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Starting Sunday, December 13, please be advised that as part of the East Causeway Habitat Compensation Project, a sub project of the Deltaport Third Berth Project, additional trucks will be required during evening hours to move excavated material from the Deltaport causeway to the Tsawwassen First Nation site. Currently, construction of the East Causeway Habitat Compensation Project is being undertaken during evening hours to correspond with the low tide. This is required in order to minimize impact on fish habitat.
As part of the project, all effort is being made to deliver granular material to the site by barge with stockpiling of the appropriate volumes to avoid additional evening disruptions, however, due to insufficient space along the causeway, excavated material needs to be taken off-site as it is removed during night-shift work.
It is not anticipated that the additional truck traffic will have significant impact on the community as it is being moved a very short distance to Tsawwassen First Nation land, however, there is a potential for a minor increase in noise due to truck movement at night.
The East Causeway Habitat Compensation Project is transforming the land beside the Deltaport causeway into diverse marine and wildlife habitat through the creation of barrier islands, rip rap slopes, salt marsh, upland vegetation areas, and gravel and cobble beaches.
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Public information sessions
We will be hosting three public information sessions to provide the community with opportunities to find out about the status of the Deltaport Third Berth Project (DP3), speak to project staff and members of the Deltaport Third Berth Project Community Liaison Committee (DCLC) to provide input and feedback on the project. If you are interested in attending a public information session, click here for times and dates.
DP3 Project newsletter
The latest edition of the Deltaport Project Update newsletter will be delivered to Delta residents and businesses in the next week. An electronic version is now available online.
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The 2008 Adaptive Management Strategy (AMS) Annual Report and Summary Report are now available
online. The 2008 AMS Annual Report provides interpretation and discussion of the data that was collected in 2008 as part of the AMS monitoring program.
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Please be advised that the contractor for the East Causeway Habitat Compensation Project will commence night work on October 14, 2009. Night work is required in order to undertake foreshore works during low water levels (low tide) to minimize the environmental impact of construction in the foreshore area. Based on the tidal schedule, it is anticipated that night work on the East Causeway Habitat Compensation Project will continue at least until the end of the year.
The contractor is aware of the need to reduce potential impacts to the community such as noise and lighting and will make every effort to minimize any possible disruption while maintaining the safety of the workers onsite. Please note that work on the Deltaport Third Berth will be complete by the end of 2009, however, work on the East Causeway Habitat Compensation will continue into 2010.
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Please be advised that the following work will commence immediately as part of the Deltaport Third Berth Project and will be complete by the end of November:
Paving Activities
BA Blacktop is conducting rolling activities on the installed asphalt for the final phase of the Terminal Works. These activities can extend from 5:30am until 1:30am, if required. It is not anticipated that these activities will have a significant impact on the surrounding community and noise abatement is being conducted.
High Mast Lighting Installation and Testing
High Mast Lighting has now been installed in the new terminal area. Lights will be commissioned and remain on during night time hours to test the fixtures and ensure warranty coverage on defective units.
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Works will commence August 19, 2009 and last for approximately one week while the cranes are being off-loaded. Work hours will be from 7:00 am to 11:30 pm. The public should be advised of the possibility of additional noise and light.
Team leaders from the off-loading crews have been advised about the sensitivity of lighting and noise issues at Deltaport and will do everything they can to limit the impact on residents while maintaining the safety of the workers.
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The Deltaport Third Berth Project Community Liaison Committee (DCLC) has appointed new members to replace existing positions on the committee. To find out more, please read
DCLC Appointment Announcement.
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Two additional days are required to remove the final excess preload material from the Deltaport Third Berth Project site. Removal of the final 2200 m3 will commence June 11 and should be completed on June 12. The material will be moved to Burns Road for Ministry of Transportation infrastructure projects.
PMV remains committed to reducing emissions and minimizing the number of project-related truck trips through Delta. By reusing the material within Delta, fewer vehicle emissions and less truck traffic on Delta roads will be created than if the related fill/preload areas were supplied from any other source.
