Environmental Specialist Since 1974

Port Alberni Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

March 2016

Prepared for: Catalyst Paper Corporation Port Alberni, British Columbia

#200 - 850 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V7P 0A3 • Tel: 1.604.926.3261 • Fax: 1.604.926.5389 • www.hatfieldgroup.com

PORT ALBERNI ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS MONITORING CYCLE SEVEN INTERPRETIVE REPORT

Prepared for:

CATALYST PAPER CORPORATION PORT ALBERNI DIVISION 4000 STAMP AVENUE PORT ALBERNI, BC V9Y 5J7

Prepared by:

HATFIELD CONSULTANTS #200 - 850 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE NORTH VANCOUVER, BC CANADA V7P 0A3

MARCH 2016

PA6429 VERSION 3

#200 - 850 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver, BC, Canada V7P 0A3 • Tel: 1.604.926.3261 • Toll Free: 1.866.926.3261 • Fax: 1.604.926.5389 • www.hatfieldgroup.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES ...... iii LIST OF FIGURES ...... iv LIST OF APPENDICES ...... v LIST OF ACRONYMS ...... vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... vii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... viii DISTRIBUTION LIST ...... ix AMENDMENT RECORD ...... ix

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1

2.0 MILL OPERATIONS AND STUDY AREA ...... 3 2.1 PROCESS DESCRIPTIONS AND UPDATES ...... 3 2.2 EFFLUENT QUALITY ...... 6 2.3 SPILLS TO THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ...... 6 2.4 STUDY AREA UPDATES ...... 6 2.5 CYCLE SEVEN STUDY DESIGN UPDATE ...... 6

3.0 SUBLETHAL TOXICITY OF EFFLUENT ...... 9 3.1 METHODS ...... 10 3.1.1 General Methods and Definitions ...... 10 3.1.2 Sublethal Toxicity Test Methods ...... 10 3.1.3 Zones of Effluent Concentration ...... 11 3.2 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ...... 12 3.2.1 Echinoderm Fertilization Test ...... 12 3.2.2 Champia parvula Algal Reproduction Test ...... 12 3.2.3 Potential Zone of Sublethal Effect ...... 13 3.3 CONCLUSIONS ...... 15

4.0 BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE SURVEY ...... 16 4.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 16 4.2 STUDY DESIGN AND STATION SELECTION ...... 16 4.3 METHODS ...... 17 4.3.1 Field Sampling Procedures ...... 17 4.3.2 Taxonomic Analysis ...... 20 4.3.3 Data and Statistical Analysis ...... 20 4.4 RESULTS ...... 24 4.4.1 Density and Taxa Richness ...... 25 4.4.2 Evenness Index and Simpson’s Diversity ...... 25

Port Alberni EEM i Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

4.4.3 Bray-Curtis Index ...... 25 4.4.4 Community Composition ...... 29 4.4.5 Cluster Analysis ...... 29 4.4.6 Statistical Analysis ...... 33 4.4.7 QA/QC Verifications ...... 35 4.5 SUPPORTING ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES ...... 35 4.5.1 Water Quality ...... 35 4.5.2 Sediment ...... 35 4.5.3 Statistical Assessment of Supporting Data ...... 44 4.6 DISCUSSION ...... 45 4.6.1 Comparison with Previous Cycles ...... 45 4.6.2 Effects Along the Exposure Gradient ...... 49

5.0 CONCLUSIONS ...... 51 5.1 SUBLETHAL TOXICITY OF EFFLUENT ...... 51 5.2 BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE SURVEY ...... 51

6.0 REFERENCES ...... 52

Port Alberni EEM ii Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1 Annual averages of process effluent variables for Catalyst Paper, Port Alberni Division, 1999 to 2015...... 7

Table 3.1 Potential zone of sublethal effect and geometric mean for Port Alberni, EEM Cycles One though Cycle Seven...... 14

Table 4.1 Station location, distance from outfall and data sampled for the benthic invertebrate survey, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015...... 17

Table 4.2 Benthic invertebrate community statistics, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 20151...... 24

Table 4.3 Juvenile invertebrate density and taxa richness, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015...... 28

Table 4.4 Total and mean densities of the most abundant taxa in the Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven benthic invertebrate community survey (90% of total abundance), March 2015...... 31

Table 4.5 Relationships between benthic invertebrate metrics and absolute distance from the mill outfall, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015...... 34

Table 4.6 Relationships between benthic invertebrate metrics and C/N ratio, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven EEM, July 2015...... 34

Table 4.7 Near-bottom water quality, habitat characteristic and sediment quality at benthic invertebrate sampling stations, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015 ...... 43

Table 4.8 Relationships between supporting environmental variables and absolute distance from the outfall, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015...... 44

Table 4.9 Spearman’s rank correlations (rs) between benthic community metrics and supporting environmental variables, Port Alberni Cycle Seven, July 2015...... 45

Table 4.10 Mean density and richness of benthic invertebrate communities in Alberni Inlet, Port Alberni EEM Cycles Three (2003), Four (2006) and Seven (2015)...... 46

Table 4.11 Environment Canada criteria for classifying impacts of organic carbon concentrations and oxidative state in marine sediments (Environment Canada 2010)...... 47

Table 4.12 Evaluation of sediment variables at each station based on Environment Canada impact criteria, Port Alberni EEM Cycles Three, Four, Five and Seven...... 48

Table 4.13 Summary of benthic invertebrate endpoint analyses, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven...... 49

Port Alberni EEM iii Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1 Annual production and effluent flows from 1993 to 2015, Catalyst Paper Corporation, Port Alberni Division...... 4

Figure 2.2 Location of Catalyst Paper, Port Alberni Division, on Alberni Inlet, Vancouver Island, BC...... 5

Figure 2.3 Biological oxygen demand (t/d) and total suspended solids (t/d) in mill effluent from 1970 to 2015, Catalyst Paper, Port Alberni Division...... 8

Figure 3.1 Effect of exposure to Port Alberni mill effluent on Echinoderm fertilization expressed as IC25 ±95% confidence limits, EEM Cycle Seven...... 12

Figure 3.2 Effect of exposure to Port Alberni mill effluent on Champia reproduction expressed as IC25 ±95% confidence limits, EEM Cycle Seven...... 13

Figure 3.3 Geometric means of IC25 and LC50 results from sublethal toxicity tests of Port Alberni mill effluent for EEM Cycle One through Cycle Seven...... 14

Figure 4.1 Location of benthic invertebrate sampling stations, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015...... 18

Figure 4.2 Density of benthic invertebrates per station (organisms/m2, mean ± standard deviation), Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015...... 26

Figure 4.3 Total taxa richness of benthic invertebrates per station, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015...... 26

Figure 4.4 Benthic invertebrate community evenness, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015...... 27

Figure 4.5 Benthic invertebrate community diversity (Simpson’s index), Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015...... 27

Figure 4.6 Benthic invertebrate community Bray-Curtis Index, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015...... 28

Figure 4.7 Dendrogram describing similarities in benthic community composition, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015...... 33

Figure 4.8 Particle size distribution of sediments, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015...... 36

Figure 4.9 Sediment at AG24 (adjacent to outfall) Port Alberni EEM, July 2015...... 37

Figure 4.10 Sediment at AG01 (note leaf debris) Port Alberni EEM, July 2015...... 38

Figure 4.11 Sediment at AG19, Port Alberni EEM, July 2015...... 38

Figure 4.12 Sediment at AG06A, Port Alberni EEM, July 2015...... 39

Figure 4.13 Mean total organic carbon, total nitrogen and C/N ratios is sediment, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2016...... 41

Figure 4.14 Mean sediment redox potential and total sulphides in sediments, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Three, Cycle Four, Cycle Five and Cycle Seven...... 42

Port Alberni EEM iv Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A1 Sublethal Toxicity Testing Results and Calculations

Appendix A2 Benthic Invertebrate Data and QA/QC Reports

Appendix A3 Sediment Chemistry

Port Alberni EEM v Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

LIST OF ACRONYMS

ADt air-dried tonnes AOX absorbable organic halides BOD biochemical oxygen demand C Celsius cm centimetre CTMP chemi-thermomechanical pulp d day EEM Environmental Effects Monitoring EPA Environmental Protection Agency

g gram IC25 effluent concentration causing 25% inhibition of a biological function kg kilogram

km kilometre L litre LC50 effluent concentration causing 50% mortality of test organisms

m metre µg microgram mg milligram

pg picogram ppb parts per billion PPER Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations ppm parts per million s second t tonne TMP thermomechanical pulp TSS total suspended solids v/v volume/volume yr year

Port Alberni EEM vi Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Primary investigators for the Cycle Seven program for Catalyst Paper Corp, Port Alberni Division, from Hatfield Consultants included Colin Schwindt and Martin Davies. Susan Stanley prepared the maps, and Tania Pye assisted with report production. Thanks are due to the following people who assisted with field collections:

. Biologica (Benthic Taxonomist);

. Searoamer Services (Boat operator and grab crew);

. Ashley Popovich (Catalyst Paper environmental technician) and

. Kate Tanner (Catalyst Paper environmental technician).

The Port Alberni EEM Local Monitoring Committee (LMC) as well as the Barley Salmon Working Group includes representatives from the federal, provincial, and local governments, non-governmental organizations, community members, First Nations, Hatfield Consultants, and Catalyst Paper, Port Alberni Division. These meetings provided a valuable forum for reviewing results from the previous EEM Cycles, and discussing the design for the Cycle Seven program. Hatfield would like to acknowledge members of the Alberni LMC for their assistance:

. Janice Boyd: Environment Canada;

. Sheena Falconer: Barkley Wild Salmon Working Group;

. Phil Edgell: Alberni Valley Enhancement Association;

. Margaret Wright: Fisheries and Oceans; and

. Larry Cross: Catalyst Paper, Port Alberni Division.

Port Alberni EEM vii Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) Cycle Seven program for Catalyst Paper Ltd., Port Alberni Division extended from May 2013 to April 2016, and included studies of the sublethal toxicity of effluent, and a benthic invertebrate community survey, including associated sediment and water quality assessments. A fish survey was not required in Cycle Seven given that results of the Cycle Six fish survey indicated that historical impacts of pulpmill effluent in Alberni Inlet no longer pose a significant risk to migrating sockeye salmon; however, future fish surveys in Alberni Inlet will attempt to target years with sub-optimal migration conditions (i.e., low flows and higher and extended surface water temperatures). The mill was also exempt from a fish-tissue survey due to low or non-detectable concentrations of dioxins/furans previously measured in fish tissue and mill effluent, respectively.

Sublethal toxicity testing was undertaken six times between 2013 and 2015 for the Port Alberni mill. Algal reproduction was affected at a mean effluent concentration of 1.1%, while invertebrate fertilization was affected at a mean effluent concentration of 27.4%; these results are similar to those from previous recent EEM cycles. Based on a 1% effluent concentration zone of 3,000m from the outfall, maximum potential zones of sublethal effect from the discharge point were up to 109 m for invertebrate fertilization, and 2,723 m for algal reproduction.

Similar to Cycle Three, the Cycle Seven benthic invertebrate survey was conducted in the vicinity of the Port Alberni paper mill in July 2015 using a gradient survey design consisting of 11 stations located down inlet from the outfall. Three samples were collected from each station to assess benthic invertebrate communities and sediment chemistry with a forth collected for sediment composition. Adult invertebrate data were used for statistical analysis and evaluation of impacts for five key effects endpoints as well as describing community composition.

Benthic invertebrate community density, taxa richness and Simpson’s diversity did not exhibit significant effects along effluent exposure gradients (based on distance from the outfall and carbon/nitrogen ratio in sediments). However, Bray-Curtis values indicated statistically significant differences in community composition along effluent exposure gradients, which also were defined as biologically significant given these differences exceeded the EEM-specified critical effect size of two standard deviations from the reference condition. Community evenness also exhibited an effect along the C/N-ratio gradient but was statistically significant but not biologically significant based on EEM interpretive guidance. Benthic communities closer to the outfall continue to be depressed relative to those sampled further down-inlet, but have shown consistent increases in density, richness and diversity over time, indicating recovery from historical conditions.

Sediment conditions at benthic monitoring locations also have improved over the last two decades of EEM, with the magnitude and spatial extent of highly enriched, anoxic sediments greatly reduced since the introduction of secondary effluent treatment in the early 1990s. Sediments within ~350 m of the outfall continue to exhibit a mild organic enrichment, poor oxidative state and increased sulphides relative to other stations. As demonstrated in the EEM Cycle Four Investigation of Cause survey—and consistent with continued improvement in benthic conditions observed each monitoring cycle—this mild enrichment in the area adjacent to the outfall relates to historical pulpmill discharges.

Port Alberni EEM viii Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

DISTRIBUTION LIST

The following individuals/firms have received this document:

Name Firm Hardcopies CDs Email

Larry Cross Catalyst Paper Corp., Port Alberni Division - - 

Janice Boyd Environment Canada - - 

AMENDMENT RECORD

This report has been issued and amended as follows:

Issue Description Date Approved by

1 First draft of Port Alberni EEM 20160304 Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

2 Second version of Port Alberni 20160316 EEM Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

3 Third version of Port Alberni 20160329 EEM Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

Martin Davies Colin Schwindt Project Director Project Manager

Port Alberni EEM ix Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

1.0 INTRODUCTION Under the federal Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations (PPER), originally released in 1992, revised in May 2004, and amended in 2008 (Government of Canada 2010), pulp and paper mills are required to monitor the chemistry and toxicity of mill effluent and assess its potential effects on the receiving environment. Effluent chemistry (limited to total suspended solids, pH, conductivity and biological oxygen demand) and lethal toxicity are measured to evaluate effluent quality and its potential effects on aquatic biota. However, because there are many factors that can alter the chemistry and toxicity of effluent in the receiving environment, Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) studies also are conducted to directly assess the effects of mill effluent on fish, fish habitat, and use of fisheries resources in the vicinity of the effluent discharge (Environment Canada 2010). EEM studies can include:

. A fish population survey to assess fish health;

. A fish tissue survey to assess concentrations of dioxins and furans (only required for mills where dioxins and furans are present in mill effluent);

. A benthic invertebrate community survey to assess the condition of fish habitat;

. Supporting water quality data to help interpret findings from fish and benthic invertebrate surveys; and

. Sublethal toxicity testing to assess effects of effluent on growth and reproduction of representative aquatic organisms.

EEM programs typically are conducted in three-year cycles, which begin with the development of a study design, followed by study implementation, data analysis, and reporting. The following cycles have been completed for the Port Alberni mill since the onset of the monitoring program:

. Cycle One: 1993 to 1996;

. Cycle Two: 1997 to 2000;

. Cycle Three: 2000 to 2004;

. Cycle Four: 2004 to 2007;

. Cycle Five: 2007 to 2010; and

. Cycle Six: 2010 to 2013.

The current program, Cycle Seven ran from April 2013 to April 2016. Monitoring requirements for EEM Cycle Seven at Port Alberni were determined based on results of previous cycles, the Pulp and Paper Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) Technical Guidance Document (Environment Canada 2010), the PPER (Government of Canada 2008) and consultations with the Alberni Local Monitoring Committee (LMC) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans were used.

The following surveys were required to be conducted during Cycle Seven at the Port Alberni mill:

Port Alberni EEM 1 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

. Benthic invertebrate community surveys;

. Sediment quality and water quality supporting data; and

. Sublethal toxicological testing of process effluent.

Benthic invertebrate surveys in Cycle Two, Cycle Three and Cycle Four showed differences in benthic community indices based on distance from the mill, indicating a likely effect of either the mill effluent or historical fibre-mat present in the receiving environment. Following these observed effects, Cycle Five and Six were designed to address concerns regarding the oxidative state of sediment and its potential effects on water quality, fish and benthos in the upper Alberni Inlet.

The decision trees presented in the Pulp and Paper Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) Technical Guidance Document (Environment Canada 2010) determined that a benthic invertebrate survey was required for Cycle Seven given that it has been more than 6 years (i.e., two cycles) since a benthic invertebrate survey has been completed at the Alberni mill. The benthic invertebrate survey conducted for Cycle Seven followed a similar methodology to the survey conducted in Cycle Four.

A fish survey was not required in Cycle Seven given that results of the Cycle Six fish survey indicated that historical impacts of pulpmill effluent in Alberni Inlet no longer pose a significant risk to migrating sockeye salmon and that the current Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations and effluent quality standards are protective of fish in Alberni Inlet. However, future fish surveys in Alberni Inlet will attempt to target years with sub-optimal migration conditions (i.e., low flows and higher and extended surface water temperatures).

The study also included the results of ongoing sublethal toxicity testing of mill effluent. Information on changes to mill processes, effluent treatment, and/or the receiving environment that occurred during Cycle Seven are also presented. Sections in this report include:

. Section 2 – Mill, Study Area, and Cycle Seven Design Update;

. Section 3 – Sublethal Toxicity Testing of Mill Effluent;

. Section 4 – Effects on Benthic Invertebrate Communities;

. Section 5 – Conclusions;

. Section 6 – References; and

. Appendices.

Port Alberni EEM 2 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

2.0 MILL OPERATIONS AND STUDY AREA 2.1 PROCESS DESCRIPTIONS AND UPDATES Catalyst Paper, Port Alberni Division, is located in Port Alberni, B.C., on Vancouver Island (Figure 2.2). The mill commenced operations in 1947 at a production capacity of 150 t/d of unbleached kraft pulp. Several changes in production lines occurred over the years. Between 1955 and 1963 a linerboard machine, newsprint machines, and increased production capacity of Kraft and groundwood pulping were added. Peak production was approximately 1,800 t/d in the mid-1960s. In 1970, secondary effluent treatment (an aerated stabilization basin) was added for a portion of the final effluent, to decrease discharge of biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids to the inlet. In 1982, linerboard production ceased, and specialty paper production was introduced and began replacing newsprint production.

A chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP) mill was added in 1989 and the addition of peroxide to the bleaching process was initiated in 1990. The CTMP mill decreased the use of semi-bleached kraft pulp required for newsprint and telephone directory paper production. An activated sludge treatment (AST) system and enhanced secondary treatment of kraft effluent was brought online in early 1993. In November 1993, the kraft line was shut down permanently. Paper machine #5 changed to production of lightweight coated paper starting at the beginning of 1997 and increased the production tonnage at this time because of the use of clay coating in the process.

Annual effluent discharge volumes have generally decreased over time since 1993 (Figure 2.1). Since May 2008, production levels at the mill have increased slightly. In 2009, PM5 began producing higher brightness coated paper grades (approximately five days per month), as well as uncoated grades. Higher brightness grades required greater hydrogen peroxide application in the mechanical pulp bleaching process. In May 2009, a modest production increase project was implemented on the single CTMP-line. In 2009 production increased by ~10% or 50 t/d, as de-bottlenecking and quality optimization continued. Average production at the mill in 2009 was 856 t/d (Table 2.1), increasing slightly in 2010 (to 866 t/d) as a result of further quality optimization, and to 901 t/d in 2012 due to coated-paper grade development. Additionally, in August 2012 use of the mills’ aeration lagoon for “polishing” treated effluent was eliminated, which was not necessary to meet permit requirements. Bypassing the lagoon caused minor increases in TSS and BOD, but did not influence production rates (Figure 2.3). In September 2013, the aeration lagoon was officially purchased by the City of Port Alberni to improve city sewage treatment.

Production currently consists entirely of paper products including telephone directory paper and light- weight, coated paper. Average production in 2015 was 935 ADMt/d, and effluent flow was 75,140 m3/day (Table 2.1, Figure 2.1). The mill uses a mixed wood furnish consisting of coastal hemlock and balsam fir, as well as some purchased kraft. The majority of this furnish consists of residual chips from local sawmills with the remainder from the onsite wood-room.

In Cycle Seven, the mill operated two paper machines: PM4 (uncoated paper) and PM5 (coated paper). Operational updates that occurred at the mill during Cycle Seven included:

. Planned maintenance was conducted on the secondary effluent clarifiers in 2015 requiring the mill to operate on a single secondary clarifier between February 2 and March 25 and between September 10 and September 22. Total suspended solids (TSS) was slightly higher during these periods while effluent biological oxygen demand (BOD) increased to a lesser degree.

Port Alberni EEM 3 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

Figure 2.1 Annual production and effluent flows from 1993 to 2015, Catalyst Paper Corporation, Port Alberni Division.

Temporary PM4 Shutdown 1,400 (09/07 - 04/08) 140,000 Daily Production Permanent PM3 Effluent Flow Shutdown 1,200 120,000

1,000 100,000 /d) 3

800 80,000

600 60,000 Production (Adt/d) Production

400 40,000 Effluent Discharge(m

200 20,000

0 0

Port Alberni EEM 4 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report Figure 2.2 Locatin of Catalyst Paper, Port Alberni Division, on Alberni Inlet, Vancouver Island, BC.

340,000 350,000 360,000 370,000 380,000 390,000 400,000 5,490,000 5,490,000

S t r a i t o f G e o r g i a 5,480,000 5,480,000

ake al L Great Centr 5,470,000 S 5,470,000 om a ss R

iv

e r Qualicum Beach ³

4 ² Sproat Lake Port Alberni 5,460,000 5,460,000

Catalyst Paper Corporation Polly Point Port Alberni Division

Lone Tree Point 5,450,000 5,450,000

Hocking Point Vancouver Island 5,440,000 5,440,000 Nahmint Bay

t le U n ch I uc i kl n es i r t be I l 5,430,000 n A 5,430,000 l

e t

B a r k l e y S o u n d 5,420,000 5,420,000

0 2.5 5 10 Legend km

Pulpmill Campbell River ! BC Scale: 1:425,000 Road Courtenay ! Projection: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 10N Vancouver Map ! Data Sources: Watercourse ! Extent 1. Water features and roads, Nanaimo NTS 1:250,000. Waterbody 2. Hillshade, Esri Service Layer. ± Victoria ! USA

K:\Data\Project\PA6429-NV\A_MXD\PA6429_Fig2_2_Overivew_20160301_SB.mxd

2.2 EFFLUENT QUALITY

Effluent quality is routinely monitored to meet provincial and federal requirements; annual averages for 1999 to 2015 are presented in Table 2.1. Annual effluent discharge volumes began falling in 2004, primarily due to the permanent shutdown of Paper Machine #3 in February 2005 and temporary shutdown of Paper Machine #4 in September 2007. However, in 2008, effluent discharge volumes began to increase due to slight increases in production and quality optimization.

When expanded secondary treatment was installed at the mill in 1993, BOD and TSS discharges to the estuary decreased by approximately 95%; these have remained relatively consistent since 1994 (Figure 2.3). Declines in TSS and BOD in 2005 were primarily attributed the permanent shutdown of Paper Machine #3 (and temporary shutdown of Paper Machine #4 in August 2007) which reduced effluent flow and improved effluent treatment efficiency. In Cycle Six and Cycle Seven, slight increases in TSS and BOD and effluent temperature were attributed to the removal of the aeration lagoon from the treatment process (August 2012) and planned maintenance of the secondary effluent clarifier (spring and fall 2015). In 2015, average discharges of TSS and BOD were 1.41 t/d, and 0.5 t/d, respectively.

Acute toxicity tests using rainbow trout and the cladoceran Daphnia magna have demonstrated no mortality of either species during any of the EEM cycles (i.e., LC50s >100%) (Table 2.1).

2.3 SPILLS TO THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

No spills to the receiving environment or effluent non-compliance events were reported by Catalyst Paper, Port Alberni Division between 2013 and 2015 (Cycle Seven).

2.4 STUDY AREA UPDATES

In 2015, substantially warmer-than-average water temperatures were noted in early spring and summer throughout Sproat Lake, the Somass River and Alberni Inlet (Hatfield 2016, in prep.). As described in the Cycle Six Interpretive report (Hatfield 2010) these increased temperatures can influence the migration behaviors of Alberni Inlet sockeye salmon. However, given that the Cycle Seven studies focused on benthic invertebrate communities in Alberni Inlet, it is unlikely that these increased water temperatures and decreased river flows greatly affected the Cycle Seven benthic invertebrate survey results.

In addition, large quantities of partially decomposed organic matter (leaves, pine needles etc.) were observed in dredge samples of the sea floor around station AG01 and AG02. It is likely that this organic matter came from the City’s storm water outfalls which discharge into Alberni Inlet. The increased organic matter resulted in a mild organic enrichment effect around those stations and likely attributed to the increased densities of benthic invertebrates observed at them (Section 4.4).

2.5 CYCLE SEVEN STUDY DESIGN UPDATE

No changes were made to the Cycle Seven study design during field surveys.

Port Alberni EEM 6 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

Table 2.1 Annual averages of process effluent variables for Catalyst Paper, Port Alberni Division, 1999 to 2015.

Parameter 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Production 1,148 1,175 1,189 991 1,192 1,205 947 942 792 781 856 866 857 901 873 913 935 (ADt/d)

Flow (m3/d) 96,000 102,000 89,000 80,942 91,058 88,667 76,291 71,194 70,100 56,900 64,630 61,970 58,900 58,800 65,400 68,742 75,140

TSS (t/d) 0.72 1.01 0.66 0.64 0.79 1.06 0.50 0.35 0.39 0.35 0.38 0.41 0.41 0.69 0.91 0.841 1.41

BOD (t/d) 0.5 0.56 0.5 0.46 0.55 0.7 0.45 0.4 0.3 0.29 0.19 0.27 0.28 0.41 0.41 0.4 0.5

Effluent 26 27 25 26 26 28 24 20 19 18 19 21 20 25 32 33 32 Temperature (oC)

Rainbow trout >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 96-hr LC50 (%)

Daphnia 48-hr >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 LC50 (%)

1Starting in August 2012, the use of the mills' aeration lagoon for "polishing" of the treated effluent was eliminated. Bypassing the lagoon resulted in a minor increase to TSS and BOD discharge and an increase in effluent temperature.

Port Alberni EEM 7 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report - Draft

Figure 2.3 Biological oxygen demand (t/d) and total suspended solids (t/d) in mill effluent from 1970 to 2015, Catalyst Paper, Port Alberni Division.

45 1970: Primary clarifier and BOD (t/d) ASB secondary treatment installed 40 1993: Secondary effluent 35 treatment expanded to AST Aug-07 to Apr-08: Temporary PM4 30 Shutdown 1.4 Aug 2012 1.2 elimination of the 25 1.0 aeration lagoon 0.8 20 0.6 BOD (t/d) BOD 0.4 0.2 15 0.0

10 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Biological Oxygen Oxygen Demand Biological (t/d)

5

0 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

1970: Primary clarifier and 45 ASB secondary treatment TSS (t/d) installed Aug-07 to Apr-08: 40 Temporary PM4 1993: Secondary effluent Shutdown 35 treatment expanded to AST 2005: Paper 4.0 Machine #3 30 3.5 Shutdown August 2012: 3.0 elimination of the 25 2.5 aeration lagoon 2.0 1.5 20 (t/d) TSS 1.0 0.5 0.0 15 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Total Suspended Solids (t/d) Solids Suspended Total 10

5

0 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Port Alberni EEM 8 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

3.0 SUBLETHAL TOXICITY OF EFFLUENT

Summary of Sublethal Toxicity Testing (Winter 2013 through Summer 2015) for Catalyst Paper, Port Alberni Division: . During Cycle Seven, six test periods of sublethal toxicity testing were conducted between April 2013 and November 2015 using an invertebrate and an algae species; . Effects on echinoderm fertilization were observed at a mean effluent concentration of 27.4% (IC25); . Algal reproduction was affected at a mean effluent concentration of 1.1% (IC25); and . Based on a 1% effluent concentration zone of 3,000 m from the Port Alberni outfall, maximum potential zones of sublethal effect from the effluent discharge point were 109 m for invertebrate fertilization, and 2,723 m for algal reproduction.

Federal and provincial government regulations require pulp and paper mills to undertake toxicity testing as part of their EEM programs to determine potential lethality or inhibitory effects of their effluent on fish and fish habitat. Sublethal and acute lethality tests may indicate whether fisheries resources are being protected or impacted in areas adjacent to their effluent discharges. Current EEM regulations require the use of sublethal toxicity tests to help meet the following objectives (Environment Canada 2010):

. Contribute to the field program as part of a weight-of-evidence approach;

. Compare process effluent quality between mill types, and measure changes in effluent quality as a result of effluent treatment and process changes; and

. Contribute to the understanding of a mill’s relative contribution to water quality in multiple discharge situations.

Sublethal toxicity testing for Port Alberni’s EEM Cycle Seven included the following tests, as stipulated in the EEM Technical Guidance Document for pulpmills that discharge to a marine receiving environment (Environment Canada 2010):

. Invertebrate fertilization toxicity test using an echinoderm (the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus); and

. Algal reproduction test using the red marine alga (Champia parvula).

Sublethal toxicity testing of echinoderms for Port Alberni was performed by Nautilus Environmental, Burnaby, BC (Nautilus). Champia tests were subcontracted by AquaTox Testing & Consulting Inc., Guelph, Ontario (Aquatox). A summary of reported endpoints is included with this Cycle Seven interpretive report.

Port Alberni EEM 9 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

3.1 METHODS

3.1.1 General Methods and Definitions During Cycle One, quarterly tests were required for the year field studies were completed. Since Cycle Two, sublethal toxicity testing of process effluent must be conducted twice a year. Tests were performed and reported as winter and summer test periods. Testing for Cycle Seven was initiated in Winter 2013 and continued until Summer 2015.

Similar to previous cycles, the name of the test period does not align with the date of the test. In Cycle Seven, the first test period of each year (the “winter” test period) was carried out between February and May. The second test period of each year (the “summer” test period) was carried out between September and November. The primary intent of having two test periods per year is to ensure tests are evenly spaced within the cycle.

On each test date, a grab sample of effluent was collected by mill personnel, following methods described in the Pulp and Paper EEM Guidance Document (Environment Canada 2010) and shipped to Nautilus for testing; subsamples were shipped by Nautilus to Aquatox for Champia testing. Sublethal toxicity testing involved exposure of organisms to a series of effluent dilutions. All sublethal toxicity tests were conducted with controls, which assessed the response of test organisms to laboratory control water only. The organism response in the control treatments determines the acceptability of the test using predefined criteria. In addition, test organisms were tested with a reference toxicant to monitor the health and sensitivity of the culture.

An IC25 is calculated from the algal reproduction and invertebrate fertilization tests. The IC25 is an estimate of the concentration of effluent that results in a 25% reduction (or “inhibition”) of a quantitative biological function, such as reproduction or growth. Confidence limits are given for each endpoint where possible.

3.1.2 Sublethal Toxicity Test Methods

General procedures for the echinoderm fertilization test are based on the methodology document Biological Test Method: Fertilization Assay Using Echinoids (Sea Urchins and Sand Dollars), Report EPS/1/RM/27, December 1992, November 1997 amendments (Environment Canada 1997b). The test assesses the fertilization success of an echinoderm using the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Male and female gametes are exposed to the test material for 20 minutes; the percentage of eggs successfully fertilized is compared between the controls and the sample concentrations to determine if any significant inhibition of fertilization is observed. The IC25 generated from this test represents the percent effluent concentration that results in a 25% reduction of fertilization relative to the control treatment.

Procedures for conducting the marine algae (Champia parvula) test are based on Short-Term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Water to Marine and Estuarine Organisms, Third Edition, EPA 821/R/02-014, October 2002 (US EPA 2002). The Champia test is a static, non- renewal, marine algal reproduction test where male and female plants are exposed to a test sample for a 48-hour period, followed by a 6-to 8-day recovery period. The IC25 generated from this test represents the percent effluent concentration that results in a 25% reduction of cystocarp reproduction, at the end of the recovery period, relative to the control treatment.

Port Alberni EEM 10 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

In Cycle Seven, Port Alberni conducted six sublethal toxicity tests from Winter 2013 to Summer 2015. The Winter 2015 Echinoderm test was repeated due to poor control performance in the original tests. In addition, due to the poor health of the algal culture the Summer 2014, the Champia test was redone in February 2015, with a healthy culture. Appendix A1 provides a summary of Port Alberni Cycle Seven sublethal toxicity test results, including dose-response plots for all tests conducted.

Algal growth in test treatments can demonstrate an enrichment response (i.e., greater growth than in the control), called hormesis. Hormesis is a response characterized by greater growth or reproduction in the lower test concentrations followed by inhibition at higher concentrations. This response is often observed in algal toxicity tests but may occur in other test as well. It is usually caused by the presence of nutrients in a test sample.

If not calculated properly, the LC50s or IC25s derived from data exhibiting hormesis can underestimate effluent toxicity. Environment Canada’s guidance on calculating LC50s or IC25s requires labs to first attempt to fit one of several regression models, one of the recommended models is a log- logistic+hormesis model. However, if the parametric model assumptions are not met (i.e., normality and homoscedasticity), the LC50 or IC25 is calculated using a linear interpolation approach. If the later approach is used for data exhibiting hormesis, the values above the control (in this case, cystocarp counts) are adjusted down to the control values before the IC25 is calculated, as per Environment Canada’s Guidance Document on Statistical Methods for Environmental Toxicity Tests (Report EPS 1/RM/46; Environment Canada 2010). In Cycle Seven, Champia parvula reproduction tests were corrected for apparent hormesis in the Winter 2014 and Summer 2015 samples.

3.1.3 Zones of Effluent Concentration

Under PPER, the 1% v/v effluent concentration zone represents the maximum extent of 1% effluent concentration (i.e., 100:1 dilution). The zone was determined by a plume delineation study prior to Cycle One (Hodgins et al. 1993). This 1% effluent zone originally was used to define near-field and far-field areas to aid in selecting sites to conduct required environmental sampling. The 1% effluent zone represents conditions of minimum dilution, maximum extent, and long-term average conditions (Environment Canada 1998), and therefore represents worst-case effluent dilution conditions.

A maximum potential zone of sublethal effect was calculated for each test species from the geometric mean of the IC25 results, and the extent of the 1% effluent concentration zone, as per Environment Canada (2010). This potential zone of sublethal effect describes the area where the effluent concentration exceeds the geometric mean of the IC25 result, and is the maximum distance from the effluent discharge where a specified effect may be expressed for a test species. This maximum potential zone of sublethal effect was calculated as follows:

Extent of 1% effluent zone (m) Zone (m) = Geometric mean of IC25

This model assumes simple linear dilution of effluent. This is not realistic for Port Alberni, since effluent is discharged through a surface outfall that dilutes effluent into the marine environment upon release.

Port Alberni EEM 11 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

3.2 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A summary of the Cycle Seven sublethal toxicity results for the two test organisms are provided below. Appendix A1 provides detailed toxicity test results, including dose-response curves for all tests conducted.

3.2.1 Echinoderm Fertilization Test

Throughout Cycle Seven, toxicity results for echinoderm (purple sea urchin) varied and did not indicate a clear trend in toxicity (Figure 3.1). Fertilization IC25s ranged from 14.3% to 64.6% v/v effluent, with a geometric mean of 27.43%. The lowest fertilization rate, suggesting greatest toxicity, was observed in the Winter 2015 sampling period (last Winter period in Cycle Seven). Overall, Cycle Seven fertilization rates were similar to Cycle Six (geometric mean of 30.0%v/v) but lower than Cycles Three, Four and Five, indicating an increasing effect of the effluent (Figure 3.3).

Figure 3.1 Effect of exposure to Port Alberni mill effluent on Echinoderm fertilization expressed as IC25 ±95% confidence limits, EEM Cycle Seven.

100

80 64.6

49.7 60

40 20.3

IC25 (% IC25 (% effluent) 22.4 20.4 14.3 20

0 8-Apr-13 12-Nov-13 22-Apr-14 17-Nov-14 13-May-15 23-Nov-15 Winter 2013 Summer 2013 Winter 2014 Summer 2014 Winter 2015 Summer 2015

Sublethal Toxicity Testing Period (with actual test date) 3.2.2 Champia parvula Algal Reproduction Test

In Cycle Seven, algal reproduction IC25s ranged from 0.3% to 3.7% with a geometric mean concentration of 1.1% v/v effluent (Figure 3.2). Similar to the echinoderm test, Champia toxicity results were variable, and do not indicate an increasing or decreasing effect on algal reproduction. Cycle Seven results were similar to Cycle Six (geometric mean of 1.0% v/v); however, results suggest an increased effect of effluent on algal reproduction, relative to Cycles Three through Five (Figure 3.3).

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Figure 3.2 Effect of exposure to Port Alberni mill effluent on Champia reproduction expressed as IC25 ±95% confidence limits, EEM Cycle Seven.

100

80

60

40 IC25 (% IC25 (% effluent)

20 3.73 0.89 2.3 0.3 1.3 0.6 0 8-Apr-13 12-Nov-13 22-Apr-14 23-Feb-15 13-Apr-15 23-Nov-15 Winter 2013 Summer 2013 Winter 2014 Summer 2014 Winter 2015 Summer 2015

Sublethal Toxicity Testing Period (with actual test date)

3.2.3 Potential Zone of Sublethal Effect

The 1% effluent zone for Port Alberni mill effluent, extends a radial distance of approximately 3,000 m from the effluent outfall (Hodgins et al. 1993). This radius is a conservative estimate based on dispersion influences of the Somass River and tides in Alberni Inlet. The effluent plume mixes with the Somass River in the harbor and extends throughout the harbor becoming evenly mixed laterally by the time it reaches Polly Point. It should be noted that the estimate of the 1% effluent zone was completed in 1993 when effluent discharge rates were approximately 1.5x the current rate (Figure 2.1). As such, the current 1% effluent zone for the Port Alberni paper mill is likely considerable less than the 3,000 m determine by Hodgins et al. (1993).

Figure 3.1 represents the potential zone of sublethal effect, calculated using the defined 1% effluent zone of 3,000 m. Calculations of geometric means and potential zones of sublethal effect are presented in Appendix A1.

The zone of sublethal effect for echinoderm fertilization was similar between Cycle Seven and Six, but increased relative to Cycle Five (from 52 m to 100 m); however, results show a significant decrease in the zone of sublethal effect compared with earlier cycles, indicating improved effluent quality since sampling began. The algal zone of sublethal effect was also similar between Cycle Seven (2,723 m) and Cycle Six (2,888 m); however, increased significantly relative to previous cycles, with the exception of Cycle Two (3,723 m), indicating a recent reduction in effluent quality (Figure 3.3).

Port Alberni EEM 13 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

Table 3.1 Potential zone of sublethal effect and geometric mean for Port Alberni, EEM Cycles One though Cycle Seven.

Geometric Mean (% v/v) Sublethal Toxicity Test Species Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Cycle 4 Cycle 5 Cycle 6 Cycle 7

Topsmelt Early Life Stage Survival LC50 67.2% 60.4% 77.9% >100% >100% - - Topsmelt Early Life Stage Growth IC25 67.2% 60.4% 77.9% >100% >100% - - Sea Urchin fertilization IC25 4.3% 5.9% 55.1% 64.6% 58.0% 30.0% 27.4% Champia parvula reproduction IC25 4.8% 0.8% 14.0% 16.1% 5.4% 1.0% 1.1%

Maximum Potential Zone of Sublethal Effect (m) Topsmelt Early Life Stage Survival LC50 44.7 49.7 38.5 <30 <30 - - Topsmelt Early Life Stage Growth IC25 45.0 49.7 38.5 <30 <30 - - Sea Urchin fertilization IC25 703 510 55 46 52 100 109 Champia parvula reproduction IC25 628 3723 214 186 553 2,888 2,723

Figure 3.3 Geometric means of IC25 and LC50 results from sublethal toxicity tests of Port Alberni mill effluent for EEM Cycle One through Cycle Seven.

100 Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Cycle 4 Cycle 5 Cycle 6 Cycle 7 90

80

70

60

50

40

30

Percent Effluent Concentration 20

10

Echinoderm fertilization (IC25) Champia reproduction (IC25)

Port Alberni EEM 14 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

3.3 CONCLUSIONS

Effects of effluent discharged from the Port Alberni mill during Cycle Seven, as measured by sublethal toxicity results, indicated similar, or slightly increased impacts on effluent quality relative to recent EEM cycles (Figure 3.3and Table 3.1). Algal reproduction was affected at a mean effluent concentration of 1.1% v/v effluent, while invertebrate fertilization was affected at a mean effluent concentration of 27.4%; however, such concentrations have not been observed in Alberni Inlet, and would not be expected to occur beyond the immediate initial dilution zone surrounding the outfall.

Using simple dilution estimates, the sublethal toxicity testing results suggest that Port Alberni effluent could influence the receiving environment in a zone up to a calculated distance of 2,723 m from the mill outfall. The decreased discharge rates since the 1993 plume delineation models were calculated; however, would suggest that the actual zone of influence is much smaller.

Port Alberni EEM 15 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

4.0 BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE SURVEY

Summary of the benthic invertebrate survey for Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015: . Benthic invertebrate samples were collected from 11 stations extending down inlet from the outfall, following a gradient sampling design consistent with previous cycles of monitoring; three replicate samples from each station were analyzed for benthos, with a fourth sample to assess sediment quality;

. No statistically or biologically significant effect on invertebrate density, richness or diversity was observed along the gradient of effluent exposure, but statistically significant effects were observed in evenness and the similarity of community composition (Bray-Curtis index), with differences in community composition also being biologically significant;

. Sediments within the historical fibre mat continue to improve, although closer to the outfall (within ~350 m) continue to exhibit mild organic enrichment, poor oxidative state and increased sulphides relative to other stations; and

. As described in the IOC surveys (Hatfield 2007) it is evident that the mild enrichment in the area adjacent to the pulpmill outfall is from historical pulpmill discharges, given the improvements in effluent and sediment quality and decomposition of the historical fibre mat.

4.1 INTRODUCTION

A subtidal benthic invertebrate community survey was undertaken in inner Alberni Inlet near the Catalyst Paper, Port Alberni mill in July 2015 to meet federal environmental effects monitoring (EEM) Cycle Seven requirements as outlined in the Port Alberni Cycle Seven design document (Hatfield 2015). The objective of the invertebrate community survey was to assess the current state of the benthic community down-inlet of the Port Alberni mill effluent discharge, given that it has been more than 6 years (i.e., two cycles) since a benthic invertebrate survey has been completed in the inlet. Results of the Cycle Seven survey reflect the continued break-down of the historical fibre-mat, as presented in Cycle Five, and current effluent quality and discharge conditions. Specifically, the goal of the survey is to determine structural differences (i.e., density, tax richness, diversity, shifts in taxa dominance, etc.), if they exist, in invertebrate communities along and exposure gradient from the pulpmill outfall discharge point and, if appropriate, the magnitude and extent of any observed effect.

This section provides results of the EEM Cycle Seven benthic invertebrate community survey. Data are reported for benthic invertebrates and supporting environmental variables, as well as methodology changes, taxonomic analysis, QA/QC and comparisons to historical surveys (Cycle Three and Cycle Four). This section follows the reporting guidelines recommended by Environment Canada for EEM Interpretive reports (Environment Canada 2010).

4.2 STUDY DESIGN AND STATION SELECTION

The Cycle Seven benthic invertebrate community survey followed a gradient design extending down-inlet from the effluent outfall to approximately 4 km seaward (Figure 3.2). As in Cycle Four, benthic

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invertebrate samples were collected from 11 stations with three replicated collected at each stations, for a total of 33 samples. The locations of the July 2015 benthic sampling stations are presented in Table 4.1 and Figure 4.1.

Table 4.1 Station location, distance from outfall and data sampled for the benthic invertebrate survey, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015.

Station Distance (m) Location Latitude Longitude Sampling Date

Near-field (within 1% effluent zone; <2km from mill) AG24 160 Edge of dilution zone 49° 14’ 18.42” 124° 49’ 09.61” Jul-2015 AG00 330 South of outfall 49° 14’ 13.39” 124° 49’ 10.00” Jul-2015 AG01 550 Harbour Quay 49° 14’ 05.85” 124° 49’ 05.56” Jul-2015 AG02 900 Marina 49° 13’ 55.90” 124° 49’ 02.85” Jul-2015 AG03 1,220 Port Alberni Terminal 49° 13’ 45.29” 124° 48’ 55.31” Jul-2015 AG03A* 1,520 Extent of dilution zone 49° 13’ 35.84” 124° 49’ 05.85” Jul-2015

Gradient (beyond 1% effluent zone; ≥2km from mill) AG19 1,960 South of Holm Island 49° 13’ 21.44” 124° 49’ 17.71” Jul-2015 AG19A 2,260 Polly Point North 49° 13’ 11.80” 124° 49’ 26.21” Jul-2015 AG06 2,600 Stamp Point North 49° 13’ 02.85” 124° 49’ 33.59” Jul-2015 AG06A 3,170 Stamp Point South 49° 12’ 43.58” 124° 49’ 22.31” Jul-2015 AG08 3,710 Inlet South 49° 12’ 25.47” 124° 49’ 25.31” Jul-2015

4.3 METHODS

4.3.1 Field Sampling Procedures

4.3.1.1 Sampling Platform

Samples were collected from the MV Risky B, a 30-foot diesel-powered vessel, designed for marine sediment and habitat-related work. The vessel was equipped with a hydraulic winch system, VHF radio, and all safety equipment required by Transport Canada. Station locations were determined using an on- board differentially corrected Global Positioning System (GPS) integrated with digital nautical charts. Depths at each station were recorded from the depth sounder located on board.

4.3.1.2 Sample Collection

Benthos samples were collected using a stainless-steel, 30-cm Van Veen grab supplied by Searoamer Marine services. The total surface area sampled by this dredge was 0.1 m2 with a volume of 20 L. Upon grab retrieval, the hinged doors were lifted and photographs of each benthic sample were collected. Sediment samples, to be analyzed for oxidation/reduction (redox) potential, total sulphides, total organic carbon and total nitrogen were removed by collecting two sample volumes measuring 4 cm x 4 cm from the top 2 cm of each grab sample. Following removal of the sediment samples, the grab was then opened and fully emptied into a large plastic tote, covered and labeled, taken to dock, and field sieved by Biologica Environmental Services (Biologica) using a stand equipped with 1 mm and 0.5-mm sieves.

Port Alberni EEM 17 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report Figure 4.1 Location of benthic invertebrate sampling stations, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015.

365,000 366,000 367,000 368,000 369,000 370,000 371,000

Som ass R iver 5,458,000 5,458,000

City of Port Alberni Sewage Treatment Plant 5,457,000 5,457,000 Catalyst Paper Corporation Port Alberni Division

5,456,000 Effluent Discharge 5,456,000 1 (! AG24 (! AG00

2 (! AG01 6

5,455,000 (! AG02 5,455,000 3

(! AG03

4 (! AG03A

5,454,000 (! 5,454,000 5 AG19

(! AG19A

(! AG06

Polly Point

5,453,000 Stamp Point 5,453,000 (! AG06A

(! t

AG08 e l

n 5,452,000 5,452,000

I

i

n r e b l A

! 0 250 500 1000 Legend Campbell River m Benthos/Sediment Grab Sediment Zone (Hodgins 1989) (! Courtenay ! BC Scale: 1:40,000 Sampling Station BC 1% Effluent Concentration Zone Projection: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 10N Pulpmill Data Sources: Vancouver Depth (metres) Map Location ! 1. Bathymetry, Canadian Sewer Outfall Nanaimo ! Hydrographic Service. Intertidal 2. Hillshade, Esri Service Layer. 3. Water features, Canvec 1:50,000. ± Sewer Overflow 0 - 20 Watercourse 20 - 50 Victoria ! Waterbody 50 - 100

K:\Data\Project\PA6429-NV\A_MXD\PA6429_Fig4_1_Benthic_Sampling_20160301_SB.mxd

An additional sediment grab was collected for particle size and chlorinated phenolic compounds. The top 2 cm of each grab were removed, composited, homogenized, and transferred to a 125-mL glass jar (one jar for each analysis). Chlorinated phenolics, serve as a tracer for long-term effluent exposure (historical, given its association with chlorine bleaching), particularly in the area of the mill.

After sampling at each station, the grab and all sampling equipment were washed with acetone and hexane and rinsed with ambient seawater to avoid cross-contamination between stations.

4.3.1.3 Sample Sieving and Preservation

Following collection of all subsamples from each station, benthic invertebrate samples were immediately sieved onshore by Biologica. The contents of the sample were placed in a washtub with 0.5-mm stainless steel mesh screen on its bottom surface and sieved by placing the screened wash-pan in a specially designed holding shelf and gently washing the samples with seawater to allow the <0.5 mm fraction to pass through the mesh sieve. During this process, larger organisms were removed and placed in station labelled vials for identification. Following sieving, each subsample was placed in a 1-L plastic jar, appropriately labelled with the station and subsample number and preserved with 10% buffered formalin. Benthic samples were taken back to the Biologica taxonomic laboratory for processing.

4.3.1.4 Supporting Environmental Variables

Near-bottom water quality and sediment quality samples were analyzed in order to provide supporting information to aid in the interpretation of benthic community results.

Water Quality

Near-bottom water quality measurements were collected at each sampling station using a YSI-85 multi- parameter probe for the following variables:

. Dissolved oxygen (mg/L);

. Temperature (ºC);

. pH; and

. Salinity (‰).

Sediment Quality

Two sediment samples were removed from each benthos replicate immediately upon collection. One sample (~30 ml) was measured immediately on board for:

. Total sulphides (mg/L); and

. Oxidation/reduction (redox) potential (Eh).

Redox potential and sulphides were analyzed in the field by Searoamer services using methods recommended by the BC Ministry of Environment’s Protocols for Marine Environmental Monitoring (BCMOE 2002). Sulphide readings were taken using a ThermoOrion 290A plus pH/ion/mV meter and

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9678BNWP probe; redox potential was analyzed using a VWR Symphony SP301 pH/ion/mV meter and a 9616BNWP probe by ThermoOrion.

The second sample was shipped to the ALS Environmental laboratory in Vancouver for the following analyses:

. Total organic carbon (%); and

. Total nitrogen (%).

An additional sample was taken from a separate 3rd grab and shipped to ALS for the following analyses:

. Particle size distribution; and

. Chlorinated phenolic compounds.

All containers and lids were labeled with the appropriate sample identification number. Matching sample identifications were applied to the primary data sheet for each station. At each station, depth, geographic coordinates, photographs, and observations regarding sediment characteristics will be recorded.

4.3.2 Taxonomic Analysis

Benthos samples were taken to Biologica’s laboratory in Victoria, BC for sorting and taxonomic identification.

Invertebrate samples were sorted to 1-mm and 0.5-mm size fractions; all invertebrates retained in the 1-mm fraction were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic detail, typically species (Appendix A2).

One sample from Port Alberni (AG00) was selected for resorting to determine sorting efficiency. As per EC recommendations, sub-sampling was done at the marine mill level, pooling the samples collected from the Powell River pulpmill, Port Alberni and Crofton, and selecting random samples from each mill. Biologica re-sorted these random samples following the initial spot checks that are conducted on all sampled processed in the lab to meet efficiency requirements of >90%.

The precision and accuracy of Biologica’s sub-sampling techniques were verified to ensure 20% precision and accuracy was measured; results are presented in Appendix A2.

4.3.3 Data and Statistical Analysis

4.3.3.1 Data Handling

Data were entered into an electronic spreadsheet by the consulting taxonomist, who checked for transcription errors. Taxonomic records were organized into adults (which included “adult” and “intermediate” classifications) and juveniles for Cycle Seven. Juvenile taxa were reported separately from adult taxa for all samples and stations as required.

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4.3.3.2 Biotic Indices

Three biotic indices were calculated to describe benthic community composition for each area, and compared among stations. These indices were calculated using average taxon density data for each station. Descriptions of each biotic index area are presented below and further described in the EEM Technical Guidance Document (Environment Canada 2010).

Density

All count data were multiplied by the following density factor (DF) in order to estimate the number of organisms per m2, as required for electronic reporting for the national database (Appendix A2):

1 m2 DF = (grab sample area – area of subsamples taken for sediment chemistry)

1 DF = [0.1 m2(grab sample area) –3 x 0.0004 m2(redox)-1 x 0.0004 m2(TOC/TN)]

DF = 10.13 Individual densities were reported per replicate and station densities were calculated using the average of all replicates.

Richness

Taxonomic richness (i.e., the number of different families) for each station was calculated by summing the total number families present at each among the three replicates from each specific station. If the organism(s) could not be identified to the family level the higher taxa level was added to the total richness; however, only if no other families from the higher taxa level were present.

Evenness Index

Evenness can be quantified for each station as presented in Smith and Wilson (1996). The index takes into consideration the abundance of each taxon in proportion to total abundance, and the taxonomic richness at the station. Evenness is calculated as:

s 2 E = 1/ ∑ [pi] /S i=1 where: E = Evenness;

th pi = proportion of i taxon at the station; and

S = number of taxa in the sample.

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Simpson’s Diversity Index

Simpson’s diversity can be calculated for each station as presented in Krebs (1985). The index takes into account both the abundance patterns and the taxonomic richness of the community and determines for each taxonomic group at a station, the proportion of individuals that it contributes to the total in that station. Diversity is calculated as:

s 2 D = 1− ∑[pi] i=1 where: D = Simpson’s index of diversity;

S = the total number of taxa at the station; and

th pi = the proportion of the i taxon at the station.

Bray-Curtis Dissimilarity Coefficients

The Bray-Curtis dissimilarity coefficient is a distance measurement that reaches a maximum value of “1” for two sites that are entirely different and a minimum of “0” for two sites that possess identical descriptors (Bray and Curtis 1957). Bray–Curtis dissimilarity coefficients were calculated to compare the degree of similarity between individual stations and a reference median. Dissimilarity coefficients for the reference median and individual stations were calculated using SYSTAT 10 (SPSS Inc. 2000). The Bray-Curtis index is calculated as:

n ∑ y − y i=1 i1 i2 B − C = n ∑ (y + y ) i=1 i1 i2

where: B-C = Bray-Curtis distance between sites 1 and 2;

yi1 = count for species i at site 1;

yi2 = count for species i at site 2; and

n = total number of species present at the two sites.

Given the Port Alberni EEM survey used a gradient design, no true reference stations were available for calculation of a reference median for comparison. Therefore, the reference median was calculated for Bray-Curtis comparisons using two furthest stations from the mill (i.e., AG06A and AG08).

4.3.3.3 Statistical Analysis

Analyses were conducted using Excel 2014 and R version 2.14.1.

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Regressions

Linear regression was used to determine if significant linear relationships existed among benthic community metrics and exposure gradients. In this study, the exposure gradient was defined in two ways: as absolute distance from the mill outfall; and a carbon:nitrogen (C/N) ratio, which provides an indication of the ratio of organic matter present in sediments that was derived from terrestrial sources (such as pulpmill solids) or marine sources (Macdonald and Crecelius 1994). Supporting environmental variables also were examined against these exposure gradients using regression analysis.

Residual plots from regressions were evaluated to ensure that assumptions of the regression model were met. If data met these assumptions, regressions were conducted using log10-transformed variables to determine if the fit of the model improved. If the fit had improved, results for log10-transformed variables were reported but if that fit did not improve, results from untransformed variables were reported. If log10- transformed data still failed to meet assumptions of model, regressions were conducted using ranked data.

All tests were conducted at a significance level of α = 0.10.

Determination of Effects

Results of regression analyses were used to determine whether there are effects on benthic invertebrates along the exposure gradient, where a statistical effect was defined as a statistically significant relationship between a metric and distance or a metric and an effluent exposure indicator.

The magnitude and direction of observed effects were calculated and compared to the EEM effect criterion for a biologically (rather than simply statistically) significant effect of ±2 standard deviations from the reference mean for suitable “reference” stations (i.e., the two gradient stations furthest from the mill and were also used as reference stations in Cycle Three).

In this gradient-based study, which used a regression-based rather than analysis-of-variance-based approach to assess effect, a relationship between a benthic invertebrate community metric and distance from the mill outfall with a correlation coefficient (r2) of at least |0.50| was considered to be biologically significant, which was equivalent to ±2 times the standard deviation of the reference mean (Environment Canada 2010).

Correlations

Spearman’s rank correlations were used to evaluate the relationships between benthic community metrics and supporting environmental variables. Correlations greater than rs of |0.503| for n = 11 (number of stations) (α = 0.10) were indicative of statistically significant relationships. Moderate correlations were defined as those ranging from |0.50| to |0.75|. Strong correlations were defined as those ranging from |0.75| to |1.00|.

Cluster Analysis

Cluster analysis is a multivariate procedure for detecting natural groupings in data. It is based on the relative abundance of taxa from each station; taxa that are abundant tend to influence the cluster analysis more than rare taxa. The cluster analysis was conducted on Bray-Curtis dissimilarity coefficients created from abundance data for individual taxa. These Bray-Curtis dissimilarity coefficients differ from those

Port Alberni EEM 23 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

described in the preceding section in that they include pair-wise comparisons for all stations, rather than being restricted to comparisons to the reference median.

Power Analysis

Post-hoc power analysis was conducted to verify the ability of regression analyses to detect an effect, which was defined as a relationship with a correlation coefficient (r) of at least |0.707| (Environment Canada 2010, Cohen 1988). Regression analyses were considered to have sufficient power when P≥ 0.90. Analyses were only completed for insignificant relationships to verify that the design had sufficient statistical power.

Power analysis was conducted using G*POWER (Faul and Erdfelder 1992).

4.4 RESULTS

Results of the benthic invertebrate community survey are presented below (Table 4.2 and Figure 4.2 to Figure 4.6); detailed summary statistics and raw benthic data are presented in Appendix A2.

Table 4.2 Benthic invertebrate community statistics, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 20151.

Mean Stdev of Total Outfall Simpson's Station Density Mean Richness Evenness Bray-Curtis Distance (m) Diversity (#/m2) Density (# families) Near-field Stations AG24 160 843 952 11 0.653 0.262 0.921 AG00 330 11,863 3,678 29 0.754 0.140 0.503 AG01 550 18,180 13,008 34 0.640 0.082 0.699 AG02 900 12,147 2,823 26 0.691 0.124 0.438 AG03 1,220 6,273 2,674 26 0.772 0.169 0.349 AG03A 1,520 6,863 1,822 30 0.749 0.133 0.334 Gradient Stations AG19 1,960 5,397 531 33 0.748 0.120 0.388 AG19A 2,260 3,797 2,477 22 0.740 0.175 0.434 AG06 2,600 12,543 4,327 33 0.717 0.107 0.320 AG06A 3,170 11,887 2,463 30 0.721 0.119 0.219 AG08 3,710 4,903 2,375 33 0.740 0.116 0.333

1 Adult organisms only (which includes intermediates).

Port Alberni EEM 24 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

4.4.1 Density and Taxa Richness

Benthic invertebrate densities were highly variable among stations and replicates and did not exhibit a clear trend along either exposure gradient; however, overall patterns in mean density were notably similar to those observed in Cycle Four (Figure 4.2). Similar to Cycle Four, density and taxa richness were lowest in the immediate vicinity of the outfall but increased rapidly in remaining near-field stations (Table 4.10). Mean densities in the near-field ranged from 843 organisms/m2 at AG024 to 18,180 organisms/m2 at AG01 (highest replicate density of 27,060 organism/m2 observed at AG01) (Table 4.2). Mean density decreased between near-field and gradient stations before increasing again approximately 2.6 km down inlet at gradient stations AG06 and AG06A. Mean densities in gradient stations ranged from 3,797 organisms/m2 at station AG19A to 12,543 organisms/m2 at AG06. In Cycle Seven mean densities at all stations were higher than those observed at the same station in Cycle Four, with the exception of AG19A where mean density were slightly lower.

Total taxa richness in near-field stations ranged from 11 taxa at AG024 to a high of 34 taxa at AG01 (Figure 4.3), while taxa richness in gradient stations ranged from 22 taxa at AG19A to 33 taxa at AG06 and AG08. Unlike density, in Cycle Seven, taxa richness varied relative to Cycle Four with both near-field and far-field stations higher and lower (Section 4.6.1).

Lower densities and taxa richness of juvenile invertebrates were observed at all stations (Table 4.2) compared to adult results; however, were higher than those observed in Cycle Four, with spatial patterns of density and richness similar to those observed for adult organisms.

4.4.2 Evenness Index and Simpson’s Diversity Evenness was low at all stations and decreased within the first 600 m from outfall, from a station high 0.262 at AG01 to a low of 0.082 at AG01 (Figure 4.4). Further down inlet evenness was relatively consistent ranging from 0.107 at gradient station AG06 to 0.175 at station AG019A. The higher evenness observed at AG024 is not unusual and is due to the low richness and density observed at this station with only a few taxa comprising the majority of benthic community (Section 4.4.4). In Cycle Seven, evenness was lower at near-field stations and higher at gradient stations relative to Cycle Four.

Simpson’s diversity index in near-field stations was variable and slightly lower than gradient stations ranging from 0.640 at station AG01 to 0.772 at AG03 (Figure 4.5). Simpson’s diversity index in gradient stations ranged from 0.717 at AG06 to 0.748 at AG19. In Cycle Seven, diversity was slightly lower in near-field and slightly higher in gradient stations relative to Cycle Four, with the exception of AG024. Station AG024 increased from 0.089 in Cycle Four to 0.653 in Cycle Seven.

4.4.3 Bray-Curtis Index Using the two furthest stations from the mill as a reference median (AG06A and AG08), dissimilarity was highest at stations AG024 with the invertebrate community generally becoming increasing similar with distance from the outfall (Figure 4.6).

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Figure 4.2 Density of benthic invertebrates per station (organisms/m2, mean ± standard deviation), Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015.

35,000

30,000

25,000 ) 2

20,000

15,000 Density (#/m Density

10,000

5,000

0 AG024 AG00 AG01 AG02 AG03 AG03A AG19 AG19A AG06 AG06A AG08

Near-field Gradient

Figure 4.3 Total taxa richness of benthic invertebrates per station, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015.

40

35

30

25

20

15

Richness (# (# Richness Families) 10

5

0 AG024 AG00 AG01 AG02 AG03 AG03A AG19 AG19A AG06 AG06A AG08

Near-field Gradient

Port Alberni EEM 26 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

Figure 4.4 Benthic invertebrate community evenness, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015.

0.30

0.25

0.20

0.15 Evenness

0.10

0.05

0.00 AG024 AG00 AG01 AG02 AG03 AG03A AG19 AG19A AG06 AG06A AG08

Near-field Gradient

Figure 4.5 Benthic invertebrate community diversity (Simpson’s index), Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015.

1.00

0.90

0.80

0.70

0.60

0.50

0.40

Simpson's Diversity Simpson's 0.30

0.20

0.10

0.00 AG024 AG00 AG01 AG02 AG03 AG03A AG19 AG19A AG06 AG06A AG08

Near-field Gradient

Port Alberni EEM 27 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

Figure 4.6 Benthic invertebrate community Bray-Curtis Index, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015.

1.00

0.90

0.80

0.70

0.60

0.50

0.40 Bray Bray Curtis Index 0.30

0.20

0.10

0.00 AG024 AG00 AG01 AG02 AG03 AG03A AG19 AG19A AG06 AG06A AG08

Near-field Gradient

Table 4.3 Juvenile invertebrate density and taxa richness, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015.

Outfall Distance Mean Density Total Richness Station (m) (#/m2) (# families)

Near-field Station AG24 160 27 2 AG00 330 283 12 AG01 550 683 20 AG02 900 357 8 AG03 1,220 347 7 AG03A 1,520 367 12

Gradient Stations AG19 1,960 187 7 AG19A 2,260 107 4 AG06 2,600 213 13 AG06A 3,170 847 15 AG08 3,710 293 8

Port Alberni EEM 28 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

4.4.4 Community Composition

Table 4.4 presents the 25 most abundant adult taxa collected in Cycle Seven, with taxa listed in decreasing density among all stations; these taxa comprised approximately 99% of the total number of individuals collected in this cycle. The bivalve families Lasaeidae (sp. Kurtiella tumida) and Thyasiridae (sp. Axinopsida serricata) were the two most abundant taxa, comprising 39% and 26% of the total density across all stations, respectively. These taxa were dominant families at all stations, with the exception of AG024 (station closest to the outfall). Thyasiridae was also the most abundant taxon in Cycle Four, comprising 42% of the total density; however, Lasaeidae were less common in Cycle Four, comprising only 6.6% of the total density. In Cycle Four, the sedentary polychaete family Capitellidae, known to be highly pollution-tolerant, was the second most dominant taxa, comprising 13% of the total density but only comprising 4.3% total density in Cycle Seven. The echinoderm Amphiuridae was also dominant in nearly all stations in Cycle Seven, comprising 11% of the total density; however, comprised only 1% of the total density in Cycle Four and was not dominant in any stations.

Although bivalves comprised the majority of the benthic community (by density), polychaetes were the most represented taxa at all stations. Six sedentary taxa and ten errant taxa comprised a combined 20% of the total density in Cycle Seven (Table 4.4), similar to Cycle Four. Other abundant taxa exhibited variable, yet low, proportions among stations sampled for Port Alberni, ranging from 0.5 to 4.3% (Table 4.4); many of these taxa were found at most stations (both near-field and gradient).

Community composition at station AG024 was notably different than at all other stations. In Cycle Seven, AG024 was comprised almost entirely of the polychaetes, Hesioniae and Dorvilleidae, which comprised 54% and 18% of the station density, respectively. These results differed from Cycle Four where AG024 was dominated almost exclusively by capitellid polychaetes; in Cycle Seven, Capitellide comprised <0.1% of the density at AG024.

4.4.5 Cluster Analysis

A dendrogram clustering stations together based on their community similarity calculated using the Bray- Curtis index is presented in Figure 4.7. Similar to Cycle Four, the clustering dendrogram indicated that the largest differences occurred between the station closest to the outfall (AG24) and two primary clusters. Several secondary clusters were also present with near-field station AG01 and gradient station AG08 (furthest station) also forming independent clusters that differed from remaining stations.

Stations did not cluster according to distance from the outfall with near-field stations clustering with gradient stations due to similarities in density and taxa richness. The two largest subgroupings generally correlated to their organic enrichment effects (i.e., TOC) with AG19A, AG19, AG3A and AG3 forming one cluster and AG6A, AG06, AG02 and AG00 forming another distinct group. Distances between individual stations ranged from approximately 0.15 to 0.94.

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Table 4.4 Total and mean densities of the most abundant taxa in the Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven benthic invertebrate community survey (90% of total abundance), March 2015.

AG024 AG00 AG01 AG02 AG03 AG03A AG19 AG19A AG06 AG06A AG08 Total Average Percent of Cumulative Group Family 160 m 330 m 550 m 900 m 1,220 m 1,520 m 1,960 m 2,230 m 2,600 m 3,170 m 3,710 m Densities Total Percent

Mollusca Bivalvia Lasaeidae 0 5,413 10,153 6,087 2,010 2,340 1,983 1,373 4,987 2,187 40 36,573 38.6 38.6

Mollusca Bivalvia Thyasiridae 0 1,707 600 2,550 1,987 2,370 1,737 1,307 4,137 5,723 2,413 24,530 25.9 64.5 Echinodermata Amphiuridae 0 940 3,767 1,213 873 580 343 287 1,493 880 23 10,400 11.0 75.5 Polychaeta Sedentaria Capitellidae 3 620 760 550 260 140 120 117 247 857 393 4,067 4.3 79.8 Polychaeta Sedentaria Paraonidae 0 13 67 267 153 523 423 203 347 267 120 2,383 2.5 82.3 Polychaeta Errantia Lumbrineridae 0 230 270 147 243 187 140 83 267 307 507 2,380 2.5 84.8 Polychaeta Errantia Hesionidae 460 677 617 80 17 13 7 53 53 80 80 2,137 2.3 87.1 Polychaeta Errantia Spionidae 87 387 213 280 143 180 127 57 233 240 113 2,060 2.2 89.2 Polychaeta Sedentaria Maldanidae 0 407 267 177 130 137 153 43 80 353 7 1,753 1.9 91.1 Polychaeta Errantia Dorvilleidae 153 423 360 0 13 17 3 0 27 137 147 1,280 1.4 92.4 Cnidaria Hydrozoa Bougainvilliidae 0 93 107 227 100 73 40 13 107 67 0 827 0.9 93.3 Mollusca Bivalvia Lucinidae 0 37 27 227 43 37 23 0 17 120 0 530 0.6 93.9 Polychaeta Sedentaria Orbiniidae 0 0 27 30 60 53 63 13 93 107 80 527 0.6 94.4 Polychaeta Errantia Glyceridae 0 83 60 67 50 37 30 20 20 53 53 473 0.5 94.9 Polychaeta Sedentaria Terebellidae 3 290 77 0 0 3 3 0 0 53 13 443 0.5 95.4

Crustacea Amphipoda Phoxocephalidae 0 13 3 0 13 23 17 53 80 80 120 403 0.4 95.8 Polychaeta Errantia Phyllodocidae 0 150 93 17 0 13 27 27 0 13 27 367 0.4 96.2

Crustacea Cumacea Leuconidae 0 0 13 0 0 10 20 13 80 0 200 337 0.4 96.6 Polychaeta Errantia Pilargidae 13 53 17 40 13 47 0 40 13 93 0 330 0.3 96.9 Mollusca Bivalvia Tellinidae 0 17 0 13 23 13 0 53 120 57 297 0.3 97.2

Annelida Oligochaeta Tubificidae 40 27 173 0 0 0 0 0 40 0 13 293 0.3 97.5 Polychaeta Errantia Sigalionidae 0 27 120 13 43 23 13 13 13 13 0 280 0.3 97.8

Polychaeta Errantia Goniadidae 27 50 57 37 3 7 7 0 40 17 33 277 0.3 98.1 Polychaeta Sedentaria Ampharetidae 3 53 107 3 20 3 0 0 27 0 0 217 0.2 98.3 Polychaeta Errantia Nereididae 0 0 3 7 20 3 23 27 3 30 0 117 0.1 98.5

Port Alberni EEM 31 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

Figure 4.7 Dendrogram describing similarities in benthic community composition, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015.

Distance from Diffuser Station (km)

0.16 - AG24

2.60 - AG08

2.26 - AG19A

1.96 - AG19

1.52 - AG03A

1.22 - AG03

3.17 - AG06A

2.60 - AG06

0.90 - AG02

0.33 - AG00

0.55 - AG01

Small dissimilarities Distances Larger dissimilarities 4.4.6 Statistical Analysis

A summary of the relationships between benthic invertebrate metrics and absolute distance from the outfall and C/N ratio are provided in Table 4.4 and Table 4.5. Scatter plots of each regression are presented in Appendix A2.

4.4.6.1 Regression Analysis

No significant relationships were observed between absolute distance from the outfall and benthic effects endpoints, with the exception of Bray-Curtis Index (ranked, p=<0.001)) which decreased with increasing distance (Table 4.5). When the exposure gradient was defined using the C/N ratio, an indicator of terrestrial organic inputs and related to absolute distance from the outfall, a significant relationship was observed for evenness (ranked, p=0.05) and Bray-Curtis Index (ranked, p=0.002) (Table 4.6) with both metrics also decreasing with increasing C/N ratio.

The EEM effects criterion was defined as a biologically significant relationship with a correlation coefficient (r) of at least |0.707|, which is equivalent to ±2SD of the reference mean (Environment Canada 2010). Based on this criterion, only Bray-Curtis Index showed a gradient effect with both absolute distance and C/N. (Table 4.5 and Table 4.6).

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Table 4.5 Relationships between benthic invertebrate metrics and absolute distance from the mill outfall, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015.

p-value for Direction of Critical Effect Endpoint Regression Equation1 Effect? r2 F-test Effect Effect1

Density 0.720 Density =9499-0.53*Dist No - 0.000 No

Ranked Richness 0.270 Ranked Total Richness =3.85+0.36*Ranked Dist No - 0.030 No

Ranked Evenness 0.170 Ranked Evenness = 8.67-0.45*Ranked Dist No - 0.120 No

Ranked Diversity 0.710 Diversity = 5.24+0.127*Ranked Diversity No - 0.000 No

Ranked Bray-Curtis <0.001 Ranked Bray-Curtis = 11.29-0.88*Ranked Dist Yes ↓ with distance 0.750 Yes

Bolded entries represent statistically significant relationships (α=0.10) R2 = coefficient of determination. 1 Critically significant regression effect r2≥0.50

Table 4.6 Relationships between benthic invertebrate metrics and C/N ratio, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven EEM, July 2015.

p-value for Direction of Critical Effect Endpoint Regression Equation1 Effect? r2 F-test Effect Effect1

Density 0.670 Total Density =425837+211.7* C:N No 0.0 No

Ranked Richness 0.103 Ranked Total Richness =2.912+0.514*Ranked C:N No 0.190 No

Ranked Evenness 0.050 Ranked Evenness =9.6-0.60*Ranked C:N Yes ↑ with C/N ratio 0.290 No

Ranked Diversity 0.940 Ranked Diversity = 6.16-0.027*Ranked Diversity No 0.000 No

Ranked Bray-Curtis 0.002 Ranked Bray-Curtis = 10.91-0.82*Ranked C:N Yes ↑ with C/N ratio 0.630 Yes

Bolded entries represent statistically significant relationships (α=0.10) R2 = coefficient of determination. 1 Critically significant regression effect r2≥0.50

Port Alberni EEM 34 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

4.4.7 QA/QC Verifications

All QA/QC reports are presented in Appendix A2. The estimated sorting efficiency based on the resorted samples (i.e., 4 samples) was 98.5%, which passed the required >90% efficiency.

QA/QC results for the accuracy of the splitting technique showed a sub-sampling error ranging from 7.3 to 11.7% across the three marine mills (one to two stations from each of the three mills for a total of 4 stations), with an average sub-sampling error of 9.2%, which is within the 20% error allowed. The randomly selected sample from Port Alberni had a sub-sampling error was 11.7%.

4.5 SUPPORTING ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES

4.5.1 Water Quality In situ dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature and salinity measurements were collected at each benthic invertebrate sampling station to evaluate near-bottom water quality in the receiving environment (Table 4.7).

Near-bottom temperatures decreased with bottom depth (i.e., sample depth) which generally increases with increasing distance from the outfall. In Cycle Seven near-bottom temperature ranged from 11.0°C at AG00 to 9.8°C at station AG08. Salinity was relatively consistent among stations increasing slightly with distance and ranging from 32.3 at AG00 to 33.1 at AG08.

Alberni Inlet is characterized by naturally low dissolved oxygen which becomes further reduced as a result of anthropogenic BOD. In July 2015, near-bottom dissolved oxygen concentrations were lowest in the area immediately adjacent to the outfall (AG24 = 1 mg/L), increased slightly at remaining near-field station (2.4 to 3.8 mg/L) before dropping to below 2.0 mg/L in gradient stations. Dissolved oxygen concentrations (including temperature and salinity) in inner Alberni Inlet have been studied extensively since 1941 and are reported annually in the Port Alberni dissolved oxygen monitoring program. This ongoing monitoring requirement has found that dissolved oxygen levels in Alberni Inlet vary widely with season and are largely dependent on flows form the Somass River, water and air temperatures and ocean currents. A detailed analyses of the Port Alberni dissolved monitoring program from 1941 to 2015 is presented in Hatfield (2016 in prep.).

4.5.2 Sediment

Sediment sub-samples were collected from benthic grabs and from one additional grab at each station at the same depths as benthic invertebrate samples and analyzed for particle size, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, redox potential and total sulphides. Results of the sediment quality survey are presented below; raw data are presented in Appendix A3.

4.5.2.1 Habitat Characteristics and Particle Size

Depths of benthic invertebrate stations increased with distance from the outfall following the natural decreasing profile of the inlet. Samples were collected from the inlet at depths ranging between 11.6 and 21 m in the near-field area, and between 23.5 and 46.9 m at gradient stations (Table 4.7).

Port Alberni EEM 35 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

Particle size distributions of composited sediment collected at stations near Port Alberni are presented in Table 4.7. Sediment composition within the near-field area was consistent among stations and comprised entirely of fines (i.e., sand, silt and clay); no gravel was present in near-field stations (Figure 4.8). Silt was the dominant substrate in all near-field stations ranging from 72.8% at AG24 to 49.5% at AG01. Substrates generally became coarser down inlet with increasing proportions of gravel and decreasing proportions of silt observed in all gradient stations, relative to near-field stations. The proportion of gravel in gradient stations ranged from 1.1% at AG08 to 32.1% at AG06A.

In Cycle Seven, substrate composition was generally similar to Cycle Four in all stations, although the proportion of clay decreased and silt increased slightly. The absence of gravel in near-field stations has been a consistent result among all EEM cycle reports for Port Alberni.

Figure 4.8 Particle size distribution of sediments, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015.

% Gravel % Sand % Silt % Clay

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

Percent of Total Sample (%) Sample of Total Percent 20

10

0 AG24 AG00 AG01 AG02 AG03 AG03A AG19 AG19A AG06 AG06A AG08

Near-field Southeast Gradient

4.5.2.2 Visual Observations

Visual observation and qualitative assessment of odour of sediments were made during field sampling. Photographs of representative sediment samples are presented in Figure 4.9 to Figure 4.12. The following key observations qualitatively support analytical measurements of sediment quality at each station and are presented as increasing distance from the outfall.

. AG024 was characterized by black mud with a distinct sulphur smell and fine wood fibres present throughout the sample;

. AG00 was characterized by thick, odourless grey-brown mud with fine wood fibres present in the deeper layers of the sample;

Port Alberni EEM 36 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

. AG01 was characterized by odourless, thick grey mud overlain with a 2 to 5 cm thick layer of decomposed leaf debris. As mentioned previously, AG01 was positioned near a storm-water outfall;

. Remaining near-field stations (AG02, AG03 and AG03A) were characterized by odorless, thick grey-green mud with no observed wood fibre;

. AG19 and AG19A were characterized by odorless, green-grey mud, some gravel and no wood fibre;

. AG06 and AG06A were adjacent to a log booming area; samples were comprised of brown-grey mud with a notable proportion of gravel. Sediments were also covered in large bark fragments and woody debris; and

. AG08 was situated ~50 down-inlet from the log-booms and was characterized by thick brown- grey mud with some gravel and wood bark present on surface.

Figure 4.9 Sediment at AG24 (adjacent to outfall) Port Alberni EEM, July 2015.

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Figure 4.10 Sediment at AG01 (note leaf debris) Port Alberni EEM, July 2015.

Figure 4.11 Sediment at AG19, Port Alberni EEM, July 2015.

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Figure 4.12 Sediment at AG06A, Port Alberni EEM, July 2015.

4.5.2.3 Total Organic Carbon and C/N Ratio

Mean sediment TOC was generally similar between near-field and gradient areas, although an inverse relationship was observed between areas relative to distance from the outfall (Figure 4.13). In the near- field TOC generally decreased with distance from the outfall, ranging from 7.3% at AG24 to 4.5% at AG03A, and generally increased with distance at gradient stations, ranging 4.6% at AG19 to 7.3% at AG08 (Table 4.7).

Nitrogen in sediment followed a similar pattern as TOC in the nearfield area, generally decreasing with distance from the outfall; however, TN continued to decrease slightly in gradient stations and only increased notably at AG08 (furthest station from the outfall) (Figure 4.13). TN ranged from 0.41 to 0.24% in the near-field and from 0.19 to 0.29% in gradient stations.

Mean sediment C/N ratios were lower in the near-field (17.7 to 20.1, average 18.7) than at gradient stations (18.9 to 26.5, average 23.1). However, C/N ratio was generally consistent between near-field station AG24 and gradient station AG19A and only increased in stations >2.5 km from the outfall (i.e., AG06, AG06A and AG08) (Figure 4.13).

Overall, similar TOC, TN and C/N results and trends also were observed in Cycle Four and Cycle Five.

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4.5.2.4 Oxidative State

Redox potential was highly negative (i.e., indicative of reducing conditions) within ~350 m of the outfall (i.e., stations AG24 and AG00) but generally improved with increasing distance, becoming positive (i.e., indicative of oxidizing conditions) ~1,500 m down inlet at station AG03A (Figure 4.14). Redox potential was also slightly negative at the two stations furthest from the outfall (AG06A and AG08), near the log booming area. Redox potential in the near-field ranged from ranged from -428 mV at AG00 to 103 mV at AG03A and in gradient stations ranged from -107 mV at AG08 to 172 mV at AG06 (Table 4.7).

Total sulphides (TS) values were highest near the outfall and generally decreased with increasing distance, increasing slightly at stations AG06A and AG08 (Figure 4.14). In the near-field TS values ranged from a high of 2617 at AG24 to 318 at AG03A, and in gradient stations ranged from a low of 191 at AG06 to 478 at AG08 (Table 4.7).

The oxidative state of sediments in Alberni Inlet in Cycle Seven was better than what was observed in Cycle Four and was consistent with the improving state observed in Cycle Five. This is despite the fact that near-bottom DO values in water were low (<2 mg/L) for a longer period of time in 2015 than in other more recent years, due to high temperatures and low river flows. A more detailed comparison of improving sediment conditions is provided in Section 4.6.1.1.

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Figure 4.13 Mean total organic carbon, total nitrogen and C/N ratios is sediment, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2016.

8.00

7.00

6.00

5.00

4.00

3.00

2.00 Total Organic Carbon (%) Carbon Organic Total 1.00

0.00 AG24 AG00 AG01 AG02 AG03 AG03A AG19 AG19A AG06 AG06A AG08

Near-field Gradient

0.45

0.40

0.35

0.30

0.25

0.20

0.15 Total Nitrogen (%) Nitrogen Total 0.10

0.05

0.00 AG24 AG00 AG01 AG02 AG03 AG03A AG19 AG19A AG06 AG06A AG08

Near-field Gradient

30.0

25.0

20.0

15.0

C/N Ratio C/N 10.0

5.0

0.0 AG24 AG00 AG01 AG02 AG03 AG03A AG19 AG19A AG06 AG06A AG08

Near-field Gradient

Port Alberni EEM 41 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

Figure 4.14 Mean sediment redox potential and total sulphides in sediments, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Three, Cycle Four, Cycle Five and Cycle Seven.

Cycle Three (2001) Cycle Four (2006) Cycle Five (2010) Cycle Seven (2015) 300

200

100

0

-100

-200

-300

Total Redox Potential (mV) Potential Redox Total -400

-500 AG24 AG00 AG01 AG02 AG03 AG03A AG19 AG19A AG06 AG06A AG08

Near-field Southeast Gradient

3000 Cycle Three (2001) Cycle Four (2006) Cycle Five (2010) Cycle Seven (2015)

2500

2000

1500

1000 Total Sulphide (µmol) Sulphide Total 500

0 AG24 AG00 AG01 AG02 AG03 AG03A AG19 AG19A AG06 AG06A AG08

Near-field Southeast Gradient

Port Alberni EEM 42 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

Table 4.7 Near-bottom water quality, habitat characteristic and sediment quality at benthic invertebrate sampling stations, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015

Habitat Characteristics Water Quality Sediment Quality

Station Distance Depth Particle Size2 (%) D.O.1 Temp.1 Salinity TOC1,3 TN1,3 C:N1,3 Redox3 Sulphides3

(km) (m) Gravel Sand Silt Clay (mg/L) (C) (ppt) (%) (%) Ratio (mV) (m ol)

Near-field (within 1% effluent zone; <2km from mill)

AG24 0.16 12.5 <0.10 08.8 72.50 18.8 1.0 10.9 32.4 7.3 0.412 17.66 -137.7 2617.0 AG00 0.33 11.6 <0.10 20.8 65.6 13.6 3.0 11.0 32.3 5.3 0.283 18.68 -428.3 1279.0 AG01 0.55 13.7 <0.10 38.4 49.5 12.2 3.8 11.0 32.4 4.5 0.236 19.10 -35.1 957.0 AG02 0.90 15.2 <0.10 24.5 62.0 13.5 3.2 10.9 32.4 4.5 0.252 18.05 19.03 392.0 AG03 1.22 19.2 <0.10 13.1 70.8 16.1 3.1 10.8 32.5 5.0 0.247 20.05 -85.9 342.0 AG03A 1.52 21.0 <0.10 09.9 72.8 17.4 2.4 10.7 32.5 4.5 0.241 18.78 103.3 318.0

Average - - <0.10 19.2 65.5 15.3 2.7 10.9 32.4 5.2 0.3 18.7 -94.1 984.2

Gradient (beyond 1% effluent zone; ≥2km from mill)

AG19 1.96 23.5 1.13 09.1 70.90 18.9 1.4 10.5 32.6 4.6 0.238 19.30 138.2 345.0 AG19A 2.26 23.5 3.17 07.2 72.5 17.1 1.6 10.5 32.6 4.7 0.250 18.93 119.6 247.0 AG06 2.60 24.7 17.60 25.4 46.6 10.4 1.1 10.4 32.7 5.6 0.218 25.76 171.8 191.0 AG06A 3.17 31.1 32.10 24.1 35.2 8.7 1.4 10.3 32.7 5.1 0.192 26.50 -7.4 280.0 AG08 3.71 46.9 1.09 13.1 66.7 19.1 1.7 9.8 33.1 7.3 0.288 25.17 -107.3 478.0

Average - - 11.0 15.8 58.4 14.8 1.4 10.3 32.7 5.5 0.2 23.1 63.0 308.2

1 D.O. = dissolved oxygen; Temp. = water temperature; TOC = total organic carbon; TN = total nitrogen; C:N = carbon/nitrogen ratio Gravel = >2mm; sand = 0.063 to 2 mm; silt = 0.004 to 0.063 mm; clay = <0.004 mm 3 Station means calculated using average of three replicates n/a = reading not available

Port Alberni EEM 43 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

4.5.3 Statistical Assessment of Supporting Data

Total sulphides, %gravel, depth, temperature and salinity exhibited significant correlations with distance from the outfall (rs, p-values ≤0.10; Table 4.8). Total sulphides, and temperature decreased with distance from the outfall and exhibited a moderate (0.50.75) correlations, respectively. Percent-gravel, depth and salinity all showed strongly correlated increases with distance. Significant correlations between distance and depth, temperature and salinity are not unexpected given depth naturally increased outward from the head of the inlet and that temperature and salinity are known to natural correlate with depth (Hatfield 2015). No data transformation was required to meet test assumptions.

Table 4.8 Relationships between supporting environmental variables and absolute distance from the outfall, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven, July 2015.

Correlation Coefficients Strength of Effect Endpoint Direction of Effect Correlation1 rs Correlation

Sediment Quality Total Organic Carbon 0.155 No - None Total Nitrogen -0.400 No - None

Total Sulphides -0.691 Yes Decreasing with distance Moderate Redox Potential 0.482 No None Chlorophenols 0.209 No - None

% Gravel 0.818 Yes Increasing with distance Strong % Sand 0.000 No - None % Silt -0.223 No - None

% Clay 0.009 No - None

Water Quality

Depth 0.989 Yes Increasing with distance Strong Dissolved Oxygen -0.336 No - None

Temperature -0.936 Yes Decreasing with distance Strong Salinity 0.934 Yes Increasing with distance Strong

Bolded entries represent statistically significant relationships (α = 0.10). *p < 0.10; **p<0.01 rs = Spearman's correlation coefficient (non-parametric correlations). 1 Strength evaluated using Spearman rank correlation coefficient: weak correlation (rs < 0.5), moderate correlation (i.e., 0.5 < rs < 0.75), strong correlation (i.e., rs > 0.75)

Correlations between benthic metrics and supporting environmental variables are presented in Table 4.9; significant correlations (r ≥ |0.484| for n=12) are discussed below.

Port Alberni EEM 44 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

Evenness and Bray-Curtis index were the only benthic metrics correlated with C/N ratio, while Bray-Curtis was the only metric correlated with absolute distance from the outfall (Table 4.9). Density and richness were correlated with harder substrates (e.g., sand) while evenness was correlated with softer silts. Density and richness were also negatively correlated with TN while evenness and Bray-Curtis were positively correlated.

Table 4.9 Spearman’s rank correlations (rs) between benthic community metrics and supporting environmental variables, Port Alberni Cycle Seven, July 2015.

Simpson’s Variable Density Richness Evenness Bray-Curtis Diversity

C:N 0.209 0.517 -0.027 -0.600* -0.818** Distance -0.036 0.362 0.127 -0.445 -0.882** %Gravel -0.005 0.272 -0.059 -0.337 -0.679* %Sand 0.938** 0.553* -0.396 -0.747** -0.146 %Silt -0.770** -0.459 0.396 0.697* 0.292 %Clay -0.818** -0.178 0.300 0.373 0.173 Total.Nitrogen -0.627* -0.622* 0.073 0.591* 0.527* TOC -0.427 -0.279 -0.018 0.200 -0.155

Sulphides -0.164 -0.128 -0.218 0.155 0.736** Redox 0.218 0.339 -0.045 -0.291 -0.427

Chlorophenols -0.364 -0.307 0.782** 0.436 -0.264 Depth -0.082 0.36 0.059 -0.442 -0.870** DO 0.427 0.114 0.136 -0.145 0.309

Temp 0.236 -0.279 -0.064 0.327 0.836** Salinity -0.228 0.314 0.055 -0.351 -0.829**

Bolded values represent significant correlations where rs ≥ |0.0.484| for n=12. *p < 0.10; **p<0.01

Moderate correlations: |0.5||0.75|.

4.6 DISCUSSION

4.6.1 Comparison with Previous Cycles In Cycle Seven, mean invertebrate densities where notably higher in all stations relative to previous cycles, with the exception of AG019 which saw a minor decrease between Cycle Four and Cycle Six (Table 4.9). Although invertebrate densities have increased over time at station AG24 (closest station to the outfall), densities at this station continue to be significantly lower compared to other near-field and gradient stations and exhibit sediment conditions indicative of the historical fibre mat. Overall, invertebrates densities within the near-field area continue to improve and are more similar to those observed in gradient stations.

Port Alberni EEM 45 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

Taxa richness has varied over time with nearly all stations experiencing increasing richness between Cycle Three and Cycle Four and varying station richness between Cycle Four and Cycle Seven (i.e., some stations increased while others decreased). Similar to density, taxa richness at AG24, while increasing over time, remains notably lower than other stations.

Table 4.10 Mean density and richness of benthic invertebrate communities in Alberni Inlet, Port Alberni EEM Cycles Three (2003), Four (2006) and Seven (2015).

Mean Density (N/m2) Taxa Richness (# families) Station Cycle Three Cycle Four Cycle Seven Cycle1 Three Cycle Four Cycle Seven

Near-field Stations

AG24 99 370 843 6 4 11 AG00 1,877 4,983 11,863 28 23 29

AG01 2,267 5,471 18,180 21 37 34 AG02 843 2,878 12,147 20 25 26 AG03 1,739 2,031 6,273 25 31 26 AG03A n/s 2,834 6,863 n/s 38 30

Gradient Stations AG19 1,054 3,644 5,397 23 29 33 AG19A n/s 3,922 3,797 n/s 33 22 AG06 1,601 5,770 12,543 35 29 33 AG06A n/s 5,000 11,887 n/s 29 30 AG08 874 3,685 4,903 32 31 33 n/s = not sampled 1 Cycle Three taxa richness was report at species level; however, was converted to family level for inclusion in Cycle Seven

Community composition was relatively similar among Cycles Three, Four and Seven, with four of the five most dominant taxa the same among cycles, although exact proportions differed. However, in Cycle Three no one taxon was overly dominant with the top 25 most abundant taxa comprising only 55% of the total invertebrate community, while in Cycle Four and Cycle Seven, the top 25 comprised 90% and 99% of all individuals, respectively. Between Cycle Three and Cycle Seven, bivalves remained the dominant group at nearly all station with differing taxa (families) within this group present in differing proportions among cycles. Other notable shifts in community composition over time include an increase in the bivalve, Lasaeidae and an overall decrease in the abundance of the polychaete, Capitellidae. In addition, there were 130 new taxa (i.e., new species or higher order organisms) identified in Cycle Seven, a large increase in the overall number taxa in the area.

Over time, the most notably shifts in community composition have been observed at station AG24, which is within the historically “highly impacted” area (with respect to sediment condition; Hatfield 2010). Between Cycle Three and Cycle Four this station transitioned from being dominant by a few polychaete taxa (e.g., Dorvilleidae [sp. Schistomeringos longicornis and sp. Protodorvillea gracilis] and Hesionidae

Port Alberni EEM 46 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

[sp. Oxydromus pugettensis and sp. Podarkeopsis glabrus]) and few bivalves, to being dominated by almost exclusively by capitellid polychaetes. In Cycle Seven community composition was more similar to Cycle Three and dominated by many of the same taxa. Although sediment conditions within the area around the outfall have greatly improved overtime, community composition within this area continues to differ from other near-field and gradient stations.

4.6.1.1 Sediment Quality and Degree of Impact

The Pulp and Paper EEM Technical Guidance Document (Environment Canada 2010) provided guidelines for classifying impacted sediments (Table 4.11). Based on these criteria, sediment quality at stations in Alberni Inlet was classified according to percent TOC, redox potential and sulphide concentrations (Table 4.11).

In Cycle Seven the grades of impact varied between near-field and gradient stations with near-field stations improving with distance from the outfall and gradient stations degrading with distance. At station AG24, data indicated a gross grade of impact for redox potential (i.e., sediment were highly reducing) and a moderate grade of impact for TOC and sulphides. At remaining near-field stations redox varied from low to grossly impacted while percent TOC and sulphides indicated a low grade of impact. At gradient stations data indicated a normal grade of impact for redox potential (i.e., sediment were non-reducing) at AG19 and AG19A, degrading to grossly impacted at AG08, and a normal to low grade of impact for sulphides (Table 4.11). Percent TOC in gradient station sediments varied from low to moderately impacted and also degraded with distance from the outfall.

Overall, a general improvement in sediment quality has been observed over time at nearly all stations, especially when compared to historical sediment conditions in the inlet, prior to the installation of expanded secondary treatment. In 2009, the magnitude and extent of the historic fibre mat was estimated to be between 0.29 to 0.56 km2 (Hatfield 2010), a significant reduction from the 1988 study which showed the zone of effect associated with the fibre mat to be approximately 1.03 km2 Hodgins 1989). Although sediment conditions in Alberni Inlet have greatly improved, In Cycle Seven, sediments within ~350 m of the outfall continue to be grossly impacted with respect redox and low to moderately impacted with respect to sulphide and TOC. The results align with the continuing decomposition of the historical fibre mat report in Cycle Five (2010). In addition, sediment conditions near the log booms (AG06, AG06A and AG08) have varied over time but have generally indicated higher degree of impact relative to other gradient and near-field stations.

Table 4.11 Environment Canada criteria for classifying impacts of organic carbon concentrations and oxidative state in marine sediments (Environment Canada 2010).

Degree of Impact % TOC Redox Potential (mV) Sulphides (µmol)

Normal Normal (0 to 0.5%) > 100 < 300 Low impact or enrichment Slight increase (0.5 to 5%) 0 to 100 300 to 1,300 Moderate to high impact Moderate increase (5 to 20%) -100 to 0 1,300 to 6,000 Gross impact High TOC (>20%) < -100 > 6,000

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Table 4.12 Evaluation of sediment variables at each station based on Environment Canada impact criteria, Port Alberni EEM Cycles Three, Four, Five and Seven.

Total Organic Carbon Redox Potential1 Total Sulphides1

Station Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Five Three Four Five Seven Three Four Seven Three Four Five Seven

Near-field AG24 Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Gross Gross Gross Gross Moderate Low Low Moderate AG00 Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Gross High Moderate Gross Low Normal Normal Low AG01 Low Moderate Low Low Gross High Moderate Moderate Low Normal Normal Low AG02 Low Moderate Low Low Gross n/s Gross Low Low Normal Normal Low AG03 Low Low Low Low High Moderate Moderate High Normal Normal Normal Low AG03A n/s Low Low Low n/s Moderate Low Normal n/s Normal Normal Low

Gradient AG19 Low Low Low Low Gross Low Low Normal Normal Normal Normal Low AG19A n/s Low Low Low n/s Moderate Low Normal n/s Normal Normal Normal AG06 Moderate Moderate Low Moderate High High Low Normal Normal Normal Normal Normal AG06A n/s Moderate Moderate Moderate n/s Moderate Normal Moderate n/s Normal Normal Normal AG08 Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate High Moderate Normal Gross Low Normal Normal Low

1 Redox potential and total sulphides were not measured in Cycle one. 2 Sediment samples analyzed by a different laboratory than cycles Four and Five. ns = not sampled.

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4.6.2 Effects Along the Exposure Gradient

Although stations closest to the Port Alberni outfall continue to show significant effects, these effects appear to be localized to the area immediately surrounding the outfall (i.e., within the historical fibre mat) and, in Cycle Seven no longer exceed the Critical Effect Size (CES), with the exception of Bray-Curtis index (Table 4.13). Bray-Curtis was not calculated in Cycle Four; however, in Cycle Seven significantly decreased with distance from the outfall. The continued improvement in effluent quality and sediment conditions observed in Cycle Seven, likely reduced the magnitude and extent of the effects, relative to previous cycles.

Table 4.13 Summary of benthic invertebrate endpoint analyses, Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven.

Exceeds Effect Endpoint Effect? Direction Magnitude CES? Density No - - -

Taxa Richness No - - -

Evenness No - - -

Diversity No - - -

2 Bray-Curtis Yes ↓ with distance r =0.750 Yes

In Cycle Seven, deposit-feeding taxa that are commonly found in organic enriched and or polluted areas such as municipal and industrial outfalls (e.g., Prionospio sp., Lumbrineris sp. and Pholoe sp.) were present in low proportions in all stations relative to previous cycles. In addition declining abundancies of Heteromastus filobranchus, a hypoxia resistant sedentary polychaete found in siltier, organically enriched sediments (Diaz and Rosenburg, 1995), at several near-field and gradient stations further indicates improving sediment condition within Alberni Inlet. Relatively high abundancies of Axinopsida serricata, a small free-burrowing, deposit-feeding bivalve, were observed in nearly stations in all cycles. Several studies have found that A. serricata is an abundant invertebrate species in areas where organic enrichment is declining (Stull et al. 1986, Swartz et al. 1986).

Of particular note is the shift in community composition at AG24, which in Cycle Four was dominated almost exclusively by the pollutant tolerant Capitella capitata. In Cycle Seven, this station supported several polychaete taxa, C. capitata not observed.

Sediments closest to the outfall continue to exhibit higher TOC and poorer oxidative state than far-field gradient stations, but significant improvements in near-field sediment quality have been observed over time since extended secondary treatment was installed in 1994.

4.6.2.1 Conclusions

Based on the results of the Cycle Seven benthic invertebrate survey including the supporting sediment and water quality surveys, the following conclusions are made:

Port Alberni EEM 49 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

. No significant effects were observed along the absolute distance exposure gradient for invertebrate density, taxa richness, evenness and Simpsons diversity;

. Evenness exhibited a statistically significant effect along the C/N exposure gradient; however, the effect was not biologically significant;

. The Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index exhibited significant effects along the both the absolute distance and C/N exposure gradients that exceeded the CES (i.e., effects were biologically significant);

. Overall, benthic conditions near the Port Alberni outfall improved relative to previous cycles, evident in the general increase in invertebrate densities at most stations and the increased similarity between near- field and gradient stations. In addition, the increase in the relative abundance of species associated with ecosystem recovery in the near-field area provide evidence of improving sediment conditions;

. Benthic communities adjacent to the outfall (at station AG24) continue to exhibit lower density and taxa richness and dissimilar community structure than other near-field and far-field stations;

. While an overall improvement in the condition of sediments is evident from over time, sediments closer to the outfall (within ~350 m) continue to exhibit a mild organic enrichment, poor oxidative state and increased sulphides relative to other stations;

. Sediments further from the outfall (>3 km) also appear to exhibit a mild organic enrichment, increased sulphides and declining oxidative state, although conditions appear to be the result of log booming activities and not the historic fibre mat; and

An investigation into the cause of effects on benthos was conducted in 2006 and concluded that given the large and continuous improvement in sediment quality in inner Alberni Inlet following installation of extended secondary treatment in 1994, and continued decomposition of the historical fibre mat, it is evident that the mild enrichment in the area adjacent to the mill outfall is from historical pulpmill discharges (Hatfield 2007).

Port Alberni EEM 50 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

5.0 CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of the Port Alberni EEM Cycle Seven program, the following conclusion can be made.

5.1 SUBLETHAL TOXICITY OF EFFLUENT

Effects on echinoderm fertilization were observed at a mean effluent concentration of 27.4% (IC25); and algal reproduction was affected at a mean effluent concentration of 1.1% (IC25). These results are consistent with recent previous EEM cycles.

In Cycle Seven the sublethal toxicity of effluent discharged from the Port Alberni mill was similar to, or slightly lower than that observed in recent EEM cycles. Sublethal toxicity testing results indicate that Port Alberni effluent may influence the receiving environment in a zone up to 109 m for invertebrate fertilization, and 2,723 m for algal reproduction.

5.2 BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE SURVEY Benthic communities closer to the outfall continue to be depressed relative to those sampled further down-inlet, but have shown consistent increases in density, richness and diversity over time, indicating recovery from historical conditions. Benthic invertebrate community density, taxa richness and Simpson’s diversity did not exhibit significant effects along effluent exposure gradients (based on distance from the outfall and carbon/nitrogen ratio in sediments). However, Bray-Curtis values indicated statistically significant differences in community composition along effluent exposure gradients, which also were defined as biologically significant given these differences exceeded the EEM-specified critical effect size of two standard deviations from the reference condition. Community evenness also exhibited an effect along the C/N-ratio gradient but was statistically significant but not biologically significant based on EEM interpretive guidance.

Sediment conditions at benthic monitoring locations also have improved over the last two decades of EEM, with the magnitude and spatial extent of highly enriched, anoxic sediments greatly reduced since the introduction of secondary effluent treatment in the early 1990s. Sediments within ~350 m of the outfall continue to exhibit a mild organic enrichment, poor oxidative state and increased sulphides relative to other stations. As demonstrated in the EEM Cycle Four Investigation of Cause survey—and consistent with continued improvement in benthic conditions observed each monitoring cycle—this mild enrichment in the area adjacent to the outfall relates to historical pulpmill discharges.

Port Alberni EEM 51 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

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Seaconsult. 1997. Environmental effects monitoring study for the Alberni Pulp and Paper Mill at Port Alberni, British Columbia: Final Interpretive Report for Cycle 1. Prepared for MB Paper Ltd., Alberni Specialties Division, by Seaconsult Marine Research Ltd.

Port Alberni EEM 56 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

Seaconsult. 1998. Environmental effects monitoring study for the Alberni Pulp and Paper Mill at Port Alberni, British Columbia: Study design for Cycle 2. Prepared for MB Paper Ltd., Alberni Specialties Division, by Seaconsult Marine Research Ltd.

Seaconsult. 2000. Environmental effects monitoring study for the Alberni Pulp and Paper Mill at Port Alberni, British Columbia: Final Interpretive Report for Cycle 2. Prepared for Pacifica Papers Inc., Alberni Specialties Division, by Seaconsult Marine Research Ltd.

Seaconsult. 2002. Receiving water sampling and biological monitoring annual report for 2001, Alberni Inlet and Somass River Estuary. Prepared for NorskeCanada, Port Alberni Division, by Seaconsult Marine Research Ltd.

Smith, B. and J. B. Wilson. 1996. A consumer’s guide to evenness indices. OIKOS 76:70-82.

SPSS. 2000. SYSTAT 10. Statistics I. SPSS Inc. United States of America. 663 pp.

Traunspurger, W. and C. Drews. 1996. Toxicity analysis of freshwater and marine sediments with meio- and macrobenthic organisms: a review. Hydrobiologia, 328: 215-261.

US EPA. 1994. Short-term methods for estimating the chronic toxicity of effluents and receiving water to marine and estuarine organisms, Second Edition, EPA-600-4-91-003, July 1994. Environmental Systems Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH.

US EPA. 1995. Short-term methods for estimating the chronic toxicity of effluents and receiving water to West Coast marine and estuarine organisms, First Edition, EPA/600/R-95-136. National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH.

Velinsky, D.J., C.A. Flinders, N.E. Saxe, and R.L. Thomas. 2003. Incorporation of pulp mill effluent solids in aquatic food webs: use of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes. Oral presentation at the 51st Annual Meeting of the North American Benthological Society, Athens, Georgia, 2003.

Wayland M. and K.A. Hobson. 2001. Stable carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope ratios in riparian food webs on rivers receiving sewage and pulp-mill effluents. Can. J. Zool., 79: 5-15.

Welsh, D. T. 2003. It’s a dirty job but someone has to do it: the role of marine benthic macrofauna in organic matter turnover and nutrient recycling to the water column. Chemistry and Ecology, 19(5): 321-342.

Ye, L-X., D.A. Ritz, G.E. Fenton, and M.E. Lewis. 1991. Tracing the influence on sediments of organic waste from a salmonid farm using stable isotope analysis. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 145: 161-174.

Port Alberni EEM 57 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

APPENDICES

Appendix A1

Sublethal Toxicity Testing Results and Calculations

Table A1.1 Catalyst Paper, Port Alberni Division, Sublethal Effluent Toxicity Test Results, Cycle Seven.

Effluent Description Collection Date Test type

Project S=Survival, Testing Period Consultant/Laboratory Species Tested EC25 or IC25 EC25 or IC25 EC25 or IC25 Comments Number (final, cooling, etc.) yyyymmdd G=Growth, % Lower 95% cI Upper 95% cI R=Reproduction

Strongylocentrotus Winter 2013 pp1052 Final Effluent Grab 20130408 Nautilus Environmental R 64.6 61.0 70.3 purpuratus

Due to a power outage test lighting was reduced by 5 Aquatox Testing & hours and test temperature dropped below the acceptable Winter 2013 pp1052 Final Effluent Grab 20130408 Champia parvula R 0.3 0.1 0.5 Consulting Inc. range of 23±1C (21C); test met all acceptability criteria and was therefore considered valid

Strongylocentrotus Summer 2013 pp1052 Final Effluent Grab 20130112 Nautilus Environmental R 20.4 18.3 22.4 purpuratus

Aquatox Testing & Summer 2013 pp1052 Final Effluent Grab 20130112 Champia parvula R 0.89 0.33 1.67 Consulting Inc.

Strongylocentrotus Winter 2014 pp1052 Final Effluent Grab 20140422 Nautilus Environmental R 20.3 11.4 32.1 purpuratus

Aquatox Testing & Hormesis observed in 0.8% concentration; data adjusted Winter 2014 pp1052 Final Effluent Grab 20140422 Champia parvula R 2.3 0.34 3.4 Consulting Inc. to control values for analysis.

Strongylocentrotus Summer 2014 pp1052 Final Effluent Grab 20141117 Nautilus Environmental R 49.7 44.9 54.4 purpuratus

First champia test done in October failed because the Aquatox Testing & Summer 2014 pp1052 Final Effluent Grab 20150223 Champia parvula R 1.3 0.03 3.1 organism culture was not sufficiently healthy. Re-test was Consulting Inc. conducted in Feb 2015.

The echinoderm test on April 13 did not have an IC25 Strongylocentrotus bracketed by the test concentrations - a second sample Winter 2015 pp1052 Final Effluent Grab 20150513 Nautilus Environmental R 14.3 12.8 15.7 purpuratus was collected on May 13, 2015 and a wider concentration series was tested successfully.

Final Combined Aquatox Testing & Winter 2015 pp1052 20150413 Champia parvula R 0.6 0.39 0.90 Effluent Consulting Inc.

Strongylocentrotus Summer 2015 pp1052 Final Effluent 20151123 Nautilus Environmental R 22.4 16.3 28.8 purpuratus

Aquatox Testing & Hormesis observed in 0.8% concentration; data adjusted Summer 2015 pp1052 Final Effluent 20151123 Champia parvula R 3.73 1.23 5.54 Consulting Inc. to control values for analysis.

Port Alberni EEM A1-1 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report Figure A1.1 Mean (± SD) percent fertilized eggs of an echinoderm exposed to final effluent and control water, Catalyst Paper - Port Alberni Division, EEM Cycle Seven.

