Valid concerns arise from Alcoa fire

A Tuesday morning fire at the Alcoa East planet prompted many Kawehno:ke residents to call the MCA Environment Program for answers, guidance, and comfort.

According to Alcoa in a prepared statement, "Alcoa and emergency crews quickly prevented a fire on Tuesday during demolition work at the former Massena East facility, where a steel structure was being removed. An appointed fire watch noticed a fiber glass louver smoldering and called the Massena Fire Department as a precautionary measure at approximately 9:30 a.m. The department managed the situation within 10 minutes.

There were no injuries to people, the environment or property. Alcoa will keep its local stakeholders, including the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, informed about the root cause of the incident so it does not reoccur."

As smoke billowed across the St. Lawrence River and directly into the homes of Kawehno:ke residents on the south side of the island, many were rightfully concerned and called the MCA Environment Program.

The concerns of Akwesasronon are valid. Akwesasronon have long been victims/survivors of environmental violence, all living in an 'Area of Concern.' The United States Environmental Program list the St. Lawrence River at Massena/Akwesasne as an 'Area of Concern'.

According to EPA, "The U.S.-Canada Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement defines AOCs as "geographic areas designated by the Parties where significant impairment of beneficial uses has occurred as a result of human activities at the local level." An AOC is a location that has experienced environmental degradation' - Akwesasne.

MCA Environment took the precautionary measure of temporarily halting their water intake, but as far as air quality monitoring – the MCA Environment Program lacks proper air quality monitoring equipment. Program Manager Abraham Francis was in close contact with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe's Environment Division, who is closely monitoring the situation.

MCA Environment Program is working on being prepared in the future for traumatic lateral environmental violence.