Enhancement Project Preliminary Results Announced

I thought you might find this of interest respecting the Ambassador Bridge Enhancement Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMBASSADOR BRIDGE SHARES PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS FINDINGS WITH THE COMMUNITY

WINDSOR, ONT. June 25, 2007— The Ambassador Bridge Enhancement Project will improve air quality and reduce noise and vibration, according to preliminary environmental results that will be revealed Monday and Tuesday to Windsor residents during a Public Open House from 4-8 p.m. at the Lebel Building at the University of Windsor. The Enhancement Project modifies the existing crossing by shifting the traffic that currently crosses the Ambassador Bridge approximately 100 feet to the west onto a new six lane, cable stayed structure.

“We are holding the open house sessions because we felt it was important to share these very positive findings from our environmental studies with the community,” said Dan Stamper, president of the Ambassador Bridge.

Air Quality

Using the study area of the current Bridge, the Enhancement Project area, Huron Church Road and arterial roads, sensitive receptors were used to determine air quality and results were modeled using software certified by both Environment Canada and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The results indicate that air quality is predicted to improve with the Ambassador Bridge Enhancement Project.

Noise

Using the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Transportation guidelines, noise sensitive receptors were used to measure existing sound levels and predict future sound levels. Current sound was measured at an average of 64 decibels and was predicted at 65 decibels in 2021 with the Ambassador Bridge Enhancement Project. The predicted sound levels without the Enhancement Project will be 66 decibels in 2021.

Vibration

The ground-bourne vibration study revealed that current vibration levels can be perceived by people standing on the ground and are below the range at which cosmetic damage would be anticipated. In order to reduce ground-bourne vibration, new bridge piers will be built on piles driven to bedrock.

Vegetation

Following an inventory of vegetation species by a licensed biologist, no rare or endangered species were identified in the construction area. During construction all mature vegetation will be respected.

Mammals

The Enhancement Project area does not provide suitable habitat for either threatened or endangered mammals.

Avian Species

To avoid bird collisions, the Enhancement Project will use cable stays four inches in diameter that can be easily detected and non-reflective surfaces will be used.

Reptiles, Amphibians and Insects

Measures will be taken during construction to ensure these populations will not be impacted. A sediment and and erosion control plan will be implemented to protect the bank habitat.

Surface Water

The Enhancement Project will have minimal impact on surface water quality and quantity. Impacts from any surface runoff will be mitigated by controlling surface water runoff during construction.

Groundwater

Impacts to groundwater flows will be minimal. Any construction materials that come in contact with groundwater flow will be non-reactive.


Fish and Fish Habitat

There are no adverse impacts on fish and fish habitat from the construction or operation of the Enhancement Project. No piers are situated in the Detroit River and will be located a minimum of 30 metres south of the river bank.