Nipigon Bay removed from Great Lakes pollution list after 40-year cleanup

The governments of Ontario and Canada have announced the successful restoration of Nipigon Bay, located at the north end of Lake Superior. Following nearly 40 years of cleanup efforts, the bay has been officially removed from the Great Lakes Areas of Concern list.

Nipigon Bay was originally designated an Area of Concern in 1987 due to environmental degradation caused by hydroelectric development on the Nipigon River, effluent from the former Red Rock pulp and paper mill, and municipal wastewater discharges.

Restoration initiatives included upgrading wastewater treatment facilities in the Townships of Nipigon and Red Rock, implementing stricter industry standards for pulp and paper regulations, and rehabilitating aquatic habitats. These efforts have improved water quality and restored wetlands, historic spawning grounds, and habitats for fish and wildlife.