Notice of Determination

Port Moody, B.C. – September 17, 2024– The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has determined that the proposed Berth repairs for dolphins and caissons located at 2300 Columbia Street, Port Moody is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

The 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
• Technically and economically feasible mitigation measures

Best efforts were made to consult with Kwikwetlem First Nation, Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, S'ólhTéméxw Stewardship Alliance. The comments raised were:

• Concerned about the health of aquatic resources and interested in improving habitat and productivity of marine fishes. Requests that this Project adds a spawning component to the proposed works, specifically, the addition of spawning net panels on the new steel pilings.
• Recommends that the proponent adheres closely to all the conditions outlined in the DFO Avoid and Mitigate letter.
• Requests that any archaeological or environmental fieldwork taking place as a result of the Project be completed with the presence of a First Nation Guardian to provide oversight and that forthcoming documents including monitoring, incident, and conditions reports are forwarded to the Nation.

The Project was posted to the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry on June 27, 2024 for public comment. No comments were received.

Metro Vancouver was notified of the Project and asked to provide comments. The comments raised were:

• Update and provide the latest version of the design drawings.
• Confirmation that the application is only for the proposed works between dolphins 4A and 6A.
• Confirmation of the method of pile driving.
• Ensure that no work takes place within the GVS&DD licence.
• Noted that maintenance holes are located in the area of the proposed works and that the maintenance holes shall not be opened without their prior written consent.
• Requested the centerline of their sewer to be clearly marked before any construction activity takes place in proximity to their sewer.

Mitigation measures and/or permit conditions taken into account in making the determination include:

• Nest surveys will be conducted prior to any vegetation clearing during the general bird breeding season, between April 1 and July 31, inclusive, or outside this time if occupied nests are present. Nest surveys will be conducted by a qualified professional.
• All works will be carried out in accordance with a construction environmental management plan.
• The physical activities will be conducted to avoid increasing sedimentation of foreshore and nearshore areas and induced turbidity of local waters
• All piles will be removed completely by extracting the entire length of the pile from the river/seabed. If the condition of the pile prevents the complete removal, the pile will be removed to the extent possible to avoid leaving a pile stump which may pose a hazard to navigation
• The barge and other support vessels will be prevented from grounding on the foreshore, seabed or otherwise disturb the foreshore or seabed
• There will be no in-water works during the fisheries sensitive period from March 1 to August 15, inclusive, unless otherwise approved in writing by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) or the Port Authority
• The works will not deposit a deleterious substance in water inhabited by fish, or affect fish or fish habitat in a manner contrary to the Fisheries Act.
• All construction debris and waste materials will be collected in the immediate working area and disposed of at an appropriately licensed facility

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Should you require more information on the project, contact the Project Environmental Review inbox at PER@portvancouver.com.