Hamilton Port Authority ‘willing, consistent’

The Hamilton Port Authority (HPA) has been involved with Randle Reef for many years, and as such feels it is important to clarify information on the subject.

Environmental remediation is a key pillar of the port’s strategic plan.

While there are different philosophies as to the most effective way of dealing with the contamination at Randle Reef, the fact remains that a Project Advisory Group led by Environment Canada reached consensus on the preferred “confine and cap” solution in 2002.

This method will address 99 per cent of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) mass at the site. The major stakeholders — Environment Canada, Ministry of the Environment Ontario, City of Hamilton and the HPA — are nearing completion of a detailed Environmental Assessment (Comprehensive Study Report) which also includes provisions for further public consultation. The report is expected later this spring.

Since 2002, the Hamilton Port Authority has shown leadership on Randle Reef:

* Took a lead role in the engineering design phase by providing more than $1 million of direct funding, along with project-management services, including the in-kind contribution of more than 2,000 hours of staff time.

* Has committed an additional $6 million of funding to the construction phase of the engineered containment facility.

* Will be providing two acres of commercial port lands at Pier 15 to support construction.

* In addition to the lands which will be used for project access, materials and equipment staging and water treatment, the HPA will bear the cost and responsibility for security for the duration of construction which is expected to last between seven and 10 years.

Federal and provincial funds have provided the momentum to move this important project forward; however, funding continues to be a challenge at the local level. The Hamilton Port Authority’s $7-million investment is the largest single community contribution to date.

The City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Port Authority are working on seeking additional funding from sources across the region.

HPA has been a willing and consistent proponent of the Randle Reef project since first getting involved in 2002. We are active at the discussion tables of the Bay Area Restoration Council, the Remedial Action Plan office and several other organizations. We, along with our other project partners, remain steadfastly committed to the Randle Reef Remediation Project.

Mel Hawkrigg is chair, Hamilton Port Authority; Bruce Wood is president and CEO, Hamilton Port Authority.