Pulp and Paper - General Information

How has the EEM program changed under the new RAPPER?

Regulations Amending the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations (RAPPER) pursuant to the Fisheries Act were published on May 19, 2004 in the Canada Gazette II. In addition to the main EEM provisions in Sections 28, 29 and 30, these amendments now embed the Environmental Effects Monitoring requirements under Schedule IV. For the most part, the EEM requirements from the "Aquatic Environmental Monitoring Requirements (revised EPS/1/RM/18) and "Pulp and Paper Aquatic Environmental Effects Monitoring Requirements (Annex 1)" were integrated into Schedule IV.1

Revisions to the Pulp and Paper Technical Guidance document reflect EEM requirements in response to the publication of the RAPPER, advances in scientific knowledge and monitoring techniques, as well as EEM program evolution based on the results of Cycle 2. One of the changes to the EEM program and technical guidance is the use of alternative methods (e.g., mesocosms, caged bivalves) when standard fish surveys and benthic invertebrate community surveys cannot be conducted at mill sites. Guidance on recommended alternative methods for biological monitoring was incorporated into the revised Technical Guidance Document. In addition, the revised guidance document now incorporates:

• guidance for data assessment,
• guidance for conducting redox and sulphide measurements,
• guidance for conducting effluent plume delineation,
• adjusting effluent salinity for marine sublethal toxicity testing,
• Incorporation of toxicity report assessment checklists.

What is the objective of the Pulp and Paper EEM Program?

The objective of the Pulp and Paper EEM Program is to evaluate the effects of effluents on fish, fish habitat, and the use of fisheries resources, which will be used to assess the adequacy of regulations on a site-specific basis. Information from the EEM program, along with social, economic, and technological information, can be used to assess the effectiveness of pollution prevention and control measures to indicate where there is a local, regional or national need for enhanced protection.

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How many cycles of EEM have the Pulp and Paper industry completed?

Pulp and paper mills in Canada have completed three sequences of monitoring and interpretation phases known as "cycles". These were completed in 1996 (Cycle 1), 2000 (Cycle 2) and 2004 (Cycle 3).

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When are the reports and electronic data for the next cycle due?

The fourth EEM cycle for pulp and paper is due on April 1, 2007

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