Potential environmental effect

Effective and established mitigation measure (technically and economically feasible)

Terrestrial vegetation, special status and invasive species

Given the confirmed presence of special status and invasive species everywhere on the site, the following measures must be applied

  • The visit of a certified biologist specialized in flora and avifauna inventory in order to carry out a summary inventory of the work sites before the start of the work is required. The biologist must identify any species with special status, in particular the butternut tree, if present, and any sensitive element of the environment to be protected during the work. These elements must be presented in a report.
  • Ensure the protection of trees and shrubs in the work area by installing physical protection according to the recommendations of the biologist who carried out the inventory of the work sites.
  • Avoid circulating, unloading or storing materials in this protection zone as well as carrying out excavation and earthworks to protect their root system.
  • Ensure that temporary installations are placed in areas with the least impact on vegetation (areas without vegetation or grass).
  • Prior to work, locate and visibly identify butternut trees. Each worker must be informed of the need to protect these trees: avoid direct impacts (broken branches and broken bark) or indirect impacts (compaction of the ground or breakage of superficial roots).
  • A protective fence must be installed around the identified butternut trees, if applicable, in order to delimit the optimal protection zone. The protection zone to be applied (radius (m)) must be determined according to the method presented in standard BNQ 0605-100. No intervention will be permitted inside the optimal protection zone.
  • Any special-status species identified in access zones or work zones must be protected by an appropriate protection zone to avoid damaging or disturbing them.
  • If it is not possible to avoid a special-status species during the work, notify the Departmental Representative and obtain his approval before proceeding.
  • Locate preferred locations for temporary facilities and traffic areas; mark out areas for worker and machinery traffic.
  • Any felling, pruning or disturbance of trees necessary for the work must be approved by the Departmental Representative. At no time will the felling, pruning or disturbance of species at risk (notably butternut) be permitted.
  • Minimize the number of trees to be felled. Pay attention to tall trees and butternut trees, which must be preserved.
  • All felling and pruning operations must be carried out by a firm specializing in arboriculture according to BNQ standards, when applicable. A work plan must be provided and approved by the Departmental Representative. If damage is caused to the root system of a butternut tree, the work must be temporarily stopped, the damage must be assessed and the Departmental Representative must be contacted.
  • When possible, leave in place the part of the root system of felled trees that does not interfere with the work.
  • After felling a tree, stabilize slopes as quickly as possible.
  • Proceed with pruning in accordance with good practices to promote the survival of affected trees and carry out silvicultural treatments as needed (eg, remove an equivalent part of the roots when pruning branches). Seek advice from the Departmental Representative.
  • Once the work is completed, promote the regrowth of vegetation in areas where trees have been felled.
  • Ensure that the temporary storage areas for miscellaneous materials and rubble are located in areas that are already devoid of vegetation or undervalued vegetation (grassed areas).

Avian and terrestrial fauna

Although the work should not have any effects on the avian fauna (to be carried out in the fall) and the terrestrial flora, the following measures must be put in the estimate as a precaution.

  • Feeding, chasing, disturbing or killing animals is prohibited. If a wild animal is seen on the site, the Contractor shall notify the Departmental Representative.
  • It is prohibited to kill, capture, injure, take or disturb migratory birds, or to damage, destroy, remove or disturb their nests and eggs.
  • If necessary or at the request of the Departmental Representative, an accredited biologist specializing in avifauna must ensure that there are no nests at risk of being disturbed, damaged or destroyed in the work area.
  • An appropriate buffer zone must be determined and implemented when the work is a source of disturbance for birds.
  • Heavy machinery work as well as the felling, pruning or stump removal of trees must be carried out between September 15 and March 15 (outside the bird nesting period).
  • In the event that the work must take place during the nesting period, protective devices or other measures (e.g. installing scarers such as aluminum plates, etc.) may be put in place before the start of the nesting period. annual nesting (before March 15) on the trees of the site and around (radius of 10 meters from the limit of the site). Protective devices or measures must be able to prevent birds from nesting in these trees.
  • The protective devices or measures selected must remain in place during the nesting period or until the end of the work.
  • If, despite the presence of protective devices or measures in place, nesting migratory birds are discovered, the work must be interrupted until the end of the nesting period or until the Departmental Representative authorizes the resumption.

