Deltaport Third Berth Project (Archived)

Roberts Bank (BC)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Environmental Assessment Report
Minister's Environmental Assessment Decision Statement
Final Decision
Follow-up Program

Reference Number

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 04-03-3734

Environmental Assessment Type

Comprehensive study

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Environment Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Vancouver Port Authority

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On June 14, 2004, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because the Vancouver Port Authority was the proponent for the project; Environment Canada considered taking action in relation to subsection 71(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and Fisheries and Oceans Canada considered taking action in relation to subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

The Vancouver Port Authority is proposing to expand the existing Deltaport container terminal by extending the wharf structure and adding to the existing land base to accommodate a third ship berth. The proposed Deltaport Third Berth Project is located 35 km south of Vancouver, at the existing Roberts Bank Port facility in Delta, BC. The principal components of the proposed Deltaport Third Berth Project consist of construction of a fill area of approximately 20 hectares (50 acres) of land for an expanded container storage yard and the construction of a new wharf structure for the creation of a third ship berth. Dredging operations will be required to deepen the existing ship channel, adjacent to the new wharf structure, to deepen the existing ship turning basin and for the removal of geotechnically incompetent materials that will be directed to ocean disposal. Ancillary project components include the creation of a tug moorage area adjacent to the north side of the new wharf, relocation of a safety boat launch currently located on the north side of Deltaport, and the addition of approximately 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) of rail track, which includes the extension of the Gulf siding arrival/departure tracks from east of Arthur Drive to 64th Street in Delta (within the BC Rail right-of-way) The operation of the Deltaport Third Berth facility includes an increase in associated marine traffic (container vessels and tugs). The increase in terminal loading and unloading equipment (ship-to-shore gantry cranes, rubber tire gantries, rail mounted gantries, tractor trailers), and increase in associated road and rail traffic. Under section 3(1) of the Canada Port Authority Environmental Assessment Regulations and section 5(1) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, an EA is required for this project because the Vancouver Port Authority is the proponent for the project, Fisheries and Oceans may issue a permit or license under subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act, and Environment Canada may issue a permit or license under subsection 71(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

Environmental Assessment Report

Comprehensive Study Report
Comprehensive Study Report -- Appendix A: Owner's Table of Commitments and Assurances
Comprehensive Study Report -- Appendix B: Adaptive Management Strategy
Comprehensive Study Report -- Appendix C: Habitat Compensation Plan

Minister's Environmental Assessment Decision Statement

Environmental Assessment Decision Statement

Final Decision

A decision was taken on December 8, 2006 and was that the authorities may exercise any power or perform any duty or function with respect to the project because, after taking into consideration the comprehensive study report and taking into account the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, the authorities are 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 Vancouver Port Authority.