Isometric Project Audit Started
This project is in a public comment period from 01 Aug 2025 until 30 Aug 2025.
Overview of the East River, Sheet Harbour RAE Project
The Sheet Harbour hydroelectric system on the East River has played a crucial role in Nova Scotia’s energy landscape. As the province shifts toward a net-zero future, hydroelectric power remains an important component of the clean energy transition. In addition to renewable energy, this system offers significant potential for carbon drawdown.
CarbonRun is working with Nova Scotia Power to draw down carbon through a process called River Alkalinity Enhancement (RAE). This involves carefully dissolving finely crushed natural limestone to the river. The limestone removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while also improving water chemistry and creating a better environment for fish.
By integrating modern environmental stewardship with energy infrastructure at the Ruth Falls dam, the East River represents a model for sustainable progress.
Why East River, Sheet Harbour?
The East River has been affected by freshwater acidification, a long-standing environmental issue in Nova Scotia. Acid rain—caused by industrial air pollution—has changed the chemistry of rivers and leads to habitat loss and the decline of important species such as Atlantic Salmon, Brook Trout, and American Eel.
Despite this challenge, the East River remains an important ecological and cultural area. Building on Nova Scotia Power’s refurbishment of the Ruth Falls dam, we are co-locating our technology within the hydro system. Our project helps us understand how we can improve ecosystem health, biodiversity, and community well-being through restoring ecosystem health, mitigating acidification, addressing climate change, and creating opportunities for recreation and community use, such as improving angling.
How the project works
When limestone is added to the acidic river water it reacts with CO₂ to create a molecule known as bicarbonate, which is a relatively stable version of carbon that would naturally be present if the river was not acidic. The bicarbonate is then carried to the ocean where it's stored for over 10,000 years and will contribute to the health of marine species that rely on bicarbonate to build their shells, such as oysters, clams and plankton. CarbonRun measures how much additional carbon is safely locked away and sells Carbon Credits to companies interested in supporting climate action. The revenue from the sale of carbon credits is used to pay for the river restoration.
CarbonRun is leading the river alkalinity initiative on the East River focused on combatting the negative effects of acid rain, restoring local ecosystems, and removing carbon from our atmosphere. The East River, Sheet Harbour project builds on a successful history of river liming in Nova Scotia, such as the Nova Scotia Salmon Association's trailblazing project on the West River, Sheet Harbour, where Atlantic Salmon populations have improved. The East River, Sheet Harbour will be supported by a comprehensive water quality monitoring program to ensure that RAE is safe and effective for the local ecosystem. Our goal is to provide transparent, evidence-based information as the project progresses.
Working with the Community
CarbonRun recognizes that any efforts to restore the river must reflect the values, needs, and knowledge of local residents. Community input will play an important role in shaping this work. We’re committed to providing clear, accessible information and creating space for ongoing dialogue.
This website is a place where you can:
- Learn more about the project
- Ask questions and share feedback
- Follow updates and results over time
We invite you to explore the site, stay informed, and take part in the conversation as the project develops.
Exploring Ruth Falls
Here are some photos of our first steps in the area.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions and more information about our solution.
The doser is a self-contained unit installed beside the Ruth Falls canal that precisely and continuously feeds alkaline limestone slurry into the water, where it rapidly disperses and dissolves downstream.
At the Ruth Falls dam. Check out the Doser pin on our interactive map.
A small forested area of about 30 m x 30 m near the river will be cleared to place the doser.
No, there is no monetary cost to the community.
The project is not government-funded; our business model is based on selling carbon credits generated by our proprietary river alkalinity enhancement process. This method removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it permanently in the ocean, creating verified carbon credits. Businesses purchase these credits to directly invest in and support our carbon removal efforts, enabling us to operate and scale our solutions.
Yes. Because we work near the river, we must adhere to all reregulations that protect the waterway, water quality, fish and fish habitat. The Federal Fisheries Act and provincial regulations such as watercourse alteration permitting and water withdrawal permitting all apply to this work.
Limestone fully dissolves downstream, naturally balancing river chemistry. There is a zone below the lime doser where it may be visible as it dissolves. CarbonRun’s system is automated to optimize mixing and avoid dosing during low water levels or when conditions are not favourable.
Dosers are installed for long-term restoration but can be removed if needed, with full site restoration. This particular site has been selected as a limited-duration trial of 1 year, after which, we will determine the long-term future of the project based on scientific assessment and based on feedback from the community and project partners.
Our team handles all maintenance and monitoring—there's nothing you need to do. The system is autonomous, with redundancies and real-time communications with the CarbonRun team to ensure consistent operations.
No, the Doser operates quietly and uses only natural limestone, which has no odor.
Yes, the water remains safe for pets, livestock, and wildlife.
Yes, and you can expect that fishing will improve!
It helps restore your local river, support fish populations, and contribute to climate solutions—all at no cost to you.
CarbonRun in the News
Land acknowledgement
We acknowledge CarbonRun operates on the traditional land and waterways of the Mi'kmaq people. This land was historically agreed to be shared through the covenant chain of Treaties of Peace and Friendship. Over time, the Mi'kmaq people have been increasingly excluded from this land. We now must reconcile how we reshare this land and the benefits it has and continues to provide.
We must do more than simply acknowledge this injustice. Given the cultural and ecological significance of healthy rivers, CarbonRun endeavors to restore watersheds and mitigate the impact of climate change together with the Mi'kmaq people.
