Interior Renovations (fit-up) and Heating and electrical upgrades
July 23,2026- The authority has determined that the proposed Interior Renovations (fit-up) and Heating and Electrical Upgrades project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
This 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; and
- technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.
Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:
Potential pollution of soil and water resources due to accidental release of contaminants to stormwater systems or land.
During the construction phase of the Project, equipment and vehicles will be mobilized on site for the trenching and installation of the conduit lines. The presence of this machinery provides a low likelihood of an accidental spill or leak of hazardous materials. However, to further reduce the likelihood of contamination soils or municipal storm water catch basins from accidental spills or leaks:
- Equipment and containers will be in good working order and inspected for leaks or malfunctions prior to use onsite. Containers must also be adequately sealed with proper fitting lids, caps, bungs or valves to prevent spills and leaks.
- Drip pans capable of receiving 110% of the volume of fuel containers will be placed under equipment when not in use.
- An adequately stocked spill kit will always be available on-site.
- Catch basins will be covered or protected with adequate spill protection devices during construction works.
- Fuel containers must be labelled as per Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS),
The Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations, and be consistent with the Fire Code.
- Small containers (defined as less than 230L in the Field Guide to Fuel Handling, Transportation & Storage) that are used to store flammable or combustible liquids must meet design specifications of the Fire Code.
- Small TDG tanks (less than 454L) must be designed, built, filled and sealed so that under normal handling and transport conditions, no discharge, emissions or escape of the dangerous goods that could endanger the public will occur.
- Secondary containment will be required for truck-box fuel tanks that are more than 230L and are removed from the truck or other vehicle and operated in a fixed location for any length of time.
- Important note: secondary containment must have a capacity of more than 110% of the holding tank;
- Tanks and onsite storage will comply with the BC Provincial Fire Code, the CCME Environmental Code of Practices for Aboveground and Underground Storage Tank Systems Containing Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products (2003) and A Field Guide to Fuel Handling, Transportation and
Storage
- Hoses and nozzles used for dispensing fuel are to be fitted with a static electrical bleed-offline and are to be maintained and in good repair.
- Construction personnel will monitor, and a drip-pan will be placed under filler-spouts for fuel dispensing.
- Engines will be shut off, and smoking will be prohibited within 30-m around fueling areas.
- Fuel transfers must be stopped prior to overflowing to leave room for expansion. Small TDG tanks must not be filled beyond a level corresponding 90% capacity.
- Spills caught in drip-pans are not reportable; providing the drip-pan had not over-flowed and it can be emptied without spillage.
- Trucks, machines and other equipment must be fueled over drip-pans at least 15 m away from the high-water level (HWL). Maintenance should be performed over an impermeable surface (e.g. concrete).
- Equipment must be serviced or otherwise sensitive habitats more or equal to 15 m away from aquatic or otherwise sensitive habitats. Drip pans and/or other protective devices will be used to keep spills of petroleum products and other potentially hazardous liquids (e.g. antifreeze) from ground contact duringnservicing.
- Contractors must inspect fuel-dispensing equipment for leaks and contain fuel losses during fueling or servicing of equipment procedures.
A spill response plan will be required and developed by the Contractor to identify potential risks at the project site applicable to the types of materials being utilized on the project. The procedures should address routine activities, as well as unplanned events, associated with the proposed work. Aspects of the project may be influenced by inclement weather conditions. To reduce the potential for impacts to the environment, planned works should be planned and scheduled during favourable weather conditions.
Disturbance of contaminated or suspect contaminated soils may result in the release and migration of contaminants, causing degradation of soil, surface water, groundwater, and habitat quality if not properly managed.
Soil disturbance will occur during this project in the form of trenching for the installation of the conduit lines and concrete pads. All relevant historic information, such as existing environmental site assessments and soil characterization reports are shared with the respected Consultant and Contractor teams for their review and information prior to any soil work and sampling.
