NOTICE OF DETERMINATION

Saguenay – 2023-08-04 – Transport Canada and the Saguenay Port Authority have determined that the proposed multi-user conveyor system on federal lands is not likely to cause significant adverse effects on the environment.

 

This determination was based on the following factors:

• Impact on the rights of First Nation;
• First Nation knowledge;
• Community knowledge;
• Comments received from the public; and
• Technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

The mitigation measures considered for this determination are as follows:

Air quality:

• Use a dust suppressant.
• Avoid idling equipment and vehicles when not necessary.
• Keep equipment and vehicles in good working order with catalytic converters, mufflers and/or functional mufflers, as available.
• During transport, materials containing fine particles must be covered with securely fixed sheets.
• Apply a dust suppressant (water) in unpaved areas if dust is present.
• Clean access roads and traffic lanes regularly during work

Residual effects:

Considering the design measures and implementation of mitigation measures, the residual effects on project air quality are expected to be of low intensity; limited to the work area, of medium duration, on several times without defined planning, and reversible. No significant effects are anticipated.

Greenhouse gases:

• Limit deforestation to what is strictly necessary;
• Avoid idling heavy equipment and vehicles when not necessary;
• Maintain heavy equipment and vehicles in good working order with catalytic converters, mufflers and/or functional mufflers, as available;
• Multi-passenger vehicles should be used whenever possible to limit traffic.

Residual effects:

Based on the above, GHG emissions from the construction phase of the project are not considered to represent a significant residual effect.

Soil quality:

• Limit the movement of machinery and temporary storage to pre-defined areas;
• Prefer temporary storage in impermeable areas, or arrange materials to be stored on a waterproof tarp to avoid contamination by runoff from the underlying soil and the immediate surroundings;
• Cover soil piles with securely attached canvases to reduce wind erosion;
• During excavations, preserve topsoil and store it separately from other soil horizons for reuse during site restoration;
• Visually monitor the emission of a dust plume and intervene to control it, if necessary (e.g., temporarily stop the activity in question, spray the plume with water, etc.);
• Implement appropriate measures to reduce dust emissions into the air (e.g. watering dry materials, sweeping, using tarps on bare surfaces or piled materials, etc.);
• Restore the site with its initial topography to the extent possible, as well as adequate native vegetation seeding in the area;
• Use mattresses during blasting activities to limit debris and dust splinters;
• During excavation or soil management, if organoleptic signs of contamination are observed, proceed to soil characterization;
• Manage contaminated soils at the site (federal) according to their level of contamination, avoiding contamination of uncontaminated soils according to current federal criteria/recommendations;
• Dispose of contaminated soils (off-site) in a place authorized by the MELCCFP according to their level of contamination;
• Use contamination-free materials for backfilling excavations;
• Provide the supervisor with documentation attesting to the management of the soil by the place of reception of the contaminated soil;
• In the event of an accidental discovery of contaminated soil or water on the site, stop work at the site of discovery and inform the supervisor immediately.

Residual effects:

Although soils are disturbed during construction, bare soils will be reclaimed at the end of the work, or erosion protection measures will be put in place. Any accidental cross-contamination will be rectified in the event of the case. Considering the design measures and implementation of mitigation measures, the residual effects on project soil quality are expected to be of low intensity (due to the existing level of disturbance); limited to the site of the work, of short duration, produced once during the construction activities, and partly irreversible since sectors will be built. No significant effects are anticipated.

Water quality:

