The Port's environmental policy is based on a practical and pragmatic Environmental Action Plan comprising some thirty or so initiatives spread over 3 years (2007-2009), some focusing on issues of global responsibility and others on local integration issues. The goal of the plan is to meet three main objectives:

• Contribute to combating global warming by developing river transport
• Preserve water resources
• Develop, rehabilitate and operate our ports in an environmentally exemplary manner.

The plan can of course evolve over time, and further actions are regularly being added.

Concrete achievements

Under the Environmental Action Plan, all development work along the banks by the Autonomous Port of Paris (in Bonneuil-sur-Marne, first, then in Limay and Gennevilliers) makes every possible use of techniques to protect wildlife and water quality, while allowing port activity to grow. Studies conducted in Bonneuil (the first project to be completed) show an improvement in fish populations and in the variety of plantlife (14 species of fish observed…).

Taking the environment into account in development projects

Studies of the environmental context and impacts of development projects (hydraulic impacts, effects on flora and fauna…) and of the measures to be taken to limit them (offsetting measures, such as creating fish spawning grounds, for example) are all taken into account when preparing the projects of the Autonomous Port of Paris. Pollution treatment and prevention measures are included in development projects and every opportunity for environmental added value is looked into.

ICPE procedure monitoring

The Port keeps track of the procedures relating to the regulations on Classified Installations for the Protection of the Environment (ICPE) for the activities of its clients (authorisation applications, end of activity declarations…)

Soil pollution

The Autonomous Port of Paris conducts regular monitoring of soil and groundwater quality by carrying out diagnoses, in particular on the occasion of changes of tenant or property acquisitions. In 2008, some 20 soil diagnoses were conducted by the various entities of the Port. For these diagnoses and for pollution remediation operations, the Autonomous Port of Paris relies on the know-how of specialised consulting and depollution firms.

Water pollution

Various action is being taken on waste and storm water pollution: waste water disposal audits, inspections carried out under the French Law on Water, discharge contracts, design and construction of water collection and treatment systems (such as the vacuum waste water network commissioned in Bonneuil-sur-Marne).

Sediment pollution

Sampling and analysis campaigns are carried out systematically to assess port sediment quality before dredging, and full characterisation of all the ports is currently underway. Studies are underway into how to improve dredging sediment management, and monitoring is conducted on compliance with the applicable regulations.

Waterway maintenance

The Autonomous Port of Paris is taking part in cleaning up the region's bodies of water thanks to the Silure, a boat specialised in waste collection.
In 2006, it collected 185 skiploads representing 167 tonnes of waste, and handled waste-collection operations for the Paris Plage operation. In the Yvelines area, a contract has been signed with the Local Council and Voies Navigables de France (French Waterways) to use the boat. The Equipment and Engineering Department has also been pursuing its collaboration with the Organe de Sauvetage Ecologique (OSE) Association, organising cleaning events, especially in the area around Epinay/Argenteuil in Seine-Saint-Denis, in Alfortville, Ivry and Vitry in the Val-de-Marne, in Vigneux in the Essonne and in the Berges de Poissy area in the Yvelines.

For any questions or queries you might have, the Environment Department is at your disposal.