Reconfiguration of the Southwest Sector
NOTICE OF DETERMINATION
SAGUENAY - 08-08-2024 – Transport Canada and Port of Saguenay has determined that the proposed Reconfiguration of the Southwest Sector located in Saguenay 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:
Air Quality
- Avoid operating equipment when it is not in use to limit exhaust gas emissions.
- Ensure the containment of fine materials used for construction during transport (trucks equipped with tarps to restrict dust dispersion).
- Use equipment in good working condition.
- Inspect machinery and equipment before introducing them to the site and maintain them in perfect working order.
- Cover surfaces or piles of fine materials likely to be carried away by the wind with a (weighted) membrane.
- Conduct daily site cleaning (watering to limit dust lifting).
- Monitor air quality daily using the mobile station already present on the site.
- Use mats during blasting activities to limit debris and dust fragments.
- Visually monitor for dust plumes during work and intervene to control them as needed (e.g., temporarily stop the activity causing it, water the plume, etc.).
Noise Climate
- Use equipment in good working condition.
- Inspect machinery and equipment before introducing them to the site and maintain them in perfect working order.
- Adhere to the 55 dB standard or the initial noise level in effect if it is higher than 55 dB.
- Manage the site to minimize work that generates high noise levels.
- Respect working hours and avoid performing work in the evening (7 PM to 10 PM) or at night (10 PM to 7 AM).
Soil Quality
- Inspect machinery and equipment before introducing them to the site and maintain them in perfect working order.
- Use sealed trucks with covered bins to prevent loss during transport.
- Use tarps or other waterproof materials for storing particulate matter that may be transported by wind or rain. Tarps should be installed above and below temporarily stored materials.
- Restore the site as quickly as possible after work, including cleaning temporary storage areas.
- Check daily for contaminant leaks on machinery and equipment, which should be repaired immediately or removed from the site if necessary.
- Ensure the site is always equipped with complete spill response kits. Workers must be trained to respond to spills.
- Develop and enforce an emergency response plan for accidental contaminant spills. Clearly identify responsible persons and authorities, as well as procedures to follow during environmental emergencies. In the event of a spill, contact Environment Canada's alert network (1-866-283-2333) and MELCCFP (1-866-694-5454). This plan must be approved by APS.
- Designate and use a temporary, isolated storage site on the site for equipment and, if necessary, for storing fuel, oil, other petroleum products, or contaminants. The site must be located away from the risk of contaminating the receiving environment (port waters), more than 30 meters from it, and on a low-slope area. A refueling procedure must be approved by APS.
- Perform general maintenance of equipment under constant supervision to avoid accidental spills. These operations should be conducted at designated locations where there is no risk of contaminating the receiving environment, more than 30 meters from it. The maintenance location must be approved by APS.
- In the event of a hydrocarbon or other harmful substance spill, stop the leak and contain the spilled product as quickly as possible. The contractor must then recover the product and restore the site.
- Stack soils or excavation materials using tarps designed for this purpose.
- In case of doubt about the quality of handled soils, characterize them and dispose of excess fill, if necessary, according to current regulations.
- Minimize contamination dispersion by properly cleaning equipment.
- Ensure that all necessary worker facilities (portable toilets, etc.) are properly installed on site according to regulations.
- Ensure that all materials or waste spilled during work are collected and disposed of properly.
- Restrict traffic and equipment use and temporary storage to predefined areas.
- Implement adequate measures to reduce dust emissions into the atmosphere, such as watering dry materials, sweeping, using tarps on exposed surfaces or stacked materials, etc.
- Use mats during blasting activities to limit debris and dust fragments.
- Use uncontaminated materials for backfilling excavations.
Water Quality
- Inspect machinery and equipment before introducing them to the site and maintain them in perfect working order.
- Use sealed trucks with covered bins to prevent losses during transport.
- Use tarps or other waterproof materials for storing particulate matter that may be carried away by wind or rain. Tarps should be placed above and below temporarily stored materials.
- Restore the site as quickly as possible after work, including cleaning temporary storage areas.
- Check daily for contaminant leaks on machinery and equipment, which should be repaired immediately or removed from the site if necessary.