To date on the Deltaport Third Berth Project, PMV has eliminated approximately 600,000 single dump truck trips through the Corporation of Delta by requiring contractors to use waterborne transportation. PMV and the TSI, the terminal operator, continue to transport construction materials by water whenever possible.
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The East Causeway Habitat Compensation Project construction will commence mid-June. The project will transform the land beside the Deltaport causeway into diverse marine and wildlife habitat. The project will change public access to protect wildlife. For more information, please read the East Causeway Habitat_Notification
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Night –time paving activities will begin the week of June 1 to 5 in order to complete paving of the third berth dock area. The paving will last three to four weeks and will require truck transfers through the community in order to bring asphalt material to the site. This work is being done at night in order to ensure that the asphalt arrives to the site in a timely manner and does not adversely impact daily commuter traffic. Additional lighting will be required to conduct this work and efforts will be made to aim work lights towards the third berth to reduce impacts on local residents.
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We will be hosting three public information sessions to provide the community with opportunities to find out about the status of the Deltaport Third Berth Project (DP3), speak to project staff and members of the Deltaport Third Berth Project Community Liaison Committee (DCLC), and provide feedback on the project. If you are interested in attending a public information sessions, click here for dates and times.
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The most recent edition of the Deltaport Project Update newsletter will be delivered to Delta residents and businesses in the next week. An electronic version is now available online
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The Deltaport Third Berth Project Community Liaison Committee (DCLC) is seeking applications from Delta residents to fill four vacant positions on the committee.
The mandate of DCLC is to work with Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) during the construction and first year operation of the third-berth at Deltaport to identify community concerns, develop potential solutions to address those concerns and assist in communicating information among the community, the Port and other port stakeholders.
Representation on DCLC includes broad and varied interests (residents, commuters, environmentalists, farmers, municipal and business people) within the communities of Tsawwassen, Ladner, and North Delta with varied experience, both technical and social. Committee members attend an average of six to eight meetings per year.
For more information, or to complete the online application form, please visit http://www.delta3berthinfo.org/ or call 604-665-9075.
The deadline for applications is May 29, 2009 at 4:00pm.
Please note that this is a volunteer position.
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Please be advised that at approximately 1:30 pm today, a small spill of hydraulic oil occurred on the East Causeway of Deltaport Way while contractors were conducting soil investigations as part of the habitat compensation work for the Deltaport Third Berth Project. A hydraulic hose on the excavator broke, releasing less than 20 litres of fluid into one of the test pits. The hydraulic fluid has been contained and clean-up operations commenced immediately to remove all product. There was no direct impact on fish and wildlife. Environmental monitors will continue to monitor and assess the area for any potential long-term impacts. The Provincial Emergency Program, including Environment Canada and Fisheries Canada were advised immediately of the spill.
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On December 29th, 2008, Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) announced the removal of excess preload from the DP3 construction site to locations within Delta. Work was originally scheduled to be completed by February 6, 2009, but had to be split into two parts. The first part was completed on January 21, 2009. The second phase will be undertaken starting April 29, 2009 and will last approximately four to five days. The material will be moved either to a location east of Deltaport Way at Highway 17 or to another location near Burns Road, for Ministry of Transportation infrastructure projects. The total quantity of material to be removed by road is approximately 7000m3.
PMV remains committed to reducing emissions and minimizing the number of project-related truck trips through Delta. By reusing the material within Delta, fewer vehicle emissions and less truck traffic on Delta roads will be created than if the related fill/preload areas were supplied from any other source.
To date on the Deltaport Third Berth Project, PMV has eliminated approximately 600,000 single dump truck trips through the Corporation of Delta by requiring contractors to use waterborne transportation. PMV and the TSI, the terminal operator, continue to transport construction materials by water whenever possible.
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This advisory is intended for community members living within the vicinity of DP3 construction activities.
As part of the DP3 project, additional work has been scheduled outside of day-time hours. The work will be conducted on the subtidal reef habitat compensation project and the temporary barge berth.
