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2023 Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations annual report

2023 Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations annual report [PDF - 2.06MB]

Review notice

The information used in this report was submitted to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) by regulated pulp and paper mills and off-site treatment facilities as required under section 7 of the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations (PPER) pursuant to the Fisheries Act. Environment and Climate Change Canada compiled this report to inform the regulated community, other stakeholders and the interested public on the PPER, for informational purposes only. For all purposes of interpreting and applying the law, users should consult the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations, as registered by the Clerk of the Privy Council and published in Part II of the Canada Gazette.

Executive summary

This report summarizes compliance and effluent discharge amounts of Canadian pulp and paper mills with respect to the selected standards prescribed by the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations (PPER), which came into force on May 7, 1992.

The data used in this report were provided to Environment and Climate Change Canada under section 9, 28, 29, and 30 of the Regulations, which requires mills to submit monthly reports to Environment and Climate Change Canada as well as environmental effects monitoring (EEM) reports on a designated cycle. The format for the monthly effluent reports is specified in Schedule II of the Regulations. The monthly effluent reports include:

In 2023, 74 pulp and paper mills operating in Canada were subject to the Regulations. The self-reported data showed a high level of compliance, with:

The annual effluent loading from Canadian pulp and paper mills (SS released per tonne of production and kilograms of BOD released per tonne of production) remained stable at the national level. A total of 2.75 kg/tonne of production of SS and 1.33 kg/tonne of production of BOD was released to the environment in 2023.

Canadian pulp and paper mills subject to the PPER are required to conduct comprehensive environmental effects monitoring (EEM) studies. The EEM requirements consist of sublethal toxicity testing of mill final effluent and biological monitoring studies conducted in the receiving environment to assess potential impacts of effluent. Mill final effluents show sublethal toxicity impacts of growth and reproduction inhibition in laboratory test species in more than half of all tests conducted. The data from biological monitoring studies, submitted up until 2022, show that mill final effluents from 78.5% of the mills have impacts on receiving environments.

Introduction

The Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations (PPER) were first published, under the Fisheries Act in 1971 to control discharges of deleterious substances and reduce the effects on fish and fish habitat that had been observed at pulp and paper mills across Canada at that time. By the late 1980s, Environment and Climate Change Canada had determined that the 1971 Regulations had not yielded all of the desired effluent quality improvements. The Government amended the PPER in 1992 to introduce:

The PPER set limits on the amounts of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) matter and suspended solids (SS) that may be deposited by pulp and paper mills. They also prohibit deposits of effluents that are acutely lethal to rainbow trout. The PPER also set out monitoring and reporting requirements. The Regulations are administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada and apply to all pulp and paper mills in Canada. The full text of the Regulations outlining all the requirements is available online.

This report summarizes compliance, effluent quality data and environmental effects monitoring results up to and including 2023. Supplementary information on individual mills is provided in the appendices.

Overview of direct deposit mills subject to the PPER in 2023

In 2023, 74 pulp and paper mills depositing effluent directly into water frequented by fish in Canada were subject to the Regulations. These mills have a total of 116 outfall structures, which are structures through which effluent is conveyed from a mill to a location where it is deposited in water frequented by fish, or in any place from which it may enter such water, or to a wastewater treatment system. Mills are located in all provinces except for Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan. No mills are located in the territories. A map illustrating each mill's location is presented in Figure 1. A detailed list of mills is in Appendix A.

Figure 1: Distribution of Canadian mills in operation (2023)

Long description

This black and white map shows the distribution of the 74 pulp and paper mills across Canada that are currently subject to the PPER in operation in 2023. The distribution of these mills is shown by province. Their location is identified using pins. A table of mill locations is presented in Appendix A.

Overview of annual compliance and discharge amounts over time

Table: PPER compliance and total annual discharge amounts over time
Year Total Number of Mills Subject To PPERFootnote 1 Total Effluent Flow (million m3) Total Biochemical Oxygen Demand (kt) Total Suspended Solids (kt) Total BOD Tests Passed (%) Total SS Tests Passed (%) Total Acute Lethality Percent of Tests Passed (%) Total Daphnia magna Percent of Tests Passed (%)
2006 113 1880 38.2 80.2 99.9 99.7 98.7 98.6
2007 105 1831 37.1 81.0 99.9 99.8 97.5 98.2
2008 104 1705 35.5 71.8 99.9 99.9 97.4 98.7
2009 100 1467 27.9 60.4 99.9 99.9 97.2 98.7
2010 93 1505 30.6 64.5 99.7 99.8 97.6 98.1
2011 88 1506 32.6 72.2 99.8 99.7 95.9 98.2
2012 85 1459 29.7 62.2 99.7 99.8 98.3 98.6
2013 81 1482 29.0 62.0 99.9 99.8 96.2 98.3
2014 81 1428 28.2 62.4 99.9 99.8 97.5 97.9
2015 77 1367 26.4 53.8 99.9 99.9 97.6 98.5
2016 77 1366 24.5 49.8 99.9 99.9 97.3 97.9
2017 77 1352 24.8 51.2 99.9 99.9 97.5 98.7
2018 77 1353 26.2 53.8 99.9 99.9 98.3 98.5
2019 77 1310 24.8 52.4 99.9 99.9 97.8 98.0
2020 74 1232 21.9 45.6 99.9 99.9 97.4 98.7
2021 74 1263 22.1 47.0 99.8 99.9 97.4 98.5
2022 74 1206 22.6 46.1 99.8 99.9 98.7 98.5
2023 74 1107 20.1 41.5 99.8 99.9 98.2 97.9

Table 1 shows compliance of self-reported data on suspended solids, BOD tests, acute lethality tests on rainbow trout, and effect on Daphnia magna tests. In addition, Table 1 shows the total suspended solids and BOD discharged annually under the PPER from 2006 to 2023. 