 

Sound environment and air quality

The alteration of the sound environment and / or air quality during the various project activities is possible given that different motorized equipment will be used

  • The control of fumes released by materials, equipment, vehicles and installations must be ensured by the Contractor, in accordance with the requirements of local, federal, provincial and municipal authorities.
  • If there is excessive lifting of dust, spread water to reduce it. However, minimum quantities must be used to prevent runoff loaded with suspended solids from sliding down the slope.
  • When transporting dusty materials, a tarp should be placed over the materials to reduce the emission of particles into the atmosphere.
  • Avoid idling engines when not essential.
  • Limit noisy work to normal working hours in Quebec City.
  • Locate all underground utility lines (gas, water, sewer and electricity lines) on or near the site with info-excavation.
  • In the event of the presence of old underground infrastructures during the work (eg septic tanks, electrical lines, petroleum product tanks, etc.), notify the Departmental Representative.
  • Use vehicles equipped with adequate and functional mufflers.
  • Minimize the use of engine braking.
  • If necessary or at the request of the Departmental Representative, clean up the public roads used.

Use of the site, quality of life of users and residents

Disturbance of users and residents near the work given the proximity of certain residences and the traffic on the site by users

  • Notify the population of the work period in order to minimize disruption to site users and residents of neighboring areas.
  • Establish a communication plan to avoid any risk of accident and incident with the various users of the sector.
  • Set up the required signage around the site for the circulation of personnel, pedestrians and vehicles.
  • Ensure continuous access for fire and emergency services.
  • Ensure slow traffic speed for trucks to avoid collisions with users of the sector.
  • Maintain, at all times, the traffic lanes used in good condition and take the necessary measures so that they can be used and crossed without problems by other users.
  • Following the work, restore the traffic lanes to a state at least equal to their initial state, as soon as possible.

 

Soil and water quality

Alteration of soil and water quality, among other things, due to excavation work and the handling of petroleum products

  • Clearly delineate the work area. Avoid circulating outside this zone in order to reduce the surface of the ground exposed to compaction and the breaking of vegetation.
  • Minimize the use and movement of all equipment, material and machinery during the work.
  • The Contractor must ensure that the machinery, tools and equipment that will be used to carry out the work are safe, clean and in good working order. The Departmental Representative reserves the right to refuse access to or expel from the site machinery, tools and equipment that do not meet these requirements. Equipment visibly poorly maintained and showing evidence of leaks or the risk of leaks will be returned from the site at the expense of the Contractor or the owner of the equipment, at no cost to the Department.
  • Equipment running on hydrocarbons should be regularly inspected to detect any leaks and prevent contamination of soil and water. Immediately repair any leaks detected. If necessary, exclude defective machinery or equipment from the site.
  • Do not maintain machinery on site.
  • Place machinery stored overnight or left unattended on an impermeable surface and place drip pans in areas likely to present leaks.
  • For small quantities of supplies, an oil pan and/or an absorbent and/or a rag must be placed under the spout.
  • Equipment requiring a supply of petroleum products or other hazardous materials (eg generator, heating system, pump, etc.) must be located at least 30 meters from any watercourse and as far as possible from ditches and sewer systems (sanitary and storm), on a flat impermeable surface and capable of containing a spill. The equipment can also be installed in a retention tank or on an absorbent mat that will exceed its perimeter by at least 1 foot. The transfer area on permeable ground may be covered with an absorbent mat between the coupling point of the delivery truck and the equipment to be refueled. Special attention will be paid to the area near the cap to avoid overflows.
  • Fuels, chemicals or water containing suspended solids must not be discharged directly into waterways, ditches and sewer systems (sanitary and storm).
  • For any discharge of water of ambiguous quality (presence of suspended solids, chemical contaminants or any other contaminant), ensure that the quality of the water complies with the applicable regulations before discharge. Treat water or recover for off-site management, as appropriate.
  • The Contractor must take all necessary measures during the execution of the work to allow the normal flow of runoff water in order to avoid the accumulation of water in unwanted places.
  • Implement effective erosion control and sediment transport measures and ensure their inspection and maintenance.
  • Repair erosion control and sediment transport measures if damaged.
  • Stabilize slopes and excavations that are left open for extended periods.
  • If soils are stored for long periods, cover them to reduce the influence of runoff water.
  • Carry out the work in a short time, to avoid leaving large surfaces bare for prolonged periods, especially in areas with steep slopes.
  • Stabilize the slopes after the work.
  • Remove erosion and sediment control materials when site is permanently stabilized and runoff water is clear.

