Reconstruction of runway 09-27 and rehabilitation of taxiways A, B, C, D and apron at Sept-Îles airport – Public Comments Invited

June 5^th, 2024 – Transports Canada must determine whether the proposed Reconstruction of runway 09-27 and rehabilitation of taxiways A, B, C, D and apron at Sept-Îles airport, located in Sept-Îles, is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, Transports Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

Written comments must be submitted by July 5^th 2024 to:

aea-eaa@tc.gc.ca

The proposed project

The main runway 09-27, taxiways A, B, C, D and the apron at Sept-Îles airport have exceeded their useful life and are showing signs of deterioration that could jeopardize their safe operation. Various geotechnical studies have also shown that the existing soil-cement mix has exceeded its service life, and that its structural function is almost non-existent. As a result of these findings, and to ensure that the movement area remains safe and compliant, the reconstruction of the runway (including the soil-cement), as well as the rehabilitation of the taxiways and apron, will have to be carried out.

This work will allow Transport Canada to maintain reliable, safe conditions by reducing the risk of foreign object debris (FOD) and the risk of unexpected runway closure to perform an emergency repair.

The work will also reduce the cost of maintaining these infrastructures, from urgent and unplanned (reactive) to planned and basic (preventive).

The project includes the reconstruction of Runway 09-27 and the maintenance of the taxiway and pavement infrastructure. These activities will include removal of the existing pavement, removal and disposal of soil-cement, excavation and off-site disposal of spoil, installation of granular subbase, crack repair, and asphalt paving.

The project includes the reconstruction of Runway 09-27 and the maintenance of the taxiway and pavement infrastructure. These activities will include removal of the existing pavement, removal and disposal of soil-cement, excavation and off-site disposal of spoil, installation of granular subbase, crack repair, and asphalt paving.

Surface profiles will be rebuilt or adjusted in accordance with previous engineering studies to improve connections with adjacent lanes and to facilitate water drainage and flow conditions.

Visual aids will also be replaced, and electrical work is planned in the control tower and electrical room.

The project will be implemented in phases to reduce the impact on air traffic, and Runway 13-31 will be used to divert aircraft. 

Equipment used for this work will include, but is not limited to: graders, hydraulic shovels, dozers, graders, compactors, pavers.

The project activities are detailed below.

 

Site Mobilization and Demobilization

This activity includes the installation and removal of all site infrastructure and temporary sanitary facilities, and the mobilization and demobilization of machinery and equipment required for the work. This activity also includes the operation, maintenance, and fueling of machinery, the establishment of work and storage areas at the site, and the use of the road network to transport materials, equipment, and workers.

Vegetation Clearing

Vegetation clearing is planned to maintain the obstacle limitation surface (OLS) limits of runway 09-27. Clearing will only target vegetation whose height conflicts with the OSL. An area of approximately 195,000 m² (19.5 ha) is estimated to be cleared. The majority of this area is located at the east end of Runway 09-27, with a small area (3150 m²) on the west side.

Reconstruction of runway 09-27 and rehabilitation of taxiways A, B, C, D and apron

The main part of the project consists of removing the asphalt pavement and foundation of Runway 09-27 and replacing it with a more solid structure. The work therefore includes excavation and management of soil and residual materials, backfilling of sub-base and granular base, and asphalting. Recycling of demolition and excavation materials will be encouraged throughout the project. For example, asphalt pavement could be used to prepare MR-5 type recycled material.

Along Runway 09-27, this work also includes the construction of longitudinal drainage ditches to properly drain and convey water to infiltration wells. These ditches will be constructed in accordance with the MELCCFP Stormwater Management Guide and AK-70-16-000. Finally, the rehabilitation of the main runway, taxiways, and deck will require electrical work to replace certain visual aids.This work will include replacement of cables and conduits, runway edge lights, threshold lights, signage, and lighting fixtures.

Work schedule

The work schedule is as follows:

Phase	Year	Description
1	2024	Preparatory work for the opening of runway 13-31
2	2025	Reconstruction of the western section of Runway 09-27 (740 m) and repair of taxiway A. Replacement of visual aids for runway 09-27, SSALR 09 approach, taxiway A, and temporary electrical work in the electrical room and control tower.
3	2026	Reconstruction of the center section of Runway 09-27, repair of taxiway B and the west apron. Replacement of visual aids in the same areas and electrical work in the electrical room and control tower.
4	2027	Reconstruction of threshold 27, repair of center deck and taxiway lane C and D. Replacement of visual aids in the same areas and removal of visual aids on runways 13-31.