- Ensure the site is always equipped with complete spill response kits. Workers must be trained to respond to spills.
- Develop and implement an emergency response plan for accidental contaminant spills. Clearly identify responsible individuals and authorities, as well as procedures to follow during environmental emergencies. In the event of a spill, contact Environment Canada's alert network (1-866-283-2333) and MELCCFP (1-866-694-5454). This plan must be approved by APS.
- Designate and use a temporary, isolated storage site on the site for equipment and, if necessary, for storing fuel, oil, other petroleum products, or contaminants. The site must be located in an area with no risk of contaminating the receiving environment (port waters), more than 30 meters from it, and on a low-slope area. A refueling procedure must be approved by APS.
- Perform general maintenance of equipment under constant supervision to avoid accidental spills. These operations should be conducted at designated locations where there is no risk of contaminating the receiving environment, more than 30 meters from it. The maintenance location must be approved by APS.
- In the event of a hydrocarbon or other harmful substance spill, stop the leak and contain the spilled product as quickly as possible. The contractor must then recover the product and restore the site.
- Stack soils or excavation materials using tarps designed for this purpose.
- Minimize contamination dispersion by properly cleaning equipment.
- Ensure that all necessary worker facilities (portable toilets, etc.) are properly installed on site according to regulations.
- Ensure that all materials or waste spilled during work are collected and disposed of properly.
- Restrict traffic and equipment use and temporary storage to predefined areas.
- Use mats during blasting activities to limit debris and dust fragments.
- Use uncontaminated materials for backfilling excavations.
- Implement effective measures to limit sediment and debris runoff from the site to waterways and wetlands. These measures may include sediment barriers, filtering berms, sediment traps, sedimentation basins, temporary slope stabilization, and redirecting water to vegetated areas. They must remain effective even during temporary site shutdowns and heavy rain periods. Special care should be taken to limit particle movement in water during the dismantling of facilities. All erosion control and sediment management devices must be installed before work begins.
- Direct runoff water to a vegetated buffer zone to promote infiltration, away from water bodies and bare soils, or channel it to a sedimentation basin or filtration structure to reduce particle input into waterways or wetlands. If there is a risk of contamination on the site, this water must be contained and sampled for analysis. If it exceeds current standards, appropriate treatment must be carried out.
- Obtain APS authorization before discharging any water into the environment.
- If a treatment system (settling basin, filters, or similar installations) is used, it must prevent contaminants and sediments from flowing into sewers and water bodies. Use necessary measures to define the disposal method for captured sediments and wastewater.
- Remove any trees, cuttings, or construction debris from a watercourse or lake. Debris must be removed immediately with minimal disturbance to the watercourse or lake bed and banks.
- Store residual hazardous materials (RHM) in confined, sealed areas and handle them in a way that minimizes the risk of contaminating surface or groundwater.
- In the event of a sudden increase in TSS (Total Suspended Solids) in secondary watercourses and the Saguenay River, adjust work methods accordingly (slow down work, space out work periods, use turbidity curtains, etc.).
- Conduct regular site inspections.
Sediment Quality
- Install necessary devices to capture most of the debris generated during work (straw bales in stormwater management systems to retain sediments).
- Inspect machinery and equipment before introducing them to the site and maintain them in perfect working order.
- Use sealed trucks with covered bins to prevent losses during transport.
- Use tarps or other waterproof materials for storing particulate matter that may be carried away by wind or rain. Tarps should be placed above and below temporarily stored materials.
- Restore the site as quickly as possible after work, including cleaning temporary storage areas.
- Check daily for contaminant leaks on machinery and equipment, which should be repaired immediately or removed from the site if necessary.
- Ensure the site is always equipped with complete spill response kits. Workers must be trained to respond to spills.
- Develop and implement an emergency response plan for accidental contaminant spills. Clearly identify responsible individuals and authorities, as well as procedures to follow during environmental emergencies. In the event of a spill, contact Environment Canada's alert network (1-866-283-2333) and MELCCFP (1-866-694-5454). This plan must be approved by APS.
