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AKWESASNE - Drilling on a site that might contain hazardous wastes, construction workers building a new $30 million, 75,000 square foot casino at Akwesasne struck an old toxic dump, fouling the water of more than 70 homes. The contamination renewed the debate over casino compatibility with community life on the Akwesasne Mohawk reservation, which straddles the United States-Canada border near Cornwall, Ontario.

Workers drilled five wells despite the presence in the area of subsurface salt water and past toxic contamination. Casino developers proceeded with drilling upon receiving a finding of "no significant impact" in the environmental assessment conducted by the National Indian Gaming Commission, the regulatory authority for gaming developments. Two of the wells were drilled to 200 feet, in search of an aquifer that would supply the casino with fresh water. In November 1998, instead of locating fresh water, drilling penetrated bedrock and released trapped salt-water deposits.

The drillers attempted to cap two of the wells with concrete, but that didn't stop the salt water from mixing with wastes containing several carcinogens that had been buried in the same area a decade or more ago. A brackish, foul-smelling toxic mixture backed up in the wells of area homes, and spread quickly because of unusually warm winter weather.

The brackishness of the water is almost twice that of the open ocean. This mixture was found to contain high concentrations or organic matter including barium, strontium, beryllium and magnesium. Local health and environmental officials have seen a few cases of minor skin conditions among affected residents.

The community and tribal leaders responded by forming an emergency response team, called Operation Salt Task Force to address the contamination and respond to community needs and concerns. Officials with the St. Regis Mohawk Environmental Division report that the wells have all been capped. The spread of contaminated water has now ceased and officials expect the contamination to recede. Currently 13 homes remain affected. Environmental Division officials will continue to monitor the water quality in the area and assist residents with ongoing issues.