Environmental
report
The Port of Sept-Îles is evaluating its environmental performance through Green Marine, a voluntary initiative that looks at issues of concern for the maritime industry, including invasive species, greenhouse gases, spill prevention, waste, underwater noise, and community relations.
In 2021 the Port further demonstrated its leadership by providing significant financial support to advance scientific research around the Port of Sept-Îles, specifically through Université Laval’s Research Chair on Coastal Ecosystems and Port, Industrial and Maritime Activities. An underwater noise acoustic survey was conducted in the Bay of Sept-Îles and will continue over the next few years.
We also conducted a waste characterization survey to help the Port reduce waste and identify best management practices. The group project was carried out with two of our users, Ocean Group and Logistec Stevedoring, through a grant from the Fonds Écoleader and with the support of a subject matter expert.
We also redeveloped 101 Brochu near Retty street so the land can be used in ways better aligned with the surrounding residential areas. The project was carried out in collaboration with LFG Construction, which also did the repairs to the Pointe-aux-Basques Dock. Thanks to their involvement, it became the first GHG emissions–offset project at the Port of Sept-Îles.
About Green Marine
Green Marine is a voluntary environmental certification program for the maritime industry. Participants include shipowners, ports, terminals, Seaway corporations, and shipyards in Canada, the United States, and now also Europe. Membership in the program has grown steadily since its inception. In 2021 the program had 390 members, including 154 participants, 113 partners, 38 association members, and 85 supporters.
Engagement
The Port continued to be a beacon in its community by supporting local organizations that address social and environmental issues, including the Rivière Moisie shoreline cleanup, an initiative spurred by the Corporation de Protection de l’Environnement de Sept-Îles as part of Qualité Motel’s La Virée du Saint-Laurent tour.
January
18
2021
A total of 4,100 m² of capelin spawning habitat was restored on Val-Marguerite beach in fall 2020 by the Comité ZIP Côte-Nord du Golfe in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the City of Sept-Îles, and the Port of Sept-Îles. The effort, part of the “Monitoring and restoration of capelin habitats on the North Shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence” project, included removing 3,780 tonnes of riprap that has collapsed on the Val-Marguerite beach since December 2016.
“Protecting the planet and supporting environmental efforts in the region are a priority for the Port of Sept-Îles. We are proud to be involved in this initiative to reduce greenhouse gases and boost carbon sequestration through reforestation.”
Pierre D. Gagnon,
Port of Sept-Îles President and CEO
June
14
2021
The Port of Sept-Îles entered a three-year partnership with the Club de Golf Sainte-Marguerite to reforest a swath of land devastated in recent years by a spruce budworm infestation. To underpin its environmental commitment, the Port of Sept-Îles donated 35 mature trees for 2021 to help replace the ones ravaged by the insect outbreak. By 2023 more than 100 trees will be planted at the golf club as a result of the Port’s $15,000 contribution to this important cause.