Soil, surface and groundwater quality

Contamination of soil, surface water following a spill or accidental breakage

  • Before work begins, the contractor must present an environmental protection plan to the supervisor (including, among other things: management of residual and hazardous materials).
  • Provide for the establishment and application of an emergency plan in the event of an accidental spill of contaminants. Clearly identify the persons and authorities responsible as well as the procedure to follow in the event of an environmental emergency. Ensure that the response plan contains, at a minimum, a response plan and an alert structure that are known to all employees.
  • Ensure that emergency spill kits are readily available in the various work areas and that they contain the type and quantity of materials required.
  • Have sufficient petroleum product recovery kits on site and ensure that on-site employees know and understand how to respond to minor spills.
  • Carry out, under constant supervision, all handling of fuel, oil, other petroleum products or contaminants, including transfer, in order to avoid accidental spills and to react promptly if necessary.
  • Maintain equipment in perfect working order. Check daily for the presence of contaminants leaking on the equipment, which must be repaired immediately if necessary.
  • If soil showing signs of contamination (stain, odor, presence of debris, etc.) is encountered during excavation work, stop the work and immediately notify the site supervisor. In the presence of contaminated soil, surface and/or underground water, the contractor must manage them appropriately (safe storage, among others) and dispose of them in a site authorized by the MELCC.
  • In the case of the presence of contamination, soils with concentrations above the Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines must be managed as contaminated soils.
  • In the event of a spill, apply the emergency plan and promptly notify Urgence Environnement Québec (1-866-694-5454), Alert and Warning Network (GCC): 1-800-363-4735 and Environmental Emergencies from ECCC 1-866-283-2333. Use protection and containment measures (absorbent berms), quickly clean the area (if possible). The site supervisor and the project managers (DFO/PSPC) must be informed of any event that could contaminate the environment. Phone numbers will be posted in the construction trailer.
  • Store any potentially contaminated material on an impermeable surface and cover it so as to avoid wind erosion or surface runoff of particles.
  • Hazardous residual materials are disposed of in a site duly authorized by the MDDELCC. Managing contaminated soils in accordance with Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines should be managed as contaminated soils.
  • In the event of a spill, apply the steps described in the Contractor's contingency plan in the event of accidental spills. Control the spill and remedy the situation that caused it (breakage, incorrect operation, etc.). Contain the leak, clean up the contaminated area and transport the contaminated materials to authorized sites. Contact environmental emergency services.
  • The Contractor will prepare and submit to the Departmental Representative, the incident report involving hazardous materials within 24 hours of the spill.
  • The Contractor will be held responsible for any spillage of product deemed harmful to the environment or to the property of the Department, and if necessary, the Contractor must immediately carry out, at his own expense, the corrective measures prescribed by the Departmental Representative.

