An impairment of beneficial uses means a change in the chemical, physical or biological integrity of the area sufficient to cause significant environmental degradation. The International Joint Commission identified 14 BUIs listed below. All BUIs that have been designated for an AOC, must be removed for the AOC to be considered restored and begin the delisting process. Select below for additional information on each of the six BUIs that are designated as impaired for the SLR AOC at Massena/Akwesasne.
 

BUI #1 - Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumptionimpaired 
BUI #2 - Tainting of Fish and Wildlife Flavornot impaired 
BUI #3 - Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populationsimpaired 
BUI #4 - Fish Tumors and Other Deformitiesimpaired 
BUI #5 - Bird/Animal Deformities or Reproduction Problemsimpaired 
BUI #6 - Degradation of Benthosimpaired 
BUI #7 - Restrictions on Dredging Activitiesnot impaired 
BUI #8 - Eutrophication or Undesirable Algaenot impaired 
BUI #9 - Restrictions on Drinking Water Consumption or Taste and Odor Problemsnot impaired 
BUI #10 - Beach Closingsnot impaired 
BUI#11 - Degradation of Aestheticsnot impaired 
BUI #12 - Added Costs to Agriculture or Industrynot impaired 
BUI #13 - Degradation of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton Populationsnot impaired 
BUI #14 - Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitatimpaired 

Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption (BUI #1)

Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations (BUI #3)

Fish Tumors and other Deformities (BUI #4)

Bird/Animal Deformities or Reproductive Problems (BUI #5)

Degradation of Benthos (BUI#6)

Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat (#14)