Lower Tank Farm Containment Berm Maintenance and Upgrade - Halifax Harbour Terminal

Irving Oil Limited is proposing the maintenance and upgrade of the Lower Tank Farm Containment Berm at its existing Halifax Harbour Terminal facility in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. This work is intended to provide for further environmental protection by mitigating any risk of shoreline erosion in relation to weather patterns and wave events. This project is in line with Irving Oil's continuous work to protect the environment and to operate safely, sustainably, and responsibly.

The main project components consist of installing silt containment measures, constructing a timber wall, placing armour stone on the slope, and constructing a toe berm at the base of the slope. The timber wall will be constructed by divers with support from a long reach excavator on the jetty. The berm maintenance and upgrade work will be completed mainly from an excavator on a barge. The project is anticipated to take place between October 2023 (pending receipt of necessary permits and authorizations and compliance with applicable regulation) and December 2024. The project will likely not be under active construction continuously from October 2023 (pending receipt of necessary permits and authorizations and compliance with applicable regulation) to December 2024. Instead, select areas will be likely worked on in batches, or phases, during this time.

 

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Latest update

Upgrades to existing berm structure at Irving Oil Facility – 500 Pleasant Street, Dartmouth – August 12, 2025

The Halifax Port Authority (HPA), Transport Canada (TC), and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) have determined that the proposed is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

The HPA, TC, and DFO are satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Mitigation measures for this project include but are not limited to the following:

  • Potential Effects on Water Quality:
    • Marine turbidity curtain will be installed to ensure sediment laden water will be container to the site
    • Heavy equipment shall be inspected and maintained on a regular basis
  • Potential Effects on Fish and Fish Habitat:
    • All measures outlined in the Fisheries Act Authorization will be followed, including all offsetting measures
  • Potential Effects on Navigation:
    • All TC regulations and guidelines will be adhered to so that navigation is not impacted
  • Potential Effects on Stakeholders, Community Members, and Indigenous Peoples:
    • If unexpected objects are found during construction activities, work must stop, and the appropriate authorities will be contacted

 

Therefore, the HPA, TC and DFO 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.

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Contacts

Tyler Boutilier, Port Planner
1215 Marginal Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4P8
Email: tboutilier@porthalifax.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Dartmouth (Nova Scotia)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Ports and Harbours

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2023-10-05

  • Proponent

    Irving Oil Limited

  • Authorities

    • Fisheries and Oceans Canada
    • Halifax Port Authority
    • Transport Canada

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    85986

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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