YUL Montreal-Trudeau International Airport - Development of a satellite jetty
Notice of Determination
July 30, 2025 - ADM Aéroports de Montréal has determined that, by applying the mitigation measures provided for in the project, the construction of a satellite jetty on the YUL site is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.??
This decision is based on the following factors:??
- Mitigation measures that are technically and environmentally feasible
- Community knowledge and consultation feedback
- Knowledge of and impacts on the rights of indigenous peoples
The main mitigation measures considered for this determination are as follows:
Management of vegetation
- Limit machine traffic and preserve existing vegetation.
- Clearly demarcate work zones.
- Stabilize soils in areas at risk of erosion and restore/reseed disturbed areas.
- Avoid storing materials on vegetation to be preserved.
Management of invasive alien species (IAS)
- Excavate soils containing invasive species and dispose of them in an authorized landfill.
- Clean machinery before/after working in at-risk areas.
- Use IAS-free seed and fill.
- Inspect soils before re-use.
Protection of flora and fauna
- Avoid work (clearing, vegetation control) during the nesting period (mid-April to the end of August).
- If work is carried out during this period, a qualified biologist must carry out a prior inspection to check for nests.
- If active nests are present, establish a protection zone and wait for the nesting period to end before resuming work.
- Comply with Environment Canada's Guidelines to reduce risks for migratory birds.
- Do not damage areas where milkweed plants have been observed.
- Check for the presence of species of special status and apply the relevant regulations.
Protection of water environments
- Carry out work in dry conditions.
- If fish are present, they must be relocated by a professional before work begins in the relevant area (permit required).
- Do not riprap the shoreline.
Protection of surface and ground water
- Divert runoff to sediment capture devices before discharging it to sewers or ditches.
- Protect waterways, ditches and sewers from the discharge of contaminants.
- Install and maintain sediment control measures (e.g. barriers, berms and basins) throughout the construction period and ensure their continued effectiveness during floods, periods of heavy rainfall and frost.
- Carry out stripping in such a way as to minimize erosion.
- Respect all applicable environmental regulations in work methods.
- Supply vehicles and equipment and manage hazardous materials at least 30 metres from watercourses and ditches.
- Ensure the decontamination and/or external disposal of contaminated groundwater where applicable.
Prevention of contamination and spills
- Install watertight drip trays under small hydrocarbon equipment.
- Inspect and empty bins after each rainfall.
- Use biodegradable oils for equipment within 30 metres of a watercourse.
- Develop and implement an Environmental Emergency Plan (EEP).
- Have spill kits available at several locations on site.??
- Ensure the presence of an experienced environmental supervisor during work in or near water environments.
- Inspect machinery regularly to prevent leaks.
- Refuel before entering the site, if possible.
- Use mobile tanks that comply with refuelling standards and regulations.
- Have oil recovery kits available in all work areas.
- Display and apply emergency procedures in the event of an incident.
Management of contaminated soil and excavated materials
- Carry out the environmental characterizations required for proper soil management.??
- Develop and implement an excavated soil management plan that complies with all relevant directives, laws and regulations (MELCCFP, CCME, ADM).
- Segregate, cover, store and transport contaminated soils in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Evaluate soil reuse according to current quality criteria.
- Use Traces Québec to monitor soils exceeding "A" criteria.
- Control the dispersion of drilling muds.
- Manage concreting water and dispose of it at an authorized site.
Air quality??
- Maintain and water unpaved roads and dry material piles.
- Limit speed on site to 10 km/h.
- Apply gravel to high-traffic areas.
- Interrupt work in strong winds if dust cannot be controlled.
- Avoid idling engines.
- Maintain machinery and anti-pollution systems in good condition.
- Reduce the movement of vehicles and machinery.
- Promote the use of electrical equipment and green technologies.
- Install dust collectors in the concrete plant.
Soundscape
- Implement a soundscape management plan for the entire duration of the construction work.
- Use less noisy work methods.
- Position fixed equipment behind natural or artificial screens.
- Avoid rattling rear panels during unloading.
- Maintain equipment and check mufflers/catalysts.
- Reduce reverse maneuvers; use white noise back-up alarms.
- Limit traffic to defined roads.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance of noise sources (e.g. fans).
- Raise staff awareness of noise issues.
- Carry out regular noise monitoring.
Document reference number: 2