EA Marine Baseline Studies Underway
Northern Pulp and its consultants will be conducting marine baseline studies in Pictou Harbour to inform its proposed transformation and Environmental Assessment report for the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change.
The marine research conducted in Pictou Harbour, East River, Middle River, and West River throughout 2022 will measure water flows, currents and tides, collect water samples for analysis, and survey fish, fish habitat, aquaculture, vegetation, and sediment.
The initial baseline studies being conducted include:
- Measurement of water flows in and out of the rivers and Pictou Harbour
- Measurement of the currents and tidal data during rising and falling tides
- Water sample collection and chemical analyses at varying depths in the water column
- Water quality profiles for salinity (salt), temperature, turbidity (cloudiness), oxygen in water and pH
- Bathymetric surveys to measure the depth of water in the study area, as well as map the underwater features area
The work is non-invasive and will not interfere with commercial or Indigenous fisheries or marine traffic in the study area. Small boats may be seen in the area as they set up and begin monitoring. We have been in touch with Pictou Landing First Nation, local authorities, lobster fishers, and harbour users to notify them of this activity.
