Water is important!
The public consultation on hydrology and actions to reduce potential impacts during the construction of the Lac-Mégantic rail bypass was held from October 24 to November 25, 2022. During the consultation, many citizens expressed their concerns about the project’s potential impact on well water quantity and quality. Transport Canada is committed to never leave citizens affected by the work without an adequate supply of water for their daily consumption.
During the construction and operation of the rail bypass, robust measures will be in place to protect groundwater and drinking water wells. In addition, an Oversight Program will be implemented before, during and after the work. The program will remain in place until the water table stabilizes. As a preventative measure and to provide a timely and efficient response, intervention thresholds for the level and quality of water in private wells will be established. The thresholds will be established for each well and be based on needs (private residence, dairy farm or business). Oversight Program details will be available in due course.
Various means will be used in response to any problems related to water flow or quality. For example, a new or deeper well could be built, a water treatment system could be installed and maintained, or drinking water will be distributed free of charge until the situation is resolved. The goal is to ensure an adequate supply of drinking water free of charge for affected citizens.
In addition, control wells will be installed outside the project influence radius to collect water level data in the wells and to analyze if fluctuations are caused by seasonal variations or construction work and, if needed, to intervene promptly.
It is important to remember that the owner is responsible for regularly checking the water quality of their well to protect the health of users. For more information on the measures to take to protect your well, please visit the website of the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs at: https://www.environnement.gouv.qc.ca/eau/potable/depliant/index-en.htm
We understand the concerns about the completion of this project in your community. Therefore, the project includes numerous robust measures during the construction and operation of the rail bypass to protect both the groundwater and drinking water wells.
Information
For more information on the work in progress, we invite you to visit the website dedicated to the project: https://tc.canada.ca/en/rail-transportation/lac-megantic-rail-bypass. If you have any comments, questions or complaints, contact us by phone 613-762-3584 or via email TC.InfoLacMegantic.TC@tc.gc.ca. We will be happy to assist you.
Issue No. 6 – March 2023
(PDF, 757 KB)