ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION OF CELLS 1 AND 3
SECTOR 103 OF THE MONTREAL HARBOUR
LOCATION
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
CLIENT
Rehabilitation Group including:
Montreal Port Authority
Noranda – CCR Refinery
Imperial Oil (ESSO)
Shell Canada Products
Environment Canada
Mr. Jacques Pageau
Tel.: 514.645.2311 ext. 2055
CONTRACT DURATION
2001-2008
Project Description
As a result of its long industrial and commercial history, Sector 103 of the
Montreal Harbour was deemed to be one of the most polluted spots in the St.
Lawrence River. LVM1 was mandated to develop technical options, draft an
environmental impact assessment, prepare drawings and specifications
and supervise all field work related to the removal of sediments
contaminated by petroleum products and metals in this sector. These
sediments had to be removed to eliminate the risk of wider contaminant
migration into the St. Lawrence River and to recreate conditions favourable to
the development of aquatic life. The process was facilitated by the use of an
environmental grab sampler, which prevented sediment from being
dispersed during the dredging process. As an added measure against
potential sediment migration, containment curtains and booms were
installed on the periphery of the dredging zone. A total of 53,300 m3 of
contaminants were permanently removed from the bays in Sector 103. This
amount represents 98% of the total volume of contaminants initially present
when the dredging work began and constitutes a rarely achieved rate of
success.
Scope of Work






1
Assessment of several applicable sediment management and treatment
options
Development of three potential management and rehabilitation options
Sediment biotreatment tests, dewatering tests, characterization and
modelling of odour dispersion
Identification of administrative prerequisites and necessary government
authorizations
Feasibility, cost, schedule, risk and impact assessment for each proposed
option
Comparative assessment and recommendation of the most favourable
LVM is a subsidiary of Dessau
1/2
TOTAL PROJECT COST (CAD)
$10M
CONTRACT VALUE (CAD)
$1.7M
KEY PERSONNEL
Director
El-Hadi Hammouda, Geol.
Project Manager
Patrick Turgeon, Eng., MScA (2006-2008)
Benoit Allen, MEnv, Geog (2001-2005)
Dredging Design
Scott McNicol, Eng.
Project Supervision
Bruno Vallée, Geogr., MSc
Geotechnical Specialists
Sylvain Roy, Eng., MSc
Noureddine Ghlamallah, Eng., MASc
Impact Assessement Leader
Sylvie Côté, Geogr., MEnv
Acoustic Specialist
Joris Brun Berthet, Eng.
Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling
Luc Arguin, Eng.
ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION OF CELLS 1 AND 3
SECTOR 103 OF THE MONTREAL HARBOUR

option
Assistance to the Rehabilitation Group during pre-consultations with local
representatives

Environmental assessment in compliance with Article 31of the Environment
Quality Act, as well as environmental screening in accordance with the
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and participation in public
hearings

Drawings and specifications

Sediment sampling and data analysis

Securing decrees and authorizations for the project

Project management, cost control, as well as environmental and technical
supervision of all field work, including dredging, dewatering and disposal
operations

Periodic presentations on project advancement and results obtained to
stakeholders.
Challenges / Innovations

High level of sediment contamination

Sediments affected by mixed contamination (metals and petroleum
products)

Harbour maintained daily operations during project phase

Hydraulic conditions in this sector (St. Lawrence River flow, sewage exit,
water intake)

Specific needs and requirements of each member of the Remediation
Group were considered

Managing an environmentally and socially sensitive portfolio involving
numerous stakeholders

Holding of public consultations in order to obtain the input and support of
the local community, which was actively involved in the project

Project carried out in strict compliance with all environmental impact
examination and evaluation procedures as per the Quebec Environmental
Quality Act and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act

Negotiation with the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans with
respect to fish habitat and wetland losses. At the end of these negotiations,
no compensation was required.
2/2