PDF Version 418 KB

Document reference number: 1

October 3^rd, 2025 - The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has determined that the project Bank Stabilization of a Section of the Shoreline at Hôtel-de-Ville Park, Montréal-Est (Quebec) is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the environment.

Mitigation measures considered for this determination are:

1. Protection of River Water Quality

• Works will be carried out in the fall during low water levels. The shoreline will typically be exposed over more than 10 meters in front of the work area;
• A sediment barrier made of straw bales will be installed along the entire length of the structure to be built at the base of the slope, just outside the work zone;
• Works will be performed using machinery from the top of the slope;
• In the unlikely event that work must be done near or slightly in the water, a turbidity curtain will be installed around the work area beforehand;
• If river water levels are abnormally high and reach the base of the slope (extremely unlikely), the work will be postponed or rescheduled to the following year;
• As soon as earthen materials are installed, anti-erosion mats and mulch will be quickly placed on top to prevent rain erosion;
• The entire structure will be vegetated with herbaceous plants, perennials, shrubs, and trees on all surfaces;
• The storage area for materials and machinery will be located more than 40 meters from the shoreline;
• All degraded park surfaces due to the work will be vegetated with sod or grass seeds;
• The exposed shoreline will be cleaned by removing concrete blocks and other debris to improve the site's environment;
• All excavated materials, except uncontaminated ones reused in the project (topsoil, clean sand), will be loaded into trucks and sent to an authorized final disposal site.

2. Reduction of Disturbances and Protection of Wildlife

• Work will be carried out between August 15 and ideally March 1 (possibly until March 31) to avoid sensitive fish spawning periods;
• Machinery will be inspected to ensure mufflers are in good condition and there are no leaks of hydrocarbons or other contaminants. If issues are found, the equipment will be repaired or replaced before the start of each work day;
• Work will be done outside bird breeding periods;
• Work will be conducted on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3. Prevention of Soil Contamination by Machinery

• Machinery will be inspected each morning and at other times to quickly detect any oil or fuel leaks;
• The excavator working on the shoreline must use biodegradable hydraulic oil;
• A spill recovery kit will always be available on-site in case of accidental discharge;
• Maintenance, cleaning, and refueling of machinery and vehicles will take place on a sealed surface located 40 meters from the shoreline. Petroleum products and hazardous materials will also be stored at this location.

4. Control of Invasive Plant Species

• Upon arrival, machinery must be clean and free of invasive species and must be kept clean throughout the project.

 

A supervisor will be always present during the works to ensure compliance with the identified mitigation measures.

Therefore, the MPA may perform any duty or function to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.