Conclusion

Contaminated sediment is the greatest source of persistent toxic substances to the waters of the Great Lakes basin, and represents a significant pathway of human exposure to these contaminants. At present, no single program in either country is sufficient to address the scope and cost of cleaning up contaminated sediment in the Areas of Concern. Also, there is no consistent binational approach to setting priorities. Existing plans and current funding levels are not adequate to restore beneficial uses within the Areas of Concern or to restore the chemical and biological integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes basin ecosystem. Decision-makers need to establish the case for restoration funding. Without adequate funding and increased efforts to develop successful strategies, any progress to restore the Great Lakes and to protect human health will continue at a slow incremental pace, much as it has over the past decade.