- Designate and use a temporary, isolated storage site on the site for equipment and, if necessary, for storing fuel, oil, other petroleum products, or contaminants. The site must be located in an area with no risk of contaminating the receiving environment (port waters), more than 30 meters from it, and on a low-slope area. A refueling procedure must be approved by APS.
- Perform general maintenance of equipment under constant supervision to avoid accidental spills. These operations should be conducted at designated locations where there is no risk of contaminating the receiving environment, more than 30 meters from it. The maintenance location must be approved by APS.
- In the event of a hydrocarbon or other harmful substance spill, stop the leak and contain the spilled product as quickly as possible. The contractor must then recover the product and restore the site.
- Stack soils or excavation materials using tarps designed for this purpose.
- If there is any doubt about the quality of the handled soils, characterize them and dispose of surplus fill, if necessary, in accordance with current regulations.
- Minimize contamination dispersion by properly cleaning equipment.
- Ensure that all necessary worker facilities (portable toilets, etc.) are properly installed on site according to regulations.
- Ensure that all materials or waste spilled during work are collected and disposed of properly.
- Restrict traffic and equipment use and temporary storage to predefined areas.
- Use mats during blasting activities to limit debris and dust fragments.
- Use uncontaminated materials for backfilling excavations.
- Implement effective measures to limit the input of sediments and debris from the site to waterways and wetlands. These measures may include sediment barriers, filtering berms, sediment traps, sedimentation basins, temporary slope stabilization, and redirecting water to vegetated areas. They must remain effective even during temporary site shutdowns and heavy rain periods. Special care should be taken to limit particle movement in water during the dismantling of facilities. All erosion control and sediment management devices must be installed before work begins.
- Direct runoff water to a vegetated buffer zone to promote infiltration, away from water bodies and bare soils, or channel it to a sedimentation basin or filtration structure to reduce particle input into waterways or wetlands. If there is a risk of contamination on the site, this water must be contained and sampled for analysis. If it exceeds current standards, appropriate treatment must be carried out.
- Obtain APS authorization before discharging any water into the environment.
- If a treatment system (settling basin, filters, or similar installations) is used, it must prevent contaminants and sediments from flowing into sewers and water bodies. Use necessary measures to define the disposal method for captured sediments and wastewater.
- Remove any trees, cuttings, or construction debris from a watercourse or lake. Debris must be removed immediately with minimal disturbance to the watercourse or lake bed and banks.
- Store residual hazardous materials (RHM) in confined, sealed areas and handle them in a way that minimizes the risk of contaminating surface or groundwater.
- In the event of a sudden increase in TSS (Total Suspended Solids) in secondary watercourses and the Saguenay River, adjust work methods accordingly (slow down work, space out work periods, use turbidity curtains, etc.).
- Conduct regular site inspections.
Lighting Ambiance
- Ensure that lights from mobile sources are directed in a way that does not unnecessarily illuminate the surrounding environment.
- Install fixed lights to avoid light spill outside the designated areas.
- Turn off or dim auxiliary lighting when it is not in use.
- Plan fixed lighting to ensure worker and equipment safety while minimizing light spill.
- Minimize sources of ultraviolet and red and white light.
- Avoid unnecessary illumination towards the Saguenay River (light reflection).
- Limit light emission into the sky by installing subdued and uniform lighting that meets actual lighting needs (e.g., LED bulbs).
Terrestrial, Riparian, and Aquatic Vegetation
- Before starting work, clearly establish and mark the boundaries of deforestation.
- Before starting work, install temporary fencing or stakes with ribbon at the edge of the 20-meter riparian zone to protect riparian vegetation.
- Tree felling should be done in a way that does not damage the forest edge and to avoid trees falling outside the deforestation limits, into the bank or into a watercourse.
- Felling within the riparian protection zone is prohibited at all times.
- Targeted pruning will be performed on any damaged tree located outside the deforestation limits.
- All debris resulting from felling (branches, logs) will be adequately removed from the work area.
- No debris from felling can be discharged into the environment.
Birds
- Conduct deforestation work outside the migratory bird nesting period (mid-April to end of August).
