The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) and partners of the Niagara River Remedial Action Plan (NRRAP) program will host a public information centre to share a progress update about potential options to manage historic contaminated sediment in a portion of Lyons Creek East in Welland, ON. Members of the community are invited to attend on June 18, 2025, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the International Flatwater Centre in Welland. Registration is required to attend.
The creek’s bottom is contaminated with a historic source of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and is the last remaining contaminated sediment site within the Canadian side of the Niagara River Area of Concern, identified for cleanup as part of the NRRAP.
In 2023, NRRAP partners hosted a public meeting to inform the community that long-term monitoring results indicated that natural recovery had not progressed as expected in some areas of the creek. Scientists recommended a more active remediation approach compared to what had been selected in the past. Since then, several studies were completed to better understand the extent of the contamination and characterize the ecology of the site to determine potential remediation options such as sediment removal, capping, or a combination of both. This public information centre is an important step to support future decision-making.
Community members interested in this project are encouraged to attend the information session on June 18. Registration is required to attend and light refreshments will be provided.
To learn more about the Lyons Creek East Sediment Cleanup project, the upcoming information session, or to submit online comments and questions, please visit the NPCA’s engagement platform, Get Involved NPCA.
For more info on the Niagara River Remedial Action Plan, including other efforts to improve water quality and ecosystem health: niagarariver.ca
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QUOTES
“Past monitoring shows that natural recovery at Lyons Creek East is falling short in some areas, prompting us to evaluate more active remediation options like capping or removal. On June 18, we’ll share the science behind these considerations and outline potential next steps. Community input is essential as we work toward an effective, environmentally sound solution.” - Natalie Green, NPCA Director, Watershed Strategies & Climate Change
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About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all. NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 43 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
About the Niagara River Remedial Action Plan (RAP): The Niagara River was identified as one of 43 Great Lakes’ Areas of Concern in the late 1980s due to water quality and habitat problems. The Niagara River RAP program brings together various organizations to improve the river’s water quality and ecosystem health through implementing targeted monitoring and/or restoration efforts. The goal of RAP is to restore up to 14 environmental challenges to remove the Niagara River from the list of Areas of Concern.
Media inquiries to be directed to:
Jennifer McQuillan, Communications and Marketing Specialist
Mobile: 905-933-0532
jmcquillan@npca.ca
Questions about the Lyons Creek East Sediment Cleanup project:
Natalie Green, Director Watershed Strategies & Climate Change
Office: 905.788.3135 Ext 243
ngreen@npca.ca