Archived - Underwater Unexploded Explosive Ordnance (UXO) Clearance of the HMCS THIEPVAL, British Columbia

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada (BC)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Final Decision

Reference Numbers

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 12-01-67334
Department of National Defence: ~~~~

Environmental Assessment Type

Screening

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Department of National Defence

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On April 19, 2012, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because Department of National Defence was the proponent for the project.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

The DND UXO and Environmental Legacy Sites Program will conduct a clearance of UXO on the wreckage of the HMCS THIEPVAL. A UXO survey, conducted in October 2011, confirmed the presence of UXO that pose a potential safety risk. The underwater clearance will be conducted using a team of 4-6 commercial divers and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to reacquire the locations of the UXO.

The UXO will be removed from the shipwreck and relocated to shore for proper disposal. There is no intention to conduct blow in place (BIP) operations for items that are not safe to move (STM) from the shipwreck.

The project will be composed of the following components: - Diving operations to reacquire and assess the condition of munitions; - Removal and transportation of the UXO to a pre-determined location for disposal; and - Packaging and transport of the munitions scrap to a Canadian Forces location.

The project activities will require a floating platform to conduct the diving operations, an area to destroy the munitions by detonation, and a staging area onshore. The project is planned for no longer than 15 days. No camps will be required as the personnel will be housed offsite. Best practice environmental management measures will be in place for all components of the project.

Marine traffic may be restricted in the project area during UXO removal operations.

Final Decision

On July 6, 2012, the new Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 came into force which replaced the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. As a result, there is no longer a requirement to complete the environmental assessment of this project.