Reassessment and Increased Utilization of the Southern Cytec Lands

In collaboration with the Regional Municipality of Niagara, the numbered company 1939522 Ontario Inc. will complete an updated supplemental site assessment of soil and groundwater conditions for the southern parcel of a large site formerly used for chemical manufacturing in downtown Niagara Falls. The site already has a Record of Site Condition which designates the area as environmentally sensitive, based on a phase II Environmental Site Assessment for a larger portion of the property that was completed in 2010. However, preliminary testing done in 2016 shows less serious pollution levels on the smaller site in question (16 acres) which merit less stringent, property specific standards of site remediation/risk assessment. If accepted by the MOE, applying property specific standards to the site would facilitate its redevelopment. The scope of work to be completed includes reviewing previous reports and studies on the site, and digging seven test pits to confirm pH levels and concentrations of metals, inorganics, and petroleum by-products. If the PH concentrations are within acceptable ranges for reclassification of the site, the consultant will also dig eight shallow wells to monitor groundwater conditions. All soil, water, and vapour sample will be tested in a laboratory to assess the degree of contamination. In addition, the consultant will develop a preliminary site design plan, conduct a market research report on redevelopment, and undertake a consultation process on the redevelopment with the municipality, Ministry of the Environment (MOE), and broader public. Subject to MOE approval, the final deliverable will be a revised risk assessment report/remedial action plan. If pollution levels do not merit a change in classification, the proponent will meet the requirements of the current Certificate of Property Use (CPU). The larger site was first developed in 1907 for the production of calcium cyanide and associated products, and was closed in 1992. Areas of concern include stock piled raw materials and chemicals; historical spill incidents; polychlorinated biphenyls; asbestos; radioactive materials; fluorocarbons; and underground and above ground storage tanks. It is estimated that impacted soil on the parcel in question covers an area of 27,500 m2, and approximately 33,000 tonnes of soil could be remediated or risk managed as a result of this feasibility study. The City of Niagara Falls owns a hockey arena on the southeast parcel of the larger site, and the two northern parcels, which are separated by a road, are zoned for recreational or commercial development, and subject of separate remediation/risk assessment efforts (GMF15072). The study is strongly aligned with regional objectives to built compact, mixed use, active transportation friendly communities in developed areas and limit urban sprawl to protect green space. It is also supported by Niagara’s Brownfield Community Improvement Plan which designates the site as a highest priority redevelopment area for future employment purposes. The proposed feasibility study will utilize a systems approach by connecting site assessment and remediation to the risk assessment process, facilitating greater opportunity during site design, construction and sales. (Project description from original funding application)