The subtidal reef habitat compensation project work will begin today in an effort to complete a portion of the work prior to the start of a fisheries sensitive window in March 2009. Additional shifts will operate from 7:00 pm to 5:30 am and from 5:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Work on the temporary barge berth will take place beyond daylight hours from February 19th through 21st, 2009 to coincide with low tides.
The temporary barge berth is being constructed to allow Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) and TSI Terminal Systems Inc. (TSI) – the terminal operator – to bring material to the site by water for the terminal site work and east causeway habitat compensation portions of the DP3 project.
Environmental monitors will be on-site to monitor construction activities during this time but elevated noise and light levels may occur over the next two week period.
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The marine works component of the Deltaport Third Berth Project is nearing completion and the terminal construction phase will now begin. Surplus preload material used at the site will be removed by February 6, 2009 in order to proceed with terminal construction.
Port Metro Vancouver has waived the Marine Works Contract requirement for material to be removed by waterborne transport and another environmentally appropriate option has been identified. All surplus preload material will be removed from the site by truck and taken to one or more short-haul locations within Delta for reuse as either fill or preload.
Port Metro Vancouver remains committed to reducing emissions and minimizing the number of project-related truck trips through Delta. By reusing the material within Delta, fewer vehicle emissions and less truck traffic on Delta roads will be created than if the related fill/preload areas were supplied from any other source.
The construction contractor estimates the quantity of surplus preload is between 50,000 - 60,000 m3. Removal of surplus preload will begin on January 2, 2009 and is expected to be completed by February 6, 2009.
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Port Metro Vancouver will be hosting a public information session to provide the community with an update on the Deltaport Third Berth Project (DP3).
Tuesday, December 2, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Tsawwassen Golf and Country Club
1595 - 52nd Street
Delta, BC
Port Metro Vancouver staff will be available to answer questions related to the Deltaport Third Berth Project. In addition, members of the Deltaport Third Berth Project Community Liaison Committee will be in attendance.
Click here to read the latest Deltaport Project Update Newsletter.
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On Friday, October 17th, Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) suspended ocean disposal operations at Roberts Bank upon learning that the contractor, Deltaport Constructors Ltd. (a joint venture between Vancouver Pile Driving Ltd. and Graham Construction Ltd.) had exceeded ocean disposal amounts applied for under the 2008 ocean disposal permit.
PMV immediately advised Environment Canada and will cooperate in any investigation or required mitigation action. Port Metro Vancouver learned of the discrepancy Thursday of last week when the contractor advised of amounts recently disposed.
A cease and desist order is expected to be issued by Environment Canada.
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On July 28th, 2008, we released the DP3 Adaptive Management Strategy Annual Report and Summary Information Sheet. A Frequently Asked Questions is now available on the project website.
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Please be advised that the Adaptive Management Strategy Annual Report and Summary Information Sheet are now available online.
The Adaptive Management Strategy (AMS) is one of several significant environmental programs being undertaken as part of the Deltaport Third Berth Project (DP3). It is a science-based approach to monitoring and managing the Roberts Bank ecosystem. The approach will allow for the early detection of changes in the inter-causeway ecosystem so that potential significant negative ecosystem trends that are attributable to the DP3 Project can be prevented or mitigated. The AMS was developed in conjunction with and approved by Environment Canada.
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Highway 17 Improvements are now underway as part of the Deltaport Third Berth Project. For more information please read our press release.
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We are hosting a public open house in Delta to provide the community with an update on the Deltaport Third Berth Project.
May 29, 2008 (Thursday)
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Coast Tsawwassen Inn
1665 - 56th Street
Delta, BC
Our staff will be available to answer questions. In addition, members of the Deltaport Third Berth Project Community Liaison Committee (DCLC) will be in attendance.
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Deltaport Constructors Ltd, the marine works contractor for the Deltaport Third Berth Project, will be conducting Becker densification testing at the construction site this Saturday and Sunday, March 15 and 16, between 9am and 5pm.
