Public notice 

Parsons channel maintenance dredging – Public comments invited

June 6, 2024 – As part of its Project and Environmental Review process, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority must determine whether the proposed Parsons channel maintenance dredging, occurring from approximately kilometre marker 51 and ending at approximately kilometre marker 56 is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Written comments to be received by July 5, 2024.

To help inform this determination and a decision on whether or not to approve the proposed project, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.  For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website. In addition, your contact information may be shared with third parties, e.g., the tenant, other relevant agencies, to help respond to your questions and inform possible mitigations.

Written comments must be submitted by July 5, 2024 to:

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Project and Environmental Review
100 The Pointe, 999 Canada Place
Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6C 3T4
per@portvancouver.com

The proposed project

The proposed project comprises maintenance dredging of Parsons Channel starting from approximately kilometre marker 51 and ending at approximately kilometre marker 56. Dredging also includes a sandbar located east of the easternmost corner of Barnston Island (approximately 500 metres downstream of the Golden Ears Bridge). The navigation channel and sandbar would be dredged to the previously approved design width, grade and sub-grades. An estimated volume of up to 280,000 cubic meters is anticipated to be removed annually.

Dredging would be conducted using a cutter-suction dredge and supplemental equipment. Dredged material would be pumped ashore and stockpiled at Port Kells Depot, located at 19395 98A Avenue, Surrey, for beneficial reuse. Dredging would be conducted twice a year, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, including holidays, during the fisheries least-risk window (June 16 to February 28).