October 6, 2008
The Hamilton Port Authority strives to reduce the sources of dust and mitigate particulate re-suspension on its roads and properties in order to control off-site impacts. As HPA road and properties are redeveloped, methods to reduce dust by optimizing truck routes and road materials, as well as storm water control, are considered.
Temporary solutions such as calcium chloride can be applied as needed. Within the past two years, new paving or resurfacing of a total of over 14 hectares was completed.
The most significant project was the resurfacing of Pier 15 lands in 2007. The paving and grading of a 3.9-hectare former gravel site includes a new storm water passage system consisting of grease and grit interceptors. These units and the resurfacing project are in line with best practices for environmental sustainable development to protect the receiving waters of Hamilton Harbour with the added benefit of reduction in dust and dirt tracked out by regular and significant volumes of truck traffic.
Further paving of 2.85 hectares and a wash pad for trucks, cranes and other terminal equipment were installed at the Federal Marine Terminals Pier 14 site. The wash pad collects oils and wastewater runoff from equipment washing procedures while gathering the waste in catch basins. An approximate $100,000 cost associated with constructing the pad was shared between the HPA and FMT.
Additionally, HPA participates in the newly created Strathearne Dust Group and ensures twice-monthly street sweeping is carried out on the HPA-owned section of Strathearne Ave. N. at Pier 23, as well as several other roads.
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