GLOBE-Net, September 7, 2012 - Canada and the United States have today amended what is arguably one of the most comprehensive and successful bilateral environmental protection agreements in the world - The Great lakes water Quality Agreement.

United States Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson and Canada's Minister of the Environment Peter Kent today signed the newly amended Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement at a formal ceremony in Washington, D.C.

First concluded in 1972, the Agreement facilitates Canadian and U.S. action on threats to Great Lakes water quality and includes measures to prevent ecological harm.

"Protecting cherished water bodies like the Great Lakes is not only about environmental conservation. It's also about protecting the health of the families--and the economies--of the local communities that depend on those water bodies for so much, every day," Lisa P. Jackson. United States Environmental Protection Agency Administrator

"The amended Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement we signed today outlines the strong commitment the U.S. and Canada share to safeguard the largest freshwater system in the world. Our collaborative efforts stand to benefit millions of families on both sides of the border," said Jackson.

The overall purpose of the Agreement is "to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the waters" of the Great Lakes and the portion of the St. Lawrence River that includes the Canada-United States border.  New provisions added in the agreement address the nearshore environment, aquatic invasive species, habitat degradation, and the effects of climate change.

It also supports continued work on existing threats to people's health and the environment in the Great Lakes basin such as harmful algae, toxic chemicals, and discharges from vessels.

Both governments sought extensive input from stakeholders before and throughout the negotiation process, which started in 2009. Additionally, the revised Agreement expands opportunities for public participation in Great Lakes issues.

Based on stakeholder input, the United States and Canada retained the overall purpose of the Agreement, which is "to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes" and the portion of the St. Lawrence River that includes the Canada-United States border.

The Agreement also assigns responsibilities to the International Joint Commission to share information, assess progress, and advise the two governments on science, policy and action.

"Joint stewardship of the Great Lakes--a treasured natural resource, a critical source of drinking water, essential to transportation, and the foundation for billions of dollars in trade, agriculture, recreation and other sectors--is a cornerstone of the Canada-United States relationship," said Minister Kent. "The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement supports our shared responsibility to restore and protect this critical resource, and builds on 40 years of binational success."

The amended Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement commits the United States and Canada to cooperate and coordinate efforts on issues such as: