Pulp and paper mills can now use a Canadian algae test method for marine effluent toxicity testing

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

The regulations governing effluent from pulp and paper mills have been updated to add a third accepted test methodology for sublethal toxicity testing of effluent deposited into marine or estuarine waters. Mills now have the option of using a Canadian procedure based on the macroalgae species Ceramium tenuicorne (Report STB 1/RM/63, March 2025, published by Environment and Climate Change Canada), in addition to the two previously accepted U.S. EPA methods. This expands the toolkit available to facilities conducting required toxicity testing without removing any existing options. Mills discharging to marine or estuarine environments should confirm with their environmental teams whether this new Canadian method is suitable for their monitoring programs.

Who this affects: pulp and paper mill operators discharging to marine or estuarine waters · environmental compliance managers at pulp and paper facilities · third-party laboratories conducting effluent toxicity testing for mills