The MMCD Documents Committee held its second session focused on the handling of contaminated soil in construction projects. The discussion centered on clarifying current practices, addressing gaps in contract interpretation, and setting a direction for how MMCD might better support consistency across municipalities and industry partners.
Meeting Objectives
This session built on the initial review by:
- Sharing member experiences with contaminated soil handling
- Identifying common pain points in current MMCD usage
- Exploring potential updates to guidance documents and schedules
- Preparing for expert input from environmental consultants
Key Takeaways
1. Current Practice Review
Committee members shared how their organizations handle contaminated soil:
- Some require an environmental report for material disposal approval.
- In the absence of formal testing, decisions are often made based on local knowledge.
- There is wide variation in how different disposal sites assess and accept soil.
The committee noted the lack of a standardized industry approach, which can lead to confusion, risk shifting, and inconsistent pricing in tenders.
2. Input from Environmental Consultants
- Plans are underway to bring in Peter Brown (Sumas Environmental) and a representative from Sq’éwqel First Nation (operator of a major regional disposal site) for future meetings.
- These experts will provide insight into current legislative requirements, classification systems, and risk management strategies for contaminated materials.
3. Written Submissions Requested
To move forward effectively, the Chair requested:
- Written submissions from committee members summarizing their concerns and perspectives on contaminated soil provisions.
- Representation from consultants, contractors, and owners to ensure balanced input.
- Submissions will be compiled and distributed as meeting notes ahead of the next session.
4. Deliverables and Direction
The committee discussed possible final outcomes of this review, including:
- Updates to the MMCD User Guide with recommended practices for handling contaminated soils
- Optional bid items in the Schedule of Quantities and Prices to improve cost clarity and risk allocation
- New guidance materials or a dedicated section on the revamped MMCD website for emerging or complex topics like this
There was general agreement that the MMCD Specifications are sound as written, and that the issue largely lies in supplementary deletions or inconsistent interpretations by municipalities.
Why It Matters
Contaminated soils represent a significant cost and risk on many infrastructure projects. Without clear and consistent approaches, tendering becomes unpredictable, disputes increase, and project timelines can suffer. This committee aims to bridge the gap by improving communication, documentation, and standardization within the MMCD framework.
Next Steps
- Members are asked to submit written concerns by Friday for compilation and discussion.
- Guest participation from environmental experts is planned for upcoming sessions.
- Meeting cadence is expected to continue weekly on Tuesdays at 10:00 AM.
