The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake reported on March 27 that “high levels” of lead were detected in samples of sap and maple water collected on the grounds of the Kahnawake Survival School. The Kahnawake Education Centre, meanwhile, reported that production at the school’s maple sugar bush has been suspended.
translation Amanda Bennett
Samples were collected in mid-March by the Kahnawake Environmental Protection Office (KEPO) following requests from the council and community members concerned about the presence of the Terrapure lead-acid battery recycling plant located nearby in Sainte-Catherine. The company is currently being sued by Environment Canada for violating the Fisheries Act by discharging substances harmful to fish into the waters of the Seaway.
2 to 8 times the permitted standard
The results of the initial sampling revealed lead levels between 3.1 and 3.5 µg/L, which is below the maximum standard of 5 µg/L of lead for drinking water. “While these levels are below the drinking water threshold of 5 µg/L, boiling sap into syrup can concentrate contaminants, which raised concerns. As a precaution, additional samples were collected using alternative collection methods,” the Kahnawake Education Centre stated in a press release.
The additional sampling was conducted on a single tree. One sample was collected in a plastic bucket with a plastic drain, while the second was collected in a metal bucket, the Mohawk Council reported. Laboratory results indicate a level of 10 ug/L in the plastic bucket—double the permitted standard—and 40 ug/L in the metal bucket, which is eight times the permitted limit.
KEPO has recommended that the school refrain from consuming sap or maple syrup. “The Kahnawake Education Centre supports the decision to suspend production for the remainder of the season as a precautionary measure,” the statement said.
“These results are extremely alarming, and it was critical that the community be informed as soon as possible,” commented Kahnawake Grand Chief Cody Diabo. “We are doing more tests and will keep the community informed.”
A Known Phenomenon
Lead contamination in the maple syrup industry has long been a known issue. “Lead residues can be found in maple products, especially if they are made using equipment whose materials or solder contain lead,” states the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on its website.
The Kahanwake Survival School, for its part, states that it uses relatively new equipment—dating back five years—and does not believe it contains lead.
Further investigations
“Unfortunately, it does appear that the maple trees themselves are being impacted by lead. Additionnal investigations will be needed to confirm these findings and identify the source,” says Patrick Ragaz, Director of KEPO.
The school’s sugar shack is an important activity “ providing both hands-on learning opportunities a meaningful way to honour Kanien’keha: ka traditions and culture,” according to the education centre. “Although the Sugar Shack is closed, the Kahnawake Survival School continues to be a safe environment for staff and students, and, as always, their health and well-being remain our highest priority,” he added.
Soil tests were conducted at this location in 2006, 2019, and 2025, and additional tests are planned for this spring, according to the Kahnawake Education Center. KEPO is also in contact with an ecotoxicologist from Environment Canada.
This high school is located near Sainte-Catherine’s industrial park and the Terrapure company.
In 2024, Kahnawake authorities were also alerted by residents to issues involving a strong odour of burning plastic in the same area.