The densification testing of the berth structure rock mattress foundation is required to ensure seismic stability. The Becker test equipment will create noise similar to that caused by driving small pilings and may be noticeable to residents, particularly under clear weather conditions. The reason this work is scheduled for the weekend is related to the availability of equipment.
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We have had environmental professionals monitoring the DP3 site on a regular basis to assess the spill incident area and surrounding shoreline. Field observations conducted to date have confirmed that no fish or wildlife (including coastal seabirds and waterfowl) have been affected by the incident. Scuba divers have conducted subtidal survey assessments which indicate that no oil is present on the seabed. It has been confirmed that the hydraulic oil used in the densification probe was Esso UNIVIS BIO 40. This is a non-toxic vegetable based oil with a biodegradation rate of 97% within 21 days.
We continued to monitor the shoreline, including a portion of the perimeter dike where oil sheen and emulsified oil was first sighted on March 6th. No further oil sheen has been observed. However, the on-site environmental monitor will continue to assess shoreline conditions as part of the ongoing construction monitoring program.
On Monday, March 3, 2008, a densification probe tip broke 30 feet below the surface of the water while working on the Deltaport Third Berth Project. It is estimated that 100 to 200 litres of the vegetable-based, biodegradable hydraulic oil was released at the seabed surface.
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We can confirm that the hydraulic oil used in the densification probe was a non-toxic biodegradable vegetable-based oil. No further emulsified oil or oil sheen has been observed at the project site as of March 4 at 15:00 hours and clean-up efforts have been scaled back. No fish or wildlife, including shorebirds and waterfowl, have been affected by the small volume hydraulic oil release. Shoreline surveys were conducted last night at 21:00 hrs on a falling tide and are being conducted again today on the rising tide.
On Monday, March 3, 2008, a densification probe tip broke 30 feet below the surface of the water while working on the Deltaport Third Berth Project. It is estimated that 100 to 200 litres of the vegetable-based hydraulic oil was released at the seabed surface.
We will continue to monitor and assess the site to ensure that appropriate environmental mitigation is conducted.
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On Monday, March 3, 2008, at approximately 23:00 hours, a densification probe tip broke 30 feet below the surface of the water while working on the Deltaport Third Berth Project. It is estimated that 100 to 200 litres of hydraulic oil was released at the seabed surface. The release of hydraulic oil was contained and as of 10:30 hours is approaching full recovery.
The contractor immediately implemented their spill response plan. DFO and Environment Canada have been advised.
Additional shoreline clean and assessment surveys are being conducted before declaration of response completion. Any mitigation of environmental effects as the results of the release will be developed in conjunction with DFO and Environment Canada.
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On Monday, November 12th, a barge containing equipment for the construction of the Deltaport Third Berth Project (DP3) ran aground on the south side of the Robert Bank Causeway as a result of the high winds.
The barge was safely removed on November 14th. No injuries were reported and there was no damage to the barge or its contents.
In addition, the storm damaged some of the engineered structures that have been partially constructed as part of the project. Two of the eight concrete caissons that were being stored near the site were damaged and will need to be repaired in a dry dock, after they have been re-floated. The timing of this work is still being assessed. The storm also caused six of the caissons, including the two damaged ones, to settle approximately 3 - 4m and the material above their base slab projections will have to be removed before they are re-floated and moved into position in the caisson trench next year. About a dozen pieces of the incomplete sheet pile bulkhead on the north end of the expansion area have also been damaged and will need to be removed and replaced with new pieces. Some of the temporary rock protection at the north end of the existing berth was also damaged by the storm and more will have to be added to replace it.
During the same storm, a vessel destined for Deltaport dropped its anchor to assist with navigation to Berth 2 and snagged the anchor on the dredge ocean disposal line, which was not in service at that time. The anchor has been removed without damage to the ocean disposal line.
We are working with the contractor to repair the damage resulting from the stormy events of November 12.
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We are hosting a public open house in Delta to provide the community with an update on the Deltaport Third Berth Project (DP3).
