Building on the site description and history outlined in the previous article, this review focuses on the environmental conditions surrounding the proposed Samonix land-based salmon farming project as it continues through Québec's BAPE environmental review process.
This article summarizes the environmental studies prepared for the project, which outline the climate, water systems, soils, wildlife habitats, and ecological features that characterize this section of the Ottawa River.
The study area is located in Litchfield and, like the rest of the region, experiences a cold, humid continental climate. Winters are typically long and cold, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures common throughout January. However, climate studies included in the environmental review suggest the region is expected to warm significantly over the coming decades. By 2050, average temperatures in the region could rise by 2 to 3°C, while the number of extremely hot days above 30°C could increase substantially. Researchers also expect shorter winters, less snow, wetter spring conditions, hotter summers, and more intense storm events in the future. These projected changes are important because they may affect flooding patterns, water levels, wildlife habitats, and the long-term operation of industrial projects located near the river.
Project documents indicate that several alternative locations were evaluated before the Pontiac Regional Industrial Park was selected. According to the studies, the site was chosen because of its existing industrial zoning, proximity to infrastructure, access to the Ottawa River as a water source, and what the company describes as a high level of social acceptability compared with other locations considered.
The project site itself is mostly flat, with much of the land sitting between 80 and 100 metres above sea level. A small eastern section contains slightly higher and more sloped terrain. Beneath the surface of the Ottawa River, the underwater landscape is more uneven, with shallow shoals, deeper pits, and abrupt changes in depth. Soil conditions across the property vary depending on location. Sandy soils, which are widespread, allow water to drain relatively easily, while clay-rich soils tend to retain moisture for longer periods. Wet soils made up of silty sand and clay-rich material are especially present in the southern portion of the study area.
Floodplain mapping within the MRC Pontiac has not yet been completed, making it difficult to definitively determine the extent of flood-prone areas within the property. However, the project documents note that part of the southern portion of the site was included within Québec’s 2019 special intervention zone following the significant flooding events of 2017 and 2019, suggesting that at least portions of the area were considered susceptible to flooding.
Environmental site assessments conducted for the project found no evidence of contaminated land within the study area. A Phase I assessment completed in 2020 identified no known contaminated or historically impacted sites over the past fifty years, while Phase II testing confirmed compliance with applicable provincial standards for commercial and industrial land use.
Groundwater was also examined as part of the environmental review, with data reportedly collected through information requests to the Québec Ministry of the Environment, Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, local authorities, and the PACES-OUT program. Groundwater refers to water stored underground in soil, sand, and rock formations beneath the surface. Studies found that rainfall and snowmelt regularly replenish groundwater beneath the site each year. However, exploratory drilling showed that underground water moves relatively slowly beneath the property due to local soil and geological conditions. As a result, groundwater yields in the study area are low, meaning the site does not appear to produce large quantities of groundwater and suggesting it is not a significant source of water availability at the site.
Environmental testing reportedly found that groundwater quality within the study area is generally good and meets provincial environmental standards in nearly all cases. One monitoring well showed elevated copper levels, but no widespread contamination was identified. The studies also concluded that the local aquifer has relatively low vulnerability to contamination because clay deposits beneath portions of the site act as a natural barrier that slows the movement of contaminants into groundwater.
Surface water conditions were another major focus of the review because the Ottawa River occupies nearly half of the study area and is the dominant water feature of the site. Water sampling conducted in recent years found generally good water quality in the river near the property. Environmental information submitted as part of the project review also indicates that water quality in this section of the Ottawa River was generally considered good between 2018 and 2020. Laboratory testing identified low levels of metals and nutrients, low turbidity, and little indication of significant pollution or immediate risk to aquatic life. An additional intermittent tributary stream was also identified within the southern portion of the property.
The environmental assessment also examined nearby drinking water infrastructure. The nearest municipal surface-water intake, serving Portage-du-Fort, is located approximately five kilometres downstream. According to the project documentation, modelling concluded that treated effluent would meet provincial discharge requirements and undergo significant dilution before reaching the intake location.
Environmental surveys also documented a wide variety of plant and animal species within the study area. Much of the land is covered by shrub vegetation containing species such as red raspberry, common milkweed, Canada goldenrod, and grasses. Several plant species considered vulnerable or sensitive in Québec were also identified, including black maple and butternut trees. At the same time, invasive plant species such as common reed and wild parsnip were found growing within the area.
The Ottawa River corridor supports significant wildlife diversity as well. Studies indicate the river system may contain more than 40 fish species and several freshwater mussel species, including species considered threatened or vulnerable. Surveys conducted during the environmental review confirmed the presence of species such as northern pike, channel catfish, and the round pigtoe mussel, a freshwater mussel species considered at risk in Canada. Amphibians and reptiles observed within the area included snapping turtles, northern map turtles, wood frogs, garter snakes, and milk snakes.
Bird surveys also identified high levels of avian diversity within the surrounding region. More than 170 bird species have been recorded nearby, including species of conservation concern such as the bald eagle, chimney swift, and bank swallow. Evidence of pileated woodpecker nesting and feeding activity was also documented within the southern portion of the property.
Overall, the environmental studies prepared for the Samonix project describe the site as an area with generally good water quality, relatively stable environmental conditions, and ecologically important aquatic and wildlife habitats. At the same time, the studies also identify several environmental considerations, including changing climate conditions, flood-related uncertainty, sensitive wildlife species, and the close connection between the project site and the Ottawa River ecosystem.