Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro,  joined Sen. Chuck Schumer and state Sen. Patty Ritchie in opposing Montreal’s plan to dump billions of gallons of sewage into the St. Lawrence River.

The Canadian federal government has ordered Montreal to postpone the plan and study the possible effects.

“I am very concerned with Montreal’s plan to dump 2 billion gallons of sewage into the St. Lawrence River,” said Stefanik. “In the North Country we know the importance of our environment and the importance of protecting our bodies of water. I trust that the Canadian government agrees and will make the right decision to protect the St. Lawrence River by blocking this unwise decision. My office has been communicating with the city of Montreal and will continue to stay in touch with our Canadian counterparts to voice the North Country’s strong opposition to this plan.”

The City of Montreal was planning to dump 2 billion gallons of raw sewage into the St. Lawrence River over a weeklong period as part of an infrastructure project. The dumped sewage would enter the river and flow towards the Atlantic Ocean impacting the natural ecosystem of the St. Lawrence River, but well downstream from the American shore of the river.

Environment Canada, the Canadian government’s department responsible for coordinating and monitoring environmental policies, is set to rule on Montreal’s plan soon, according to a press release from the congresswoman’s office.