Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy

Draft Report and Findings on U.S. Challenges

Three preliminary draft Binational Toxics Strategy "Challenge" Reports, and preliminary findings based on these reports, available for review and comment 

The Binational Toxics Strategy set forth a number of challenges to be met on the path toward virtual elimination of the Level I Strategy substances. Two of these challenges required USEPA to report by the end of 1998, indicating whether the respective challenges had been met. These challenges are as follows:

U.S. Challenge: Confirm by 1998 that there is no longer use or release from sources that enter the Great Lakes Basin of five bioaccumulative pesticides (chlordane, aldrin/dieldrin, DDT, mirex, and toxaphene), and of the industrial byproduct/ contaminant octachlorostyrene. If ongoing, long-range sources of these substances from outside of the U.S. are confirmed, work within international frameworks to reduce or phase out releases of these substances.

U.S. Challenge: Confirm by 1998, that there is no longer use of alkyl-lead in automotive gasoline. Support and encourage stakeholder efforts to reduce alkyl-lead releases from other sources.

Two preliminary draft reports have been prepared in response to the first challenge, one regarding the five bioaccumulative pesticides (chlordane, aldrin/dieldrin, DDT, mirex, and toxaphene), and one regarding the industrial byproduct/ contaminant octachlorostyrene. A third preliminary draft report was prepared to respond to the alkyl-lead challenge.

Preliminary findings based on these reports are also available. We welcome comments  on both the draft reports and preliminary findings from all interested stakeholders. Comments should be sent either by using the electronic comment form available with each report, or by contacting the following people: 

Comments must be received by March 1, 1999.

Thank you for your continued participation in the Binational Toxics Strategy implementation process!