- If a nest with eggs or chicks is discovered near or within the work area, stop all noisy activities and protect the nest(s) with a protective zone. Immediately contact the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) of ECCC to ensure appropriate nest protection measures are taken.
- Before deforestation work begins, hire an ornithology expert to visit the site and ensure that no individuals of any bird species are present. Follow the recommendations made by this expert.
- Use equipment that is in good working condition.
- Inspect machinery and equipment before introducing them to the site and maintain them in perfect working order.
- Adhere to the noise standard of 55 dB or the applicable initial noise level if it exceeds 55 dB.
- Manage the site to minimize activities that generate high noise levels.
- Follow the work schedule and avoid working in the evening (7 PM to 10 PM) or at night (10 PM to 7 AM).
Benthos
- Install necessary devices to capture most of the debris generated during work (straw bales in stormwater management systems to retain sediments).
- Inspect machinery and equipment before introducing them to the site and maintain them in perfect working order.
- Use sealed trucks with covered bins to prevent losses during transport.
- Use tarps or other waterproof materials for storing particulate matter that may be carried away by wind or rain. Tarps should be placed above and below temporarily stored materials.
- Restore the site as quickly as possible after work, including cleaning temporary storage areas.
- Check daily for contaminant leaks on machinery and equipment, which should be repaired immediately or removed from the site if necessary.
- Ensure the site is always equipped with complete spill response kits. Workers must be trained to respond to spills.
- Develop and implement an emergency response plan for accidental contaminant spills. Clearly identify responsible individuals and authorities, as well as procedures to follow during environmental emergencies. In the event of a spill, contact Environment Canada's alert network (1-866-283-2333) and MELCCFP (1-866-694-5454). This plan must be approved by APS.
- Designate and use a temporary, isolated storage site on the site for equipment and, if necessary, for storing fuel, oil, other petroleum products, or contaminants. The site must be located in an area with no risk of contaminating the receiving environment (port waters), more than 30 meters from it, and on a low-slope area. A refueling procedure must be approved by APS.
- Perform general maintenance of equipment under constant supervision to avoid accidental spills. These operations should be conducted at designated locations where there is no risk of contaminating the receiving environment, more than 30 meters from it. The maintenance location must be approved by APS.
- In the event of a hydrocarbon or other harmful substance spill, stop the leak and contain the spilled product as quickly as possible. The contractor must then recover the product and restore the site.
- Stack soils or excavation materials using tarps designed for this purpose.
- If there is any doubt about the quality of the handled soils, characterize them and dispose of surplus fill, if necessary, in accordance with current regulations.
- Minimize contamination dispersion by properly cleaning equipment.
- Ensure that all necessary worker facilities (portable toilets, etc.) are properly installed on site according to regulations.
- Ensure that all materials or waste spilled during work are collected and disposed of properly.
- Restrict traffic and equipment use and temporary storage to predefined areas.
- Use mats during blasting activities to limit debris and dust fragments.
- Use uncontaminated materials for backfilling excavations.
- Implement effective measures to limit the input of sediments and debris from the site to waterways and wetlands. These measures may include sediment barriers, filtering berms, sediment traps, sedimentation basins, temporary slope stabilization, and redirecting water to vegetated areas. They must remain effective even during temporary site shutdowns and heavy rain periods. Special care should be taken to limit particle movement in water during the dismantling of facilities. All erosion control and sediment management devices must be installed before work begins.
- Direct runoff water to a vegetated buffer zone to promote infiltration, away from water bodies and bare soils, or channel it to a sedimentation basin or filtration structure to reduce particle input into waterways or wetlands. If there is a risk of contamination on the site, this water must be contained and sampled for analysis. If it exceeds current standards, appropriate treatment must be carried out.
- Obtain APS authorization before discharging any water into the environment.
- If a treatment system (settling basin, filters, or similar installations) is used, it must prevent contaminants and sediments from flowing into sewers and water bodies. Use necessary measures to define the disposal method for captured sediments and wastewater.
- Remove any trees, cuttings, or construction debris from a watercourse or lake. Debris must be removed immediately with minimal disturbance to the watercourse or lake bed and banks.