Section 1: Compliance of direct deposit mills subject to the PPER in 2023

Analysis of the self-reported effluent data generated during 2023 by Canadian pulp and paper mills concluded that mills continued to have high rates of compliance with the effluent quality limits prescribed in the PPER. In 2023, compliance rates calculated from self-reported data were over 99% for SS and BOD, and 98.2% for the requirement that effluent not be acutely lethal to rainbow trout. Although not a regulatory compliance parameter, the effect on Daphnia magna test is reported. Should a Daphnia magna test be failed, a mill is then required to perform an additional acute lethality test. The percentage of passed tests for effect on Daphnia magna was 97.9%. Figure 2 shows compliance for effluent parameters in 2023, and Figure 3 shows compliance for effluent parameters from 2006 - 2023.

Figure 2: PPER Effluent Parameter Compliance (2023)

Long description

The percentage of compliance associated with each of the PPER parameters for the year 2023 is shown on a national level. Percent compliance is shown on the x axis of the graph and increases by values of 10, from 0 to 100 percent. The percentage of success for each of the parameters are:

  • 97.88% pass for acute lethality tests for Daphnia magna
  • 98.17% pass rate for acute lethality tests for rainbow trout
  • 99.95% success rate for SS tests
  • 99.83% success rate for BOD tests

The percent compliance rates depicted in Figure 2 are presented in Table 1 for 2023.

Figure 3: PPER effluent parameter compliance over time (2006 - 2023)

Long description

Line graph representing the variation in compliance for the various PPER effluent parameters as a function of time between 2006 and 2023, including:

  • BOD tests passed, which range from 99.65% to 100.0% and are indicated using a red line with circles at the top of the graph
  • SS tests passed, which range from 99.66% to 99.99% and are indicated using a blue line with squares near the top of the graph
  • Daphnia magna tests passed, which range from 97.88% to 98.68% and are indicated using a yellow line with triangles near the middle of the graph
  • Acute lethality tests passed, which range from 95.86% to 98.69% and are indicated using an orange line with diamonds closest to the bottom of the graph

The number of mills per year is also given on the x axis of the graph.

Table 1: PPER Compliance Over Time
Year Number of Mills BOD Tests Passed SS Tests Passed Acute Lethality Tests Passed Daphnia Magna Tests Passed
2006 113 99.85 99.70 98.69 98.64
2007 105 99.97 99.79 97.53 98.23
2008 104 99.96 99.91 97.40 98.72
2009 100 99.94 99.86 97.18 98.68
2010 93 99.66 99.80 97.59 98.08
2011 88 99.80 99.65 95.86 98.15
2012 85 99.74 99.81 98.31 98.64
2013 81 99.85 99.83 96.23 98.28
2014 81 99.96 99.87 97.53 97.93
2015 77 99.98 100.00 97.65 98.54
2016 77 99.99 99.95 97.35 97.89
2017 77 99.99 99.96 97.49 98.76
2018 77 99.88 99.91 98.35 98.37
2019 77 99.87 99.94 97.84 97.99
2020 74 99.94 99.98 97.35 98.68
2021 74 99.80 99.90 97.41 98.50
2022 74 99.77 99.88 98.68 98.51
2023 74 99.83 99.95 98.17 97.88

Section 2: Regulatory data summary of direct deposit mills subject to the PPER in 2023

Analysis of the self-reported effluent data generated during 2023 by Canadian pulp and paper mills showed mills deposited:

Figure 4 illustrates total releases from all Canadian mills in 2023. Figures 5 and 6 below demonstrate the total annual release of BOD and SS by Canadian pulp and paper mill effluent at the national level from 2006 to 2023.

Figure 4: Total Deleterious Substances and Effluent Deposited by Canadian Mills Subject to the PPER in 2023

Long description

The total amount of deleterious substances released in 2023 are 41.5 kilotonnes of suspended solids and 20.1 kilotonnes of BOD. The total volume of effluent discharged from Canadian pulp and paper mills subject to the PPER in 2023 is equivalent to 1,107 million cubic metres. The data for deleterious substances is represented using two black circles containing white text. An arrow is located between them and points to a grey circle with white text, which represents the total effluent volume.

Figure 5: Annual release of BOD by Canadian pulp and paper mill effluent over time (2006 to 2023)

Long description

A grey and white bar graph representing the annual releases of BOD, in units of kilotonne, in effluent from all Canadian pulp and paper mills between 2006 and 2023 as a function of year. The annual release is shown on the y axis, while the year is shown on the x axis. The number of mills per year is also given on the x axis.

