Phase II Environmental Assessment for the Development of a Multi-use Trail on the Municipality of Chelsea Rail Line as well as Geotechnical Studies to Minimize Risks and Ensure Safe Trail Use

The Municipality of Chelsea wishes to carry out a Phase II environmental site assessment (ESA) and geotechnical studies on the rail line that crosses the municipality from north to south. The objective of this feasibility study is to assess potentially contaminated areas that could be rehabilitated as part of the multi-use trail construction project. The project would contribute to improving soil quality. Chelsea’s objective is to maximize user safety, minimize the use of Gatineau park land in creating the bike path right-of-way, and using the rail line as a multi-use trail while complying with environmental standards and ensuring trail users’ well-being. This project is part of the Outaouais Region Strategic Marketing and Sustainable Tourism Development Plan and Tourism Industry Development Plan, in addition to being a component of the National Capital Commission’s Sustainable Transportation Plan and to locally being part of Chelsea’s Urban Plan, Active Transportation Master Plan (2014) and Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (GMF 13134 , 2015). The phase 1 environmental site assessment identified a number of potential contaminants including herbicides, light and heavy hydrocarbons, C10-C50 and metals (chromium, copper and lead). Up to 68 boreholes will drilled to collect soil samples every 300 to 500 linear metres on the rail line. In addition, groundwater observation wells will be installed in nine of these boreholes. The samples will be sent to the lab for analysis. In the preliminary phase of this study, the consultant selected in a call for tenders will use the data collected to deliver a preliminary report outlining the environmental and technical issues at hand. There will be consultation with local organizations and measures to be implemented for the continuation of the project will be determined. In the final phase, measures will be recommended to rehabilitate the rail line for public use. The municipality will consult its in-house services (public works and infrastructure, recreation, culture and community life and urban planning), as well as local organizations and groups (e.g., Sentiers Chelsea Trails). An initial public consultation is scheduled for July 6, 2017 and others will be held during the course of the project. Chelsea will develop five deliverables: • Rehabilitation plan including an implementation schedule; • Environmental soil characterization report – Phase II; • Report on the toxicological and ecotoxicological risk assessment and groundwater impacts; • Risk management report (geotechnical study); • Social impact report. The innovative element of this initiative is the concern for connecting assets (parks, village centre and neighbouring municipalities) and ensuring access to the river by way of Hydro-Québec lands. In addition, the project offers good potential for replication and the lessons learned could be help guide other Canadian municipalities in rehabilitating their abandoned rail lines that have similar development constraints and opportunities. (Project description from original funding application)