- Store residual hazardous materials (RHM) in confined, sealed areas and handle them in a way that minimizes the risk of contaminating surface or groundwater.
- In the event of a sudden increase in TSS (Total Suspended Solids) in secondary watercourses and the Saguenay River, adjust work methods accordingly (slow down work, space out work periods, use turbidity curtains, etc.).
- Conduct regular site inspections.
Ichthyofauna
- Ensure that blasting near water complies with the guidelines titled "Guidelines for the Use of Explosives in or Near Canadian Fisheries Waters" (M1998).
- Install erosion and sediment control measures in watercourses where blasting work is to be carried out nearby.
- Regularly inspect and maintain erosion control structures and measures.
- Inspect machinery and equipment before introducing them to the site and maintain them in perfect working order.
- Use sealed trucks with covered bins to prevent losses during transport.
- Use tarps or other waterproof materials for storing particulate matter that could be carried away by wind or rain. Tarps should be placed above and below temporarily stored materials.
- Restore the site as quickly as possible after work, including cleaning temporary storage areas.
- Check daily for contaminant leaks on machinery and equipment, which should be repaired immediately or removed from the site if necessary.
- Ensure the site is always equipped with complete spill response kits. Workers must be trained to respond to spills.
- Develop and implement an emergency response plan for accidental contaminant spills. Clearly identify responsible individuals and authorities, as well as procedures to follow during environmental emergencies. In the event of a spill, contact Environment Canada's alert network (1-866-283-2333) and MELCCFP (1-866-694-5454). This plan must be approved by APS.
- Determine and use a temporary, isolated storage site on the site for equipment and, if necessary, for storing fuel, oil, other petroleum products, or contaminants. The site must be located in an area with no risk of contaminating the receiving environment (port waters), more than 30 meters from it, and on a low-slope area. A refueling procedure must be approved by APS.
- Perform general maintenance of equipment under constant supervision to avoid accidental spills. These operations should be conducted at designated locations where there is no risk of contaminating the receiving environment, more than 30 meters from it. The maintenance location must be approved by APS.
- In the event of a hydrocarbon or other harmful substance spill, stop the leak and confine the spilled product as quickly as possible. The contractor must then recover the product and restore the site.
- Stack soils or excavation materials using tarps designed for this purpose.
- Minimize contamination dispersion by properly cleaning equipment.
- Ensure that all necessary worker facilities (portable toilets, etc.) are properly installed on site according to regulations.
- Ensure that all materials or waste spilled during work are collected and disposed of properly.
- Restrict traffic and equipment use and temporary storage to predefined areas.
- Use mats during blasting activities to limit debris and dust fragments.
- Use uncontaminated materials for backfilling excavations.
- Implement effective measures to limit the input of sediments and debris from the site to waterways and wetlands. These measures may include sediment barriers, filtering berms, sediment traps, sedimentation basins, temporary slope stabilization, and redirecting water to vegetated areas. They must remain effective even during temporary site shutdowns and heavy rain periods. Special care should be taken to limit particle movement in water during the dismantling of facilities. All erosion control and sediment management devices must be installed before work begins.
- Direct runoff water to a vegetated buffer zone to promote infiltration, away from water bodies and bare soils, or channel it to a sedimentation basin or filtration structure to reduce particle input into waterways or wetlands. If there is a risk of contamination on the site, this water must be contained and sampled for analysis. If it exceeds current standards, appropriate treatment must be carried out.
- Obtain APS authorization before discharging any water into the environment.
- If a treatment system (settling basin, filters, or similar installations) is used, it must prevent contaminants and sediments from flowing into sewers and water bodies. Use necessary measures to define the disposal method for captured sediments and wastewater.
- Remove any trees, cuttings, or construction debris from a watercourse or lake. Debris must be removed immediately with minimal disturbance to the watercourse or lake bed and banks.
- Store residual hazardous materials (RHM) in confined, sealed areas and handle them in a way that minimizes the risk of contaminating surface or groundwater.
- In the event of a sudden increase in TSS (Total Suspended Solids) in secondary watercourses and the Saguenay River, adjust work methods accordingly (slow down work, space out work periods, use turbidity curtains, etc.).
- Conduct regular site inspections.
Terrestrial Fauna
- Use equipment in good working condition.
- Inspect machinery and equipment before introducing them to the site, and maintain them in perfect working order.
- Adhere to the 55 dB noise standard or the initial noise level in force if it exceeds 55 dB.
- Manage the site to minimize work that generates high noise levels.
- Follow the work schedule and avoid working in the evening (7 PM to 10 PM) or at night (10 PM to 7 AM).
- Ensure that lights from mobile sources are directed so as not to unnecessarily illuminate the surrounding environment.
- Install fixed lights to avoid light spill outside the areas to be illuminated.
- Turn off auxiliary lighting equipment when not in use, or reduce their lighting level with a dimmer.
- Plan fixed lighting to ensure worker and equipment safety while minimizing light spill.
- Minimize sources of ultraviolet and red and white light.
- Avoid unnecessary lighting towards the Saguenay River (light reflection).
- Limit light emission to the sky by installing subdued and uniform lighting that meets actual lighting needs (e.g., LED bulbs).
- Clearly establish and mark deforestation limits before starting work.
- Install a temporary fence or stakes with tape at the edge of the 20-meter riparian zone to protect riparian vegetation before starting work.
- Tree cutting should be done in a way that does not damage the forest edge and avoids falling trees outside the deforestation limits, into the riverbank or watercourse.
- Cutting within the riparian protection zone is prohibited at all times.
- Targeted pruning will be carried out on any damaged trees located outside the deforestation limits.
- All debris resulting from tree cutting (branches, logs) will be properly removed from the work area.
- No debris from tree cutting can be discarded into the environment.
- Conduct deforestation at the end of winter/early spring to take advantage of the bats' hibernation period (bats are thus absent from the deforestation area).
Herpetofauna
- Use equipment in good working condition.
- Inspect machinery and equipment before introducing them to the site, and maintain them in perfect working order.
- Adhere to the 55 dB noise standard or the initial noise level in force if it exceeds 55 dB.
- Manage the site to minimize work that generates high noise levels.
- Follow the work schedule and avoid working in the evening (7 PM to 10 PM) or at night (10 PM to 7 AM).
- Ensure that lights from mobile sources are directed so as not to unnecessarily illuminate the surrounding environment.
- Install fixed lights to avoid light spill outside the areas to be illuminated.
- Turn off auxiliary lighting equipment when not in use, or reduce their lighting level with a dimmer.
- Plan fixed lighting to ensure worker and equipment safety while minimizing light spill.
- Minimize sources of ultraviolet and red and white light.
- Avoid unnecessary lighting towards the Saguenay River (light reflection).
- Limit light emission to the sky by installing subdued and uniform lighting that meets actual lighting needs (e.g., LED bulbs).
- Clearly establish and mark deforestation limits before starting work.
- Install a temporary fence or stakes with tape at the edge of the 20-meter riparian zone to protect riparian vegetation before starting work.
- Tree cutting should be done in a way that does not damage the forest edge and avoids falling trees outside the deforestation limits, into the riverbank or watercourse.
- Cutting within the riparian protection zone is prohibited at all times.
- Targeted pruning will be carried out on any damaged trees located outside the deforestation limits.
- All debris resulting from tree cutting (branches, logs) will be properly removed from the work area.
- No debris from tree cutting can be discarded into the environment.
Species with Special Status
- Use equipment in good working condition.
- Inspect machinery and equipment before bringing them to the site, and keep them in perfect working condition.
- Adhere to the 55 dB standard or the prevailing initial noise level for noise and disturbances if it is higher than 55 dB.
- Manage the construction site to minimize work that generates significant noise levels.
- Adhere to working hours and avoid performing work in the evening (7 PM to 10 PM) or at night (10 PM to 7 AM).
- Ensure that lights from mobile sources are directed so as not to unnecessarily illuminate the surrounding environment.
- Install fixed lights to prevent light spill outside the areas to be illuminated.
