Archived - Reactivation of the former Shell Canada Petroleum Products Bulk (Designated) Oil Handling Facility at Belledune, NB, now owned by the Belledune Port Authority.

Belledune - BPA Tank Farm (NB)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Final Decision
Follow-up Program

Reference Numbers

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 04-01-2886
Belledune Port Authority: 074‑04

Environmental Assessment Type

Screening

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Belledune Port Authority

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On May 14, 2004, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because the Belledune Port Authority was the proponent for the project.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

The purpose this project is to upgrade, reactivate and lease the operation and maintenance of the former Shell Canada Petroleum Storage and Designated Oil Handling Facility at the Port of Belledune. In 2003, the Belledune Port Authority (BPA), in a manner consistent with its mission / vision, acquired this facility from Shell Canada, so that a complete service profile for existing, and future, marine and land-based users of the port can be provided. Since 2002, an average of 110 ocean-going vessels have loaded / discharged more than 2 million tons of product per year at the Port of Belledune. It is anticipated that vessel visits to Belledune will increase by 50% in 2004 and by a further 50% in 2005. To service this profile necessitates the storage and handling of residual fuel products, in addition to distillate fuels and lubricants previously handled at the existing facility. The balancing of Transport Canada's TP 743E (Termpol Review Process) and a good business sense generates the necessity to have one "over-seer" or "master lessee" to assure effective business results and effective coordination of emergency response capabilities. Principal Project: The reactivation of the tank farm project will consist of three principal phases after an API 653 inspection of the tanks, interconnecting piping systems, and an inspection of ancillary environmental management devices will have been completed. Once the BPA has been assured that all is in compliance with industry best practices (API Standards & OCIMF) and all current regulatory needs, the principal phases of the project will proceed as follows: The first phase of the project will be the modification of some of the tanks and pipelines. Residual type fuel products storage requires heat, insulation, and a mixing/blending capability. This will also means modifying some of the existing storage tanks as well as the interconnecting piping system. The nature and the configuration of the wharfs and the vessel needs may also necessitate the extension of the existing transfer pipeline system and additional, intermediate wharfside tankage. The second phase will be the re-designation of Belledune as an oil handling facility. The third phase of the project will concern the addition of those auxiliary or ancillary items that will contribute to the security of the facility. These items include but are not limited to: a small craft launch ramp, wharf fire protection equipment, wharf containment modifications and other wharf upgrades. Relevant Undertakings: The preparation of a master lease agreement between the BPA and the principal operation coordinator of the tank farm facility. The BPA master lease agreement will be structured to assure that all operational and maintenance aspects of the facility will be consistent with "Petroleum Industry Best Practices", API standards and not less than all regulatory compliance needs (present or future), and to assure that corresponding appropriate levels of experience and qualification are held by those operating (any part of) the tank farm system. The BPA master lease agreement will assure that environmental sustainability initiatives like the "green ships / green ports" initiatives of the Canadian government or vessel / port waste management initiatives mandated by the European Union or the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will be appropriately supported.

Final Decision

A decision was taken on June 2, 2005 and was that the authority may exercise any power or perform any duty or function with respect to the project because, after taking into consideration the screening report and taking into account the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, the authority is of the opinion that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Follow-up Program

It was determined that a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and/or determine the effectiveness of any measures taken to mitigate the adverse environmental effects is required for this project. For further information or to obtain a copy of the follow-up program, please contact the Belledune Port Authority.