April 5, 2004

The Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester sent a letter to the Honorable Leona Dombrowsky, Minster of Environment in Ontario, Canada, requesting cooperation in protecting international waters. The letter calls for action to improve the notification process when spills and illegal discharges into the water occur across the border.

Recent spills in Canada have increased public concern that the lack of notification could delay emergency response in Michigan, creating potential risks to the environment and public health if these spills reach our waters. While these spills were eventually contained without incident, officials from both sides of the border see a need to improve the notification process.

In his letter, Director Chester suggested meetings to discuss how each agency can improve its response time in notifying officials of a spill, and informing those in the affected area in a timely manner. This will minimize potential hazards when these spills and illegal discharges do occur.

While the DEQ is committed to providing the best possible emergency response, Director Chester also expressed his resolve to seek permanent remedies that prevent these spills and discharges from occurring.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised April 5, 2004 by Pat Watson