Table 2: Annual release of BOD by Canadian Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent Over Time (2006 – 2023)
Year Number of Mills BOD (kt)
2006 113 38.2
2007 105 37.1
2008 104 35.5
2009 100 27.9
2010 93 30.6
2011 88 32.6
2012 85 29.7
2013 81 29.0
2014 81 28.2
2015 77 26.4
2016 77 24.5
2017 77 24.8
2018 77 26.2
2019 77 24.8
2020 74 21.9
2021 74 22.1
2022 74 22.6
2023 74 20.1

Figure 6: Annual release of SS by Canadian pulp and paper mill effluent over time (2006 to 2023)

Long description

A black and white bar graph representing the annual releases of SS, in units of kilotonne, in effluent from all Canadian pulp and paper mills between 2006 and 2023 as a function of year. The annual release is shown on the y axis, while the year is shown on the x axis. The number of mills per year is also given on the x axis.

Table 3: Annual release of SS by Canadian pulp and paper mill effluent over time (2006 to 2023)
Year Number of Mills SS (kt)
2006 113 80.2
2007 105 81.0
2008 104 71.8
2009 100 60.4
2010 93 64.5
2011 88 72.2
2012 85 62.2
2013 81 62.0
2014 81 62.4
2015 77 53.8
2016 77 49.8
2017 77 51.2
2018 77 53.8
2019 77 52.4
2020 74 45.6
2021 74 47.0
2022 74 46.1
2023 74 41.5

Figures 7 and 8 demonstrates the annual effluent loading, kilograms of BOD and SS released per tonne of production, in Canadian pulp and paper mill effluent at the national level from 2006 to 2023.

Figure 7: Annual loading of BOD by Canadian pulp and paper mill effluent over time (2006 to 2023)

Long description

A grey and white bar graph representing the annual loadings of BOD, in units of kilogram per ton of production, in effluent from all Canadian pulp and paper mills between 2006 and 2023 as a function of year. The annual loadings are shown on the y axis, while the year is shown on the x axis. The number of mills per year is also given on the x axis.

Table 4: Annual loading of BOD by Canadian pulp and paper mill effluent over time (2006 to 2023)
Year Number of Mills BOD Loading (kg/tonne production)
2006 113 1.31
2007 105 1.32
2008 104 1.39
2009 100 1.32
2010 93 1.37
2011 88 1.49
2012 85 1.46
2013 81 1.41
2014 81 1.39
2015 77 1.35
2016 77 1.26
2017 77 1.29
2018 77 1.36
2019 77 1.34
2020 74 1.30
2021 74 1.29
2022 74 1.38
2023 74 1.33

Figure 8: Annual loading of SS by Canadian pulp and paper mill effluent over time (2006 to 2023)

Long description

A black and white bar graph representing the annual loadings of SS, in units of kilogram per ton of production, in effluent from all Canadian pulp and paper mills between 2006 and 2023 as a function of year. The annual loadings are shown on the y axis, while the year is shown on the x axis. The number of mills per year is also given on the x axis.

Table 5: Annual loading of SS by Canadian pulp and paper mill effluent over time (2006 to 2023)
Year Number of Mills SS Loading (kg/tonne production)
2006 113 2.76
2007 105 2.88
2008 104 2.81
2009 100 2.85
2010 93 2.88
2011 88 3.30
2012 85 3.05
2013 81 3.02
2014 81 3.09
2015 77 2.74
2016 77 2.57
2017 77 2.67
2018 77 2.79
2019 77 2.84
2020 74 2.70
2021 74 2.76
2022 74 2.82
2023 74 2.75

Figure 9 demonstrates both the effluent volume released on an annual basis (effluent efficiency) by Canadian pulp and paper mills, compared to the total effluent volume released per tonne of production of all Canadian pulp and paper mills from 2006 to 2023. Effluent volume has decreased since 2006, and effluent volume per tonne of production has increased.

Figure 9: Total effluent volume and total effluent released per tonne of production by Canadian pulp and paper mills over time (2006 to 2023)

Long description

Line graph demonstrating the total effluent volume released (in million cubic metres) compared to the total effluent volume released (in cubic meters) per tonne of production on an annual basis from all Canadian pulp and paper mills from 2006 to 2023, as a function of year. Effluent released per tonne of production is represented by a blue line with circles. Effluent volume released is represented by a black line with triangles. The effluent released per tonne of production is shown on the y axis, while the year is shown on the x axis. The number of mills per year is also shown on the x axis.

Table 6: Total effluent volume and total effluent released per tonne of production by Canadian pulp and paper mills over time (2006 to 2023)
Year Number of Mills Effluent Volume Released (million m3) Effluent Released per Tonne of Production (m3/tonne)
2006 113 1880 64.6
2007 105 1831 65.2
2008 104 1705 66.6
2009 100 1467 69.2
2010 93 1505 67.2
2011 88 1506 68.8
2012 85 1459 71.6
2013 81 1482 72.1
2014 81 1428 70.6
2015 77 1367 69.7
2016 77 1366 70.5
2017 77 1352 70.4
2018 77 1353 70.2
2019 77 1310 70.9
2020 74 1232 72.9
2021 74 1263 74.1
2022 74 1206 73.7
2023 74 1107 73.5

Figure 10 represents the total number of instances where effluent was found to be acutely lethal to rainbow trout, and the total number of times effluent had an effect on Daphnia magna by Canadian pulp and paper mill effluent from 2006 to 2023.

Figure 10: Total Number of failures of acute lethality (rainbow trout) and Daphnia magna testing by Canadian pulp and paper mill effluent over time (2006 to 2023)

Long description

Bar graph representing the total number of instances where effluent was found to be acutely lethal to rainbow trout, and the total number of times effluent had an effect on Daphnia magna on an annual basis by Canadian pulp and paper mills from 2006 to 2023. The number of failures is shown on the y axis, while the year is shown on the x axis. The number of mills per year is also shown on the x axis. The acute lethality failures are represented by a striped, grey bar. The Daphnia magna number of failures are represented using a black bar.

