Environment

Our comprehensive environmental study program that began in 2011 focused on key species such as salmon, coastal birds, southern resident killer whales, Dungeness crab, and important topics such as air quality and human health, amongst other areas of importance. This work informed our environmental impact statement, a document that summarizes our assessment of potential environmental, economic, social, heritage and health effects that could result from the project. It also includes proposed mitigation measures to reduce, avoid, or offset those potential effects. These proposed mitigation measures have evolved over time and continue to do so through consultation with Indigenous groups and input from regulatory agencies, as well as the report provided by the federally-appointed independent review panel who conducted the environmental assessment.

In 2012 and 2013, we established four technical advisory groups, comprised of local and international scientific and technical experts with specialized knowledge from regulatory agencies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and consulting firms. The purpose of the groups was to improve the relevance, quality, rigour and completeness of studies and information submitted as part of the environmental impact statement.

Each group provided expert advice regarding one of four key environmental components in the Roberts Bank ecosystem, including:

• Biofilm and shorebirds
• Coast geomorphology
• Productive capacity
• Southern resident killer whales

Experts reviewed existing information and field study work plans, identified priority information needs and appropriate methods of impact assessment, and made recommendations to the port authority. Terms of reference were established for the technical advisory groups, and input received from group participants is summarized in several individual reports.

The conclusion of our environmental studies is that, after mitigation, the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project is not expected to result in any significant adverse environmental effects. We are confident that potential adverse effects can be fully or partially avoided or reduced through project design and the implementation of environmental management plans.

Field studies at Roberts Bank have continued since the submission of the environmental impact statement. More information can be found in the ongoing environmental work section below and within the field studies page.

The project entered an environmental assessment process in 2013 and, in 2016, an independent review panel was appointed by the minister of environment and climate change to lead the assessment, under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012.

The review phase of the environmental assessment concluded in August 2019 following a six-week public hearing. The independent review panel evaluated what they heard and the information received throughout the environmental assessment process to develop its Federal Review Panel Report. The report was submitted to the minister of environment and climate change in March 2020. The minister is now reviewing the recommendations in order to develop draft project conditions. There will then be an opportunity for the public, Indigenous groups, regulators and other stakeholders to provide comment.

In August 2020, the government requested we provide further information, through an information request. As a result, the federal timeline for decision making has been paused, and will resume once the information provided satisfies the request. We will look to provide this information to government by early 2021 and are hopeful that a decision can be made prior to next summer.

Learn more about the environmental assessment.

Since the submission of the environmental impact statement to federal authorities in March 2015, we have conducted additional studies based on feedback and engagement with Indigenous groups, local communities, environmental groups, and government agencies. As an example of the breadth of this ongoing work, we submitted over 3,000 pages of additional information to the independent federal review panel, which was used during the environmental assessment.

Continuing on the work that was initiated in 2011, the field study team remains active, conducting a variety of field study programs at Roberts Bank on an ongoing basis. This work includes study on a variety of key species such as juvenile salmon, eulachon, Dungeness crab, biofilm, great blue heron, barn owls, and diving birds. The findings from these studies, along with ongoing consultation and collaboration with Indigenous groups, regulators and other stakeholders, are being used to refine our mitigation measures and inform our environmental management plans and follow-up program elements. This collaborative approach has been invaluable for ensuring that Indigenous knowledge and input from regulators is integrated.

We are also working with Indigenous groups and regulators in developing our offsetting plan as part of the Fisheries Act Authorization application that will be submitted to Fisheries and Oceans Canada. In response to feedback from Indigenous groups, we have committed to pursuing additional or enhanced offsetting on top of what was proposed in our environmental impact statement. The final offsetting plan will focus on key species and habitat types as indicated by Indigenous groups, including Chinook and sockeye salmon, eulachon, Dungeness crab, white sturgeon, southern resident killer whales, eelgrass and intertidal marsh.

