Notice of determination

City of Richmond, B.C. – November 13, 2024– The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has determined that the proposed building demolition located at 7028 York Road, Richmond 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, Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Katzie First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, Musqueam Indian Band, Penelakut Tribe, Semiahmoo First Nation, S'ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance, Stz'uminus First Nation, Ts'uubaa-asatx First Nation, Tsawwassen First Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation. The themes raised were:

• Request to have a cultural monitor on site during project works and further archaeological assessments for the project area.
• Clarification on whether contaminated soils and groundwater would be addressed during or after the demolition is completed.
• Request to update the Construction Environmental Management Plan.
• Concern about the site's environmental quality and future remediation plans.
• Concerns involving substantial ground disturbance with potential alterations to land, surface and groundwater sources.
• Request for Applicant to conduct an Archaeological Impact Assessment and/or archaeological monitoring be conducted for all ground disturbing works.

The project was posted to the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry on June 13, 2024 for public comment. No comments were received.

The City of Richmond, Adesa Auctions Canada Corporation and Piret Holdings Inc. were notified of the Project. No comments were received.

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.
• Any invasive plants will be managed in a manner that prevents their spread.
• Soils excavated from the project site that are not suitable for backfill will be disposed of at appropriate off-site facilities
• Any suspected contaminated materials will be contained, tested and disposed of at appropriate licensed off-site facilities
• Soils and other materials brought to the site will be clean and free of environmental contamination, invasive species, and noxious weeds.
• 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.

For questions regarding the proposed project, please contact the Project and Environmental Review team at PER@portvancouver.com.