The cleanup of historic low-level radioactive waste from several sites in Port Hope is unique in the environmental remediation field. Not only does the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) involve the cleanup of large sites in the midst of a thriving community, but it also includes the testing and eventual cleanup of thousands of privately owned properties – often residential homes. This aspect of the PHAI makes the task both challenging and rewarding. These two types of work show significant differences in terms of their scope, complexity, and the logistical challenges involved.
Major Site projects (the larger properties where waste was known to be stored either intentionally or not) are typically municipally owned properties where the bulk of the contaminated material in Port Hope was found. These sites represent approximately 80% of the total material which has already been placed into long-term storage. Major Site projects are larger, more straightforward to manage and less impacted by the logistical challenges of working in a residential neighbourhood.
The scope of work on Major Sites often includes significant excavation, transportation, waste and water management, as well as site restoration with the highest standards for safety and environmental protection. The cleanup of these sites is not without challenges, though the size of the site usually facilitates efficiency, and since they are municipally owned, there is no need to negotiate individual agreements.
In contrast, the cleanup of privately owned properties is often complicated due to the additional considerations involved. One of the main challenges is the need to accommodate the residents or business owners who are directly affected by the remediation activities.
Logistical elements such as facilitating alternative parking arrangements, continued mail delivery, and ensuring continued access for emergency services are all factors that must be carefully planned. Coordination with homeowners and residents is essential to minimize disruptions to their lives while PHAI work is being carried out. This process often involves extensive communication, coordination, and negotiation to address unique needs and concerns.
In addition to the sheer number of sites, (over 5000 privately owned properties had to undergo a suite of tests that take at least two years) the design reports need to factor in the stability of structures, the desire to protect property features, as well as impacts to neighbours. Further, the cleanup of these properties includes planning for restoration to ensure the property is returned to its pre-contaminated condition or better. Larger sites are usually devoid of structures.
The scheduling of work on these smaller sites is also challenging to ensure that the community still has access to main roads and thoroughfares and are not impacted by ongoing construction activities at several sites at the same time. Scheduling takes into consideration coordination with municipal infrastructure projects to minimize disruptions to neighbourhoods and the community overall; ensuring that any additional testing required is completed to facilitate thorough plans for work on each property prior to remediation; and finding ways to reduce the length of time and extent of the dig required.
Both types of work are undertaken with strict attention to safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection, though one may take longer than the other. The privately owned sites outnumber the major sites and even with smaller volumes of waste are major in every way. Restored properties, grateful owners and a cleaner tomorrow make the PHAI work MAJOR.
For more information about PHAI Major Sites click here . If you have questions about your property, contact us at 905-885-0291 or [email protected]
