MCK announces immediate prohibition of Landfilling in Tioweroton

05/22/2018

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke (MCK) announced an immediate prohibition of landfilling within the Tiower�:ton Territory.

The announcement comes as a result of a Mohawk Council Executive Directive passed earlier today at the duly-convened Council Meeting. Eight (8) chiefs agreed, with Rats�nhaienhs Martin Leborgne abstaining.

The prohibition was put in place as a means of protecting the environment and to keep the Territory pristine.

The Mohawk Council of Kanehsat�:ke is in support of this directive.

In recent months a community member had acquired material from an asphalt recycling company to use as fill at cabin construction sites. The material was tested and confirmed to be contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons.

�Given the sandy soils in Tiower�:ton, contaminants are able to easily move into the groundwater,� said Rats�nhaienhs Clinton Phillips, who holds the Environment Portfolio for the MCK. �Many community members have wells at their cabin sites and use this water for drinking and cooking. According to the Kahnaw�:ke Environment Protection Office, there is a real risk for these contaminants to reach well water. Considering that, as a community, we are entrusted to care for Mother Earth, no one should be conducting any activities that could threaten the unspoiled nature of our Territory.� 

At this time only gravel from a recognized quarry is acceptable for driveways/entryways and cabin base needs. More details will follow on applicable conditions.