Port Metro Vancouver’s expansion and its environmental impact on migratory birds and their feeding ground at Roberts Bank

Petition: 383

Issue(s): Biological diversity, environmental assessment, transport, water

Petitioner(s): Resident of Canada

Petitioner Location(s): Delta, British Columbia

Date Received: 7 August 2015

Status: Completed—Response(s) to petition received

Summary: The petition raises concerns about past and future port development at Roberts Bank in Delta, British Columbia, as proposed in the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. The petition asserts that Roberts Bank is an ecologically important area that contains a unique biofilm feeding ground essential to a migratory bird known as the western sandpiper (Calidris mauri). According to the petition, this information was omitted from the environmental impact statement issued for the project. The petition states that both Environment Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada have advised against further development in this area, and asks why they have failed to enforce previous recommendations. The petition also asks if Transport Canada will require Port Metro Vancouver to assess all alternatives and to identify a full list of species located at Roberts Bank.

Federal departments responsible for reply: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada