Notice of Determination

Vancouver, BC – October 28, 2024 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada has decided that the Pacific Science Enterprise Center- Marine infrastructure Upgrades project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
In making this determination, Fisheries and Oceans Canada considered the following factors and mitigation measures:
Factors
•    Impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples: engagement has confirmed that the activities within the project will not have a negative       impact on their rights
•    Indigenous knowledge: project activities will not negatively impact the surrounding traditionally used land and water
•    Comments received from the public: One public comment was received, however, it was unrelated to the project. 
Mitigation Measures
To minimize disturbance to habitat, a summary of this process is outlined below: 

•    Vibratory hammers will be the method used during pile replacement in order to reduce the noise pollution caused from pile driving 
•    In-water works, undertakings and activities are to be scheduled to respect timing windows to protect fish, including their eggs, juveniles, spawning adults, and/or the organisms on which they feed and migrate. 
•    If there is a risk of harm to a marine mammal from direct contact, temporarily suspend works until there is no longer risk of harm from direct contact or the individual has not been re-sighted for 30 minutes. 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is satisfied that there is little potential for the project to cause adverse environmental effects on areas of federal jurisdiction. Environmental effects that are within provincial jurisdiction would be addressed through provincial regulations.
Therefore, Fisheries and Oceans Canada may exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.