[Sorel] – [September 24, 2024] – The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency have determined that the proposed dismantling of the ice monitoring shelter project  - (Mousseau Island) is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Machinery and personnel movement must always follow the same trail footprints, which will have been previously determined and established in the permit for the SCF National Wildlife Area (NWA).

Bare soils (beaches, rocks, etc.) will be prioritized for tractor movement.

Machinery circulation within the NWA will be permitted under certain conditions. The GCC must clearly identify the equipment selected for the work within the NWA and comply with the requirements stated in the permit.

Machinery and tools used for the work must be free of invasive alien species (IAS) before entering the NWA and must be properly cleaned before being moved to another sector of the NWA, in order to prevent any spread of IAS.

If IAS colonies are present in the work zone or along the access path, they must be marked and avoided during the work.

Materials will be stored on and under tarps to prevent wind dispersal. Where appropriate, sealed containers may be used to contain certain materials and/or waste.

All waste will be collected and returned onboard the motorboat at the end of the worksite or the workday for proper disposal and/or recycling on land.

Ensure that all motorized equipment—boats, tractors, etc.—is in good working condition. Exhaust systems must be compliant with their intended use.

To limit exhaust gas emissions, equipment must not be running when not in operation.

Vehicle movements should be minimized as much as possible.

Use clean, well-maintained equipment. Maintenance must be carried out outside the Îles de Contrecœur NWA.

An emergency response kit must be available in or near the equipment. The kits must contain sufficient absorbent and recovery materials appropriate to the nature of the activities being conducted. In the event of an accidental spill, the leak must be properly managed, and an incident report must be completed and submitted to ECCC. In the case of a major accident, it must be reported promptly to ECCC's National Environmental Emergencies Centre (NEEC).

Refueling with hydrocarbons and oils must be done over a sealed hydrocarbon recovery system and as far from watercourses as possible.

A sealed hydrocarbon recovery system must be placed under the tractor during its storage on the island between workdays.

Machinery circulation and the use of tools on the island can disturb and/or destroy migratory bird nests.

Machinery movement could potentially kill mammals that may be along the access path or in the work area.

Machinery and motorized equipment used for the work must be in good working order, free of leaks, and clean before arriving on site.

Work will be carried out outside the general bird nesting period (May–August).

Before each workday, the access path and work zone must be inspected by clapping hands to scare away any animals that might be present.

Special attention must be given to the presence of animals throughout the work to ensure none are entering the area.