Wednesday, November 13, 2024 – The Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) has paused the soil remediation project until spring 2025 to allow more time for engagement and information sharing with stakeholders near the Agnew Lake Tailings Management Area. As part of this delay, the removal of the niobium rock tailings stockpile – currently stored temporarily on Lot 24 in the Bineshii Business Park – has also been deferred.
EXP (Engineering, Architecture, Design, and Consulting) and Nipissing Miller are implementing enhanced winter control measures to reduce potential radiation risks. This includes securely capping and covering the stockpile with protective tarps.
The stockpile was initially covered with 10 triaxle loads of Select Subgrade Material (SSM)—a high-quality gravel or crushed rock commonly used in road construction. SSM is “well-graded”, containing a mix of particle sizes that help it compact tightly, and “non-plastic”, meaning it lacks clay or water-retaining materials.
Radiation levels were thoroughly tested by EXP before and after adding the SSM, as well as after the tarping, to confirm levels remain well within safe limits. To further enhance safety, Nipissing Miller added an additional layer of SSM before tarping, exceeding winter control requirements.
EXP will continue to monitor the stockpile twice weekly, with bi-monthly radiation scans. After significant rain or snow events, they will also inspect the stockpile to ensure its integrity.
The MTO remains committed to completing this cleanup and will work to resume transportation operations as soon as possible. The project team will host another community information session prior to resuming work in the spring.
For project questions or concerns, contact:
Gen Couchie, Business Operations Manager
[email protected]
705-753-2050
For more information and project background, please visit: Soil Remediation Project