Table 7: Total number of failures of acute lethality (rainbow trout) and Daphnia magna testing by Canadian pulp and paper mill effluent over time (2006 to 2023)
Year Number of Mills Daphnia Magna - Number of Failures Acute Lethality - Number of Failures
2006 113 90 25
2007 105 115 47
2008 104 80 48
2009 100 76 48
2010 93 105 39
2011 88 99 68
2012 85 70 26
2013 81 88 58
2014 81 105 36
2015 77 69 31
2016 77 97 34
2017 77 56 32
2018 77 73 21
2019 77 91 28
2020 74 58 32
2021 74 64 32
2022 74 62 15
2023 74 87 21

Section 3: Environmental effects monitoring results

Environmental effects monitoring (EEM) is a science-based, performance measurement tool used to collect information for assessing the effectiveness of effluent regulations in achieving objectives of protecting water quality that sustains fish, fish habitat, and the use of fisheries resources. The EEM requirements in the PPER consists of sublethal toxicity testing of mill final effluent and biological monitoring studies conducted to assess potential impacts of effluent on receiving environments and to determine the cause of and identify solutions for any observed impacts. Information gained through sublethal toxicity testing supports the interpretation of biological monitoring study results. Biological monitoring studies are presently conducted every three years over a period of three years, and there have been nine study periods since the EEM requirements came into force in 1992. Data obtained through PPER EEM requirements are summarized below. More detailed information for each mill is listed in Appendix C.

Table 2: Biological study monitoring periods for EEM
Periods Years
First 1992 – 1996
Second 1996 – 2000
Third 2000 – 2004
Fourth 2004 – 2007
Fifth 2007 - 2010
Sixth 2010 – 2013
Seventh 2013 – 2016
Eighth 2016 – 2019
Ninth 2019 – 2022
10th 2022 – 2025

Sublethal toxicity of final effluent

Mills are required to conduct sublethal toxicity (SLT) testing on final effluent. These tests assess the non-lethal (sublethal) impacts of effluent on growth and reproduction of plant and invertebrate species. The measurement used to assess sublethal impacts is the effluent concentration that causes a 25% reduction in growth or reproduction in test organisms, known as the inhibiting concentration (IC25). If a 100% concentration of effluent causes less than a 25% inhibition, the effluent is reported as showing no sublethal toxicity for that test. Starting in 1992, sublethal toxicity testing has been conducted twice a year by all Canadian mills in production or once a year if the mill released effluent on fewer than 120 days in that calendar year. Figure 11 depicts the annual percentage of tests demonstrating sublethal toxicity since 1992 for algal and invertebrate tests, separately.

Figure 11: Annual percentage of tests showing sublethal toxicity for algae and invertebrate species

Long description

A blue and black scatter graph representing the percentage of sublethal toxicity tests showing sublethal toxicity on algae and invertebrates as a function of year, from 1992 to 2023. The percentage of tests showing sublethal toxicity is shown on the y axis, while the year is shown on the x axis. Tests on algae are represented by a blue circle, while tests on invertebrates are represented by a black square.

Table 8: Percentage of tests showing sublethal toxicity on algae and invertebrates per year
Year Tests Showing Subleathal Toxicity on Algae (%) Tests Showing Subleathal Toxicity on Invertebrates (%)
1992 100.0 100.0
1993 100.0 100.0
1994 88.5 97.5
1995 93.4 88.5
1996 100.0 100.0
1997 55.6 80.9
1998 53.4 80.8
1999 60.9 76.2
2000 56.0 78.3
2001 59.6 75.7
2002 53.2 79.1
2003 45.0 76.1
2004 43.8 78.3
2005 55.1 74.6
2006 56.7 71.6
2007 50.7 77.1
2008 43.2 79.9
2009 41.6 80.7
2010 44.1 81.6
2011 39.7 82.4
2012 46.7 78.5
2013 47.8 84.9
2014 47.1 74.5
2015 48.9 73.8
2016 46.4 73.6
2017 44.9 64.7
2018 43.1 66.2
2019 31.9 63.2
2020 33.3 60.7
2021 32.1 59.5
2022 35.7 58.9
2023 29.9 59.1

Biological monitoring studies

Biological monitoring studies are conducted to assess and investigateFootnote 2 effects in three components:

To assess effects of mill effluent on fish health and/or habitat, biological monitoring studies are conducted to compare statistical differences between data collected in an area exposed to mill effluent to data from a similar area not exposed to mill effluentFootnote 3. For human usability of fisheries resources, fish tissue data from the exposure area are assessed against an established threshold for chlorinated dioxins and furans. If mill effluent has an effect on any one or more of the three components, the biological monitoring studies determine the cause of the effect and then identify solutions to eliminate the effect.

Data from the first nine biological monitoring study periods have been reviewed. Figure 12 depicts the percentage of these mills for which effluent is designated as showing and not showing effects on the fish population and/or fish habitat, as well as the percentage of mills that are not required to conduct biological monitoring studies as of 2022. Mills that are not required to conduct biological monitoring studies have an exemption because the mill's effluent dilutes to less than 1% at a distance of 100 meters from where the effluent is released into the environment or the mill only deposits cooling water into the environment.

