OVERVIEW
CM3 Environmental was chosen to conduct a Designated Substance Survey (DSS) and a Nesting Bird Survey (NBS) to support roof system repairs at a federally owned site within the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) Gatineau Park. The DSS was required to identify hazardous building materials before repairs, ensuring compliance with federal and provincial regulations, while the NBS was conducted to protect nesting bird habitats in line with the Migratory Bird Convention Act and other environmental laws.
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KEY CHALLENGES
One of the main challenges was carrying out thorough environmental assessments without disturbing the surrounding ecosystem. CM3 needed to identify nesting bird habitats within a 100-meter radius while ensuring minimal disruption. At the same time, the DSS required precise sampling and analysis of materials like asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and lead-based paints (LBP) to comply with strict health and safety standards.
OUR APPROACH
To complete the NBS, CM3 conducted a combination of qualitative and quantitative assessments. This included a visual survey of the surrounding environment to document ecological characteristics like tree diversity and site topography, as well as a detailed inspection of the project area for signs of nesting bird activity. A point-count bird survey was also conducted using established Ontario and Quebec Breeding Bird Atlas methods, recording all bird species observed within a 100-meter radius over consecutive time intervals.
For the DSS, CM3 carried out a pre-demolition hazardous material assessment that involved collecting and analyzing building material samples to identify the presence of ACMs and LBP. The findings were compiled into a comprehensive Designated Substance Report (DSR), which included recommendations for the safe removal and disposal of any hazardous materials.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the NBS results, CM3 provided mitigation strategies to prevent any disturbance to nesting birds and their habitats. These recommendations followed best practices such as Low-Impact Design (LID) construction methods and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) guidelines. Similarly, the DSS report outlined safe handling procedures for designated substances to ensure compliance and worker safety.
CM3 successfully met all environmental requirements for the project, and final reports were submitted to the client’s project manager. With CM3’s expertise, the roofing repair project moved forward smoothly while maintaining environmental integrity and regulatory compliance.