To: All Chiefs
Dt: January 5, 2005
Fr: Sue Chiblow, Environment Coordinator
Re: Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy Integration Meeting

BACKGROUND:

In 1997, Canada and the United States agreed to work toward the elimination of persistent toxic substances in the Great Lakes by signing the Great Lakes Binational Toxic Strategy: Canada-United States Strategy for the Virtual Elimination of Persistent Toxic Substances in the Great Lakes, also known as the Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy or GLBTS. The document containing information regarding this strategy can be located at http://www.binational.net/bns/progress/.

Environment Canada, Environment Protection Branch and the Chiefs of Ontario signed an agreement in September of 2003. The terms and conditions of this agreement are:

1. Inform the Chiefs of Ontario on the progress of the Binational Toxics Strategy and issues before the Integration Workgroup meetings.
2. Review and solicit the views of the Chiefs of Ontario on materials and agenda items for Binational Toxics Strategy Integration Workgroup meetings.
3. Attend and participate in discussions with the for Binational Toxics Strategy Integration Workgroup to provide the views of the Chiefs of Ontario on Strategy priorities and undertakings.

Four substance specific workgroups were formed to deal with mercury, PCBs, Dioxin/Furan and HCB/B(a)P. These groups meet regularly to deal with issues relating to these specific substances. A progress report and other information on the GLBTS can be viewed at http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/bns/reports/2002progress/index.html. Also, other numerous Binational projects and agreements can be accessed at http://binational.net/english.html.

DISCUSSION:

Integration meetings were attended and information was collected regarding the Great Lakes. Numerous substance pilot updates were given regarding various chemicals such as Dioxins/Furans. Discussions focused on current drafts of assessment reports and problems that may require the attention of the workgroups. Joint progress measurement and reporting activities were shared at the meetings.

Environment Canada and United States Environmental Protection Agency are working collaboratively to accomplish the objectives of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and the goals of pollution prevention and sound management of chemicals.

The Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy 2004 Progress Report is presently in draft form and comments on the draft are due to Rachel Sell by January 17, 2005 either by email at sellr@battelle.org , phone (614) 424-3579 or fax (614) 424-4250. To access this report and numerous other reports use the following web address: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/bns/

If you require further information or would like to discuss this issue, please feel free to contact me at (705) 942-3100.