes nearshore waters by March 2022 which will include:
   1. An assessment of the state of the Canadian nearshore of the Great Lakes;
   2. Identification of nearshore areas that are or may become subject to high stress due to individual or cumulative impacts on the chemical, physical or biological integrity of those areas;
   3. Identification of nearshore areas that are of high ecological value;
   4. Identification of priority nearshore areas for prevention, restoration and protection at an appropriate scale to support management action; and
   5. Identification of stresses (including climate change), causes, and sources of contamination for priority areas.
2. Maintain monitoring programs that collect the data required for the assessment of the Great Lakes Canadian nearshore (nearshore), which may include: water and sediment quality, benthic invertebrates community composition, nuisance and harmful algae blooms, coastal wetland health, water quality at drinking water intakes, and fish consumption advisory data;
3. Share data and results of nearshore assessments with the Great Lakes community through LAMP documents and other mechanisms;
4. Maintain currency of nearshore assessments;
5. Develop and share tools and approaches for communities and organizations to use the results of the nearshore assessment to take action to restore and protect nearshore waters; and
6. Explore the use of new technologies to enhance the understanding of coastal processes and ecosystem health.

Result 4

Initiatives and lake-specific priority actions to address current and future threats to water quality and ecosystem health, as identified through LAMPs, the nearshore framework, Ontario’s Great Lakes Strategy and other means.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Take action for Lake Ontario through such initiatives as:
   1. Western Lake Ontario Land to Lake Initiative;
   2. Carruthers Creek to Moira River Watershed Planning and Big Data Initiative;
   3. Niagara River Toxics Management Plan including the Niagara River water quality monitoring and biomonitoring; and
   4. St. Lawrence River Strategy Initiative.
2. Take action for Lake Erie through such initiatives as:
   1. Grand River Water Management Plan and Southern Grand Rehabilitation Initiative;
   2. The Thames River (Deshkan Ziibi) Shared Waters Approach to Water Quality & Quantity and Clear Water Revival;
   3. Canadian Lake St. Clair Management Plan; and
   4. The Niagara Coastal Community Collaborative.
3. Take action for Lake Huron through such initiatives as:
   1. Lake Huron Georgian Bay Initiative for Community Action; and
   2. Healthy Lake Huron Clean Water, Clean Beaches Campaign (Southeast Shores).
4. Take action for Lake Superior through such initiatives as:
   1. The Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area interim management plan.

Result 5

Potential risks to the Great Lakes as a source of safe drinking water are identified and assessed, and early actions to manage risks are undertaken.

Canada will:

1. Collaboratively pursue strengthening the protection of the Great Lakes as a source of safe drinking water through existing binational mechanisms; and
2. Implement federal policies and programs that are protective of the Great Lakes as a source of safe drinking water.

Ontario will:

3. Identify sensitive areas and mitigate risks to drinking water;
4. Provide available datasets, studies and expertise to support the identification and assessment of issues and threats to drinking water sources; and
5. Maintain and/or develop programs to provide education and outreach on the protection of drinking water sources, to:
   1. Identify and support action to mitigate potential threats to source water; and
   2. Encourage collaboration on protecting drinking water sources.

Result 6

Improved understanding and implementation of adaptive management approaches to outflow regulation strategies for the upper Great Lakes and the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River System lake levels.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Enhance understanding of the water budget within the Great Lakes basin, including lake supply, precipitation, evaporation, and watershed runoff, and factors that contribute to changing lake levels and the relationship with other natural lakes;
2. Continue to explore opportunities to collaborate on lake level adaptive management strategies as they relate to water quality and ecosystem health; and
3. Maintain and advance adaptive management plans proposed by the International Joint Commission for the Upper Great Lakes and the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River System.

Result 7

Coordinated science activities by Canada, Ontario and others to support the identified science priorities to restore, protect and conserve Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Work with the United States and others to support a binational Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI) for Lakes Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario on a five-year rotational basis, coordinating activities that are focused on science priorities identified through the LAMPs; and
2. Ensure necessary agreements are in place for the timely and effective exchange of data and information.

Result 8

Assessment and reporting on the state of the Great Lakes using science-based ecosystem indicators.

Canada and Ontario will:

1. Support indicator development by maintaining monitoring programs, providing data and preparing indicator reports where applicable and encourage other Great Lakes government and non-government organizations to do the same;
2. Share Great Lakes data and information through existing means such as established fora, social media, agency websites and reports as well as investigate new opportunities to efficiently convey information on trends in Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health; and
3. Explore approaches for communicating ecosystem health conditions and trends that consider variability of conditions within lakes, such as the western basin of Lake Ontario.

Canada will lead, with Ontario’s support:

4. Establish and maintain a suite of comprehensive, science-based ecosystem indicators to assess the state of the Great Lakes, anticipate threats and measure progress against the general and specific objectives of the Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement; and
5. Develop a comprehensive binational assessment of the Great Lakes ecosystem based on agreed-upon environmental indicators.

Canada will:

6. Via Open Maps supported by the Federal Geospatial Platform initiative, provide the public with a single window access to Canada’s Great Lakes data to enable easy data access, visualization, integration and analysis that support evidence-based decision-making across all the priority areas addressed under this agreement.