Report - Agence canadienne d'évaluation environnementale

Assessing the risks related to the project
The proponent also referred to the simulations of LNG tanker navigation in the
Traverse du Nord. He specified that the manoeuvres they would have to accomplish
up to the jetty would be the equivalent of those required for oil tankers currently
supplying the Ultramar refinery. The Corporation des pilotes du Bas-Saint-Laurent
explained that there are already some ships which sail upriver to Montreal, which are
comparable in length to the proposed project LNG tankers, and with comparable
draughts (Mr. Simon Pelletier, DT22, p. 24). Moreover, Transport Canada and the
TERMPOL Review Committee examined the study on traffic integration. According to
Transport Canada, the transit conditions of the Traverse du Nord have not yet been
established.
The vulnerability of LNG tankers in ice conditions on the St. Lawrence River also
worried several participants. In this respect, the Canadian Coast Guard was of the
opinion that conditions in the Traverse du Nord do not pose significant problems.
According to its representative, the ice tends to take the natural trajectory, which is
the channel on the south side, i.e. in the direction of Montmagny.
In terms of comparison, and more specifically with respect to the ice formation close
to the proposed maritime facilities, the proponent stated that, all available studies
indicate that ice conditions would be similar to those around the Ultramar terminal. As
is the case with this terminal, shoreline ice is expected to be further stabilized by the
presence of the proposed jetty, as is also the case for the perimeter of the base of the
Hydro-Québec towers. Ice is expected to continue to flow easily in the channel in front of
the berthing wharf, and it would therefore pose no difficulties to navigation (DQ27.85).
Lastly, the Municipality of Saint-Jean-de-L’Île-d’Orléans was worried about the
proximity of its shores to the proposed LNG tankers holding area. According to the
proponent, the anchorage point in this area is located at 1,665 m from the pointe
Saint-Jean. Moreover, if needed, the holding in this area would last only for a few
hours with two pilots on board. In this respect, Transport Canada stated that it does
not consider the anchorage area at Saint-Jean-de-L’Île-d’Orléans to be appropriate for
LNG tankers. Transport Canada is of the opinion that this area could only be used in
exceptional circumstances, in compliance with government authorities, depending
upon the existing situation. Moreover, Transport Canada reported that LNG tankers
would have to transit in the Traverse du Nord coming or going from the terminal only
when it has been established that weather, tidal, ice and traffic conditions allow it.
When conditions forbid it, then the LNG tankers will have to wait at the terminal or at
anchor in Sault-au-Cochon, Pointe-au-Pic or Les Rasades (DQ66.2).
♦ Finding — The Panel found that, subject to the project’s authorization, the proponent
would have to establish appropriate holding areas for LNG tankers, to the satisfaction
of Transport Canada
Rabaska Project – Implementation of an LNG Terminal and Related Infrastructure 135