Figure 12: Percent effect designation for Canadian mills in operation (As of 2022)Footnote 4

Long description

A pie chart representing the percentage of mills for which effluent is designated as showing effects or showing an absence of effects based on all biological monitoring studies conducted as of 2022. This chart shows that as of 2022:

  • 78.5% of mills in operation show effects (represented with black)
  • 3% of mills show no effects (represented with white)
  • 18.5% of mills did not require biological monitoring (represented with stripes)

The prevalent effects on fish are due to increased nutrient levels in the receiving environment, sometimes combined with an effect on reproduction (reduced fish gonad size). The primary effects on fish habitat, measured by assessing benthic invertebrate communities, are associated with eutrophication from nutrient enrichment.

Appendix A: Overview of Canadian direct deposit mills subject to the PPER (2023)

Appendix B: Annual effluent data for Canadian direct deposit mills subject to the PPER (2023)

Table 2: Annual Effluent Data for Canadian Direct Deposit Mills Subject to the PPER (2023)
ID Mill Name Annual Effluent Flow (1000 m3) Annual SS (Tonnes) Annual BOD (Tonnes) Annual Daphnia Magna Failures Annual Daphnia Magna Tests Annual Acute Lethality Failures Annual Acute Lethality Tests
QC01 Sappi: Matane, QC 6582 300 134 2 52 0 13
QC02 Papiers White Birch - F.F. Soucy: Riviere-du-Loup, QC 5253 270 95 4 52 0 17
QC03 Cascades: Cabano, QC 3307 83 48 0 52 0 13
QC04 Resolute Forest Products: Alma, QC 9364 176 56 0 52 0 12
QC05 Resolute Forest Products: Kénogami, QC 5488 86 36 0 54 0 14
QC06 Fibrek: Saint-Félicien, QC 26698 771 865 1 103 2 33
QC07 Resolute Forest Products: Dolbeau, QC 7265 146 39 0 52 0 12
QC08 BP Canada: Pont Rouge, QC 484 24 5 0 51 0 12
QC09 MPI Moulin: Portneuf, QC 225 8 6 10 48 0 17
QC10 Papiers White Birch: Stadacona, QC 22236 382 301 0 52 0 12
QC11 Resolute Forest Products: Clermont, QC 6729 68 31 1 52 0 12
QC12 Cascades: Kingsey Falls, QC 1862 8 3 0 52 0 12
QC14 Westrock: La Tuque, QC 37868 1077 318 0 54 1 16
QC15 Kruger - Wayagamack: Trois-Rivières, QC 19444 732 129 2 153 0 36
QC16 Kruger: Trois-Rivières, QC 16968 183 92 0 52 0 12
QC17 Domtar: Windsor, QC 23823 928 182 0 52 0 12
QC18 Kruger: Brompton, QC 2054 21 14 0 51 0 12
QC19 Kruger: Sherbrooke, QC 1033 11 37 6 51 0 15
QC20 Resolute Forest Products: Gatineau, QC 17357 407 292 2 53 0 13
QC21 Papiers White Birch - Papiers Masson: Gatineau, QC 7191 170 89 10 54 1 37
QC22 Fortress Specialty Cellulose: Thurso, QC 6982 40 42 0 52 0 12
QC23 Kruger: Gatineau, QC 4854 57 85 1 52 2 19
QC24 Resolute Forest Products: Amos, QC not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023
QC25 Rayonier: Témiscaming, QC 42957 634 322 6 131 0 38
QC26 Resolute Forest Products: Baie-Comeau, QC not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023
