Tie Plate Shop (SCU 6)

Phase1 - Environmental Site Assessment
Report

5.3.6 Tie Plate Shop (SCU 6)

Located to the south of the Rail Finishing Mill, SCU 6 was occupied by the Tie Plate Shop building between about 1945 and 2001. This parcel of land is located adjacent to the former Bar Mill (Figure 5-1). Several rail spur lines are located in this area.

The parcel has been used for steel milling and finishing since the early 1900s. The building most recently was used for finished rail storage prior to shipping. The building was of steel frame construction with metal siding and roofing. The earth floor was covered with slag fill, with isolated sections finished in concrete. All environmental decommissioning of the structure was completed prior to demolition of the building.

Several railway tracks are located throughout this area, and many have been abandoned and covered with slag. Environmental issues of concern associated with the rail tracks will include creosote rail ties and potential contaminated soil under and adjacent to the tracks. In the past, used oil was often used for dust suppression on roadways on the steel plant property.

The majority of open space in this area is covered with granular materials. Stormwater catchbasins are located throughout the area, presenting the possibility of siltation and sediment impacts to receiving waters.

Potential Environmental Issues

Potential environmental issues are similar to those throughout the Production Support Area, consisting of petroleum hydrocarbon, heavy metal, PAH, PCB, HNC and solvent impacts to soil and groundwater as a result of historic activities. Atmospheric deposition from industrial operations in the area may have also impacted surface soils.

5.3.7 Former Car Repair Area (SCU 7)

Located at the southeastern end of the Sydney Steel Plant property, this vacant parcel of land is located adjacent to the Coke Ovens Brook (Figure 5-1).

The parcel has historically been used for the maintenance of rail cars, general storage, railways and a Pattern Shop since the early 1900s. The Car Repair Shop was built between 1914 and 1936 and was demolished in the early 1970s. The Pattern Shop was the last building located on the parcel. It was built sometime between 1907 and 1914 and demolished in 1998. The area is currently vacant.

The majority of open space in this area is covered with granular materials. Overland drainage in the area may present the possibility of siltation and sediment impacts to receiving waters.

Potential Environmental Issues

Potential environmental issues stem from the long-term use of lubricant, solvents and petroleum associated with the car repair facility, as well as heavy metal, PAH, PCB, and HNC impacts to soil and groundwater as a result of historic site activities, impacts from the DOMTAR site (refer to Section 5.2.1) and/or Coke Ovens Brook (Section 5.3.2), and atmospheric deposition from industrial operations and locomotives.

5.3.8 Former Foundry Area (SCU 8)

Located at the southern end of the Sydney Steel Plant property, this parcel of land is currently vacant (Figure 5-1). The area was occupied by the Foundry from 1903 to 1998, and has historically been used for the molding and manufacturing of metal components for the steel plant.

To the east of the Foundry were two small buildings known as the Riggers Shop and Sand Shed. These buildings dated to the early 20th century, and were demolished about 1960. Both the 1903 Machine Shop, and the 1959 Machine Shop that replaced it, were attached to the north end of the Foundry. The Rod and Bar Mills were located to the west.

The majority of open space in this area is covered with granular materials. Overland drainage in the area may present the possibility of siltation and sediment impacts to receiving waters.

Railway tracks are located throughout this area. Some tracks have been abandoned and covered with slag. Environmental issues of concern associated with the rail tracks include creosote rail ties and potential contaminated soil under and adjacent to the tracks. In the past, used oil was often used for dust suppression on roadways on the steel plant property.

Potential Environmental Issues

Potential environmental issues consist of petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metal, PAH, PCB, HNC and solvent impacts to soil and groundwater as a result of historic site activities, impacts from the DOMTAR site (Section 5.2.1) and/or Coke Ovens Brook, and atmospheric deposition from industrial operations and locomotives.