Pacific Coast Terminals Co. Ltd. (PCT) | PCT Glycol Expansion

June 24, 2022

Project status
Permit issued

On November 25, 2022, Pacific Coast Terminals Co. Ltd. (PCT) was issued a project permit application to expand the unloading capabilities of their glycol unloading facility at 2300 Columbia Street, Port Moody, B.C., on federal lands managed by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.

The project was approved subject to 37 permit conditions applicant must meet to ensure the project does not result in significant adverse environmental effects.

About the project

Pacific Coast Terminals Co. Ltd. (PCT) are proposing to expand the unloading capabilities of their glycol unloading facility to increase the annual throughput from approximately 800,000 metric tonnes to 1,250,000 metric tonnes per year. The expansion will be facilitated by reinstating two previously decommissioned rail tracks in the liquids unloading area, along with a new central gangway to unload the rail cars. 500 meters of additional rail storage track will be built within the existing PCT rail yard to facilitate the spotting and temporary storage of railcars in a more efficient manner.

The expansion is not expected to increase the number of rail deliveries to the terminal, as unit trains will typically bring additional cars each delivery. However, dependent on market conditions, calling vessel capacities and other factors, the number of glycol vessels calling at PCT may increase from the current annual average of 46 to between 48 to 65 vessels. Historically, PCT has handled up to 82 glycol vessels per year.

Project activities and components include:

  • Reinstatement of two previously decommissioned unloading tracks north of the existing glycol unloading area, on the east side of the terminal
  • Installation of 500 metres of additional storage track and switches to facilitate the handling of longer unit train deliveries
  • Installation of a new unloading gangway long enough to service up to 10 cars, including, pilings and structural steel associated with supporting the gangway
  • New unloading pumps and piping, including, foundations and supports for the new equipment
  • Refurbishment of spill containment berms and the collection system
  • The existing liquid and solid waste storage will be modified, to improve how the waste is gathered, stored and separated.
  • Capping and re-grading the existing stormwater pipe and redirect it to the existing wastewater treatment system
  • Installation of an electrical building with power systems and logistics dedicated to the unloading system infrastructure

Should the project be approved, construction is expected to take approximately 8 months.

Resources

January 2023 – Construction notification: PCT Glycol Expansion Project [PDF]
November 2022 – Air Emission Inventory Overview: PCT Glycol Expansion Project [PDF]
November 2022 – Public Engagement Summary and Consideration Report: PCT Glycol Expansion Project [PDF]
June 2022  – Project and Environmental Review Application Supplemental Report: PCT Glycol Expansion Project [PDF]
June 2022 – Technical Noise Memo: PCT Glycol Expansion Project [PDF]
May 2022 – Historical Soil Documentation: PCT Glycol Expansion Project [PDF]
May 2022 – Rail Drawings: PCT Glycol Expansion Project [PDF]
May 2022 – Project location and site plans: PCT Glycol Expansion Project [PDF]
May 2022 – Lot grading and utilities: PCT Glycol Expansion Project [PDF]
May 2022 – Building Structures and Equipment: PCT Glycol Expansion Project [PDF]
February 2022 – Soil Quality Characterization: PCT Glycol Expansion Project [PDF]
December 2021 – Rail Operations Plan: PCT Glycol Expansion Project [PDF]
November 2021 – Lighting plan: PCT Glycol Expansion Project [PDF]

Contact information
To provide feedback on PCT’s proposed project, please go to their website or contact the project team by email.

For questions regarding the Project and Environmental Review of the proposed project, or to get in touch with our team, please contact us by email or phone at 604.665.9047.

Please note, when receiving public feedback as part of the PER process, the port authority may collect your personal information, i.e., your name, contact information and personal views and opinions, to inform the PER process for a proposed project. Your personal information may be disclosed to third parties, such as our tenants, in order for them to respond directly to you or help inform our response.  You are entitled to submit a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner office here.