Practicing UXO Safety at Lac Saint-Pierre, Quebec

Since 1952, the Department of National Defence has conducted tests at the Nicolet Munitions Experimental Test Centre (METC) in Nicolet. Until January 2000, test shots were conducted in Lac Saint-Pierre. Since then, the shots are conducted at a stop-butt filled with sand from which ammunition can be recovered.

Unexploded explosive ordnance (UXO) is the term for military explosives that were used but failed to function properly. In the Lac Saint-Pierre region, UXO are located at the bottom of the lake in the old zone of fire covering an area of approximately 160 km2, located to the South of the commercial navigation channel of the St. Lawrence River. UXO can also be located on the banks of the lake, especially when the water level is low.

Over the last few years, the banks have been cleared. Since 2006, no UXO has been found on the banks. Furthermore, UXO removal activities have been carried out in the Landroche channel at Baie-du-Febvre so that secure dredging could be conducted.

If you find something that could be UXO, do not touch it! If UXO is disturbed, it could explode and cause serious injury or death. Remember the location, leave the area and call 911.

The following are examples of unexploded explosive ordnance (UXO).

• Don’t touch it!
• Remember the location and leave the area.
• Call 911.