South End Container Terminal Rail Yard and Maintenance Shop

The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) is proposing a new eight (8) track rail yard at the South End Container Terminal. The proposed project includes the construction of a new maintenance shop with footprint of approximately 177 square meters (m²). Design will incorporate construction and operating details with the goal of creating a zero carbon facility. The project will create a new, relocated approximately 700 m², parking lot with 255 spots and access gate for terminal staff on the site of the disused truck marshalling and rail yards. An overpass will be constructed to separate cyclists and pedestrians from rail shunting. The project also includes modifications to the existing terminal rail siding, parking, truck marshalling yard and gate, and roadway to accommodate the new rail yard as well as the removal of the existing maintenance shop and remediation of the site, as required. Construction of the proposed consists of a new rail yard with an area of approximately 3,528 m² and 4,930 meters (m) of working rail track. This yard will be serviced by two rail mounted gantry cranes which will span all eight tracks and require the installation of electrical service and running rails c/w concrete foundations.

The project will require site excavation and subgrade preparation, gravels and asphalt, underground water and sewer services, electrical and communication duct banks, concrete foundation installation, complete maintenance shop and gatehouse construction, exterior lighting and fencing. Site grading will be adjusted to minimize the amount of new granular material that will be incorporated into the project. Waste from all construction activities will be segregated and disposed of in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Latest update

September 16, 2021 – The Halifax Port Authority and Transport Canada have determined that the proposed South End Container Terminal Railyard and Maintenance Shop project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:

  • Noise and sensory disturbances will be mitigated by maintaining vehicles in good working order and having work vehicles equipped with the appropriate noise reduction equipment (e.g., mufflers, to reduce noise). Work will preferentially be conducted during day time hours.
  • Site lighting will be designed to reduce potential for spill-over light and unnecessary light pollution.
  • Waste generated from Project activities e.g., the demolition of existing maintenance shop will be segregated and disposed of in an environmentally sensitive manner. Trash and debris will be removed from the site and properly sorted and stored to prevent material from entering the marine environment.
  • Dust will be managed, as required using conventional means (e.g., water application).
  • Runoff from the site that is silt-laden or impacted by other contaminants (e.g., hydrocarbon spills) will not be allowed to enter the storm sewers thereby potentially entering the marine environment.

Halifax Port Authority and Transport Canada are satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Therefore, the Halifax Port Authority and Transport Canada have 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..

Participate

Contacts

Christine Walsh
Stantec Consulting Ltd.
Christine Walsh, Environmental Planner
102-40 Highfield Park Drive
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3A 0A3
Telephone: 902-441-6364
Email: christine.walsh2@stantec.com


  • Location

    • HPA lands at South End Container Terminal Halifax, Nova Scotia (Nova Scotia)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Railways
    • Ports and Harbours

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2021-07-20

  • Proponent

    Halifax Port Authority

  • Authorities

    • Halifax Port Authority
    • Transport Canada

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    82807
Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

 

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