Management of residual and hazardous materials

Contamination of soil, surface and ground water following inadequate management and storage of residual and hazardous materials

  • As much as possible, avoid the storage of petroleum products or other hazardous materials on the site. If the Contractor must store hazardous materials and hydrocarbons, for the purposes of the project, he must have on the storage sites, retention tanks and intervention kits.
  • Storage areas for petroleum products or other hazardous materials must be located at least 30 meters from any watercourse, as far as possible from ditches and sewer networks (sanitary and storm) and as far as possible , on a flat, waterproof surface.
  • Dangerous products must be gathered in islands separated by a horizontal distance of 1 m. Incompatible products must be separated by a horizontal distance of 3 m. Access should be provided for emergency responders.
  • Hazardous products stored on site must be stored in a closed shelter. Storage areas are equipped with a liquid retention or collection system (Polyspill pallets, basin, waterproof coatings, speed bumps, trenches, drains blocked or connected to a recovery system). Contaminated water must be disposed of according to the rules in force.
  • Containers of flammable and combustible liquids should be stored upright.
  • Temporary storage of hazardous materials must indicate the risks with the TDG (transport of dangerous goods) placards. Containers must be identified according to WHMIS.
  • Containers in poor condition must be managed immediately outside the work site, in compliance with the most restrictive environmental standards.
  • Highway tanks must meet current industry standards.
  • Any closed container with a capacity of more than 230 liters used for the storage of petroleum products and related products must be double-walled, comply with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR) and designed in accordance with CAN/CGSB 43.146. -2016.
  • Any vehicle transporting hazardous materials must comply with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (RTMD).
  • When transferring fuel, the vehicle must be grounded. The refueled vehicle or the tank must be connected to the tank truck by a grounding cable (continuity of the grounds) ensuring that contact is made on bare metal.
  • Fires and the burning of rubbish are prohibited.
  • Containers in poor condition must be managed immediately outside the work site, in compliance with the most restrictive environmental standards.
  • Highway tanks must meet current industry standards.
  • Any closed container with a capacity of more than 230 liters used for the storage of petroleum products and related products must be double-walled, comply with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR) and designed in accordance with CAN/CGSB 43.146. -2016.
  • Any vehicle transporting hazardous materials must comply with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (RTMD).
  • When transferring fuel, the vehicle must be grounded. The refueled vehicle or the tank must be connected to the tank truck by a grounding cable (continuity of the grounds) ensuring that contact is made on bare metal.
  • Fires and the burning of rubbish are prohibited.
  • It is forbidden to bury any type of residual materials and waste on CCBN territory. Residual materials include demolition materials not retained by the CCBN, hazardous materials (liquid and solid) and water containing suspended matter.
  • It is forbidden to evacuate any type of residual materials and waste, by dumping them into waterways, ditches and sewer systems (sanitary and storm).
  • Residual materials and waste generated by the project must be separated and stored in containers provided for this purpose, sheltered from the weather.
  • Storage areas will be set up more than 30 meters from any watercourse and as far as possible from ditches and sewer networks (sanitary and storm).
  • In order to avoid the accumulation of residual materials and waste on the site, these must be disposed of regularly off the site by the Contractor in appropriate recycling or disposal sites, according to the regulations in force. The Contractor must provide the Departmental Representative with manifests and disposal certificates for substances of concern, hazardous waste and other residual materials from the site to demonstrate that the materials have been sent to authorized sites.
  • Work to remove systems such as gutter, separator, grease trap, piping could contaminate the environment. Prior to the removal of the existing systems, these must be drained of their contents (liquid, mud, steam, grease) and must be cleaned before their dismantling and disposal. The products contained in the systems and the washing water generated by the cleaning must be pumped and disposed of by a specialized firm in accordance with the regulations in force.
  • Keep the site free of waste or dispose of it temporarily in sealed containers intended for such purpose.
  • No hazardous materials can be discarded. At the end of the work, the contractor must take back all the materials and materials in order to leave the site perfectly clean.
  • Any residual materials produced during the work must be picked up quickly, stored and disposed of according to their nature and the regulations in force. The contractor must ensure that no debris is left on the work site.
  • Recover or recycle residual materials when possible or transport them off site and dispose of them according to the regulations in force. Waste disposed of off-site will be transported to a location authorized by the MELCC.
  • The contractor must remove from the site all residual materials, hazardous residual materials, temporary installations, tools, equipment, machinery and materials found on the site in order to leave it perfectly clean.

Document Reference Number: 3

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