• Minimize storage areas to durable, impermeable or already disturbed surfaces;
• Implement effective measures to limit the input of sediment and debris from the construction site to watercourses and wetlands (e.g. sediment barrier, berm, sediment trap, sedimentation pond, temporary stabilization of slopes, diversion of water to vegetated areas). The measures must remain effective during the temporary closure of the site and during heavy rains. Pay attention to limiting the movement of particles in the water body when removing facilities. All erosion control and sediment control structures must be in place prior to starting work;
• Provide maintenance, washing and refueling areas for machinery and equipment, including concrete mixers, more than 30 m from watercourses and wetlands;
• Runoff must be diverted to the terrestrial environment in a vegetated zone buffer for infiltration, away from the water body and bare soils, or directed to a sedimentation pond or filtration structure to reduce particulate inputs to watercourses or wetlands. If there is a risk of contamination at the site, this water must be contained and sampled. If they exceed existing standards, they must be addressed;
• If a treatment system (settling pond, filters or other such facilities) is to be used, it must prevent contaminants and sediments from flowing into sewers and water bodies. Use the necessary means to define the mode of disposal of captured sediments and wastewater;
• Obtain authorization from APS before proceeding with any release of water to the environment;
• Prevent fresh, wet, unhardened concrete and concrete dust from coming into contact with water bodies. All accidentally introduced debris must be removed as soon as possible and reported to the DPA;
• Excess concrete from concrete pumps must be poured into a confined, airtight enclosure. After curing, concrete residues must be managed with construction waste and disposed of in an approved facility;
• Washing water from concrete mixers must be collected in a watertight basin arranged in such a way as to prevent any flow into the environment. The cleaning area must be located more than 30 m from the water body and must be authorized in advance by APS;
• The water can be taken over by the concrete supplier and brought back to the concrete plant for disposal. Otherwise, these waters must be sampled and treated (if applicable) to meet the applicable discharge standards, namely the CCME Water Quality Guidelines – Protection of Aquatic Life and the MELCC Surface Water Quality Criteria (Protection of Aquatic Life – Acute Effect);
• Store hazardous residual materials (RDMs) in watertight confined areas and handle them in a manner that minimizes the risk of contamination of surface or groundwater;
• Use clean and contamination-free materials when working in waterways;
• In the event of a sudden increase in suspended solids in secondary watercourses and the Saguenay River, adapt work methods accordingly (slow down work, space out work periods, use a turbidity curtain, etc.);
• Conduct regular site inspections.

Operation phase:

• During the final design of the project, define the stormwater treatment needs that will be discharged into existing watercourses in order to meet current standards and have the concept approved by the relevant authorities before it is implemented;
• Depending on the nature of the discharges, develop a water quality monitoring program at discharge points in receiving watercourses.

Residual effects

Construction phase:

Although the waters are at risk of disturbance and contamination during construction, the measures put in place should considerably limit the possibility of contamination. Considering the design measures and implementation of mitigation measures, the residual effects on project water quality are expected to be of low intensity; limited to the local area, of medium duration, can occur several times without defined planning, and reversible. No significant effects are anticipated.

Operation phase:

Considering that treatment needs will be assessed at the final design stage and that, if required, a treatment system will be put in place, the residual effects on project water quality should be of low intensity; limited to the local area, of long duration may occur several times without defined planning,  and reversible through follow-up actions. No significant effects are anticipated.

Vegetation and wetlands:

Prioritize the implementation of site facilities in areas that are already deforested or disturbed;

• Identify the boundaries to be cleared on the ground and prohibit further deforestation;
• Limit the cutting of vegetation as much as possible throughout the site;
• Conserving or restoring vegetation along the edges of water bodies and streams as work progresses and minimize encroachment in these sensitive areas;
• In areas where possible, renaturalize with native species and three layers of vegetation;
• Clean machinery regularly to remove potential invasive alien species litter.

Residual effects:

Deforestation will certainly cause a loss of vegetation and biodiversity in the Quai Marcel-Dionne Road sector. Considering design measures and implementation of mitigation measures, residual effects on vegetation are expected to be of low intensity; limited to the project area (one-time), of long duration, will constitute a single event and will be irreversible. Due to the area impacted and the absence of species with status or rare stands, no significant effects are anticipated.

Wildlife and wildlife habitats:

• Carry out deforestation work outside the bird nesting season (mid-April to mid-August), and during the period of migration or hibernation of bats, i.e., in the fall and winter (October to April);
• Reforesting areas where it is possible to do so once the work is completed;
• Control the speed of vehicles and machinery to reduce the risk of collisions with wildlife;
• Multi-passenger vehicles should be used whenever possible to limit traffic.

Residual effects:

Deforestation will cause habitat loss for terrestrial wildlife, and blasting could also scare away nearby wildlife. However, sensitive periods of birds and bats should be respected. The presence of large natural and wooded sections nearby allows wildlife to relocate easily. Residual effects on wildlife and habitats should be: low intensity (limited deforested section and bordering already anthropized areas), limited to the vicinity of the work site (local zone) and roads, short-lived, produced on a multiple irregular basis (for blasting) and irreversible (habitat loss). No significant effects are anticipated.

Fish and fish habitat:

• Ensure that blasting near water follows the Guidelines for the Use of Explosives in or Near Canadian Fisheries Waters (DFO, 1998).
• Minimize deforestation on both sides of the high water mark and maintain vegetation cover as long as possible before work begins.
• Install erosion and sediment protection measures into watercourses if blasting is required nearby.
• Regularly inspect and maintain structures and erosion control measures.
• Arrange excavated material outside the high water mark. If necessary, contain or stabilize these materials (e.g. waterproof canvas, sediment barrier) to prevent sediment input to the aquatic environment.
• Ensure sufficient circulation and water supply at all times to maintain fish habitat functions (feeding, rearing, fresh) downstream of the work area. Take the necessary measures to avoid impacts upstream and downstream of the work zone (e.g., flooding, exondation, erosion, suspended solids).
• Do not circulate machinery in water.
• Restore the bed and shorelines of the aquatic environments affected by the work to their original state (substrate size, bed profile, vegetation, etc.) following the demobilization of the site on all affected areas (temporary structures, access, etc.).