- Turn off auxiliary lighting equipment when not in use, or reduce its brightness with a dimmer.
- Plan fixed lighting to ensure the safety of workers and equipment while minimizing light spill.
- Minimize sources of ultraviolet rays and red and white light.
- Avoid unnecessary illumination towards the Saguenay River (light reflection).
- Limit light emission towards the sky by installing discreet and uniform lighting that meets actual lighting needs (e.g., LED bulbs).
- Before work begins, clearly establish and locate deforestation limits.
- Before work begins, install a temporary fence or stakes with tape at the 20-meter riparian zone limit to protect riparian vegetation and aquatic environments.
- Tree felling should be done in a manner that does not damage the forest edge and avoids trees falling outside the deforestation limits, into the shore or a watercourse.
- Tree felling within the riparian protection zone is prohibited at all times.
- Targeted pruning will be carried out on any damaged trees located outside the deforestation limits.
- All debris from tree felling (branches, logs) will be properly removed from the work area.
- Carry out deforestation at the end of winter/beginning of spring to take advantage of the bats' hibernation period (bats are thus absent from the deforestation area).
- Perform deforestation work outside the migratory bird nesting period (mid-April to late August).
- If a nest containing eggs or chicks is discovered near or within the work area, stop all noisy activities and protect the nest(s) with a protection zone. Immediately contact the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) of ECCC to ensure proper measures are taken to protect the nest.
- Before deforestation work, hire an ornithology expert to visit the site and ensure that no avian species are present on the site. Follow the recommendations issued by this expert.
First Nations Rights and Activities
- Establish a communication channel to assess, in real-time, the potential impacts of planned work.
- Provide economic opportunities and capacity development to First Nations.
Neighborhood
- Use equipment in good working condition.
- Inspect machinery and equipment before bringing them to the site and keep them in perfect working condition.
- Adhere to the 55 dB standard or the prevailing initial noise level for noise and disturbances if it is higher than 55 dB.
- Manage the construction site to minimize work that generates significant noise levels.
- Adhere to working hours and avoid performing work in the evening (7 PM to 10 PM) or at night (10 PM to 7 AM).
- Ensure that lights from mobile sources are directed so as not to unnecessarily illuminate the surrounding environment.
- Install fixed lights to prevent light spill outside the areas to be illuminated.
- Turn off auxiliary lighting equipment when not in use, or reduce its brightness with a dimmer.
- Plan fixed lighting to ensure the safety of workers and equipment while minimizing light spill.
- Minimize sources of ultraviolet rays and red and white light.
- Avoid unnecessary illumination towards the Saguenay River (light reflection).
- Limit light emission towards the sky by installing discreet and uniform lighting that meets actual lighting needs (e.g., LED bulbs).
- Before work begins, clearly establish and locate deforestation limits.
- Before work begins, install a temporary fence or stakes with tape at the 20-meter riparian zone limit to protect riparian vegetation and aquatic environments.
- Tree felling should be done in a manner that does not damage the forest edge and avoids trees falling outside the deforestation limits, into the shore or a watercourse.
- Tree felling within the riparian protection zone is prohibited at all times.
- Targeted pruning will be carried out on any damaged trees located outside the deforestation limits.
- All debris from tree felling (branches, logs) will be properly removed from the work area.
- Avoid running equipment when not in service to limit exhaust emissions.
- Ensure the confinement of fine materials used for construction during transport (trucks with tarps to restrict dust dispersion).
- Use equipment in good working condition.
- Inspect machinery and equipment before bringing them to the site and keep them in perfect working condition.
- Cover surfaces or piles of fine materials likely to be carried by the wind with a (weighted) membrane.
- Conduct daily site cleaning (water spreading to limit dust uplift).
- Monitor air quality daily using the mobile station already present on the site.
- Use mats during blasting activities to limit debris and dust dispersal.
- Visually monitor the appearance of dust plumes during work and intervene to control them if needed (e.g., temporarily stop the activity, water the plume, etc.).
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Transport Canada and Port of Saguenay was satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
Therefore, Transport Canada and Port of Saguenay 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.
Document reference number: 1