Notice of Determination

November 22, 2022 – ADM Aéroports de Montréal and Transport Canada have determined that the proposed project for airport infrastructure improvements to increase air cargo and logistics capacity at YMX International Aerocity of Mirabel is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects by applying the mitigation measures planned for the project.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

• Indigenous knowledge and impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Community knowledge;
• Technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

The mitigation measures considered for this determination are as follows:

Current or global measures

• Enforce environmental requirements for construction work - requirements for contractors.
• Avoid drainage modifications by adhering to site water management plans and not altering flow conditions.

Air quality

• Use well-maintained heavy machinery and equipment in good working order.
• Turn off engines of gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment when not in use.
• Reduce idling of equipment.
• Use ADM approved dust suppressant.
• Provide a protocol for managing unexpected asbestos disturbances.

Water quality

• Inspect equipment and machinery and, in the event of a leak, repair immediately or remove the machinery from the work site.
• Refuel in a dedicated area more than 30 m from a watercourse. Any other at-risk activity must be carried out more than 15 m away.
• Have an environmental emergency response kit on site at all times in case of an oil spill.
•  Implement a spill prevention and response plan.
• Characterize excavation water prior to release to the environment if it is likely to reach a watercourse or if it is disposed of externally.
• Implement appropriate measures to contain erosion.

Soil quality

• On site, store contaminated soils on waterproof tarps or in waterproof containers sheltered from snow, rain or other weather.
• Stabilize soils in all areas of the site where erosion is likely to occur; or avoid these areas.
• If contaminated soils must be excavated and removed from the site, a soil characterization must be performed beforehand to determine the level of contamination. The disposal of the soils will have to be done in centres authorized by the MELCCFP while respecting the applicable regulations.

Land and vegetation

• Confine heavy machinery traffic to preferred routes within the intervention areas.
• Concentrate machinery, storage sites and traffic in already anthropized areas to reduce the risk of contamination and disturbance of soil and water.
• Avoid disturbance of vegetation adjacent to work areas. Preserve existing vegetation to the greatest extent possible.
• Respect ADM's requirements for greening and maintaining biodiversity.
• Locate invasive species on sites prior to commencing work and avoid interventions in these sites, where possible.
• Apply good invasive plant management practices.
• Clean equipment on non-fertile soil, away from bodies of water.

Special status species and migratory birds

• Inspect potential nesting sites and remove any abandoned nests to prevent them from being used again during the nesting season.
• Conduct work as early as possible in the spring prior to or at the beginning of the breeding and nesting season for avifauna, which begins as early as mid-April in the Laurentians, to avoid the birds moving into the study area.
• If work is nevertheless planned during the restricted period (mid-April to end of August), ensure that the mobilized team makes regular visual observations at the site. In the event of the confirmed or suspected presence of a special-status species, consult federal and/or provincial specialists in order to take adequate protection measures, if necessary.

Quality of life

• Depending on the scope of the work, inform the municipality and the users of the site about the work and its schedule.
• Analyze the need to determine alternative routes for site users.

Sustainable development, climate change and greenhouse gases (GHG)

• Apply ADM's sustainable development requirements.
• Integrate ADM's energy efficiency criteria into the design of new buildings.
• Use materials with a reduced carbon footprint.
• Provide dedicated parking for carpools and electric vehicles

Accordingly, ADM Aéroports de Montréal and Transport Canada may carry out the project, exercise their powers and duties, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out, in whole or in part.