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.
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, input from regulatory agencies, and the recommendations included in 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
- Coastal 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 participants is summarized in several individual reports.
Based on our environmental studies, 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.
