Notice of determination - Replacement of fixed aids to navigation towers at the Contrecoeur Marine Terminal

Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and Montreal Port Authority (MPA) have determined that the Replacement of fixed aids to navigation towers at the Contrecoeur Marine Terminal project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects by applying mitigation measures - the project can be carried out. 

This determination was based on the following groups of components : 

• Physical environment;
• Biological environment;
• Human environment.

Mitigation measures considered for this determination are :

• Ensure that exhaust and emission control systems on trucks, machinery, equipment and other construction equipment are maintained in good condition;
• Turn off engines on machinery and equipment when not in use;
• Comply with municipal by-laws and CNESST standards in effect regarding dust emissions in the atmosphere.
• Visually monitor the emission of a dust plume and intervene to control it, if necessary (e.g., stop the activity in question temporarily, spray the plume with water, etc.).
• Restore bare soils and revegetate as quickly as possible all surfaces that need to be revegetated once the work is completed.
• Limit the movement of machinery and temporary storage to pre-defined areas.
• Store excavated soils on impermeable areas, or a waterproof tarp to avoid contamination by runoff from the underlying soil and the immediate surrounding area.
• Analyze the quality of excavated soils and manage these soils according to their level of contamination.
• Dispose of contaminated soil in a site authorized by the MELCCFP.
• Provide documentation from the contaminated soil disposal site to the inspector attesting the reception and management of the contaminated soil.
• Restore the original topography of the site and restore the vegetation cover (turf) disturbed by the work.
• Test the water in the excavation before it is released into the environment, either directly into the excavation or following storage in a leakproof container.
• In the event that water has concentrations higher than the groundwater resurgence criteria of the MELCCFP Intervention Guide, it will be recovered by a specialized firm via a vacuum truck and sent to a treatment centre authorized by the MELCCFP.
• Obtain authorization from the MPA before proceeding with any water discharge to the environment.
• Clean machinery in a designated area prior to arrival on site and at the time of departure to remove potential invasive alien species detritus from a non-vegetated, impermeable surface (e.g., tarp).
• Collect soil and plant fragments and dispose of them properly off-site in authorized locations.
• Restore the vegetation cover (turf) disturbed by the work.
• Notify the MPA of the work schedule and coordinate the work with the terminal operator (Logistec arrimage).
• Post adequate signage for users in the area.
• Comply with laws, regulations, standards, codes and good practices relating to public health and safety, work schedules.
• Limit the movement of heavy machinery and the storage of materials to the traffic, work and storage areas that will be defined in advance.
• Keep the worksite, its accesses and surroundings free of debris or waste hindering traffic.
• Inspect machinery prior to entering the site for oil leaks.
• Maintain and maintain vehicles and equipment in good condition and regularly. Immediately repair or remove from the job site and replace leaking vehicles or equipment.
• Do not leave any fuel-powered vehicles, machinery or equipment within 30 m of the St. Lawrence River during off-duty hours or during extended site closures, unless they are confined in a watertight enclosure. If this is not possible, soil protection measures must be installed under the equipment or machinery throughout the work period.
• Provide emergency kits for the recovery of sufficient quantities of oil (containment boom, absorbent rolls, granular absorbents, leak preventers, leak-proof containers, etc.) and a fire extinguisher that complies with current standards to manage any spill, environmental incident or fire. Make sure there are also suitable kits in the trucks used on the job site. Ensure that workers are adequately trained to respond quickly to leaks or spills and that they are informed of the location of kits.
• Prepare an emergency procedure with an alert scheme and communication plan in the event of a spill, environmental incident or fire. This procedure should include, but is not limited to, measures to seal leaks, contain spills to limit their extent and prevent them from reaching sensitive areas, recover contaminants at the source, decontaminate affected areas, and dispose of contaminated material in accordance with applicable laws, policies and regulations. Rehabilitation of affected areas must be undertaken without delay, and all steps must be documented in an event report.
• All personnel on site shall be fully trained in spill emergency response procedures, methods and the use of relevant equipment and materials.
• In the event of an environmental incident, notify the site supervisor, the Port of Montreal Control Centre (514-283-6911), Environment and Climate Change Canada's National Environmental Emergencies Centre (1-866-283-2333) and Urgence-Environnement du Québec (1-866-694-5454).
• Refuel, park machinery and store petroleum products on an impervious surface and in a confined area, under constant supervision, at a distance of 30 m from the river, aquatic or wetland. If this distance cannot be maintained, the contractor will be required to install an adequate secondary containment system to contain a potential spill.
• Clean up leaks and spills that occur during refuelling without delay and properly dispose of contaminated materials.
• Clean, maintain and repair machinery, equipment and tools off-site. If it is necessary to do it on site, the cleaning must be done at a place dedicated to this activity (washing/cleaning area) located at least 30 m from any body of water.
• Limit the movement of heavy machinery and the storage of materials to the traffic, work and storage areas that will be defined in advance.