This soil quality would be confirmed by ex-situ stockpile testing of the material by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP). Once the material has been classified, it can be sent to an offsite approved disposal facility. To ensure the proper handling of excavated soils, the following mitigation measures will be implemented:
- All soils removed from Site or used as backfill will be done so in accordance with the BC CSR.
- Soil will be tested prior to its disposal to determine its classification as per the thresholds set forth in the BC
Contaminated Sites Regulation and/or the CCME Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines.
- All soils excavated and stockpiled onsite must be placed on plastic and covered with plastic prior to offsite disposal as per typical industry best management practices. If suspect soils are encountered in working areas the Contractor must: Segregate the suspect soils, place them onto an impermeable surface and protect them from the elements to prevent rain splash erosion and subsequent contaminant Migration. Contact a Qualified Environmental Professional to arrange for soil sampling to identify disposal options.
- Should suspect contaminated soil or water be encountered in working areas, a Qualified
Environmental Professional (QEP) is to be immediately contacted and will work with the team to develop a sites specific management plan. Indications of potentially contaminated soil may include:
o Unusual odours (i.e. hydrocarbons, sweet, mothballs);
o Unusual colouration or staining;
o Presence of debris (such as brick, wood or ash); and,
o Presence of underground storage tanks
- The QEP will provide on-site support in properly segregating and handing contaminated soils that may be identified.
- Soils will be stockpiled in a manner to reduce cross contamination and migration.
All contaminated soils will be removed from site by a licensed transporter and deposited at a facility licensed to accept and store the material, and HWR as applicable.
The implementation of the above listed mitigation measures for soil quality testing prior to disposal, excavations, and stockpiling, will be overseen by a Qualified Environmental Professional. Once disposal is determined, proper handling and disposal of the soil will be conducted by the Contractor and the applicable subtrades, overseen by the QEP. All records of soil sampling results and disposal will be kept in the facility records files.
Potential disturbance or destruction of archeological and cultural heritage resources, resulting in the loss of historical, scientific, and cultural value.
Archeological materials are not likely to be encountered during this project due to the industrial development and fill material present in this area. However, due to trenching, the disturbance of soils has the potential to adversely impact unidentified archeological materials.
A chance find procedure is required to be followed during the project if it is believed that archeological materials have been discovered:
- All construction work in the vicinity must stop work immediately.
- The find location will be recorded, and all materials will be left in place.
- Do not touch or disturb the materials; do not back fill open trenches.
Contact BGIS Project Manager as soon as discovered. Work may not begin again until additional investigation is completed, and a Qualified Person (e.g. Qualified Archaeologist) has cleared the site for further ground disturbance. The appropriate authorities having jurisdiction and/ or local First Nations must be contacted in the event of a chance find, depending on the nature of the find.
Migration of sediment and contaminants causing deterioration of water quality, soil quality, aquatic habitat, and ecological health.
Construction works relating to soil trenching has the potential to enter public sewer works and vegetated areas. To avoid the mobilization of sediment or soils onto vegetated areas and into storm water catch basins, the following mitigation measures will be implemented:
- A site-specific Sediment Control Plan (SCP) will be developed to implement best management practices to mitigate erosion and sediment migration during soil related Construction Works.
- Digging during expected times of heavy precipitation will be avoided.
- All equipment used will be cleaned prior to their removal from the landscaping site.
- Where applicable and based on laboratory reports, make amendments to existing soil on site instead of replacing the soil.
- Sediment control fixtures for catch basins in the immediate vicinity of the Construction Works will be used.
If stockpiling of soils occurs, the following mitigation measures will be implemented:
- Stockpiling of soils is to occur on impermeable flat ground
- Containment around the stockpiles will be used to reduce sediment migration, including curbs or sandbags.
When not in use, stockpiles should be covered, including at the end if each day. The covers should be weighed down.
