Project Description
Project Scope
Soletanche Bachy Canada was engaged as a specialist contractor to support the Port Hope Harbour Remediation Project, part of the broader Port Hope Area Initiative led by the Government of Canada.
Ahead of dredging contaminated sediments from the harbour, the project required the stabilization of existing quay walls and the construction of new quay walls in areas where structures had reached the end of their useful life. The work was carried out primarily using marine equipment in an active harbour, in proximity to sensitive environmental and remediation operations.
Solution
Soletanche Bachy Canada delivered a combination of temporary bracing and permanent dock wall systems to support remediation activities and long-term harbour use.
The solution included steel sheet pile walls, combination walls using steel pipe piles and sheet piles, and extensive temporary bracing to stabilize existing infrastructure. Installation was performed from sectional barges using large crawler cranes equipped with vertical travel and hanging leads.
To accelerate construction and reduce congestion in the harbour, SB Canada also designed and installed two land-based trestles. These trestles improved material handling, reduced reliance on marine plant alone, and helped maintain progress in constrained work areas.
All works were planned and executed in close coordination with radiation protection teams, environmental specialists, and the general contractor to ensure safe, controlled, and compliant execution.
Owner:
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Dates of work:
2021/12 – 2025/12
Location:
Port Hope, ON
Market:
Environmental
Sustainable development
Environmental protection was a core driver of execution at Port Hope Harbour.
To mitigate impacts to marine life and sensitive waterways, Soletanche Bachy Canada implemented sound attenuation measures using dual-line bubbler systems and turbidity curtains. Seasonal work restrictions were respected to protect fish migration along the Ganaraska River.
Additional controls were applied to manage contaminated drill spoils and harbour water, including enclosed systems for spoil handling and discharge. These measures ensured safe working conditions for personnel and minimized environmental impact throughout construction.
Project Outcome
This project demonstrates our ability to deliver complex marine and environmental infrastructure works in highly regulated and sensitive environments.
By combining disciplined safety practices, precise marine construction methods, and close collaboration with environmental and radiation protection teams, Soletanche Bachy Canada supported the safe progression of harbour remediation while maintaining reliable execution in an active port setting.
Key takeaways
- Successful delivery in a radiologically controlled environment
- Reliable stabilization and replacement of dock walls ahead of dredging operations
- Strong safety performance recognized by the client
Industry Recognition
Soletanche Bachy Canada was awarded the 2023 CNL Safety Excellence Award in recognition of strong safety performance, effective coordination, and commitment to safe work practices throughout the project.
