Montreal – March 13, 2024 – Transport Canada has determined that the proposed project Temporary repair of riprap at the Les Méchins wharf, located in Les Méchins, Québec is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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

• impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
• Indigenous knowledge;
• community knowledge;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

 

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:

Fish and Aquatic Habitat

• Work in a dry environment, i.e., during low tide.
• If the work cannot be done in a dry environment and without temporary structure, do not carry out the work in the water between April 1 and July 4, or between August 16 and October 9, in order to protect the spawning periods of Capelin and Atlantic herring.
• If the work cannot be carried out in a dry environment, install erosion and sediment control measures prior to the start of the project, such as a sediment curtain during all water activities.
• Limit impacts on fish habitat components to the area by operating machinery from land, wharf, barges, or ice during all phases of the project and by limiting the use of vehicles and machinery to the area necessary to carry out the project.
• Ensure that machinery arrives at the project site clean and free of invasive species and noxious plants.
• Develop and implement an erosion and sediment control plan for all phases of the project.
• Regularly observe the water body for signs of a suspended sediment plume during all phases of the project and take corrective action if necessary.
• Regularly inspect erosion and sediment control measures during all phases of the project and repair these controls during all phases of the project.
• Whenever possible, use biodegradable materials for erosion and sediment control.
• Remove all erosion and sediment control measures (unless they are biodegradable) once the project site has been stabilized.
• Use only clean materials.
• Maintain erosion and sediment control measures until disturbed soils are stabilized and sediment has settled.

Surface water:

• Keep the machinery clean, in good working order and free of leaks.
• Whenever possible, use biodegradable hydraulic oil machinery (excavators) within 30 metres of a body of water.
• Identify storage areas of hydrocarbons or other hazardous materials, refueling and general maintenance of machinery at a minimum distance of 30 m from the St. Lawrence River and 15 m from a drainage ditch, to prevent the introduction of any deleterious substance into a body of water. Toxic substances used, such as oil and gasoline, must be managed with care, according to applicable laws and regulations. 
• Ensure that construction materials used in the water are managed and treated to prevent the release or leaching into the water of substances that may be harmful to fish.
• Dispose of all land-based waste at a designated site located away from the natural high-water mark of any watercourse or body of water.

Air quality

• Limit trucking and turn off engines on machinery and equipment when not in use.
• Optimize maneuvers to minimize operating time.

Accidents and malfunctions

• Before construction begins, the equipment must be inspected and be in good working order, clean and free of hydrocarbon or lubricant leaks.
• Develop an effective emergency response plan in the event of an environmental incident, spill or fire related to the characteristics and constraints of the project and its environment.
• The environmental emergency response plan must include the names of the persons and authorities to be contacted and the measures to be implemented in the event of a spill. This contingency plan must be submitted to Transport Canada at least 5 working days prior to the start of construction.
• The environmental emergency response plan and an appropriate response kit for the recovery of hazardous materials must be always present on site and employees familiar with its use. This must consider the proximity of a body of water.
• Remove any contaminants accidentally introduced into the environment, including the aquatic environment, as soon as possible.
• Any spill must be reported immediately to the site supervisor, ECCC emergency services (1-866-283-2333), the MELCCFP Environmental Emergency Service (1-866-694-5454) and the Canadian Coast Guard (1-800-363-4735).  Transport Canada will also need to be notified.
• Any contaminant spill must be immediately responded to limit and recover pollutants and work must be stopped. Pollutants will have to be managed according to current standards.
• In the event of an accidental spill, dry up the source of the spill within the limits recommended by safety as soon as possible. A boom and/or oil-absorbing mat will need to be deployed to contain the spill. Mats or booms must be stored in a container identified on the shore side and must be towed into place to absorb or contain the spill. A characterization of the quality of the soil left in place, confirming that the affected site has been properly rehabilitated, will need to be completed to the satisfaction of TC.
• Any waste or pollutants associated with this incident must be managed and disposed of off-site in accordance with current regulations. Documentation of a compliant arrangement shall be provided to the TC Project Manager.
• In the event of an equipment breakdown or spill, the emergency response plan must be implemented immediately. Notify the wharf warden and TC Environmental Officer immediately.

• When refueling machinery, minimize the risk of accidental spills (stabilization of equipment and machinery before proceeding, constant monitoring during operations, presence of a complete response kit in the event of a petroleum product spill, etc.).
• If soils are contaminated by an accidental spill, they should be stacked on a waterproof membrane and covered with a waterproof membrane or placed in leak-proof containers.
• Maintain complete emergency response kits (absorbents, dry bags, blowout preventers, gloves, etc.) always in the vicinity of the work area to contain any spills.

Transport Canada is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, Transport Canada may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.