QC27 Nordic Kraft: Lebel-sur-Quévillon, QC 25641 679 237 0 62 0 16
QC28 Sustana Fiber: Breakyville, QC 482 7 3 0 52 0 12
QC29 Kruger: Crabtree, QC 6373 35 20 1 50 0 13
QC30 Cascades: Lachute, QC 398 34 16 9 50 0 17
QC31 Enterprises Rolland: St. Jerome, QC 2251 737 125 4 50 0 13
AB01 Alberta Newsprint: Whitecourt, AB 4815 89 26 0 52 0 12
AB02 Alberta Pacific Forest Industries: Boyle, AB 29890 534 92 0 54 0 14
AB03 Mercer Celgar: Peace River, AB 24445 704 135 0 104 0 24
AB05 Millar Western: Whitecourt, AB 5503 154 135 1 64 3 31
AB06 West Fraser: Slave Lake, AB 4124 245 139 0 52 0 12
AB07 International Paper: Grande Prairie, AB 16173 309 306 0 50 0 12
AB08 West Fraser: Hinton, AB 23000 419 391 0 52 0 12
MB02 Canadian Kraft Paper Industries: The Pas, MB 12342 301 185 0 51 0 13
NB01 AV Group: Atholville, NB 16480 1521 1538 3 61 3 28
NB03 Twin Rivers Paper: Edmunston, NB 25612 1946 862 0 65 0 27
NB06 Irving (Paper): Saint John, NB 11886 3235 671 9 53 0 18
NB07 Irving (Pulp and Paper): Saint John, NB 43048 2595 2460 8 106 4 42
NB08 Irving: Lake Utopia, NB 6766 287 253 0 52 1 15
NB09 AV Group: Nackawic, NB 23044 803 680 1 52 0 12
NF03 Kruger: Corner Brook, NF 25201 575 223 0 109 0 26
NS01 Maibec: East River, NS 466 24 7 1 54 0 13
NS03 CKF Incorporated: Hansport, NS 1949 9 71 0 54 0 13
NS04 Paper Excellence: Northern Pulp, NS not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023
NS06 Port Hawkesbury Paper: Port Hawkesbury, NS 7387 274 65 1 53 0 13
ON05 Domtar: Dryden, ON 37704 877 751 0 52 0 12
ON06 Thunder Bay Pulp & Paper Inc.: Thunder Bay, ON 47522 720 284 1 154 0 36
ON07 Bioveld Canada: Thorold, ON 1375 13 1 0 26 0 6
ON11 Cascades: Trenton, ON 1404 7 3 0 52 0 12
ON12 Domtar: Espanola, ON 26547 976 437 0 52 0 12
ON15 Dunn Paper: St. Catharines, ON 2559 39 49 0 52 0 13
ON17 AV Group: Terrace Bay, ON 28898 1110 863 0 52 1 17
ON21 Green First: Kapuskasing, ON 17044 187 71 0 51 0 12
ON23 Sonoco: Trent Valley, ON not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023
ON24 Strathcona Paper: Napanee, ON 665 4 4 0 52 0 12
PY01 Catalyst: Crofton, BC 36491 1671 371 0 61 1 24
PY02 Paper Excellence: Howe Sound, BC 21815 564 167 1 65 0 24
PY05 Catalyst: Port Alberni, BC 22672 304 126 0 52 0 12
PY07 Catalyst: Powell River, BC 9012 5 10 1 75 0 22
PY12 Paper Excellence: Mackenzie, BC not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023
PY13 Cariboo Pulp and Paper: Quesnel, BC 33578 1237 767 0 52 0 12
PY14 Paper Excellence: Skookumchuck, BC 13931 546 314 0 52 1 18
PY17 Canfor - Northwood Pulp: Prince George, BC 48111 3982 1678 0 52 0 12
PY18 Mercer Celgar: Castlegar, BC 40938 514 86 0 51 0 12
PY19 Canfor - PGI: Prince George, BC 29572 1419 609 0 52 0 12
PY20 Quesnel River Pulp: Quesnel, BC 6462 2319 397 1 52 1 15
PY21 Kruger: New Westminster, BC 2893 91 59 0 55 0 12
PY22 Kruger: Kamloops, BC 30410 625 618 0 52 0 12
PY25 Canfor: Taylor, BC 3 0 0 0 1 0 0
PY26 Nanaimo Forest Products: Harmac, BC 54315 2148 539 0 57 0 19

