Port Metro Vancouver develops Adaptive Management Strategy
A science-based program to monitor and manage the ecosystem of the Roberts Bank inter-causeway area has concluded after eight years of monitoring that the ecosystem has not suffered any significant negative impacts due to the construction of a third berth at the Deltaport container terminal, which began in 2007, the company said in its press release.
The independent monitoring program, called the Adaptive Management Strategy, was developed by Port Metro Vancouver in consultation with Environment Canada. It included a scientific advisory committee comprised of three scientists appointed to provide independent scientific and technical advice and recommendations to prevent or mitigate any significant negative ecosystem trends attributable to the Deltaport Third Berth Project.
The strategy was designed to look specifically for changes to the nutrient balance in the water, and for potential erosion effects, both of which could negatively affect the ecosystem of the area located between the Roberts Bank and Highway 17 causeways in Delta.
The strategy was initiated in 2007 when construction of the Deltaport third berth commenced, and carried through until 2014. Science-based monitoring concluded there was no evidence of significant environmental impacts from the project. One small localized area behind a tugboat basin showed changes in water and sediment quality due to poor drainage. The port authority responded to this by installing a swale in a berm to increase drainage, a move that is proving successful.
As a Canadian port authority, Port Metro Vancouver is mandated to facilitate Canada’s trade demand in a manner that ensures safety, the protection of the environment and consideration of local communities. Port Metro Vancouver is recognized globally as a leader in sustainability, including by the likes of Sir Richard Branson and the Carbon War Room. In 2015 the port authority announced initiatives such as shore power for container vessels and the ECHO Program, the latter of which aims to better understand and manage the impact of shipping activities on at-risk whales throughout the southern coast of British Columbia.
About Port Metro Vancouver
Port Metro Vancouver is Canada’s largest port and the third largest tonnage port in North America, responsible for Canada’s trade with more than 160 world economies. Located in a naturally beautiful setting on Canada’s west coast, Port Metro Vancouver is responsible for the efficient and reliable movement of goods and passengers, and integrates environmental, social and economic sustainability initiatives into all areas of port operations. Port Metro Vancouver is committed to meaningful engagement with the communities in which it operates and the shared obligation to improve the quality of life for Canadians. Enabling the trade of approximately $187 billion in goods annually, the port generates an estimated 100,000 jobs, $6.1 billion in wages, and $9.7 billion in GDP across Canada. As a non-shareholder, financially self-sufficient corporation established by the Government of Canada, Port Metro Vancouver operates pursuant to the Canada Marine Act and is accountable to the elected federal Minister of Transport.