Residual effects:

Residual effects on fish and fish habitat should be: low intensity (no blasting in water and compliance with standards), limited to the work area, short-term, produced on a multiple irregular basis and reversible. No significant effects are anticipated.

Land use:

• Notify residents in the local area of the work schedule;
• Multi-passenger vehicles should be used whenever possible to limit traffic;
• Notify, before any blasting activity, the surrounding populations of the times and procedures followed in order to limit the risk of accidents and undue disturbances;
• Perform blasting activities within normal working hours;
• Use mattresses during blasting activities to limit debris and dust splinters.

Residual effects:

Considering the implementation of mitigation measures, residual effects on land use are expected to be low-intensity; limited to the local area, short-term, produced on a multiple irregular basis, and reversible. No significant effects are anticipated.

Services and infrastructure:

• Locate underground infrastructure and relocate it as required;
• Respect the maximum vehicle loads established according to the type of road;
• Establish and communicate a traffic management plan;
• Ensure the presence of flaggers at strategic locations if necessary;
• Put in place adequate signage;
• Control the speed of vehicles and machinery to reduce the risk of collision with land users;
• Multi-passenger vehicles should be used whenever possible to limit traffic;
• Keep the construction site, its accesses and surroundings free of debris or waste hindering traffic;
• Comply with laws, regulations, standards, codes and good practices relating to public health and safety, work schedules

Residual effects:

Considering the implementation of mitigation measures, residual effects on services and infrastructure are expected to be of low intensity; in the project footprint, short-term, produced on a multiple irregular basis. No significant effects are anticipated.

Soundscape:

• Pile drilling for conveyor piers;
• Excavation and earthworks in the dock area to accommodate transfer towers and storage areas;
• Excavation and earthworks at the intermodal sector to accommodate transfer towers and storage areas;
• Assembly of the conveyor structure and transfer towers using mobile cranes.

Residual effects:

Construction phase:

 

The use of machinery for the various construction activities will emit noise, altering the existing soundscape. Assuming emissions will comply with provincial and federal requirements, the intensity of effects will be low. The effects will also be short-lived, limited to the local area, of multiple irregular frequency and reversible. No significant effects are anticipated.

 

Operation phase:

 

The use of machinery for the various operating activities will emit noise, altering the existing noise climate. Whereas emissions will comply with provincial and federal requirements. No significant effects are anticipated.

ACCIDENTS AND MALFUNCTIONS:

• Inspect machinery before entering the site for oil leaks and the presence of invasive alien plant species;
• Maintain vehicles and equipment in good condition and regularly maintain. Immediately repair or remove from the job site and replace leaking vehicles or equipment;
• Do not leave any gasoline-powered vehicles, machinery and/or equipment within 30 m of waterways outside of working hours or during extended site closures, unless confined to a watertight enclosure. If this is not possible, soil protection measures must be installed under equipment or machinery throughout the above period (e.g., containment tank with a volume equivalent to at least 110% of the volume of the fuel tank of the equipment or machinery);
• Provide emergency kits for the recovery of oil in sufficient quantities (containment flanges, absorbent rollers, granular absorbents, leak preventers, leak-proof containers, etc.) and a category extinguisher that complies with current standards to manage any spill, environmental incident or fire. Ensure that 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 diagram 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 spilled products 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. The rehabilitation of affected areas must be undertaken without delay, and all steps must be documented in an event report;
• All personnel at the work site will need to be fully trained in spill emergency response procedures, methods and use of relevant equipment and materials;
• In the event of an environmental incident, notify the site supervisor and Environment and Climate Change Canada's National Environmental Emergency Centre (1-866-283-2333) and Urgence-Environnement du Québec (1-866-694-5454);
• Refuel, machinery parking and storage of petroleum products on an impermeable surface and in a confined area, under constant surveillance at a distance of 30 m from an 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 during refuelling without delay and properly dispose of contaminated materials;
• Clean, maintain and repair off-site machinery, equipment and tools. If it is necessary to do it on site, the cleaning must be done in a place dedicated to this activity (washing/cleaning area) located less than 30 m from any body of water;
• Limit the movement of heavy machinery and the storage of materials to traffic, work and storage areas that will be defined in advance.

 

Consequently, the Saguenay Port Authority and Transport Canada may carry out the project, exercise their powers or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out, in whole or in part.