Petite Riviere Community Park - Remedial Action Plan

The Petite Riviere Community Park Association, in partnership with the District of Lunenburg, will conduct a soil analysis and develop a remediation plan to establish a community park. Once the site has been decontaminated, Covey Island Boatworks will donate the 0.5-acre property to the municipality or the community association. The park will include picnic areas, a children’s playground, environmental and historical interpretation panels, and a bandstand for community events. Earlier assessments found high concentrations of metal deposits as well as some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons due to a fire at the boat-building facility, and the subsequent use by heavy road equipment. Following these assessments, remediation efforts were undertaken, and Nova Scotia Environment required further soil and groundwater assessments as well as the implementation of a management plan to address impacts on site. Consequently, this study will use monitoring wells to verify whether contaminants are entering the marine environment and will excavate test pits in the remediated area to verify that the previous clean-up was successful. The sample analyses will form the basis for a Remedial Action Plan, and are expected to confirm the need for a clay cap. The municipality will participate in the design of the redevelopment project, will make a financial contribution to the study, and may take title of the property. The project partners see the park as a major public asset that aligns with the municipality’s plans to create more green spaces. Other benefits include protecting the nearby Petite Riviere and its wildlife, protecting and remediating a strategically located site, creating a community gathering place, and enhancing the attractiveness of the community for both residents and tourists. This initiative demonstrates an innovative partnership between a community group, the landowner, Nova Scotia Environment, and the municipality, and can serve as a model for other small communities with limited resources. The community association will share its lessons learned through networking with other small communities and community associations, and through a case study about the completed project. (Project description from original funding application)