Determination Notice

March 21, 2025 – The Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA) has determined that the proposed project for the Demolition of G3 infrastructure and construction of the new Grain Terminal at the Port of Trois-Rivieres is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Summary of the Demolition Project

G3 plans to demolish its existing grain handling infrastructure (dating back to 1936) located at docks 16 and 17. An Environmental Effects Assessment (EEA) was conducted in accordance with the Impact Assessment Act (IAA, 2019) to identify potential environmental effects and determine the necessary mitigation measures. The main reason for this demolition is the deteriorated condition of the infrastructure, which would require major and costly renovations to comply with current environmental standards.

The demolition will adhere to environmental and health-safety standards, with a sustainable development approach prioritizing the reuse, repurposing, or recycling of materials. Concrete will be crushed and reused, while rebar steel will be recycled. The equipment (some nearly 100 years old) will be sent for metal recycling.

The main steps of the demolition include disconnecting services, dismantling equipment, and the progressive demolition of offices, the locomotive garage, the electrical room, shipping towers, conveyor galleries, buildings, and concrete silos. A responsible material management plan will be applied, focusing on reuse, recycling, or, as a last resort, disposal.

Summary of the Grain Terminal Construction Project

G3 plans to build a new grain terminal at dock 16 of the Port of Trois-Rivières, designed according to sustainable development principles, with particular attention to health, safety, and environmental protection.

The design will be inspired by G3's new terminal in Hamilton (Ontario). Specialized engineering firms and G3 employees will collaborate to ensure the terminal is efficient, profitable, and environmentally responsible. Equipment will be selected for its reliability, durability, and compliance with environmental standards.

The main steps of the project involve foundation work, excavation (piles, tunnels, hoppers), the installation of silos, towers, conveyors, and electrical equipment, connection to Hydro-Québec, wiring, paving, inspection, and the commissioning of operations. The project aims to deliver a modern, high-performance, and sustainable terminal.

Summary of Mitigation Measures

To mitigate the project's impact on the physical, biological, and human environments, several mitigation measures will be implemented during the demolition, reconstruction, and operational phases.

To protect the air and soil, dust control techniques, such as surface watering and the use of dust suppressants, will be applied. In addition, material handling will be adapted to weather conditions to prevent the dispersion of particles.

The biological environment will be preserved by limiting contaminant emissions and ensuring the proper management of stormwater to prevent pollution. Demolition debris and materials will be sorted and responsibly disposed of to minimize their environmental impact.

To reduce nuisances on the human environment, truck and machinery movements will be optimized to limit noise and greenhouse gas emissions at all stages. The use of environmentally compliant equipment and practices such as reducing idling time will help mitigate impacts.

Authorization

The Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA) has determined that the proposed project for the Demolition of G3 infrastructure and construction of the new Grain Terminal at the Port of Trois-Rivieres is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Therefore, the TRPA may exercise its powers to authorize the project, in whole or in part.