Nipissing First Nation (NFN) has recently completed the initial stages of constructing a containerized greenhouse, named Mnogin Greenhouse, which translates to "Grow Well" in Nbisiing Nishnaabemwin. The project consists of three growing units that produce a variety of fresh lettuce and herbs, along with one packing unit for preparing the products for distribution to the community and customers. The primary goal of Mnogin Greenhouse is to address the critical need for improved food security and healthier food options for NFN members.
All the units have been purchased from The Growcer and have been assembled. As part of this project, the Mnogin Greenhouse plans to incorporate a Constructed Wetland (CW) to treat the facility's wastewater in an environmentally sustainable manner.
The proposed CW will be located within the Administrative Boundaries of NFN, specifically in the community of Jocko Point, near the northern edge of the Jocko Point Raised Beach Complex (JRBC). The JRBC is classified as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) due to its significant natural landscapes and features, which are crucial for the protection, appreciation, scientific study, and education of the region. Studies conducted by the NFN Lands and Resources Department within the complex have demonstrated its importance in supporting a dense and healthy moose population, various species at risk (SAR), as well as migratory and wading bird populations associated with Lake Nipissing.
To safeguard the vulnerable JRBC complex and embrace a "two-eyed seeing" approach to stewardship, the proposed project aims to raise awareness about sustainable and ecologically safe economic activities. It also seeks to create capacity-building and educational opportunities related to natural infrastructure (CW), wastewater management, and environmental protection.
NFN has collaborated with an expert and experienced environmental engineering firm that is enthusiastic about the project. They are prepared to design a customized solution that meets NFN's requirements and ensures the protection of the environment. Having an appropriate wastewater management solution is crucial for the long-term success of the Mnogin Greenhouse initiative and for preserving the natural environments for future generations of community members.
The project has three main objectives. Firstly, the Constructed Wetland (CW) will align with the current goals of Mnogin Greenhouse, supporting NFN's food sovereignty initiatives and commitment to environmental sustainability through innovative technologies. Following the "two-eyed" approach, the project aims to treat all wastewater generated by greenhouse operations in an ecologically sound and sustainable manner. Traditional wastewater treatment methods, such as conventional septic tanks and leaching/filter bed systems, may not be suitable due to the elevated nutrient levels, particularly phosphorous and nitrogen, anticipated in the wastewater. The CW's design will mimic the functions of a wetland ecosystem, employing physical, biological, and chemical processes to transform and remove pollutants, thereby improving water quality. This project will contribute to on-site water quality treatment while safeguarding the water quality of the surrounding lands within the JRBC. Continuous monitoring by the Environmental Department will assess the CW's effectiveness and provide valuable insights for future initiatives.
Secondly, the constructed wetland will protect NFN's biodiversity by creating new wildlife habitats that would not typically exist at the facility. By incorporating native vegetation species sourced locally as part of the wastewater treatment process, the project aims to establish an ecological habitat that enhances the integrity of wildlife populations, including pollinating insects, birds, and other species of concern. For instance, the Environmental Department plans to propagate various species of Milkweed, including Swamp and Common types, using seeds collected from the JRBC.
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