Date: November 24, 2007 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Location:
Delta Town and Country
6005 Highway 17
Delta, BC
Our staff, TSI Terminal Systems Inc. and technical consultants were will be available to answer questions. In addition, members of the Deltaport Third Berth Project Community Liaison Committee (DCLC) were will be in attendance.
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On Monday, November 12th, a barge containing equipment for the construction of the Deltaport Third Berth Project (DP3) ran aground on the south side of the Robert Bank Causeway as a result of the high winds. Contents on the barge include an excavator, materials for operation including acetylene and oxygen tanks.
The hull of the barge has been inspected and no damage was found. Delta Fire Department responded to the incident and confirmed that all materials on-board are secure. The barge is being monitored 24-hours a day. Plans to remove the barge are underway and will need to coincide with high-tide water conditions and availability of equipment.
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Please be advised that we will be placing some wooden piles to densify and prevent soil movements as part of the Deltaport Third Berth Project (DP3).
We have been using sheet pile to form the north end of the DP3 expansion area and east side of the tug basin in order to minimize the size of the tug basin and its approach channel, in accordance with the requirements of regulatory agencies. As a result of unexpectedly soft soil, we will need to place 100 to 200 untreated wooden piles into the soil next to the sheet pile locations in order to densify the soil and prevent movements when the sheet pile is placed.
This work is expected to begin on Monday, November 5, and continue for approximately two to four weeks. Noise impacts from the placement of the wooden piles should be insignificant because the wooden piles will be vibrated into place (in the same way the steel sheet pile is being placed), not driven. It is expected that the majority of this work will occur during normal hours with the possibility of some additional evening work.
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Marine works construction activities for the Deltaport Third Berth have been underway since January 2007 and excellent progress is being made. The project is still on schedule for completion in Fall 2009.
The first perimeter dike is now complete and infill behind the dike is well underway. Dredging of the turning and tug basins are finished and dredging of the caisson trench is nearing completion. Concrete caissons are being constructed in North Vancouver and towed by tugs to Roberts Bank, where they are being stored near the terminal until the placement and densification of the mattress rock is sufficiently complete for placement of the caissons. Construction of the tug basin is also in progress.
As part of the habitat compensation for the project, we will undertake six specific projects. They include:
- Habitat enhancements along east causeway
- Log removal and salt marsh restoration (in progress at this time)
- Caisson habitat also know as fish refugia
- Construction of a subtidal rock reef
- Sand bar stabilization
- Off-site compensation to be undertaken in partnership with Ducks Unlimited and the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
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Please read our update for the most current information pertaining to the disposal of clean dredge material outside the permitted disposal location for the Deltaport Third Berth (DP3) Project.
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Please read our press release for information pertaining to the investigation of improper ocean disposal related to the DP3 project and BCTC transmission line.
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We will be hosting public open houses in Delta to provide the community with an update on the Deltaport Third Berth Project (DP3).
May 29, 2007 (Tuesday)
6:00 pm to 9:00pm
Coast Tsawwassen Inn
1665-56th Street
Delta, BC
May 31, 2007 (Thursday)
6:00 pm to 9:00pm
Delta Town and Country
6005 Highway 17
Delta, BC
Staff, TSI Terminal Systems Inc. and technical consultants will be available to answer questions. In addition, members of the Deltaport Third Berth Project Community Liaison Committee (DCLC) will be in attendance.
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At the end of April, the Scientific Advisory Committee was formed. The Scientific Advisory Committee will provide scientific and technical advice and recommendations to the port for the implementation of the Adaptive Management Strategy as part of the Deltaport Third Berth Expansion Project. For more information, please read the Scientific Advisory press release
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Please be advised that dredging for the Tug Basin and Caisson Trench will commence on March 26, 2007. Dredging work will be done 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is expected to be completed by the end of July.
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For an update on the Deltaport Third Berth Project, please read the Deltaport Project Update [PDF | 845 KB]
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Please be advised that the deadline for Delta residents to apply for a position on the Deltaport Third Berth Project Community Liaison Committee (DCLC) has been extended to February 19, 2007.