We look forward to continuing to work with Indigenous groups, regulators and other stakeholders to refine our proposed mitigation measures, offsetting and follow-up programs to ensure the ongoing productivity at Roberts Bank for generations to come.

Learn more about the ongoing work at Roberts Bank:

• Western sandpipers return to Roberts Bank
• Protecting salmon at Roberts Bank

As a part of the environmental assessment process, we committed to 82 project commitments to protect the environment should the project proceed. These commitments include measures to reduce effects during construction and operation of the terminal as well as offset potential effects. This would be done through the creation of additional habitat, implementing environmental management and follow-up plans for construction and operations, and working with Indigenous groups and other key stakeholders on regional environmental programs.

Here are a few examples of our commitments to protecting the environment at Roberts Bank:

• We designed the placement of the terminal in deep, subtidal waters to avoid sensitive fish habitat
• In consultation with Indigenous groups and regulators, we will build new habitat including intertidal marshes and eelgrass to offset potential project related effects as a result of the terminal footprint. These habitats are important for many key species such as Chinook salmon and Dungeness crab.
• We will develop specific construction environmental management plans to reduce effects to the environment and the local community. As an example, plans will include avoiding in-water activities during certain times of the year when important species like juvenile salmon are present at Roberts Bank
• We will undertake follow-up monitoring to evaluate project-related effects and the success of offsetting habitats and will make adjustments and improvements as necessary
• Should the project proceed, we will develop a project-specific fund to support the recovery of Chinook salmon, a key food source for southern resident killer whales. This new initiative will be shaped with the input and collaborative efforts of Indigenous groups, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as well as other stakeholders.

See below for the work we are doing on regional environmental initiatives and for the full list of project commitments, read the RBT2 Updated Project Commitments.

We are also continuing to work collaboratively with industry partners on a number of regional programs and initiatives. While these programs are not considered part of our proposed mitigation for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project, they play a vital role in maintaining the health of the local environment and Salish Sea by addressing potential cumulative effects of port and marine shipping activity.

World Ports Climate Action Program:

We are a member of the World Ports Climate Action Program, a new initiative bringing together port authorities from around the world to work on projects that address the issues of global warming.

Understanding the effects of marine shipping on whales:

Since 2014, the Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program has undertaken numerous collaborative research initiatives to better understand and manage the cumulative effects of shipping activities on whales in our region, in particular the southern resident killer whales. Initiatives planned for 2020, such as voluntary ship slowdowns in Haro Strait and Boundary Pass and the voluntary lateral displacement for tugs in the Straight of Juan de Fuca, began in June.

EcoAction Program: Our EcoAction Program provides financial incentives in the form of discounts on harbor dues to recognize shipping companies that have made investments in their fleet to perform above and beyond industry best practices. This includes using renewable energy to reduce air emissions, installing propeller technologies that reduce underwater noise, or obtaining third-party environmental designations.

Enhancing fish habitat:

As part of our approach to environmental stewardship and sustainability, we have been proactively enhancing local habitat for more than 20 years. The Habitat Enhancement Program is a port authority initiative focused on creating, restoring and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat. It is a proactive measure intended to provide a balance between a healthy environment and future development projects that may be required for port operations.

Our New Brighton Park Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project received a gold rating under the Stewardship Centre for BC’s Green Shores for Coastal Development program. The project, completed in 2017 in partnership with the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and in collaboration with Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, provides high-value habitat for fish and wildlife at a site that had been infilled in the 1960s.

Rewarding environmental efforts:

Each year, we recognize marine carriers and terminal operators for their voluntary efforts to conserve energy and reduce emissions. In 2019, we awarded 30 Blue Circle Awards for their commitment to reducing the impact of port operations on the environment and on our neighbouring communities.

Recognition for sustainability:

We were awarded a 2018 Governance Professionals of Canada Excellence in Governance Award in recognition of our sustainability governance practices. The port authority-led ECHO Program received a Lloyd’s List environmental award, recognizing efforts to reduce the pollution of the marine environment in the Americas from maritime sources.

Learn more about the port authority’s commitment to the environment.