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Environmental group American Rivers released a study designating the St. Lawrence River as one of the most endangered waterways in the nation.
The bi-national river is rated fourth out of ten of the top rivers the group studied and is one of the few that doesn’t face a severe pollution threat.
Rather it was chosen, according to the study, because of an outdated dam management plan.
“It’s the 23rd annual report and its a chance to shine the spotlight on rivers that are at…a crossroads so to speak,” said American Rivers spokesperson Garrett Russo.
The International Joint Commission (IJC) recently released its water management plan for the next 50 years, calling it Plan 2007.
You can read our coverage of the IJC’s press conference on Plan 2007 here.
The plan does not deviate heavily from the current plan, but does make amends for some environmental considerations and recreational boating issues
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However, officials at American Rivers say it isn’t enough and that the IJC should have chose one of the original plans from the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Study, Plan B+.
Plan B+ was supported by New York politicians, such as Congressman John McHugh and by local watchdog group the International Water Levels Coalition (IWLC).
The endangered distinction is met with welcoming arms by lawmakers and environmental advocacy groups such as Save the River.
Executive director for Save the River Jennifer Caddick said that she hopes this is a wake-up call for the commissioners of the IJC.
“The status quo for river management here is not acceptable.”
“It should be a rally point…a reminder that this is a critical time in the decision process,” Congressman McHugh agreed.
Save the River said that the designation is one part of its plan to convince the IJC to change its management decision and is encouraging people to visit the informational meetings the IJC has scheduled on Plan 2007.
A list of those meetings can be found here.
The hope is by changing the water level management plan, the St. Lawrence River will not receive this so-called honor again.
View a video report here.