April 8, 2013 (Winter 2013) November 12, 2013 (Summer 2013) April 22, 2014 (Winter 2014)

100 100 100

80 80 80

60 60 60

40 40 40 % Eggs Fertilized Eggs % Fertilized Eggs % % Eggs Fertilized Eggs %

20 20 20

0 0 0 0.0 1.6 3.1 6.2 12.5 25.0 50.0 100.0 0.0 1.6 3.1 6.2 12.5 25.0 50.0 100.0 0.0 1.6 3.1 6.3 12.5 25.0 50.0 100.0 Effluent Concentration (% v/v) Effluent Concentration (% v/v) Effluent Concentration (% v/v)

Strongylocentrotus purpuratus Strongylocentrotus purpuratus Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

November 17, 2014 (Summer 2014) May 13, 2015 (Winter 2015) November 23, 2015 (Summer 2015)

100 100 100

80 80 80

60 60 60

40 40 40 % Eggs Fertilized Eggs % % Eggs Fertilized Eggs % % Eggs Fertilized Eggs %

20 20 20

0 0 0 0.0 1.6 3.1 6.2 12.5 25.0 50.0 100.0 0.0 0.4 0.8 1.6 3.1 6.3 12.5 25.0 50.0 100.0 0.0 1.6 3.1 6.2 12.5 25.0 50.0 100.0 Effluent Concentration (% v/v) Effluent Concentration (% v/v) Effluent Concentration (% v/v)

Strongylocentrotus purpuratus Strongylocentrotus purpuratus Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

Port Alberni EEM A1-2 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report Figure A1.2 Mean (± SD) number of cystocarps produced by an alga (Champia parvula) exposed to final effluent and control water, Alberni Catalyst Paper - Port Alberni Division, EEM Cycle Seven.

April 8, 2013 (Winter 2013) November 12, 2013 (Summer 2013) April 22, 2014 (Winter 2014)

80 80 80

70 70 70

60 60 60

50 50 50

40 40 40

30 30 30 No. of cystocarps cystocarps of No. cystocarps of No. No. of cystocarps cystocarps of No. 20 20 20

10 10 10

0 0 0 0 0.07 0.24 0.81 2.70 8.90 29.7 99.0 0 0.07 0.24 0.81 2.7 8.9 29.7 0 0.8 2.7 8.9 29.7

Effluent Concentration (% v/v) Effluent Concentration (% v/v) Effluent Concentration (% v/v)

February 23, 2015 (Summer 2014) February 23, 2015 (Winter 2015) November 23, 2015 (Summer 2015)

110 110 110 100 100 100 90 90 90 80 80 80 70 70 70 60 60 60 50 50 50 40 40 40 No. of cystocarps cystocarps of No. No. of cystocarps cystocarps of No. 30 cystocarps of No. 30 30 20 20 20 10 10 10 0 0 0 0 0.8 2.7 8.9 29.7 99 0 0.07 0.24 0.81 2.7 8.9 29.7 99.0 0 0.07 0.24 0.81 2.7 8.9

Effluent Concentration (% v/v) Effluent Concentration (% v/v) Effluent Concentration (% v/v)

Port Alberni EEM A1-3 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

Appendix A2

Benthic Invertebrate Data and QA/QC Reports

Table A2.1 Raw benthic data (counts), Catalyst Paper Corporation, Port Alberni, July 2015.

AG00 AG01 AG02 AG03 AG03A AG06 AG06A AG08 AG19 AG19A AG024

Family Taxon Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3

A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int Tubificidae Limnodriloides victoriensis 8 8 8 4

Tubificidae Tubificoides apectinatus 8

Tubificidae Tubificinae indet. 20 16 4 4 8

Dorvilleidae Schistomeringos annulata 1

Dorvilleidae Schistomeringos longicornis 42 8 8 20 4 2 3 8 12 5 36 1 2

Dorvilleidae Schistomeringos sp. 16 8 44

Dorvilleidae Dorvilleidae indet. 8

Dorvilleidae Protodorvillea gracilis 72 4 4 76

Glyceridae Glycera americana 1

Glyceridae Glycera nana 20 5 7 6 5 8 5 7 1 9 5 3 6 2 4 2 1 6 9 5 5 5 5 1 3 6

Goniadidae Glycinde armigera 3 8 8 2 5 4 1 2 4 4 4 1 4 9 1 1 1

Goniadidae Glycinde picta 4 8

Goniadidae Glycinde polygnatha 1 8

Hesionidae Hesionidae indet. 8 4

Hesionidae Microphthalmus sp. 4

Hesionidae Oxydromus pugettensis 53 16 11 12 28 76 4 4 1 12 110

Hesionidae Podarkeopsis glabrus 56 48 19 8 36 13 12 4 3 1 4 12 4 20 4 8 8 2 12 4 4 12

Hesionidae Podarkeopsis sp. 4

Lumbrineridae Lumbrineris cruzensis 8 1 4 4 4 1 17 11 3 15 6 16 28 16 28 20 28 28 88 1 10 9 8 4

Lumbrineridae Lumbrineris luti 4 56 13 44 16 16 12 12 13 20 11 15 12 5 8 12 16 16 12 8 8 9 5 8 1 4

Nephtyidae Bipalponephtys cornuta 8

Nephtyidae Nephtys ferruginea 1

Nereididae Nereis procera 1 1 1 2 4

Nereididae Nereis sp. 1 1 1 5 1 1 8 4 4

Onuphidae Diopatra ornata 1

Onuphidae Onuphis iridescens 1 12 1 1

Onuphidae Onuphis sp. 4 4

Phyllodocidae Phyllodocidae indet. 4

Phyllodocidae Eteone californica 1 4

Phyllodocidae Eteone longa complex 12 4

Phyllodocidae Eumida longicornuta 12

Phyllodocidae Eumida sp. 8

Phyllodocidae Paranaitis polynoides 1

Phyllodocidae Phyllodoce hartmanae 12 4 8 4

Phyllodocidae Sige bifoliata 4 1 4 4 3 4 8 8

Port Alberni EEM A2-1 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report Table A2.1 Cont’d.

AG00 AG01 AG02 AG03 AG03A AG06 AG06A AG08 AG19 AG19A AG024

Family Taxon Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3

A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int Pilargidae Pilargis berkeleyae 1 4

Pilargidae Sigambra setosa 12 4 4 8 4 6 7 1 4 4 12 12 8 4

Pilargidae Sigambra tentaculata 4

Polynoidae Malmgreniella macginitiei 1 1

Polynoidae Malmgreniella nigralba 4

Polynoidae Malmgreniella sanpedroensis 1

Polynoidae Tenonia priops 4 4 1 1

Sigalionidae Pholoe glabra 4 8 12 2

Sigalionidae Pholoe minuta 4 4 8 4 4 4 2 2 2 4

Sigalionidae Pholoe sp. N-1 (Ruff) 2 1

Sigalionidae Pholoe sp. 4 3 2 4 4

Ampharetidae Amage anops 12 4 8 4 4

Ampharetidae Ampharete labrops 16 4 1

Ampharetidae Amphicteis scaphobranchiata 1 2 1

Ampharetidae Amphicteis sp. 4

Ampharetidae Ampharetidae indet. 4

Capitellidae Capitella capitata complex 8 24

Capitellidae Heteromastus filobranchus 73 68 41 23 77 108 42 49 74 33 10 31 19 12 11 56 3 14 75 37 111 36 6 76 8 10 16 14 2 15 1

Capitellidae Mediomastus californiensis 4 12 4 1 1 1 4

Capitellidae Mediomastus sp. 4 4

Capitellidae Notomastus hemipodus 1 1

Cirratulidae Aphelochaeta sp. 8 4

Cirratulidae Aphelochaeta sp. N-1 (Ruff) 4

Cirratulidae Cirratulidae indet. 8 4

Maldanidae Metasychis disparidentatus 2 1 1

Maldanidae Petaloclymene pacifica 2 104 10 40 24 12 12 10 5 3 1 4 5 12 12 12 48 32 12 5 2

Maldanidae Praxillella gracilis 1

Maldanidae Praxillella pacifica 16 1 4 7 13 7 4 13 4 13 8 10 5 4 4 1 1 8 9 9 1 7 5

Orbiniidae Leitoscoloplos pugettensis 8 5 4 9 9 5 5 6 21 4 3 16 12 4 12 4 8 8 7 4 4

Oweniidae Galathowenia oculata 8

Paraonidae Aricidea catherinae 4 8 12 8 8 12 8 12 13 12 24 4 12 12 4 11 17 8 13 8

Paraonidae Aricidea lopezi 1

Paraonidae Aricidea minuta 4

Paraonidae Aricidea sp. 4 1 2 3 2 4 4 12 4 4 8 4 4 1

Paraonidae Levinsenia gracilis 12 8 12 36 12 4 1 34 44 35 40 28 12 12 24 8 24 31 34 12 16 4

Port Alberni EEM A2-2 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report Table A2.1 Cont’d.

AG00 AG01 AG02 AG03 AG03A AG06 AG06A AG08 AG19 AG19A AG024

Family Taxon Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3

A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int Pectinariidae Pectinaria californiensis 12 4 4 1 1 1 1 5

Pectinariidae Pectinaria granulata 4 1

Sabellidae Chone sp. 4

Sabellidae Euchone analis 4

Spionidae Spionidae indet. 8 8

Spionidae Boccardiella hamata 4

Spionidae Laonice cirrata 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Spionidae Paraprionospio pinnata 4 1 1

Spionidae Dipolydora caulleryi 4

Spionidae Polydora sp. complex 4

Spionidae Prionospio (Minuspio) lighti 20 36 12 24 32 20 12 52 12 4 26 14 20 13 36 20 12 48 24 12 4 19 18 4 13

Spionidae Prionospio (Prionospio) sp. 4

Spionidae Spiophanes berkeleyorum 20 16 12 4 1 4 5 20

Terebellidae Pista wui 2

Terebellidae Polycirrus californicus 32 32 21 10 13 1 4 8 4 1

Terebellidae Polycirrus sp. complex 4 1

Trichobranchidae Terebellides californica 4 1

Trochochaetidae Trochochaeta multisetosa 8 1 1 6 4 1

Ampeliscidae Ampelisca careyi 1

Ampeliscidae Ampelisca sp. 1

Ampeliscidae Byblis sp. 1

Aoridae Aoroides sp. 8

Corophiidae Corophiidae indet. 4

Eusiridae Oradarea longimana 4 16 12

Lysianassidae Pachynus barnardi 4 8 1

Melitidae Maera sp. 4

Oedicerotidae Americhelidium rectipalmum 4

Oedicerotidae Oedicerotidae indet. 12

Phoxocephalidae Harpiniopsis fulgens 4 4

Phoxocephalidae Heterophoxus affinis 4 1 4 5 1 8 12 8 4 8 12 8 1 4 12 4

Phoxocephalidae Heterophoxus conlanae 4 4

Phoxocephalidae Heterophoxus sp. 1 4

Phoxocephalidae Phoxocephalidae indet. 4

Hadzioidea Hadzioidea indet. 4

Diastylidae Diastylis sp. 4 4

Port Alberni EEM A2-3 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report Table A2.1 Cont’d.

AG00 AG01 AG02 AG03 AG03A AG06 AG06A AG08 AG19 AG19A AG024

Family Taxon Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3 Replicate 1 Replicate 2 Replicate 3

A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int A/Int Leuconidae Eudorella pacifica 4 2 1 8 4 12 44 16 4 2 4

Axiidae Calocarides spinulicauda 1 1 1 1

Callianassidae Neotrypaea gigas 1

Pinnotheridae Pinnixa occidentalis 1 1

Sphaeromatidae Gnorimosphaeroma oregonensis 4 4

Nebaliidae Nebalia sp. 4 12

Philomedidae Euphilomedes producta 8 8 2

Tanaididae Zeuxo sp. 4

Amphiuridae Amphiodia urtica 13 248 21 176 425 529 126 117 121 76 148 38 76 59 39 48 201 195 34 123 107 5 1 1 30 43 30 45 19 22

Amphiuridae Amphiuridae indet. 4

Triticellidae Triticella elongata 20

Bougainvilliidae Bougainvilliidae indet. 24 4 12 20 12 28 28 4 20 6 12 8 2 28 4 8 4 8 4 3 5 4

Pandeidae Amphinema dinema 4

Anthoathecata Anthoathecata indet. 2

Lineidae Lineidae indet. 4

Lineidae Cerebratulus californiensis 1 1 1

Enopla Enopla sp. A (SCAMIT) 1 1

Golfingiidae Thysanocardia nigra 1 1

Lasaeidae Kurtiella tumida 364 656 604 1678 1368 422 620 784 124 312 167 298 259 145 740 384 372 228 168 260 4 4 4 156 122 317 268 116 28

Lucinidae Parvilucina tenuisculpta 1 6 4 4 4 16 36 16 8 4 1 4 6 1 5 8 13 15 5 2

Nuculidae Acila castrensis 1 4

Solemyidae Solemya pervernicosa 1 1 4

Tellinidae Macoma carlottensis 1 4 4 2 2 4 12 8 8 4 2 1

Tellinidae Macoma elimata 1 4 4 1 4 1

Tellinidae Macoma sp. 4 8 4 8

Thyasiridae Axinopsida serricata 4 140 368 112 68 217 240 308 116 321 157 290 240 181 684 281 276 592 421 704 408 92 224 204 204 113 220 124 48

Thyasiridae Thyasira flexuosa 2

Veneridae Compsomyax subdiaphana 4 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 6

Bivalvia Bivalvia indet. 4

Corambidae Loy thompsoni 1 1

Cylichnidae Cylichna attonsa 1 4 2 4

Rissoidae Alvania compacta 12

Rissoidae Alvania rosana 4 4

Rissoidae Alvania sp. 4

Total Abundance 833 1567 1159 326 2706 2426 949 1184 1511 448 935 500 839 737 485 1753 1032 978 1175 950 1442 665 221 589 509 509 601 640 352 147 23 194 36

Port Alberni EEM A2-4 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report Table A2.2 Sorting effeciency of benthic taxonomy, Catalyst Paper Corporation, Port Alberni, July 2015.

Biologica Client Sorting Efficiency QC: # of Sorting Efficiency QA: Subsampling Sample ID Sample ID Spotcheck QC resorts Random whole resorts Error 15-22-01 AG00-1 99.00% 15-22-02 AG00-2 98.00% 98.26% 15-22-03 AG00-3 11.70% 15-22-04 AG01-1 94.00% 15-22-05 AG01-2 15-22-06 AG01-3 95.00% 15-22-07 AG02-1 100.00% 15-22-08 AG02-2 95.90% 15-22-09 AG02-3 15-22-10 AG03-1 100.00% 15-22-11 AG03-2 100.00% 15-22-12 AG03-3 15-22-13 AG03A-1 15-22-14 AG03A-2 99.87% 15-22-15 AG03A-3 15-22-16 AG06-1 99.00% 15-22-17 AG06-2 15-22-18 AG06-3 15-22-19 AG06A-1 100.00% 15-22-20 AG06A-2 15-22-21 AG06A-3 15-22-22 AG08-1 100.00% 15-22-23 AG08-2 15-22-24 AG08-3 15-22-25 AG19-1 100.00% 15-22-26 AG19-2 15-22-27 AG19-3 15-22-28 AG19A-1 15-22-29 AG19A-2 15-22-30 AG19A-3 15-22-31 AG024-1 15-22-32 AG024-2 98.00% 15-22-33 AG024-3 Average: 98.45% 0 98.51% 11.70%

Port Alberni EEM A2-5 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report Table A2.3 Sub-Sampling accuracy of benthic taxonomy, Catalyst Paper Corporation, Port Alberni, July 2015.

Number Inverts Predicted Predicted % Difference Absolute Sub-sample # [counted] # Actual from Actual Difference

AG00-3

1 140 560 32 6.1 6.1 2 155 620 92 17.4 17.4 3 114 456 -72 -13.6 13.6 4 119 476 -52 -9.8 9.8

Total remaining 0

Total in sample 528 Mean Absolute sub-sampling error (%) 11.7 (actual total count) Min % error 6.1 Max % error 17.4 Correction Factor: 4

Port Alberni EEM A2-6 Hatfield Cycle Seven Interpretive Report

Appendix A3

Sediment Chemistry

HATFIELD CONSULTANTS Date Received: 20-JUL-15 ATTN: Colin Schwindt Report Date: 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL # 200 - 850 Harbourside Drive North Vancouver BC V7P 0A3

Client Phone: 604-926-3261

Certificate of Analysis Lab Work Order #: L1644884 Project P.O. #: NOT SUBMITTED Job Reference: PA6429 C of C Numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4 Legal Site Desc: Port Alberni

______Brent Mack, B.Sc. Account Manager [This report shall not be reproduced except in full without the written authority of the Laboratory.]

