Randle Reef Sediment Remediation Project
Hamilton, Ontario
The Randle Reef Sediment Remediation Project, located in Hamilton Harbour’s southwest corner, spans 60 hectares and addressed over a century of contamination. With 615,000 m³ of sediment polluted by PAHs and heavy metals, it was the largest PAH-contaminated sediment site in the Canadian Great Lakes. The Randle Reef Remediation Project is a joint initiative involving the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, City of Hamilton, Halton Region, City of Burlington, Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority and Stelco.
Stage 3 of this multi-phase remediation effort is being carried out through a partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit Business Corporation (MCBC) via MCBC Milestone Environmental Remediation LP, an Indigenous business majority-owned by MCBC.
This significant project aims to restore Hamilton Harbour’s ecosystem, improve water quality, and enhance fish and wildlife habitats. Future uses include new port land that will create new shipping facilities and economic growth.
Project Scope
Stage 3 involved the construction and capping of dredged sediments using a combination of 155,000 m3 of recycled materials from Stelco, +11,000 wick drains, water treatment, +255,000 tonnes of aggregates, anchor blocks and tie rods, +245,000 m2 of geosynthetics and geomembranes, drainage piping, and 150,000 tonnes of preload material for settlement.
Stage 3 of this multi-phase remediation effort is being carried out through a partnership with the Mississaugas of the Credit Business Corporation (MCBC) via MCBC Milestone Environmental Remediation LP, an Indigenous business majority-owned by MCBC.
This significant project aims to restore Hamilton Harbour’s ecosystem, improve water quality, and enhance fish and wildlife habitats. Future uses include new port land that will create new shipping facilities and economic growth.
Key Services
Dredging and Dewatering
Sediment remediation and capping
Marine infrastructure construction
Contaminated sediment remediation
Water treatment
Key Challenges
Unstable Ground Surface:
Construction took place on a moving ground surface, adding significant complexity to the design and build process.
Material Volume and Logistics:
The substantial volume of materials required for the Engineered Containment Facility (ECF) presented logistical challenges. Additionally, these materials needed sufficient time to settle before subsequent project scopes could proceed.
Project Solutions
Collaborative Problem-Solving:
Engaged stakeholders, designers, and contractors in a dynamic and flexible approach. On a shifting ground surface, adaptability was crucial. Design changes were addressed collaboratively to ensure solutions aligned with design intent while remaining practical to implement.
Meeting Project Demands:
Preload materials were transported continuously—day and night, weekdays and weekends, regardless of weather conditions.