Victoria, B.C. – June 28, 2022 – Transport Canada has determined that the proposed Lafarge Additional Barge Moorage in Victoria Harbour is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. 

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

  • impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
  • Indigenous knowledge;
  • community knowledge;
  • comments received from the public; and
  • technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:

  • An experienced environmental monitor (EM) will be on-site during in-water work to provide environmental oversight, ensure prescribed mitigation is effective, and alter as necessary if ineffective.
  • Time in-water works with DFO's least risk work windows (December 1 to February 15), to avoid or limit possible adverse effects on fish and aquatic species during sensitive life history stages.
  • Isolate work areas should be visually inspected for fish prior to conducting works, and any fish within the isolation area should be manually removed prior to conduct works and placed in the water adjacent to the works.
  • A 250 meter exclusion zone for pinnipeds, and a 1,000 meter exclusion zone for cetaceans. A 30 minute visual assessment will be conducted by the onsite EM prior to the initiation of project activities to ensure that no marine mammals are observed within their respective exclusion zones. Project activities will be ceased if any marine mammal is observed within their exclusion zone, and only resumed once the EM confirms either that the marine mammal was observed leaving the required exclusion zone or has not been re-sighted for 30 minutes.
  • Barges should not rest on bottom substrates; propeller scour of subtidal habitat should be avoided.
  • An exclusion device, such as protective netting or geotextile material (ie. Silt curtains) should be onsite.
  • Hydroacoustic monitoring will be undertaken at the direction of the EM if acoustic impacts are observed.
  • Drill cuttings will be pumped into a containment scow for upload disposal at an approved facility.
  • Direct or indirect releases of water containing elevated suspended solids or elevated turbidity will be minimized.
  • The EM will monitor in-situ turbidity outside of the immediate vicinity of the project site (approximately 25 meters from works).
  • Site and equipment will have emergency spill skills available.
  • Conduct refueling with absorbent pads present and performed in such a way that contaminants do not enter any drainage, groundwater or water bodies.

Transport Canada is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, Transport Canada may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.

Document Reference Number: 2

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