Notice of Determination

Surrey, B.C. – June 6, 2025 – The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and Environment and Climate Change Canada have determined that the proposed Maintenance dredging - S&R Sawmills located at 18887 98A Avenue, Surrey, 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

Indigenous consultation occurred with Katzie First Nation, Kwanlten First Nation, Musqueam Indian Band, Semiahmoo First Nation, S'ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Quw'utsun Nation, and Ts'uubaa-asatx. Themes raised were regarding mitigation measures around aquatic resources, project schedules, and archaeology.
The project was posted to Canadian Impact Assessment Registry for public comment. No comments were received. 
Stakeholder notifications were sent to BC Hydro, the Council of Marine Carriers, Imasco Minerals Inc. One comment was received regarding overhead electrical lines setbacks, which the applicant will adhere to.
The mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:

• There will be no in-water works during the fisheries sensitive period from March 1 to June 15, inclusive
• Turbidity will be monitored, and the physical activities will be conducted in a manner to avoid high induced turbidity of local waters
• A spill prevention, containment and clean-up plan will be developed for the project, be available in the immediate working area, and project personnel will be trained on spill prevention, containment, and clean-up
• The barge and other support vessels will be prevented from grounding on the foreshore, riverbed or otherwise disturbing the foreshore or riverbed
• All debris and waste materials will be collected in the immediate working area and disposed of at an appropriately licensed facility

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.

Therefore, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and Environment and Climate Change Canada may carry out the project, 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.

For up-to-date information on the project, visit our website.