Generation of dust and airborne emissions resulting in reduced air quality and potential impacts to human health, vegetation, wildlife, and surrounding receptors.
Short-term air emissions may be generated during construction, including exhaust from vehicles/machinery, creation of fugitive dust during excavating, and the use of asphalt or other oil-based substances during the final phases of construction. Mitigation measures to reduce the impact on the local ambient air quality
may include some, or all the following:
- Use of garden hose/water trucks to control dust, as needed, and ensure that sediment laden water generated through dust suppression does not enter the aquatic environment without prior holding and settling or filtration;
- Prohibit grinding activities during periods of high wind (i.e. over 35 km/h) if there are exposed soils and site ground conditions are dry;
- Cover truck boxes to prevent soil or loose materials from generating dust;
- Sweep paved surfaces and streets regularly to reduce soil material from leaving construction site;
- Prohibit idling of construction vehicles and equipment;
- Use anchored covers for soil stockpiles, if stockpiles will be kept onsite;
- Prohibit burning of refuse onsite;
- Conduct routine maintenance of construction equipment; and,
- Conduct visual assessments of dust and exhaust emissions on an ongoing basis during work and/or while machinery is operating.
Potential disturbance to species at risk and associated habitat, resulting in localized effects on habitat quality and wildlife use.
Construction for this project is anticipated to occur during the songbird breeding season (March to August). However, vegetation is not expected to be impacted during construction, as the neighbouring trees are located on the adjacent City of Vancouver property. As the project will have very limited interaction with the natural environment, no long or short-term negative effects due to the proposed works are anticipated to occur. Nonetheless, project activities will be conducted in general accordance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act, Wildlife Act, and Species at Risk Act.
The following general mitigation measures are to be implemented to avoid and/or reduce potential impacts:
- Design and locate staging areas to minimize the footprint of the area in use.
- Where possible, avoid disturbance to nearby vegetated areas.
- Keep the site waste-free. All outdoor garbage cans or dumpsters required for the project should be secured to mitigate the attraction of wildlife.
- Manage interactions between project personnel and wildlife.
- Disturbance or harassment to wildlife is prohibited. It is strictly prohibited to capture, kill, injure, or harass
migratory birds, nests, or eggs. If wildlife is encountered, shut off vehicles and allow animals to disperse.
As advised in the Phase 2 Species at Risk Assessment for this site, if any construction is to occur within 30m of shrubbery or trees and/or vegetation (trees, bushes, or long grass) during the songbird breeding season from March to April, the Contractor must retain a QEP with experience in avian ecology and species identification to conduct a breeding bird nest survey.
Prior to any project work during this period, it must be verified that there is no active nesting in the immediate vicinity.
- If nests are found active, the project work should be rescheduled to a time when nest activity is completed (young have fledged), or a nest management plan is implemented prior to the star of the activity or undertaking if it cannot be rescheduled. The nest management plan should specify a minimum distance from the active nest where the activity is prohibited until nesting is completed.
Under the Migratory Birds Regulations (MBR) 2022, 18 species whose nests are known to be reused in subsequent years by migratory birds are protected year-round.
- Nests can only be removed once they are confirmed inactive by a QEP, and/or outside the general breeding bird window with the relevant permits.
In the event a Species at Risk (SAR) nest is identified at the building, it is recommended the nests remain in place if infrastructure is not being compromised; however, if the structural integrity of the building is affected by nesting birds, including SAR birds, permits may be obtained to address the issue.
- Nests that are occupied by eggs or juveniles cannot be disturbed or removed under the MBCA and SARA. A permit under section 73 of SARA can be issued authorizing a person to engage in an activity affecting a listed wildlife SAR or any part of its critical habitat if the activity is for scientific research, the activity will benefit the species, or affecting the species is incidental to the activity. The direct reference for this mitigation measure was taken from the Phase 2 SARA for this site.
The authority is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Therefore, the authority 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.
Document reference number: 2