Delta, B.C. – July 31, 2024 – The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) have determined that the proposed Maintenance dredging - Seaspan Delta located at 9350 Alaska Way, Delta, BC is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

The determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

• Impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples
• Indigenous knowledge
• Community knowledge
• Comments received from the public
• Technically and economically feasible mitigation measures

Best efforts were made to consult with Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Katzie First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation, Kwikwetlem First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, Musqueam Indian Band, Penelakut Tribe, Semiahmoo First Nation, S'ólhTéméxw Stewardship Alliance, Stz'uminus First Nation, Ts'uubaa-asatx, Tsawwassen First Nation, and Tsleil-Waututh Nation. The comments raised were:

• Requested information on potential fish habitat and substrate in the area, especially related to eulachon and white sturgeon, and proposed mitigations
• Requested that dredge events occur between June 16 and January 31 to reduce the risk to early eulachon runs, which was agreed by the applicant
• Requested information on site operations and the potential for contaminants
• Requested information on the disposal at sea referral and proposed disposal at sea site

The project was posted to the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry on January 22, 2024 for public comment. No comments were received. ECCC conducted a subsequent 30-day public comment period starting on June 27, 2024.

Mitigation measures and permit conditions taken into account in making the determination include:

• Dredging would be conducted between June 16 and January 31 to reduce the risk to early eulachon runs
• Dredging activities would start with a soft start procedure to allow for fish to vacate the area prior to the start of works
• All material intended for DAS would be disposed of under a valid DAS Permit pursuant to the provisions of Part 7, Division 3 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
• The works would not deposit a deleterious substance in water inhabited by fish, or affect fish or fish habitat in a manner contrary to the Fisheries Act
• A site-specific spill response plan would be developed prior to the commencement of the works
• The barge and other support vessels would be prevented from grounding on the foreshore, riverbed or otherwise disturbing the foreshore or riverbed

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and Environment and Climate Change Canada are satisfied that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Should you require more information on the project, contact the Project Environmental Review inbox at PER@portvancouver.com.