BLOOMING POINT, P.E.I. — Maritime Dredging is the recipient of the 2018 environmental award from the provincial government’s Department of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy.
The Island bridge contractor received the award after it successful replaced a bridge in a sensitive wetland.
When it came time to replace the bridge on the single access road leading to Blooming Point beach, Island bridge contractor Maritime Dredging was able to do so quickly and with almost no impact on the surrounding wetlands by using a “floating” bridge system.
The environmental award recognizes a contractor and a department staff member who demonstrate a consistent and comprehensive approach to environmental management.
Bill Wellner, owner of Maritime Dredging, said the recognition reflects the fact they tried to do the project in a way that respected the surrounding area.
“To do this work right you have to be conscious about the water and the wildlife where you are operating,” he said. “It feels pretty good to be recognized like this, because I know there are a lot of people in this industry who are doing good work.”
TIE Capital Projects Division engineer Matt Fortier received the department staff environmental award for 2018, and said environmental responsibility is something that’s an important factor in all highway construction and involves cooperation across government.
“There are a lot of measures that we take, from installing sediment traps and silt fences, right to making sure hydroseeding is done in time to get grass growing on a project as soon as possible.”
In addition, TIE’s Land and Environment Division works with contractors to ensure environmental standards are upheld when roads, bridges, and other construction is happening across our province.
Fortier said environmental protections take some time and planning but they are a crucial step in any successful highway project.
“It’s definitely at the forefront,” he said. “The end goal is always completing the project, but there are measures we can take to assure we can continue with as little environmental impact as possible.”
