Centennial Park Remedial Action Plan, City of Sarnia

The City of Sarnia will develop a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) for Centennial Park, an 11-hectare site in downtown Sarnia on the banks of the St. Claire River adjacent to Sarnia Bay. The Phase I and II environmental site assessments for the area have already been completed, along with a risk assessment report that evaluated potential impacts to human health and ecological receptors along with recommended risk management measures. The remedial action plan will ensure that remediation options are assessed in a comprehensive manner, that the City provides an opportunity for public engagement and input, and that the remediation is optimally phased. The RAP will include a Health and Safety Plan for protection of the workers and the public and an Environmental Management Plan to outline disposal and transportation options for contaminated material and ensure that there are no off-site impacts from the contamination. Surface level, tar-like, material was discovered in Centennial Park in the early summer of 2012 and the subsequent phase-I and phase-II assessments revealed that the area was contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, and asbestos in the soil. The site has an industrial history of lumber and salt production, and was used as a waste dump. Contaminated fill was also used to extend the shoreline on the western side. Currently, the park is fenced off and cannot be used by citizens. Once the park is fully remediated, it will integrate physical improvements such as nature trails, parking spaces, trees, monuments, and a play-ground, and will be used for organizing community events and festivals. The development of the Remedial Action Plan for Centennial Park will follow the direction provided in the City of Sarnia Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP), City of Sarnia Official Plan and City of Sarnia Waterfront Master plan. Community engagement will take place through a series of public meetings, and will involve the Environmental Advisory Committee and Planning Advisory Committee, as well as the general public. The project could provide transferable lessons as it is located on waterfront parkland, which is frequently contaminated due to industrial activities. (Project description from original funding application)