Dorval – March 28, 2025 – The AMF has determined that the proposed development of leased land on the land of the Sept-Îles, Québec airport is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on the following factors:

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

The mitigation measures considered in this determination are as follows:

• Carry out the work before the Common Nighthawk nesting period (May 21 to August 5) to prevent the site from being used by the species.
• If the work is to be carried out between May 21 and August 5, ensure that there are no signs of nesting on the site by visual verification.
• If a nest containing migratory bird eggs or nestlings is discovered near or within the work zone, stop all noisy activities in the vicinity of the nesting site, protect the nest(s) with a protection zone. Contact the departmental representative at Transport Canada immediately to ensure that the right action is taken.
• Since the site was used as a former firefighter training area, the soils could be contaminated with perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Promote the recovery of excavated soil on the original land.
• If soils are to be managed off-site, the soils must be tested. In addition to the usual parameters, the soils must also be tested for PFAS. The disposal of PFAS-contaminated soil must be done in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations at a site authorized by the MELCCFP. Notify TC in advance of how off-site managed soils will be managed.
• All backfill material imported to the site must be clean, i.e., less than criterion A of the MELCCFP's Intervention Guide, Soil Protection and Rehabilitation of Contaminated Land (Guide). An analysis of the quality of the fill materials must be requested and a copy provided to the TC representative.
• Carry out the transportation of excavated soil off-site in accordance with the Regulation respecting the traceability of excavated contaminated soil.
• At the end of the work, provide Transport Canada with the traceability report generated by Traces Québec.
• If the work is to be carried out near an observation well, the contractor must take the necessary measures to preserve the installation.
• Keep all jobsite machinery clean, in good working order and free of leaks.
• Identify (or develop) an area for the temporary storage of hydrocarbons or other hazardous materials, refuelling and general maintenance of machinery at a minimum distance of 30 m from wetlands or watercourses, and 15 m from a drainage ditch. 
• Avoid working in periods of heavy rain to limit leaching.
• Adopt construction, renovation and demolition waste management practices that are consistent with the Greening Government Strategy.
• Establish a demolition waste management plan by promoting its reuse and/or recycling. If the waste is to be disposed of, dispose of it at an authorized site.
• Ensure at all times that no waste is left on the sites and that the site is returned in environmentally friendly conditions at the end of the work.
• The Contractor must comply with all applicable regulations regarding the transportation, storage, handling and disposal of hazardous materials and hazardous waste.
• Hazardous materials used must be stored in a secure location and transported in clearly marked leak-proof containers.
• Hazardous waste must be managed and disposed of in accordance with the regulations in force by a company that holds the MELCCFP authorizations. Keep the Hazardous Waste Transportation Manifest.
• Limit trucking and turn off machinery and equipment engines when not in use.
• Optimize maneuvers to minimize the duration of operations.
• Ensure that machinery is clean and free of invasive alien species before entering and exiting the site.

• Before work begins, the equipment must be inspected and be in good working order, be clean, and be free of oil or lubricant leaks.
• A contingency plan must be in place and employees on the site must be aware of the procedures.
• A spill emergency kit must be present at all times on the site of the work. Any spills must be quickly controlled and contaminated equipment must be managed according to current standards.
• In the event of a spill, recover any contamination, whether it is the spilled product, the soil or the water affected by this contamination and dispose of it in accordance with the regulations in force. Notify the airport official and TC Environmental Officer without delay. The characterization work, rehabilitation work and the rehabilitation report must be done by an environmental consulting firm.
• Any spill must be reported immediately to the site supervisor, Transport Canada, and ECCC emergency services (1-866-283-2333), to the MELCCFP's Environmental Emergency Department (1-866-694-5454).
• When refueling machinery, all measures will be taken to 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 spill of petroleum products, etc.)

Transport Canada is satisfied that the Project is unlikely to cause adverse environmental effects.

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