Appendix C: Sublethal toxicity (SLT) values for Canadian mills in operation (2023)

Table: SLT Values for Canadian mills in operation as of 2023
ID Mill Name Mean IC25 sublethal toxicityFootnote 5
(2023) - Algae		 Mean IC25 sublethal toxicityFootnote 5
(2023) - Invertebrates
QC01 Sappi: Matane, QC 100 7.4
QC02 Papiers White Birch - F.F. Soucy: Rivière-du-Loup, QC 18.6 57.3
QC03 Cascades: Cabano, QC 100 70.4
QC04 Resolute Forest Products: Alma, QC 29.22 64
QC05 Resolute Forest Products: Kénogami, QC 18.85 64.4
QC06 Fibrek: Saint-Félicien, QC 41.05 18.55
QC07 Resolute Forest Products: Dolbeau, QC 100 100
QC08 BP Canada: Pont Rouge, QC 100 100
QC09 MPI Moulin: Portneuf, QC 57.5 42.5
QC10 Papiers White Birch: Stadacona, QC 100 65.95
QC11 Resolute Forest Products: Clermont, QC 100 76.55
QC12 Cascades: Kingsey Falls, QC 52.45 100
QC14 Westrock: La Tuque, QC 65.2 100
QC15 Kruger - Wayagamack: Trois-Rivières, QC 100 67.45
QC16 Kruger: Trois-Rivières, QC 100 100
QC17 Domtar: Windsor, QC 100 100
QC18 Kruger: Brompton, QC 100 100
QC19 Kruger: Sherbrooke, QC 17.8 34.85
QC20 Resolute Forest Products: Gatineau, QC 100 100
QC21 Papiers White Birch - Papiers Masson: Gatineau, QC 100 56.65
QC22 Fortress Specialty Cellulose: Thurso, QC no production in 2023  no production in 2023
QC23 Kruger: Gatineau, QC 100 55.1
QC24 Resolute Forest Products: Amos, QC not operational in 2023  not operational in 2023
QC25 Rayonier: Témiscaming, QC 47.25 3.83
QC26 Resolute Forest Products: Baie-Comeau, QC not operational in 2023  not operational in 2023
QC27 Nordic Kraft: Lebel-sur-Quévillon, QC 77.9 100
QC28 Sustana Fiber: Breakyville, QC 27.35 22.25
QC29 Kruger: Crabtree, QC 100 100
QC30 Cascades: Lachute, QC 77.28 16.1
QC31 Enterprises Rolland: St. Jerome, QC 100 50.78
AB01 Alberta Newsprint: Whitecourt, AB 100 82.35
AB02 Alberta Pacific Forest Industries: Boyle, AB 100 77.1
AB03 Mercer Celgar: Peace River, AB 100 86.95
AB05 Millar Western: Whitecourt, AB 39.3 22.2
AB06 West Fraser: Slave Lake, AB 8.19 24.4
AB07 International Paper: Grande Prairie, AB 100 28.65
AB08 West Fraser: Hinton, AB 100 100
MB02 Canadian Kraft Paper Industries: The Pas, MB 100 8.23
NB01 AV Group: Atholville, NB 25.9 0.91
NB03 Twin Rivers Paper: Edmunston, NB 44.05 75.85
NB06 Irving (Paper): Saint John, NB 100 32.95
NB07 Irving (Pulp and Paper): Saint John, NB 100 19.49
NB08 Irving: Lake Utopia, NB 100 0.64
NB09 AV Group: Nackawic, NB 100 12.9
NF03 Kruger: Corner Brook, NF 100 68.95
NS01 Maibec: East River, NS 100 28.14
NS03 CKF Incorporated: Hansport, NS 54.75 72.65
NS04 Paper Excellence: Northern Pulp, NS not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023
NS06 Port Hawkesbury Paper: Port Hawkesbury, NS 100 19.16
ON05 Domtar: Dryden, ON 61.1 48.8
ON06 Thunder Bay Pulp & Paper Inc.: Thunder Bay, ON 80.55 100
ON07 Bioveld Canada.: Thorold, ON no production in 2023  no production in 2023
ON11 Cascades: Trenton, ON no production in 2023 no production in 2023
ON12 Domtar: Espanola, ON 100 100
ON15 Dunn Paper: St. Catharines, ON 100 33.40
ON17 AV Group: Terrace Bay, ON 54.93 51.6
ON21 Green First: Kapuskasing, ON 100 100
ON23 Sonoco: Trent Valley, ON not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023
ON24 Strathcona Paper: Napanee, ON 100 89.65
PY01 Catalyst: Crofton, BC 100 17.8
PY02 Paper Excellence: Howe Sound, BC 100 16.65
PY05 Catalyst: Port Alberni, BC 100 57.65
PY07 Catalyst: Powell River, BC no production in 2023 no production in 2023
PY12 Paper Excellence: Mackenzie, BC not operational in 2023 not operational in 2023
PY13 Cariboo Pulp and Paper: Quesnel, BC 64.1 64.1
PY14 Paper Excellence: Skookumchuck, BC 100 100
PY17 Canfor - Northwood Pulp: Prince George, BC 48.7 79.8
PY18 Mercer Celgar: Castlegar, BC 100 100
PY19 Canfor - PGI: Prince George, BC 100 100
PY20 Quesnel River Pulp: Quesnel, BC 0.9 25.95
PY21 Kruger: New Westminster, BC 100 80
PY22 Kruger: Kamloops, BC 100 85.5
PY25 Canfor: Taylor, BC no production in 2023 no production in 2023
PY26 Nanaimo Forest Products: Harmac, BC 100 4.7

Appendix D: Effect designations for Canadian mills in operation (as of 2022)

