· Created Date: 10/5/2016 3:29:59 PM
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Gesgapegiag, October 6, 201 6 On September 26, 2016 PESCA Environnement presented its environmental report on water and soil sampling near an asphalt concrete deposit in Gesgapegiag to the Micmacs of Gesgapegiag Band. The Micmacs of Gesgapegiag Band had mandated PESCA Environnement to proceed to a characterization of the area currently used to store asphalt concrete blocks from a nearby construction site on Highway 132 after members of the community expressed concerns about the risks that the asphalt could contaminate a nearby watercourse' The report entitled "Water and soil sampling near an asphalt concrete deposit in Gesgapegiag" contains the analyses that were performed by PESCA Environnement concLrning the surface soil surrounding the asphalt concrete pile and the surface water both upstream and downstream from the site. The report mentions that asphalt concrete is not considered a dangerous material unless it is contaminated by external contaminants. The report concludes that many of the contaminant concentrations in the samples were below the applicable criteria or even below detection limits. However, certain contaminants were present in the soil and surface water in concentrations that are not compatible with certain uses (such as residential uses). Notably, the report indicates that traces of petroleum hydrocarbons were found in some soil samples. Also, certain metals such as Nickel and Manganese were found in concentrations that, although they could be explained by the natural geological background of the region, are not compatible with certain uses. This means that the soil removed from the site should not be placed in a different site where these concentrations are not allowed because of the activities that are carried out. According to the report, analysis of the water samples revealed that the drainage ditch south of the asphalt concrete pile contained Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) above the applicable criteria for the protection of aquatic life and for the prevention of contamination. Manganese concentration downstream from the eastern watercourse was also higher than certain applicable criteria. 100 Penon Blvd, AO. Box 128Q Mada Qg GOC 1y0 Phona (418) 759-34{1 . Fax (418) 759'5856 1/.fi II-l!i- \ \ {1l_l\l__ Y$ilLl{5 ,
Transcript of · Created Date: 10/5/2016 3:29:59 PM
Gesgapegiag, October 6, 201 6
On September 26, 2016 PESCA Environnement presented its environmental report on
water and soil sampling near an asphalt concrete deposit in Gesgapegiag to the Micmacs
of Gesgapegiag Band.
The Micmacs of Gesgapegiag Band had mandated PESCA Environnement to proceed to
a characterization of the area currently used to store asphalt concrete blocks from a
nearby construction site on Highway 132 after members of the community expressed
concerns about the risks that the asphalt could contaminate a nearby watercourse'
The report entitled "Water and soil sampling near an asphalt concrete deposit inGesgapegiag" contains the analyses that were performed by PESCA Environnement
concLrning the surface soil surrounding the asphalt concrete pile and the surface waterboth upstream and downstream from the site.
The report mentions that asphalt concrete is not considered a dangerous material unless
it is contaminated by external contaminants. The report concludes that many of the
contaminant concentrations in the samples were below the applicable criteria or even
below detection limits. However, certain contaminants were present in the soil and
surface water in concentrations that are not compatible with certain uses (such as
residential uses).
Notably, the report indicates that traces of petroleum hydrocarbons were found in somesoil samples. Also, certain metals such as Nickel and Manganese were found in
concentrations that, although they could be explained by the natural geological
background of the region, are not compatible with certain uses. This means that the soil
removed from the site should not be placed in a different site where these concentrationsare not allowed because of the activities that are carried out.
According to the report, analysis of the water samples revealed that the drainage ditch
south of the asphalt concrete pile contained Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)
above the applicable criteria for the protection of aquatic life and for the prevention ofcontamination. Manganese concentration downstream from the eastern watercourse was
also higher than certain applicable criteria.
100 Penon Blvd, AO. Box 128Q Mada Qg GOC 1y0
Phona (418) 759-34{1 . Fax (418) 759'5856
1/.fi II-l!i-\ \ {1l_l\l__ Y$ilLl{5
,
To address those findings, the environmental report recommends the removal of theasphalt concrete located less than 10 meters from the watercourses beyond the highwater mark and the restoration of that area to its original state.
The report also recommends additional sampling and analyses of soil and water south ofthe asphalt concrete pile to assess both the level of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminationin soil and to determine if there are potential contaminants exceedances downstreamwhere usages such as fishing, harvest of potable water or irrigation are taking place alongthe watercourse.
The Micmacs of Gesgapegiag Band is currently working on a plan to implement therecommendations of the environmental report and to ensure the cleaning of the site.Further information on this plan will be made available to the community in the nearfuture.
The full report from PESCA Environnement can be consulted at the Micmacs ofGesgapegiag Band Office (located at 100 Perron Boulevard in Gesgapegiag).
For more information on the environmental report and on the steps taken by the Micmacsof Gesgapegiag Band to clean the site, please contact [email protected].
