What are the findings of the EEM Studies?
The first step in the EEM process showed extremely positive results. Fish communities within the environment of the effluent discharge were as diverse as elsewhere in the river, and in good health. Additional assessments have determined and confirmed that: There are no impacts to the fish community of the Ottawa River as a result of the effluent discharge; Sediments from the bottom of the river are generally within guidelines; With very few exceptions, the quality of river water downstream of the Pickard Centre is generally within guidelines; The outcome of chronic toxicity testing supports a general conclusion that the discharge of effluent to the Ottawa River poses little risk to fish and plants; Concentrations of chlorine in the Ottawa River upstream and downstream of the Pickard Centre exceed Federal guidelines for the protection of aquatic life, with levels being slightly elevated downstream of the Pickard Centre discharge; Concentrations of un-ionized ammonia in the Ottawa River
