Binational microplastics plan ‘essential’

Report says action required to protect aquatic life throughout the Great Lakes

Impacts on aquatic life and human health caused by microplastics in the Great Lakes has become so great that “essential” action is needed by the Canadian and U.S. governments, says a report released by the International Joint Commission.

The binational government body responsible for shared boundary waters was called upon and tackled the issue through workshops, plus gathering the latest science on troubles caused by small pieces of plastic found in a variety of personal care products which have entered the Great Lakes through run-off or waste water.

Unlike other pollutants, microplastics — pieces five millimetres or smaller — often do not dissipate and remain in the Great Lakes where they eventually are consumed by fish and can enter the food chain.

The IJC has released a series of recommendations which call for action by the Canadian and U.S. governments. They include creation of a binational plan that develops policy, launches research and education to monitor and measure microplastics within the Great Lakes basin on an ongoing basis.

Data would be used in all decision making to address ecological and health impacts, determine primary sources and how to reduce their release in the Great Lakes, the IJC said.

Both countries have taken initial steps to ban microplastics from health care and personal products “which is an excellent first step,” said IJC Canadian Commissioner Rick Morgan.

But the harmful material is still found in too many products or being created when larger plastic products degrade in the water, he said.

“We already know that microplastics are impacting aquatic life in the lakes and possibly human health for those people who eat fish that have microplastics in them,” Morgan said.

“We believe it’s essential that both countries develop a binational plan immediately to identify the sources and impacts of microplastics entering the Great Lakes — and more importantly develop a variety of regulatory, marketbased and educational approaches to stop this from occurring.”

Other IJC recommendations include a call for both countries to adopt policies which promote lifecycle responsibilities for plastic producers, plus even see municipalities reduce plastic pollution.

Canada and the U.S. should also provide funding for local programs or organizations to reduce plastics from entering the Great Lakes.

Local MP Brian Masse (NDP — Windsor West) has been outspoken on the microplastics issue since 2011. Efforts in Ottawa on the issue have helped lead to several corporations voluntarily eliminating microplastics from products such as facial scrubs, laundry detergents and others.

Masse, the NDP’s critic for Great Lakes issues, called the IJC recommendations a “good start” on Tuesday, but said progress can only truly be made through new legislation.

“Are these recommendations like a microbead that will sit at the bottom of the lakes forever?” Masse said. “They need to be enshrined through legislation.”

The local MP noted how there are many corporations willing to do the right thing in regards to plastics, but they fear putting themselves at a competitive disadvantage by doing so by removing them from their products — sometimes for more expensive substitutes.

“The challenge they face is ensuring there is a fair playing field among all producers,” Masse said. “Good companies should not be subsidizing those who are not doing the right thing.”

Masse called the IJC’s goals “attainable” and a “viable way” to improve current pollution levels of microplastics in the Great Lakes.

“If the governments take this serious, this is an easy out for them to do something significant for our environment,” he said. “There just has to be a willingness.”

We already know that microplastics are impacting aquatic life in the lakes and possibly human health.