Notice of Determination

Richmond BC – October 31, 2024 – The Vancouver Airport Authority and Environment and Climate Change Canada have determined that the proposed Northlands Enabling Works project 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; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures^[1] taken into account for this determination are:

Soil and Water Quality

• An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan will be developed to minimize erosion and potential introduction of suspended solids into water bodies. 
• A site-specific Emergency Spill Response Plan will be developed to minimize effects of potential spills and contaminants. 
• In the event of an environmental emergency involving impacts to wildlife the National Wildlife Emergency Response Framework shall be applied.
• Contractors and environmental monitors will be instructed to make observations of all soil excavations and report any visual or olfactory evidence of contamination.
• Soil testing shall be conducted prior to excavations in accordance with YVR Environmental Quality Soil Relocation Standard.
• Contaminated soil, if encountered, shall be segregated, and disposed at a waste disposal facility permitted to handle contaminated soil.

• Dewatering systems shall be inspected and monitored by the Environmental Monitor.

Air Quality

• Develop a Fugitive Dust Management Plan for construction. 
• Contractors will be directed to minimize machinery and construction vehicles idling.

Terrestrial Habitat

• Any construction materials or equipment brought to the site must be clean to minimize the potential introduction of importing invasive plant species.
• Vegetation clearing should be undertaken outside of the general bird nesting period (March 1 - August 31).  If vegetation clearing must occur during the nesting season a Qualified Environmental Professional should be retained to advise on appropriate bird nest survey and mitigation methods.
• Vegetation clearing should be kept to the minimum area required. Any disturbed areas should be restored as soon as possible.
• Follow ECCC Avoidance Guidance for Migratory Birds as outlined on ECCC website here: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/avoiding-harm-migratory-birds.html 
• Implement recommendations contained in the Ferguson Road Barn Swallow and Barn Owl Nest Mitigations Plan (McElhanney Tech Memo, Garrett Kerr and Courtney Lahue to Simon Robinson, dated April 9, 2024).

• • Timing of barn demolition should occur between October 1 and January 31 or as determined by a QEP.
  • Alternative nest structures should be provided for barn owl nest/roost or an appropriate offset program be conducted.
  • A QEP should provide oversight on removal of the barn owl and barn demolition.
  • Apply for a SARA permit for barn owl nest removal.

Wildlife

• All project activities, including mitigations and seasonal activity windows, must comply with the terms and conditions of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) permit which is required for the project to be carried out
• Implement the mitigation measures outlined in Terrestrial Habitat section above including adherence to timing windows.
• Continue wildlife deterrent activities that are part of the Airport Authority's wildlife management program.
• Implement vehicle speed limits.
• Construction activities must be confined to the project area. Prior to site works mark all clearing limits on plans and in the field to prevent project works from encroaching beyond the planned footprint.

Aquatic Habitat

• Implement DFO Measures to Protect Fish and Fish Habitat for any activity in or near aquatic habitats.
• The project should retain a QEP to provide oversight and advice if any work is required in or near water.
• A fish and amphibian salvage should be performed before dewatering or any works in wetted channel of a ditch.
• Any construction occurring in and around aquatic habitat should be conducted outside the Fraser River Estuary timing windows for protection of fish.
• Mitigation measures described above to protect water quality will also protect aquatic life.

Archaeology

• All work shall be conducted in accordance with the YVR Archaeology Procedures.
• Conduct an Archaeological Impact Assessment study prior to conducting the project.
• Develop and implement a Chance Find Management Plan for the project.
• All personnel involved in excavation and ground-disturbance work shall be trained in Chance Find Management Plan procedures, including stopping work if a suspected archaeology resource is encountered.

Social/Community Resources

• Conduct a proactive communications program to advise the community of construction activities.
• Construction equipment must be maintained in good repair with effective mufflers.

General Project Mitigation Measures

• The following measure will be implemented and will help to improve overall compliance and success of the mitigation of the potential impacts listed above.
  • Comply with YVR Environmental Construction Standards.
  • The project shall prepare a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) to summarize the project-specific environmental mitigation that the construction contractor will employ during the project to protect aquatic species and their habitats.
  • An Environmental Monitor will be retained for the project and should be on site for construction start-up and at regular intervals during the project to ensure mitigation measures are implemented and are effective.  The Environmental Monitor will inspect all mitigation measures to ensure they are sufficient and working properly.  The Environmental Monitor will be given written authority to halt any construction activity if it is deemed necessary to protect the environment.

 

The Vancouver Airport Authority and Environment and Climate Change Canada are satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, the Vancouver Airport Authority and Environment and Climate Change 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.