FAQ

Environment

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• What is the Port doing to preserve air quality and address climate change?

  Through our Air Action Program we are committed to continuous improvement in terms of reducing emissions that contribute to air quality and climate change. The Air Action Program focuses on development of a data baseline and progress tracking, improvements to operational efficiency, technological innovation and supporting regulatory change. The Program includes initiatives being undertaken by the Port, terminal operators, other industries and regulatory agencies, which all help to reduce port-related air emissions. See Air Action Program to learn more. 

• Is there shore power at the Port and if so where?

  We are moving forward with shore power at our Canada Place Cruise Terminal in 2009, at two of the terminal’s three berths. Shore power enables appropriately equipped ships to turn off their auxiliary diesel engines while docked and connect to electric power, providing power to the ship’s required systems. This innovative technology, currently in use in just a few ports around the world, significantly reduces vessel air emissions when docked. Working together with various levels of government, BC Hydro and several cruise lines, shore power installations on the West and East berths of Canada Place are expected to be completed and in use for the 2009 cruise ship season. Read the latest news to learn more.  

• What is being done about ship emissions?

  We are working with the shipping industry and regulatory agencies to reduce emissions to air from ocean going vessels. We  introduced a Differentiated Harbour Dues Program in 2007 that encourages and recognizes vessels that go beyond legislated requirements to reduce emissions while in port, through reduced fees. We also have a Vessel Opacity Program, through which excessive visible emissions are addressed. The program includes education of vessel operators regarding excessive opacity levels, and follow-up with specific vessels as required.

• How do Port Metro Vancouver’s Air Quality initiatives compare with other ports?

  We are taking a leadership role in reducing air emissions, by working with local industry, other ports and regulatory agencies. One key example of this is the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, which was developed in partnership with the Port of Seattle and the Port of Tacoma, and with support from Environment Canada, the US EPA – United States Environmental Protection Agency, BC Ministry of Environment, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and the Washington State Department of Ecology. The strategy includes emission reduction performance goals for port-related sources, and represents a co-operative effort amongst the three ports to improve air quality and reduce contributions to climate change in the shared Georgia Basin-Puget Sound airshed. The three Ports recently won the American Association of Port Authorities 2008 award for comprehensive environmental management for implementing this strategy.

• What does Port Metro Vancouver do to protect water quality within its jurisdiction?

  We have many programs designed to protect water and other environmental quality. These include:

  • Proposals for projects and activities that could potentially impact water quality are assessed by our Environmental Programs Department, with input from regulatory agencies where appropriate. Proposals may be approved (with conditions for mitigation) or rejected as appropriate.
  • We participates in the Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program and the Fraser River Estuary Management Program partnerships, with active contributions to their environmental management programs. 
  • Our Marine Operations Department targets 100% of ocean going vessel arrivals for boarding, overboard discharge and engine room log inspections and informing ship’s officers of the Port’s environmental and other rules and procedures. For logistical reasons, actual boardings run at about 98% of arrivals.

• Where does Port Metro Vancouver’s jurisdiction begin and end?

  Our jurisdiction extends from Point Roberts at the Canada / U.S. border through Burrard Inlet to Port Moody and Indian Arm, and from the mouth of the Fraser River, eastward to the Fraser Valley, north along the Pitt Rover to Pitt Lake, and includes the north and middle arms of the Fraser River. This includes approximately 999 hectares of land and approximately 16,244 hectares of water area. See Port Overview to learn more.

• What are some examples of environmental organizations that the Port supports through its Community Investment Program?

  Under the Environment Category of our Community Investment Program, we support the Burns Bog Conservation Society, Coho Festival, Port Coquitlam Rivers and Trails Festival, BC Rivers Day, and the Pacific Salmon Foundation’s Think Salmon and Habitat Restoration programs. See Investing in the Community to learn more.

• What is the habitat colour-coding along the Fraser River shoreline?

  Shorelines along the Fraser River have been colour-coded on the basis of their habitat features. These codes help guide prospective developers in selecting appropriate sites and identifying suitable design concepts before making an application for approval of their projects. This classification system was created in 1985 when representatives of several government ministries and other agencies met to address growing concerns about the environmental impact of development and populations growth on the Fraser River estuary. An agreement was set up to coordinate the existing expertise and authority of member agencies in the assessment of projects that might impact the river. The framework for the agreement is called the Fraser River Estuary Management Program (FREMP).  See FREMP to learn more.