Dorval –2023-05-05 – Transport Canada has determined that the proposed New sensors installation at Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon Airport 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;  
• community knowledge; 
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures. 

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:  

Soil disturbance, compaction and potential contamination

• Land reuse must be done in accordance with Appendix 5 of the Guide d'intervention – Protection des sols et réhabilitation des terrains contaminés of the ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC)
• During excavation work, if soil showing signs of contamination or residual materials is observed, it must be stored on a waterproof membrane (also place a membrane above the pile of earth) or in a container. Analyze and manage soils according to their level of contamination, at a site authorized to receive them in the province chosen for disposal. These floors or materials must not be reused on site. Notify the airport manager immediately.
• At the end of the work, any unused soil or materials must be managed off-site, outside of TC property. They must be tested and transported to a site authorized to receive it by the province to which they are shipped. Shipments and disposal slips must be retained.
• Ensure that the work is carried out in accordance with Quebec's Regulation respecting the traceability of excavated contaminated soil.
• All backfill material imported into the site must be clean, which means that it must meet criterion "A" of the MELCC Guide. A certificate of analysis of the quality of backfill materials is required before use.
• Restore the land to its pre-existing state.
• It is the contractor's responsibility to identify underground infrastructure if excavation work is planned.
• Provide the site with all sanitary equipment in sufficient quantity to prevent any dispersion of waste into the environment (transportable chemical toilets, garbage cans, bins, etc.).
• Manage residual materials in compliance with the 3RV (reduction at source, reuse, recycling, recovery). Only materials that cannot go through one of these streams are directed for disposal.
• At the end of the period of use of the site, the work areas must be cleared of equipment, machinery, demolition materials, waste, scrapand excavated material as quickly as possible. These materials will have to be managed in sites authorized to receive them according to the applicable regulations and this, for all types of waste that will be produced as part of this work.

 

Surface water contamination

• Carry out maintenance, cleaning and refueling of equipment and vehicles in the areas provided for this purpose, on a watertight surface, at a distance of at least 30 m from watercourses and 15 m from drainage ditches.
• Cleaning of concrete mixers must be carried out outside the airport site.
• Ensure that water that has been in contact with unhardened or partially hardened concrete or cement (such as cleaning water from concrete mixers and other equipment) is not discharged into the aquatic environment.
• If water wells are encountered during the work, every effort must be made to preserve their integrity.

 

Vegetation disturbance

• The contractor will take the necessary measures to damage the vegetation as little as possible.
• Whenever possible, limit machinery traffic to the footprint of the road to minimize impacts on adjacent natural vegetation.
• Ensure that work equipment and machinery are clean and free of invasive species upon arrival at the site and maintain them in this condition thereafter and at the end of the work.

 

Accidents and malfunctions

• The machinery used must be clean and in good working order.
• Before work begins, the equipment must be inspected and be in good working order, clean and free of oil or lubricant leaks.
• An environmental emergency response plan and an adequate hazardous materials recovery response kit must be present at all times on site and employees familiar with its use.  This must take into account the proximity of a body of water.
• All spills must be reported immediately to ECCC's emergency services (1-866-283-2333) and to the Environmental Emergency Department of the Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec (MELCCFP) (1-866-694-5454).  Transport Canada will also need to be notified.
• Any contaminant spill will require immediate action to limit and recover pollutants. Pollutants will have to be managed according to the standards in force.
• Any waste or pollutants associated with this incident must be managed and disposed of off-site in accordance with applicable regulations. Documentation of a compliant provision will need to be provided to the TC project manager. In the event of equipment failure or spillage, the emergency plan must be implemented immediately. Notify TC's dock warden and environmental officer immediately.
• Ensure equipment and machinery are in good condition and free of oil leaks.
• When refuelling machinery, all measures will be taken to minimize the risk of accidental spills (stabilization of equipment and gear before proceeding, constant monitoring during operations, presence of a complete response kit in the event of a spill of petroleum products, etc.).
• If soil is contaminated by an accidental spill, it will need to be piled on a waterproof membrane and covered with a waterproof membrane or placed in leak-proof containers.

Transport Canada is satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. 

Therefore, Transport Canada 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.