MCK Deplores Alleged Pollution of Seaway

Following reports of lead and sulfate allegedly being dumped into the St. Lawrence River by a nearby recycling company, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) released a statement expressing its concerns about pollution in the Seaway.

Terrapure, a battery recycling plant located in Saint-Catherine, is accused of illegally discharging sulfate and lead at harmful levels into the St. Lawrence Seaway. The company is facing 52 federal charges for violations of the Fisheries Act between 2020 and 2023.

The MCK says none of Canada, Quebec, the surrounding municipalities, nor Terrapure consulted or informed them about the alleged pollution until the news broke. The responsible parties also failed to inform the Technical Liaison Committee established by Council and the Municipalité Régionale de Comté (MRC) de Roussillon. 

Lead Environment Portfolio Chief, Ratsénhaienhs Ross Montour, says the MCK does not condone these actions, and is “extremely troubled that this information has only come to light now, long after the alleged activity started”.

Meanwhile, Ohén:ton Í:rate ne Ratitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo said Council is working to bring the community up to speed on all the details. “The MCK is actively gathering information to understand this situation, and we will provide updates as soon as possible”, said Diabo.