Feasibility Study for Rehabilitating the Old Stanley Plant in Roxton Pond: Characterization, Analysis of Optimal Decontamination Method and Remediation Plan

The purpose of this project is to restore a 2.8 hectare privately owned property in the Municipality of Roxton Pond in Quebec, a municipality that was previously known for its industrial specialization as a carpentry tool manufacturing hub. Before the property was acquired by 9034-8673 Québec inc., a local privately held company whose main activities involved operating industrial buildings, the site was occupied by Stanley Rule & Level Works. The soil on site was contaminated by the industrial activities carried out by this company. An initial Phase I environmental site assessment was performed in 2006 followed by a Phase II assessment in 2007. In partnership with the Municipality of Roxton Pond, 9034-8673 Québec inc. is now planning to conduct an additional characterization study to provide a more detailed assessment of the scope of the soil contamination at the site. Following the characterization study, three scenarios will be tested on a small part of the land to determine the most appropriate soil remediation method and bring the site into compliance with provincial environmental standards set by the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change (MDDELCC). The applicant will remain in contact with the MDDELCC to ensure the solution selected is approved by the province. The three soil remediation options are: physical separation by adding backfill, in situ soil solidification/stabilization with cement, and a combination of these two methods. The results of the investigation of these three methods will result in a pilot project, to determine the site remediation plan. Once the method is selected, the plan is to decontaminate the rest of the site including 50% of the soil in situ, which will reduce the amount of contaminated soil that is transported. Once the soil remediation process is complete, part of the site will be developed as a parking lot. The applicant, in conjunction with the municipality, also decided to preserve part of the old Stanley plant and convert it into office space as well as commercial or industrial rental space. A space to commemorate the operations of the old Stanley plant is also included as part of the project. The project will improve water quality in the nearby Mawcook River owing to reduced contaminant migration risk. Since this is a small municipality, local residents could benefit economically from the soil remediation project through an increased tax base, as well as socially through better public health and quality of life. The knowledge value is tied to the fact that the proposed methods are still not in widespread use in Quebec and Canada. A better understanding of the use of these methods and their environmental, social and economic impacts, especially for small rural communities, is therefore needed. (Project description from original funding application)