On May 31, 2016, the Canadian and United States governments
announced the designation
of eight "chemicals of mutual concern" under the 2012
Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA). These include
mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
The original GLWQA was established in 1972, with a primary focus
on reducing algae. It was updated in 1978, 1983, 1987 and again in
2012. The 2012 Agreement was organized as a series of Articles and
Annexes, including Annex 3, on Chemicals of Mutual
Concern.
Among other things under Annex 3, Canada and the United States
agreed to identify chemicals which originate from human sources
that are viewed as potentially harmful to human health or the
environment. Following this, they would be targeted for action by
preparing bi-national strategies and coordinating the development
and application of domestic water quality standards, objectives,
criteria and guidelines, as appropriate. Other objectives are
to:
