Progress in Bioremediation Technology in Montreal - June 20, 2004

 The progress of environmental technologies in Montreal has been highlighted, particularly bioremediation as a remediation technology for contaminated soil, and research led by the BRI Environmental Analytical Chemistry team has shown that the high-performance explosives RDX (cyclotrimethylenetrinitroamine) and HMX (octogenes) (octogenes) have been developed by microorganisms. This technology was initiated as a joint project between the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and the Canadian Department of National Defense, and proved that the explosives self-degrade into carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide through the action of microorganisms.

The technology is expected to be used for contamination within military training ranges in the United States and for environmental remediation of sites of former federal facilities affected by explosives and radioactive materials. The success of the project earned the research team an award from the U.S. Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP). The technology may also be widely applied to soil and groundwater decontamination in the future.

In addition, BRI established the Montreal Centre for Brownfield Rehabilitation (MCEBR) in 1998 to promote research in the fields of soil remediation and site rehabilitation. This initiative, in collaboration with the Province of Quebec and the City of Montreal, also supports 50% of the cost of soil remediation projects in Montreal, and is promoting the use of bioremediation technologies that are one-fifth the cost of existing remediation methods.

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Montreal is currently implementing a number of initiatives to clean up the environment and create a sustainable city.

1. **Carbon Neutrality Plan**: Montreal has developed a climate plan with 46 specific actions aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The plan includes reducing the use of fossil fuels, promoting the use of public transportation, greening the living environment, and reducing food waste. It also aims to increase urban resilience and inclusion [29†source].

2. **Soil and Groundwater Remediation**: To support environmental remediation projects across Canada, REGENESIS has decided to provide its technology and the direct support of its customer service team. It is expected that this will allow for the rapid and effective cleanup of soil and groundwater in Montreal. This initiative is also expected to contribute to the standardization of environmental remediation in Canada [30†source].

3. **Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion**: The City of Montreal is planning a major upgrade of its wastewater treatment plant to improve water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the St. Lawrence River. This project is an important step in improving the environmental quality of the entire city [30†source].

With these initiatives, Montreal is demonstrating its leadership in moving toward a sustainable future.