Key Trade-offs Identified in Environmental Assessment for Port Expansion

The Port of Vancouver’s proposed $2-billion expansion at Robert’s Bank, South Delta is set to begin in 2018. Before approval, the project is subject to a federal environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. Last week, Environment and Climate Change Canada declared the expansion to have a “potentially high in magnitude, permanent, irreversible, and, continuous” impact on the Western Sandpiper bird population.

The main concern relates to biofilm, a slimy substance that accumulates on the tidal flats at Roberts Creek during the spring season. This biofilm is consumed by the Western Sandpiper as it migrates north. The Western Sandpiper is one of 23 species listed as at risk or endangered that lie within the project and marine shipping area.

In 2013, prior to the start of the formal EA process, Compass facilitated a technical advisory process to scope and prioritize issues and provide input on environmental assessment methods for this project. This included, as a key focus area, exploring potential pathways of effects between the project, biofilm and Western Sandpipers. We’re pleased to see that important trade-offs are being addressed transparently today, and will be following the decision process with interest.

For more details on our involvement in this project click here. For last week’s story in the Vancouver Sun, click here.

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