IMPORTANT NOTICE E. coli detected off Route 138

04/05/2024

The Public Safety Division of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake wishes to notify the community that Kahnawake Shakotiiatakehnhas Community Services′ Environmental Health Services (EHS) have tested and detected elevated levels of E. coli along Route 138, between the 207 and the lights near the Peacekeepers station.

The problem was identified in response to complaints from several community members who are outdoor enthusiasts. The reports were of an unusual and unpleasant odor coming from a creek in that area. Staff from the Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office (KEPO) were dispatched to the area and collected samples from several different locations, and brought them to the EHS offices for testing.

The EHS lab reported that the two samples taken from the creek had extremely high levels of E.coli. Samples from other points along Route 138, along Route 207, and along the decommissioned CSX tracks showed normal levels of E. coli.

"On Wednesday several representatives from KEPO, EHS, and Public Safety visited the site, and the source of the smell was easily observed and identified," said Public Safety Portfolio lead Ryan Montour. "In light of this discovery we are asking Community members to stay away from the area highlighted on the map, until further notice."

Air quality testing in the area showed no signs of unusual or dangerous gases such as Sulfane (H2S), Methane (CH4), or other Volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs.

More information on the situation, including cleanup efforts, will be shared as it becomes available.