ADDRESS: 8081 Lougheed Hwy, Suite 100, Burnaby, BC V5A 1W9 Canada | Phone: +1 604 253 4188 | Fax: +1 604 253 6700 ALS CANADA LTD Part of the ALS Group A Campbell Brothers Limited Company L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 2 of 19 ALS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL REPORT 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL

Sample ID L1644884-1 L1644884-2 L1644884-3 L1644884-4 L1644884-5 Description Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sampled Date 14-JUL-15 14-JUL-15 14-JUL-15 14-JUL-15 14-JUL-15 Sampled Time 08:20 08:20 08:20 08:20 09:10 Client ID AG024 REP#1 AG024 REP#2 AG024 REP#3 AG024 REP#4 AG00 REP#1

Grouping Analyte SOIL

Physical Tests Moisture (%) 70.6

Particle Size % Gravel (>2mm) (%) <0.10

% Sand (2.0mm - 0.063mm) (%) 8.76

% Silt (0.063mm - 4um) (%) 72.5

% Clay (<4um) (%) 18.8

Texture Silt loam

Organic / Total Organic Carbon (%) 6.74 8.83 6.26 5.16 Inorganic Carbon

Phenolics Pentachlorophenol (mg/kg) 0.0045

Tetrachlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0334

Tetrachloroguaiacol (mg/kg) <0.0050

2,3,4,5-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,5,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

3,4,5-Trichlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0306 DLM 3,4,5-Trichloroguaiacol (mg/kg) <0.0090

2,3,4-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,4,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0030

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

* Please refer to the Reference Information section for an explanation of any qualifiers detected. L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 3 of 19 ALS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL REPORT 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL

Sample ID L1644884-6 L1644884-7 L1644884-8 L1644884-9 L1644884-10 Description Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sampled Date 14-JUL-15 14-JUL-15 14-JUL-15 14-JUL-15 14-JUL-15 Sampled Time 09:10 09:10 09:10 11:30 11:30 Client ID AG00 REP#2 AG00 REP#3 AG00 REP#4 AG01 REP#1 AG01 REP#2

Grouping Analyte SOIL

Physical Tests Moisture (%) 57.4

Particle Size % Gravel (>2mm) (%) <0.10

% Sand (2.0mm - 0.063mm) (%) 20.8

% Silt (0.063mm - 4um) (%) 65.6

% Clay (<4um) (%) 13.6

Texture Silt loam

Organic / Total Organic Carbon (%) 5.20 5.48 4.26 4.18 Inorganic Carbon

Phenolics Pentachlorophenol (mg/kg) 0.0057

Tetrachlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0466

Tetrachloroguaiacol (mg/kg) <0.0050

2,3,4,5-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,5,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

3,4,5-Trichlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0362 DLM 3,4,5-Trichloroguaiacol (mg/kg) <0.0080

2,3,4-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,4,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

* Please refer to the Reference Information section for an explanation of any qualifiers detected. L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 4 of 19 ALS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL REPORT 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL

Sample ID L1644884-11 L1644884-12 L1644884-13 L1644884-14 L1644884-15 Description Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sampled Date 14-JUL-15 14-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 Sampled Time 11:30 11:30 08:00 08:00 08:00 Client ID AG01 REP#3 AG01 REP#4 AG02 REP#1 AG02 REP#2 AG02 REP#3

Grouping Analyte SOIL

Physical Tests Moisture (%) 57.4

Particle Size % Gravel (>2mm) (%) <0.10

% Sand (2.0mm - 0.063mm) (%) 38.4

% Silt (0.063mm - 4um) (%) 49.5

% Clay (<4um) (%) 12.2

Texture Silt loam / Loam

Organic / Total Organic Carbon (%) 5.08 4.59 4.72 4.32 Inorganic Carbon

Phenolics Pentachlorophenol (mg/kg) 0.0030

Tetrachlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0184

Tetrachloroguaiacol (mg/kg) <0.0050

2,3,4,5-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,5,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

3,4,5-Trichlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0194 DLM 3,4,5-Trichloroguaiacol (mg/kg) <0.0070

2,3,4-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,4,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

* Please refer to the Reference Information section for an explanation of any qualifiers detected. L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 5 of 19 ALS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL REPORT 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL

Sample ID L1644884-16 L1644884-17 L1644884-18 L1644884-19 L1644884-20 Description Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sampled Date 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 Sampled Time 08:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 Client ID AG02 REP#4 AG03 REP#1 AG03 REP#2 AG03 REP#3 AG03 REP#4

Grouping Analyte SOIL

Physical Tests Moisture (%) 56.5 59.8

Particle Size % Gravel (>2mm) (%) <0.10 <0.10

% Sand (2.0mm - 0.063mm) (%) 24.5 13.1

% Silt (0.063mm - 4um) (%) 62.0 70.8

% Clay (<4um) (%) 13.5 16.1

Texture Silt loam Silt loam

Organic / Total Organic Carbon (%) 4.99 4.79 5.08 Inorganic Carbon

Phenolics Pentachlorophenol (mg/kg) 0.0070 0.0194

Tetrachlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0505 0.0736

Tetrachloroguaiacol (mg/kg) <0.0050 0.0083 DLM 2,3,4,5-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020 <0.0030

2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) 0.0026 0.0064

2,3,5,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020 <0.0020

3,4,5-Trichlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0445 0.0700 DLM 3,4,5-Trichloroguaiacol (mg/kg) <0.0080 0.0131

2,3,4-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020 <0.0020

2,3,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020 <0.0020

2,3,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020 <0.0020 DLM 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020 <0.0050 DLM 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020 <0.0030

* Please refer to the Reference Information section for an explanation of any qualifiers detected. L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 6 of 19 ALS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL REPORT 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL

Sample ID L1644884-21 L1644884-22 L1644884-23 L1644884-24 L1644884-25 Description Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sampled Date 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 Sampled Time 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:56 Client ID AG03A REP#1 AG03A REP#2 AG03A REP#3 AG03A REP#4 AG19 REP#1

Grouping Analyte SOIL

Physical Tests Moisture (%) 58.3

Particle Size % Gravel (>2mm) (%) <0.10

% Sand (2.0mm - 0.063mm) (%) 9.88

% Silt (0.063mm - 4um) (%) 72.8

% Clay (<4um) (%) 17.4

Texture Silt loam

Organic / Total Organic Carbon (%) 4.55 4.41 4.62 4.69 Inorganic Carbon

Phenolics Pentachlorophenol (mg/kg) 0.0127

Tetrachlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0564 DLM Tetrachloroguaiacol (mg/kg) <0.0070

2,3,4,5-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) 0.0048

2,3,5,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

3,4,5-Trichlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0553

3,4,5-Trichloroguaiacol (mg/kg) 0.0116

2,3,4-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,4,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0030

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

* Please refer to the Reference Information section for an explanation of any qualifiers detected. L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 7 of 19 ALS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL REPORT 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL

Sample ID L1644884-26 L1644884-27 L1644884-28 L1644884-29 L1644884-30 Description Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sampled Date 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 Sampled Time 10:56 10:56 10:56 07:30 07:30 Client ID AG19 REP#2 AG19 REP#3 AG19 REP#4 AG19A REP#1 AG19A REP#2

Grouping Analyte SOIL

Physical Tests Moisture (%) 58.6

Particle Size % Gravel (>2mm) (%) 1.13

% Sand (2.0mm - 0.063mm) (%) 9.11

% Silt (0.063mm - 4um) (%) 70.9

% Clay (<4um) (%) 18.9

Texture Silt loam

Organic / Total Organic Carbon (%) 4.61 4.46 4.67 4.79 Inorganic Carbon

Phenolics Pentachlorophenol (mg/kg) 0.0126

Tetrachlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0585 DLM Tetrachloroguaiacol (mg/kg) <0.0060

2,3,4,5-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) 0.0042

2,3,5,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

3,4,5-Trichlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0393

3,4,5-Trichloroguaiacol (mg/kg) 0.0084

2,3,4-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,4,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

* Please refer to the Reference Information section for an explanation of any qualifiers detected. L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 8 of 19 ALS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL REPORT 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL

Sample ID L1644884-31 L1644884-32 L1644884-33 L1644884-34 L1644884-35 Description Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sampled Date 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 Sampled Time 07:30 07:30 08:00 08:00 08:00 Client ID AG19A REP#3 AG19A REP#4 AG06 REP#1 AG06 REP#2 AG06 REP#3

Grouping Analyte SOIL

Physical Tests Moisture (%) 59.6

Particle Size % Gravel (>2mm) (%) 3.17

% Sand (2.0mm - 0.063mm) (%) 7.21

% Silt (0.063mm - 4um) (%) 72.5

% Clay (<4um) (%) 17.1

Texture Silt loam / Silt

Organic / Total Organic Carbon (%) 4.74 6.02 5.21 5.62 Inorganic Carbon

Phenolics Pentachlorophenol (mg/kg) 0.0212

Tetrachlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0608 DLM Tetrachloroguaiacol (mg/kg) <0.0060

2,3,4,5-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) 0.0046

2,3,5,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

3,4,5-Trichlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0423

3,4,5-Trichloroguaiacol (mg/kg) 0.0085

2,3,4-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,4,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

* Please refer to the Reference Information section for an explanation of any qualifiers detected. L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 9 of 19 ALS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL REPORT 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL

Sample ID L1644884-36 L1644884-37 L1644884-38 L1644884-39 L1644884-40 Description Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sampled Date 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 Sampled Time 08:00 10:33 10:33 10:33 10:33 Client ID AG06 REP#4 AG08 REP#1 AG08 REP#2 AG08 REP#3 AG08 REP#4

Grouping Analyte SOIL

Physical Tests Moisture (%) 50.4 62.1

Particle Size % Gravel (>2mm) (%) 17.6 1.09

% Sand (2.0mm - 0.063mm) (%) 25.4 13.1

% Silt (0.063mm - 4um) (%) 46.6 66.7

% Clay (<4um) (%) 10.4 19.1

Texture Silt loam Silt loam

Organic / Total Organic Carbon (%) 7.54 7.70 6.53 Inorganic Carbon

Phenolics Pentachlorophenol (mg/kg) 0.0115 0.0100

Tetrachlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0371 0.0396 DLM Tetrachloroguaiacol (mg/kg) <0.0050 <0.0060

2,3,4,5-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020 <0.0020

2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) 0.0025 0.0034

2,3,5,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020 <0.0020

3,4,5-Trichlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0264 0.0316

3,4,5-Trichloroguaiacol (mg/kg) 0.0073 0.0094

2,3,4-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020 <0.0020

2,3,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020 <0.0020

2,3,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020 <0.0020

2,4,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020 <0.0020

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020 0.0021

* Please refer to the Reference Information section for an explanation of any qualifiers detected. L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 10 of 19 ALS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL REPORT 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL

Sample ID L1644884-41 L1644884-42 L1644884-43 L1644884-44 Description Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sampled Date 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 Sampled Time 11:10 11:10 11:10 11:10 Client ID AG06A REP#1 AG06A REP#2 AG06A REP#3 AG06A REP#4

Grouping Analyte SOIL

Physical Tests Moisture (%) 55.1

Particle Size % Gravel (>2mm) (%) 32.1

% Sand (2.0mm - 0.063mm) (%) 24.1

% Silt (0.063mm - 4um) (%) 35.2

% Clay (<4um) (%) 8.66

Texture Silt loam

Organic / Total Organic Carbon (%) 5.86 4.56 4.82 Inorganic Carbon

Phenolics Pentachlorophenol (mg/kg) 0.0098

Tetrachlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0415

Tetrachloroguaiacol (mg/kg) <0.0050

2,3,4,5-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) 0.0029

2,3,5,6-Tetrachlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

3,4,5-Trichlorocatechol (mg/kg) 0.0261

3,4,5-Trichloroguaiacol (mg/kg) 0.0063

2,3,4-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,3,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,4,5-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (mg/kg) <0.0020

* Please refer to the Reference Information section for an explanation of any qualifiers detected. L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 11 of 19 ALS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL REPORT 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL

Sample ID L1644884-1 L1644884-2 L1644884-3 L1644884-5 L1644884-6 Description Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sampled Date 14-JUL-15 14-JUL-15 14-JUL-15 14-JUL-15 14-JUL-15 Sampled Time 08:20 08:20 08:20 09:10 09:10 Client ID AG024 REP#1 AG024 REP#2 AG024 REP#3 AG00 REP#1 AG00 REP#2

Grouping Analyte TISSUE

Anions and Total Nitrogen by Leco (%) 0.383 0.490 0.363 0.288 0.273 Nutrients

* Please refer to the Reference Information section for an explanation of any qualifiers detected. L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 12 of 19 ALS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL REPORT 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL

Sample ID L1644884-7 L1644884-9 L1644884-10 L1644884-11 L1644884-13 Description Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sampled Date 14-JUL-15 14-JUL-15 14-JUL-15 14-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 Sampled Time 09:10 11:30 11:30 11:30 08:00 Client ID AG00 REP#3 AG01 REP#1 AG01 REP#2 AG01 REP#3 AG02 REP#1

Grouping Analyte TISSUE

Anions and Total Nitrogen by Leco (%) 0.287 0.221 0.231 0.256 0.259 Nutrients

* Please refer to the Reference Information section for an explanation of any qualifiers detected. L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 13 of 19 ALS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL REPORT 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL

Sample ID L1644884-14 L1644884-15 L1644884-17 L1644884-18 L1644884-19 Description Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sampled Date 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 Sampled Time 08:00 08:00 09:00 09:00 09:00 Client ID AG02 REP#2 AG02 REP#3 AG03 REP#1 AG03 REP#2 AG03 REP#3

Grouping Analyte TISSUE

Anions and Total Nitrogen by Leco (%) 0.259 0.237 0.247 0.247 0.247 Nutrients

* Please refer to the Reference Information section for an explanation of any qualifiers detected. L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 14 of 19 ALS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL REPORT 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL

Sample ID L1644884-21 L1644884-22 L1644884-23 L1644884-25 L1644884-26 Description Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sampled Date 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 15-JUL-15 Sampled Time 10:30 10:30 10:30 10:56 10:56 Client ID AG03A REP#1 AG03A REP#2 AG03A REP#3 AG19 REP#1 AG19 REP#2

Grouping Analyte TISSUE

Anions and Total Nitrogen by Leco (%) 0.246 0.240 0.237 0.234 0.234 Nutrients

* Please refer to the Reference Information section for an explanation of any qualifiers detected. L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 15 of 19 ALS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL REPORT 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL

Sample ID L1644884-27 L1644884-29 L1644884-30 L1644884-31 L1644884-33 Description Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sampled Date 15-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 Sampled Time 10:56 07:30 07:30 07:30 08:00 Client ID AG19 REP#3 AG19A REP#1 AG19A REP#2 AG19A REP#3 AG06 REP#1

Grouping Analyte TISSUE

Anions and Total Nitrogen by Leco (%) 0.245 0.248 0.252 0.250 0.250 Nutrients

* Please refer to the Reference Information section for an explanation of any qualifiers detected. L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 16 of 19 ALS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL REPORT 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL

Sample ID L1644884-34 L1644884-35 L1644884-37 L1644884-38 L1644884-39 Description Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sediment Sampled Date 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 Sampled Time 08:00 08:00 10:33 10:33 10:33 Client ID AG06 REP#2 AG06 REP#3 AG08 REP#1 AG08 REP#2 AG08 REP#3

Grouping Analyte TISSUE

Anions and Total Nitrogen by Leco (%) 0.194 0.210 0.305 0.294 0.266 Nutrients

* Please refer to the Reference Information section for an explanation of any qualifiers detected. L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 17 of 19 ALS ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL REPORT 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Version: FINAL

Sample ID L1644884-41 L1644884-42 L1644884-43 Description Sediment Sediment Sediment Sampled Date 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 16-JUL-15 Sampled Time 11:10 11:10 11:10 Client ID AG06A REP#1 AG06A REP#2 AG06A REP#3

Grouping Analyte TISSUE

Anions and Total Nitrogen by Leco (%) 0.207 0.158 0.210 Nutrients

* Please refer to the Reference Information section for an explanation of any qualifiers detected. L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 18 of 19 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Reference Information Version: FINAL Qualifiers for Individual Parameters Listed: Qualifier Description

DLM Detection Limit Adjusted due to sample matrix effects.

Test Method References: ALS Test Code Matrix Test Description Method Reference**

C-TOT-ORG-LECO-SK Soil Organic Carbon by combustion method SSSA (1996) p. 973 Total Organic Carbon (C-TOT-ORG-LECO-SK, C-TOT-ORG-SK)

Total C and inorganic C are determined on separate samples. The total C is determined by combustion and thermal conductivity detection, while inorganic C is determined by weight lass after addition of hydrochloric acid. Organic C is calculated by the difference between these two determinations.

Reference for Total C: Nelson, D.W. and Sommers, L.E. 1996. Total Carbon, organic carbon and organic matter. P. 961-1010 In: J.M. Bartels et al. (ed.) Methods of soil analysis: Part 3 Chemical methods. (3rd ed.) ASA and SSSA, Madison, WI. Book series no. 5

Reference for Inorganic C: Loeppert, R.H. and Suarez, D.L. 1996. Gravimetric Method for Loss of Carbon Dioxide. P. 455-456 In: J.M. Bartels et al. (ed.) Methods of soil analysis: Part 3 Chemical methods. (3rd ed.) ASA and SSSA, Madison, WI. Book series no. 5

CP-LL-P&P-SE-MS-VA Soil CP-P&P-SE-MS-VA EPA METHODS 3500B, 8041 & 8270C This analysis is carried out using procedures adapted from "Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste" SW-846, Methods 3500B, 8041 & 8270C, published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A sediment/soil sub-sample is extracted with basic methanol or acidified acetone. The final extract is analysed by capillary column gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC/MS) and/or electron capture detection (GC/ECD). MOISTURE-VA Soil Moisture content ASTM D2974-00 Method A This analysis is carried out gravimetrically by drying the sample at 105 C for a minimum of six hours.

N-TOT-LECO-SK Tissue Total Nitrogen by Combustion SSSA (1996) P. 973-974 The sample is ignited in a combustion analyzer where nitrogen in the reduced nitrous oxide gas is determined using a thermal conductivity detector.

PSA-PIPET+GRAVEL-SK Soil Particle size - Sieve and Pipette SSIR-51 METHOD 3.2.1 Particle size distribution is determined by a combination of techniques. Dry sieving is performed for coarse particles, wet sieving for sand particles and the pipette sedimentation method for clay particles.

Reference:

Burt, R. (2009). Soil Survey Field and Laboratory Methods Manual. Soil Survey Investigations Report No. 5. Method 3.2.1.2.2. United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.

** ALS test methods may incorporate modifications from specified reference methods to improve performance. The last two letters of the above test code(s) indicate the laboratory that performed analytical analysis for that test. Refer to the list below:

Laboratory Definition Code Laboratory Location VA ALS ENVIRONMENTAL - VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Chain of Custody Numbers:

1 2 3 4 L1644884 CONTD.... PAGE 19 of 19 14-AUG-15 14:14 (MT) Reference Information Version: FINAL

GLOSSARY OF REPORT TERMS Surrogate - A compound that is similar in behaviour to target analyte(s), but that does not occur naturally in environmental samples. For applicable tests, surrogates are added to samples prior to analysis as a check on recovery. mg/kg - milligrams per kilogram based on dry weight of sample. mg/kg wwt - milligrams per kilogram based on wet weight of sample. mg/kg lwt - milligrams per kilogram based on lipid-adjusted weight of sample. mg/L - milligrams per litre. < - Less than. D.L. - The reported Detection Limit, also known as the Limit of Reporting (LOR). N/A - Result not available. Refer to qualifier code and definition for explanation.

Test results reported relate only to the samples as received by the laboratory. UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, ALL SAMPLES WERE RECEIVED IN ACCEPTABLE CONDITION. Analytical results in unsigned test reports with the DRAFT watermark are subject to change, pending final QC review.