  1. QC01 - Sappi: Matane, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect (unconfirmed), Fish Population: studies inconclusive, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  2. QC02 - Papiers White Birch - F.F. Soucy: Rivière-du-Loup, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  3. QC03 - Cascades: Cabano, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  4. QC04 - Resolute Forest Products: Alma, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  5. QC05 - Resolute Forest Products: Kénogami, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  6. QC06 - Fibrek: Saint-Félicien, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  7. QC07 - Resolute Forest Products: Dolbeau, QC - Overall: monitoring not required, Fish Habitat: monitoring not required, Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  8. QC08 - BP Canada: Pont Rouge, QC - Overall: monitoring not required, Fish Habitat: monitoring not required, Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  9. QC09 - MPI Moulin: Portneuf, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  10. QC10 - Papiers White Birch: Stadacona, QC - Overall: monitoring not required, Fish Habitat: monitoring not required, Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  11. QC11 - Resolute Forest Products: Clermont, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  12. QC12 - Cascades: Kingsey Falls, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  13. QC14 - Westrock: La Tuque, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: studies inconclusive, Fish Population: studies inconclusive, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  14. QC15 - Kruger - Wayagamack: Trois-Rivières, QC - Overall: monitoring not required, Fish Habitat: monitoring not required, Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  15. QC16 - Kruger: Trois-Rivières, QC - Overall: monitoring not required, Fish Habitat: monitoring not required, Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  16. QC17 - Domtar: Windsor, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  17. QC18 - Kruger: Brompton, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  18. QC19 - Kruger: Sherbrooke, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  19. QC20 - Resolute Forest Products: Gatineau, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  20. QC21 - Papiers White Birch - Papiers Masson: Gatineau, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: no effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  21. QC22 - Fortress Specialty Cellulose: Thurso, QC - Overall: no production in 2023, Fish Habitat: no production in 2023, Fish Population: no production in 2023, Fish Tissue: no production in 2023
  22. QC23 - Kruger: Gatineau, QC - Overall: monitoring not required, Fish Habitat: monitoring not required, Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  23. QC24 - Resolute Forest Products: Amos, QC - Overall: not operational in 2023, Fish Habitat: not operational in 2023, Fish Population: not operational in 2023, Fish Tissue: not operational in 2023
  24. QC25 - Rayonier: Témiscaming, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  25. QC26 - Resolute Forest Products: Baie-Comeau, QC - Overall: not operational in 2023, Fish Habitat: not operational in 2023, Fish Population: not operational in 2023, Fish Tissue: not operational in 2023
  26. QC27 - Nordic Kraft: Lebel-sur-Quévillon, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect (unconfirmed), Fish Population: effect (unconfirmed), Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  27. QC28 - Sustana Fiber: Breakyville, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  28. QC29 - Kruger: Crabtree, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  29. QC30 - Cascades: Lachute, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  30. QC31 - Enterprises Rolland: St. Jerome, QC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  31. AB01 - Alberta Newsprint: Whitecourt, AB - Overall: no effect, Fish Habitat: no effect (unconfirmed), Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  32. AB02 - Alberta Pacific Forest Industries: Boyle, AB - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  33. AB03 - Mercer Celgar: Peace River, AB - Overall: monitoring not required, Fish Habitat: monitoring not required, Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  34. AB05 - Millar Western: Whitecourt, AB - Overall: no effect, Fish Habitat: no effect (unconfirmed), Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  35. AB06 - West Fraser: Slave Lake, AB - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  36. AB07 - International Paper: Grande Prairie, AB - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  37. AB08 - West Fraser: Hinton, AB - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  38. MB02 - Canadian Kraft Paper Industries: The Pas, MB - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  39. NB01 - AV Group: Atholville, NB - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: studies inconclusive, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  40. NB03 - Twin Rivers Paper: Edmunston, NB - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  41. NB06 - Irving (Paper): Saint John, NB - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: studies inconclusive, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  42. NB07 - Irving (Pulp and Paper): Saint John, NB - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: studies inconclusive, Fish Population: studies inconclusive, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  43. NB08 - Irving: Lake Utopia, NB - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: studies inconclusive, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  44. NB09 - AV Group: Nackawic, NB - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  45. NF03 - Kruger: Corner Brook, NF - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  46. NS01 - Maibec: East River, NS - Overall: monitoring not required, Fish Habitat: monitoring not required, Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  47. NS03 - CKF Incorporated: Hansport, NS - Overall: monitoring not required, Fish Habitat: monitoring not required, Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  48. NS04 - Paper Excellence: Northern Pulp, NS - Overall: not operational in 2023, Fish Habitat: not operational in 2023, Fish Population: not operational in 2023, Fish Tissue: not operational in 2023
  49. NS06 - Port Hawkesbury Paper: Port Hawkesbury, NS - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  50. ON05 - Domtar: Dryden, ON - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  51. ON06 - Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper Inc.: Thunder Bay, ON - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  52. ON07 - Bioveld Canada.: Thorold, ON - Overall: no production in 2023, Fish Habitat: no production in 2023, Fish Population: no production in 2023, Fish Tissue: no production in 2023
  53. ON11 - Cascades: Trenton, ON - Overall: monitoring not required, Fish Habitat: monitoring not required, Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  54. ON12 - Domtar: Espanola, ON - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  55. ON15 - Dunn Paper: St. Catharines, ON - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: studies inconclusive, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  56. ON17 - AV Group: Terrace Bay, ON - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  57. ON21 – Green First: Kapuskasing, ON - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  58. ON23 - Sonoco: Trent Valley, ON - Overall: not operational in 2023, Fish Habitat: not operational in 2023, Fish Population: not operational in 2023, Fish Tissue: not operational in 2023
  59. ON24 - Strathcona Paper: Napanee, ON - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  60. PY01 - Catalyst: Crofton, BC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: no effect
  61. PY02 - Paper Excellence: Howe Sound, BC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: no effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  62. PY05 - Catalyst: Port Alberni, BC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: no effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  63. PY07 - Catalyst: Powell River, BC - Overall: no production in 2023, Fish Habitat: no production in 2023, Fish Population: no production in 2023, Fish Tissue: no production in 2023
  64. PY12 - Paper Excellence: Mackenzie, BC - Overall: not operational in 2023, Fish Habitat: not operational in 2023, Fish Population: not operational in 2023, Fish Tissue: not operational in 2023
  65. PY13 - Cariboo Pulp and Paper: Quesnel, BC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: no effect, Fish Population: studies inconclusive, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  66. PY14 - Paper Excellence: Skookumchuck, BC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  67. PY17 - Canfor - Northwood Pulp: Prince George, BC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: no effect, Fish Population: studies inconclusive, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  68. PY18 - Mercer Celgar: Castlegar, BC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: no effect, Fish Population: effect, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  69. PY19 - Canfor - PGI: Prince George, BC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: no effect, Fish Population: studies inconclusive, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  70. PY20 - Quesnel River Pulp: Quesnel, BC - Overall: monitoring not required, Fish Habitat: monitoring not required, Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  71. PY21 - Kruger: New Westminster, BC - Overall: monitoring not required, Fish Habitat: monitoring not required, Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  72. PY22 - Kruger: Kamloops, BC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: studies inconclusive, Fish Tissue: monitoring not required
  73. PY25 - Canfor: Taylor, BC - Overall: no production in 2023, Fish Habitat: no production in 2023, Fish Population: no production in 2023, Fish Tissue: no production in 2023
  74. PY26 - Nanaimo Forest Products: Harmac, BC - Overall: effect, Fish Habitat: effect, Fish Population: monitoring not required, Fish Tissue: no effect

List of acronyms and abbreviations

BOD
biochemical oxygen demand
EEM
environmental effects monitoring
kT
kilo tonnes
PPER
Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations
SS
suspended solids
SLT
sublethal toxicity

Page details

2025-07-23