The Port of Vancouver is more than cranes, cargo, terminals, ships and international trade. The Port is successful in another way. It's recognized globally as a naturally beautiful and clean port complemented by sound, innovative environmental leadership. The Vancouver Port Authority's (VPA) Environmental Programs provides a close-up of the Port from an environmental angle.

Our first action was to implement an extensive environmental policy with a rigorous appraisal procedure for all new projects. Further, to identify any potential risk to the natural environment, we conducted a full environmental audit of all our marine facilities.

To assist in protecting key natural habitats within the port setting, VPA initiated and participated in the intertidal and shallow subtidal habitat (to -20 m) mapping of the entire shoreline of Burrard Inlet (more than 200 kilometres) - a first for a port in North America.

VPA set aside 24 hectares of uplands at Maplewood South in North Vancouver to serve as the Port Vancouver Conservation Area. Located on the Pacific Flyway, the conservation area is a great place for the local birdwatchers and to see nature up close.

We have synergistic working associations with other governments to share information and coordinate environmental projects and plans. We are a founding member in the Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program (BIEAP) - a partnership agreement between Environment Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, B.C Environment and the Greater Vancouver Regional District.

The Port became the first in North America to require mid-ocean ballast water exchanges to limit the potential for the introduction of exotic species into Burrard Inlet. Since 1983, the VPA has conducted a regular ballast water-monitoring program to ensure clean ballast discharge and is a key participant in the non-indigenous species working group, made up of representatives from the regulatory agencies and academia in British Columbia and Washington.

VPA began a program of replacing all old underground storage tanks on VPA property with modern above or underground tanks with environmental containment and leak detection systems.

New storm water collection and discharge systems to Burrard Inlet are now routinely fitted with oil and sediment interceptors to prevent pollution discharges.

VPA routinely conducts environmental assessments of VPA property as per the Audit Policy to ensure that all VPA property complies with the appropriate current federal and provincial land use criteria.

Our participation begins with the initial planning. We identify environmental problems in preliminary designs and begin timely investigative programs to gather environmental data. We also help to design procedures and features into the development plan to mitigate environmental impacts that might result from the construction and/or operation of the new facility.

Environmental Programs administers the Port's internal environmental review process and plays an important role in guiding the development proposal through external environmental reviews. Also, we provide information and interpret complex technical issues for concerned members of the public and affected municipalities.

Once a development is initiated, we participate in construction monitoring, either directly or through monitoring the work of appropriate consultants. The Environmental Programs Department is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of any mitigatory or compensatory features built into the new facility, and finally, is responsible for ensuring the on-going operation of the new facility does not result in the development of environmental liabilities.

Our harbour has been blessed with a physical environment that includes both significant inputs of fresh water from numerous streams and rivers and significant tidal flushing. These have served to minimize the accumulation of contaminants in the past from industrial activities.

An example of the cleanliness of the Harbour is the presence of bathing beaches and the direct use of Harbour waters by the Vancouver Aquarium. Most major port cities in the world do not have the water quality levels that permit these activities.

Probably the biggest single inputs of pollutants to Port waters are through combined sewer overflows. Storm sewers are also significant routes for pollutant input. Neighbouring residents can assist by being aware of these potential pollution avenues and avoiding activities that could introduce pollutants through them. For example, chemicals should not be allowed to enter street drains, and toxic chemicals should not be poured down household drains.

For further information, contact VPA's Environmental Programs.
Tel: 604.665.9082
Fax: 604.665.9007
E-mail: environmental_programs@portvancouver.com