Minister of Environment and Climate Change visits Randle Reef cleanup project

Minister McKenna reaffirms Government of Canada's commitment to clean water for all Canadians

HAMILTON, ON, June 18, 2016 /CNW/ - The Randle Reef cleanup project is vital for Hamilton and the region. Thanks to an innovative public-private partnership and the combined efforts of the federal, provincial and municipal governments, the cleanup will improve water quality and reduce contamination in Hamilton Harbour.

The Government of Canada is strongly committed to ensuring clean, safe, sustainable water quality for present and future generations. Close to $140 million in funding for the project is being provided by the Government of Canada, working alongside the province of Ontario, the City of Hamilton, the City of Burlington, the Halton Region, the Hamilton Port Authority, and U.S. Steel Canada.

Yesterday, the funding partners involved in the Randle Reef Contaminated Sediment Remediation Project met to celebrate its progress and tour the project site. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, and Ontario Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Glen Murray, were accompanied by the Mayor of Hamilton, Fred Eisenberger; Mayor of Burlington, Rick Goldring, and Vice President of Operations for the Hamilton Port Authority, Bill Fitzgerald.  

The first stage of the project began last month. Minister McKenna assessed firsthand the progress already underway to clean up the largest contaminated sediment site on the Canadian side of the Great Lakes.

The project will take seven years to complete. Cleaning up the water in the Hamilton Harbour will be good for the entire Great Lakes ecosystem as well as generate economic spinoff benefits for the community.

Quotes

"Hamilton was built and evolved around the harbour. But the industry on which my home community was founded is also the reason this cleanup is taking place right now. I am thrilled to be back in my hometown to celebrate the progress we are making towards cleaner water for Hamilton, as well as the $150 million in economic benefits we'll see in our community when the project is complete, including job creation, business development, and tourism."
– The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"Continuing to clean up Randle Reef will significantly reduce harmful contaminant levels and improve water quality in Hamilton Harbour. Restoring the health of the harbour's natural habitat is critical for human health, the environment, and the local economy." 
– Glen Murray, Ontario Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

"The importance of this clean-up effort will see significant benefits to Hamilton and beyond, by improving water quality and generating economic returns through the creation of valuable waterfront lands. I applaud the work of all of the partners who have committed to the remediation and de-listing of the Randle Reef site."
– Fred Eisenberger, Mayor, City of Hamilton

"The clean-up of Randle Reef is important to the people of Burlington who, during a year of engagement on the city's 25-year strategic plan, told us they want to be a healthy and greener city. The responsibility for remediation, for reducing the amount and spread of contaminants through Hamilton Harbour and improving water quality and fish and wildlife habitat, belongs to all of us."
– Rick Goldring, Mayor, City of Burlington

"Hamilton Port Authority is a proud partner in the Randle Reef Contaminated Sediment Remediation Project. We've been pleased to work with the community and all of the project partners to bring this important initiative from concept to construction. We'll be there every step of the way forward toward a cleaner, healthier Hamilton Harbour."
– Bill Fitzgerald, Vice President, Operations, Hamilton Port Authority

Quick Facts

• The Engineered Containment Facility is a specially designed double walled, lined, steel walled 'box' approximately 6.2 hectares in size that will be constructed over the most heavily contaminated sediment.
• Stage 1—construction of the ECF with steel sheet pile will take place over the next two years. Estimated completion is fall 2017. 
• Stage 2—Dredging of contaminated sediment and placement within the ECF will take place the following two years. Estimated start is 2018 and completion in 2019.  
• Stage 3—Capping of the ECF will take three years beyond that. Estimated start is 2020 and completion in 2022.

Related products

Randle Reef contaminated sediment remediation project 

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Image with caption: "On June 17, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, Catherine McKenna met with our funding partners for the $140 million Randle Reef Cleanup Project. (CNW Group/Environment and Climate Change Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160618_C5078_PHOTO_EN_717070.jpg

Image with caption: "LOGO: Environment and Climate Change Canada (CNW Group/Environment and Climate Change Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160618_C5078_PHOTO_EN_717074.jpg

Caitlin Workman, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-938-9436; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)