Determination Notice

March 14, 2025 – The Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA) has determined that the proposed Demolition of Hangar 11 at the Port of Trois-Rivières project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Project Objective and Justification

The Port of Trois-Rivières is undertaking the demolition of Hangar 11 to optimize the use of outdoor port space and meet the growing needs of users handling solid bulk and general cargo. Additionally, Hangar 11 is in an advanced state of deterioration, and the necessary repairs to bring it up to standard would be costly and unjustified given the Port's needs.

Built in 1957, more than 65 years ago, and expanded over the years, including in 1980, the hangar requires significant maintenance to remain safe and operational. Its current condition would necessitate major refurbishment work. Moreover, having been built long ago, its design is no longer suited to today's operational realities. Demolishing it will reduce maintenance and refurbishment costs while allowing for the construction of an outdoor storage area better suited to the Port's current activities.

The benefits of this project include better space utilization, improved outdoor storage areas, and enhanced Port competitiveness. The Port of Trois-Rivières is committed to complying with safety standards and environmental regulations, working in collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the success of this essential transformation.

The Port also intends to implement mitigation measures for each component to minimize or eliminate the environmental effects of the project, or even enhance its outcomes. These measures will be mandated for contractors during the demolition phase and will be included as environmental requirements in the technical specifications for future construction or maintenance work on the new facilities.

Description of the Hangar and Planned Work

The hangar measures 54.86 m by 153.92 m (overall dimensions) and has an approximate surface area of 8,500 m². Its structure consists of steel beams, with reinforced concrete foundations and flooring. The exterior cladding is mainly composed of metal siding, while the roof structure consists of wooden planks covered with an elastomeric membrane. The hangar also includes an office and a septic tank. The planned work is as follows:

Disconnection of public utilities (electricity, water, gas) and internal systems (cameras, fans, heating, electrical cables).

Removal and recycling of non-structural materials (equipment, furniture, doors, windows, insulation).

• Demolition of the hangar structure, including the roof, walls, framework, and concrete foundations.
• Demolition of the septic tank adjacent to Hangar 11.
• Recycling and disposal of debris in compliance with regulations.
• Leveling and backfilling at the foundation level.
• Management of contaminated soil.
• Ground leveling.
• Paving of the new surface where Hangar 11 stood, ensuring proper slopes to align with surrounding asphalted areas.
• Stormwater drainage for the new outdoor storage area:
  • Replacement of three catch basins located northwest of the current Hangar 11, connecting them to the existing drainage system.
  • Grading the area to direct runoff into the existing stormwater network at Dock 11, preventing water accumulation on the future asphalted surface.

Mitigation Measures

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

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

Biological environments will be preserved by limiting contaminant emissions and ensuring proper stormwater management to prevent pollution. Demolition debris and materials will be sorted and responsibly disposed of to minimize environmental impact.

To mitigate disturbances to human environments, truck and machinery movements will be optimized to reduce noise and greenhouse gas emissions. The use of environmentally compliant equipment and practices such as idling reduction will help minimize the ecological footprint of the work. Finally, clear directives will be communicated to workers and visitors to ensure efficient site management and minimize impacts on the surrounding community.

Authorization

The Trois-Rivières Port Authority (TRPA) has determined that the proposed Demolition of Hangar 11 at the Port of Trois-Rivières is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Consequently, the TRPA may exercise its authority to allow the project to proceed, in whole or in part