Entry Island: contaminated sediments will be returned to the water

The contaminated sediments temporarily stored on Entry Island will be returned to the water.

Following the spring dredging operations, some 1200 m3 of sand removed from the island’s harbour had been stored in the wharf area because it contained heavy metals, more specifically chromium and nickel.

Since then, other analyses have been carried out and have revealed that chromium is indeed present in the sediments, but in a concentration below the danger threshold, says the director of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada area office, Cédric Arseneau.

The source of the contamination remains unknown at this time and it is almost impossible to hope to pinpoint it because of the countless possibilities, he says.

The sediment will be returned to the water shortly and the process should take a few days at most, he says.

Arseneau adds that more dredging may take place at Entry Island after the lobster season and that discussions are underway to review the operations strategy in consultation with the Société des traversiers du Québec.

Last winter, the early silting of the island’s harbour prevented vehicles from boarding the Ivan-Quinn ferry for more than a month, including ambulances, to the great displeasure of residents.