Notice of Impact Assessment Decision with Reasons

Ottawa — October 28, 2021 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) has decided that an impact assessment is required for the GCT Deltaport Expansion - Berth Four Project (the Project) located in Delta, British Columbia.

In accordance with subsection 16(2) of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), the Agency has taken into account each of the following factors:

  • the proponent's Detailed Project Description, and its response to the summary of relevant issues. The Agency is satisfied that, for the purpose of determining whether an impact assessment is required, this information provided by the proponent adequately characterizes the potential effects of the Project;
  • the possibility that carrying out the Project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction and adverse direct and incidental effects;
  • adverse impacts that the Project may have on the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982; and
  • comments received from the public, Indigenous groups, federal authorities and other jurisdictions in relation to the Project. These comments are reflected in the Joint Summary of Issues and Engagement document.

The Lower Mainland Region in general has not been the subject of a federal strategic or regional assessment. The proponent identified the Strategic Assessment of Climate Change as relevant to the Project.

In light of the factors considered, the Agency is of the view that the Project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, including potential effects on fish and fish habitat, aquatic species, migratory birds, federal lands and lands outside Canada, and changes to the health, social, economic and environmental conditions of Indigenous peoples. The Project may also adversely impact the rights of Indigenous peoples. As a result, the Agency has decided that an impact assessment under the IAA is required.

For further information on this impact assessment, please contact deltaport@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.

Document Reference Number: 72

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