Biopile Treatment of Contaminated Soil in Puvirnituq

The soil to be decontaminated in this project is from environmental rehabilitation work carried out in 2023 and 2024 on the site of the former garage in the Northern Village of Puvirnituq. A volume of around 500 m3 of contaminated soil is currently stored on a waterproof membrane, covered by a second waterproof membrane held down by tires on the garage site.

A biopile measuring approximately 10 × 20 metres in surface area and 2.5 metres in height will be installed on the site of the new garage in Puvirnituq. It is located around 700 metres from the village, which will minimize the impact (noise, dust) on residents.

The biopile will be operated in accordance with the Lignes directrices pour le traitement des sols par biodégradation, bioventilation ou volatilisation [guide for the treatment of soil by biodegradation, bioventilation and/or volatilization”] (MELCCFP, 1999), and the decontaminated soil will be reused by the proponent for its work in northern villages.

During treatment, the biopile will be covered with a watertight membrane and the water and gases will be collected, limiting the risk of contamination and the impact on village residents.