Beneficial Uses

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GREAT NEWS for the SMR RAP!

As of February 25, 2015, the Bird and Animal Deformities or Reproductive Problems BUI has officially been redesignated as Not Impaired for the Ontario portion of the AOC.

For more information on the studies that brought about the redesignation, please see the Population Assessment here, and the Redesignation Report here.

 

Summary of Beneficial Use Impairments in

St. Marys River Area of Concern

There were 14 environmental challenges considered in each Great Lakes Area of Concern

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE

Status

Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption

Restrictions on fish consumption

I

Consumption of wildlife

NI

Tainting of Fish and Wildlife Flavour

NI

Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations

Health of fish populations

I

Contaminant levels of fish

I

Health of wildlife populations

RFA

Contaminant levels of wildlife

NI

Fish Tumors and Other Deformities

I

Bird and Animal Deformities or Reproductive Problems

NI

Degradation of Benthos (worms and insects that live on the bottom of river)

Health of benthic populations

I

Contaminant levels of benthic organisms

I

Restrictions on Dredging Activities

I

Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae

I

Restrictions on Drinking Water Consumption or Taste and Odour Problems

NI

Beach Closures

I

Degradation of Aesthetics

I

Added Cost to Agriculture and Industry

NI

Degradation of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton

NI

Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat

I

I = Impaired; RFA = Requires Further Assessment; NI = Not Impaired

To view the complete Michigan Guidance for Delisting, click here. You can also see its front matter, or its appendices and references.