Canadian and international scientists called Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, to reject the proposed Roberts Bank Terminal 2 expansion at the Port of Vancouver.
According to the letter, there is substantial evidence demonstrating that significant adverse effects from Roberts Bank Terminal 2 are anticipated on Fraser Chinook salmon and Southern Resident killer whales.
The [Impact Assessment Agency federal review] panel has made it clear that approving Terminal 2 will adversely impact these important at-risk species. There is also a lack of evidence demonstrating that habitat offsetting can successfully mitigate the adverse effects
The Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project has been undergoing a federal environmental review since 2013, which concluded in August 2019. The independent review panel submitted its report to the minister of environment and climate change in March 2020.
If Mr. Guilbeault decides that the ministry has the information necessary to make a decision on the project, it will have about three months to do so.
If approved, the project would be subject to regulatory approvals and permits, and a final investment decision. Construction would last around six years.
Rejection of the project and protection of the Fraser Estuary as critical habitat for at-risk species would demonstrate the Federal government’s stated commitment to its biodiversity targets
note the scientists, adding that it would also demonstrate federal commitment to the letter and intent of legislation like Canada’s Species at Risk Act and directive policies like Canada’s Wild Salmon Policy.
