Rock Bay Remediation Project, Phase 2

Project Highlights

From the 1860s to the early 1950s, Rock Bay was the site of a coal gasification facility.  This long history of gas production resulted in extensive impacts to the site’s soil, groundwater, and harbour sediments.  The main waste product of the coal gasification process was coal tar, which contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are highly toxic and known carcinogens.

The Rock Bay Remediation Project, carried out by Transport Canada, consisted of removal and treatment of soil and sediments across approximately 1.7 hectares of uplands and 2 hectares of harbour floor.  KWL was retained to design remediation works to protect the reconstructed harbour foreshore.  The design needed to maintain the upland area such that it would be suitable for future development, maintain the aquatic habitat area within Rock Bay, and meet the marine habitat objectives set out by DFO.  KWL’s design consisted primarily of riprap foreshore protection with habitat features including oversized boulders, two gravel beaches, boulder and cobble fields on the bay floor, and riparian vegetation benches.