PHOTO APPENDIX - Port of Vancouver

PHOTO APPENDIX

Photo P3.2-2: Measuring and weighing fishes by beach seining site.

Photo P3.2-1: Beach seining in the intertidal at flood tide in the intercauseway area, February 2004.

Photo P3.2-3: Beam trawl being lowered in the water column.

Photo P3.2-4: Prawn traps used in the study.

Photo Appendix i

Photo P3.2-5: Looking northeast, view of upper intertidal zone and beach spawner sampling location on the west side of the causeway.

Photo P3.3-1: Intertidal zone at mean high tide line.

Photo P3.3-2: Grass-herbaceous community above mean high tide line zone.

Photo P3.3-3: Tidal channel.

Photo Appendix ii

Photo P3.3-4: Carex lyngyei between tidal channels.

Photo P3.3-5: Scirpus maritimus along south border of Brunswick marsh.

Photo P3.3-6: Scirpus americanus at outer marsh edge.

Photo P3.3-7: Upper and lower marsh along Delta dyke.

Photo Appendix iii

Photo P3.3-9: Salt marsh zones at Deltaport north embayment.

Photo P3.3-8: Outer marsh pioneer community north of causeway.

Photo P3.3-10: Scirpus americanus (left), S. maritimus (right) and Ruppia in pool.

Photo P3.3-11: Salicornia colonizing cobble gravel beach at Deltaport.

Photo Appendix iv

Photo P3.3-12: Spartina anglica colonizing mudflat between jetties.

Photo P3.3-13: BC Ferry compensation marsh with Distichlis (foreground) and Salicornia (background).

Photo P3.3-15: Adult red rock crab (Cancer productus) under eelgrass canopy along the crest protection, June 4, 2004.

Photo P3.3-14: Tidal channel in Tsawwassen salt marsh.

Photo Appendix v

Photo P3.3-16: Algal cover on crest protection.

Photo P3.3-17: Plumose anemones (Metridium sp.) on crest protection.

Photo P3.3-18: Crest protection substrate (boulders on sand).

Photo P3.3-19: Crest protection substrate (cobble/boulder and sand).

Photo Appendix vi

Photo P3.3-20: Sargassum draped over crest protection substrate.

Photo P3.3-21: Drainage channel over crest protection.

Photo P3.3-22: Laminaria saccharina and Sargassum on crest protection.

Photo P3.3-23: Area of crest protection with larger substrate and greater relief than the eastern portion.

Photo Appendix vii

Photo P3.3-25: Algal and invertebrate banding along rip rap.

Photo P3.3-24: Sand drape along the seaward edge of the crest protection.

Photo P3.3-26: Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) on rip rap.

Photo P3.3-27: Filamentous and foliose red algae on rip rap.

Photo Appendix viii

Photo P3.3-29: Watermelon-sized lingcod nest.

Photo P3.3-28: Lingcod nest in rip rap crevice.

Photo P3.3-31: Male lingcod guarding nest.

Photo P3.3-30: Lingcod observed at nesting site.

Photo Appendix ix

Photo P3.3-33: Sea pen (Ptilosarcus gurneyi) bed.

Photo P3.3-32: Adult starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus).

Photo P3.3-34: Adult Dungeness crab (Cancer magister).

Photo Appendix x

3450/WP9757

DRAFT

Roberts Bank Container Expansion Project

Work Plan: Impact Assessment of Marine Environment

Prepared for: Darrell Desjardin Vancouver Port Authority 1900 Granville Square 200 Granville Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 2P9 September 8, 2003 Prepared by:

150-13091 Vanier Place, Richmond, BC. Canada V6V 2J1 Phone (604) 279-2093, Fax (604) 279-2047, www.triton-env.com

http://www.triton-env.com/

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 BACKGROUND .................................................................................................... 1

2.0 MARINE ENVIRONMENT STUDY TEAM........................................................ 4

3.0 SCOPE OF STUDY AREA/ASSESSMENT ......................................................... 7

4.0 WORK PLAN....................................................................................................... 10

4.1 Background Information Review.......................................................................... 11 4.2 Field Program........................................................................................................ 12

Fish Sampling and Habitat Documentation ................................................. 12 Subtidal Habitat Surveys.............................................................................. 15 Intertidal Habitat and Epibenthic Macro-invertebrates................................ 16 Eelgrass ........................................................................................................ 17 Intertidal Ecology......................................................................................... 19 Marine Mammals ......................................................................................... 21

4.3 Impact Assessment................................................................................................ 21 4.4 Mitigation and Compensation............................................................................... 22 4.5 Cumulative Effects................................................................................................ 23 4.6 Reporting............................................................................................................... 23 4.7 Schedule................................................................................................................ 24

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Location of study areas........................................................................................ 2 Figure 2. Location of Terminal 2 Study Area and Deltaport Third Berth Study Area ....... 3 Figure 3. Marine Environment Study Team organization ................................................. 6 Figure 4. Proposed geographic scope of marine assessment .............................................. 9

Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 3450/WP9757 Page i Working Draft September 8, 2003

1.0 BACKGROUND The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest port and most diversified port. Trans-pacific container traffic has been increasing dramatically over the last few years due to the growth in the global trade and the increase in containerization. Independent forecasting indicates that container traffic through major ports on the West Coast of North America will triple over the next 20 years. These forecasts indicate that shipments through the Port of Vancouver could grow to four million Twentyfoot Equivalent Units (TEU’s) over the next 20 years. The Vancouver Port Authority (VPA) has prepared a container terminal growth strategy that will enable Port Vancouver to remain competitive with US ports and handle the forecasted market opportunity and continue to handle Canadian cargo. The VPA is looking at a three-pronged approach to increasing container capacity at the Port of Vancouver:

• Efficiency at existing terminals • Expansion at existing terminals • Building new facilities

Roberts Bank has been identified as the principal location for new container terminal expansion. The Roberts Bank Expansion Program includes two separate study areas: Deltaport Third Berth Study Area and Container Terminal 2 Study Area. The Deltaport Expansion Program is distinct from, and in addition to, the Terminal 2 Study Area. However, given the proximity to one another and the timelines for development, these two components of the overall expansion program are the subject of this single marine studies work plan. Deltaport Third Berth Study Area Deltaport is an existing two-berth container terminal located at Roberts Bank. The Deltaport terminal expansion would create up to 32 hectares (80 acres) of land for terminal infrastructure development, including three to four new cranes and enhanced on-site container storage (Figure 2). Terminal 2 Study Area Terminal 2 will create approximately 80 hectares (200 acres) of new land for terminal infrastructure development – three new berths, eight to ten cranes, on-site container storage and other operational facilities. VPA has identified four possible locations for Terminal 2 (Figure 2).

Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 3450/WP9757 Page 1 Working Draft September 8, 2003

Roberts Bank Container Expansion Program

FIGURE 1.

Map # 71440001Created by: P. Frederiksen 6/11/03

Source: NTS, 92G, Edition 2

Revised by:

LOCATION OF STUDY AREAS

N

N

BRIT ISHCOLUMBIA

ALBERTA

PACIF IC

OC

EAN

Pr inceGeorge

Fra

ser

R.

Vancouver

INSET

Ú

S TUDYAREA

Deltaport andWestshoreTerminals

Roberts

Bank

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

� �

� �

��

��

��

� �

� ��

��

��

��

� �

� �

��

� �

� �

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

� ��

��

��

� �

��

� ��

��

�� !"��"�#$%&

��&�%'!"�

�%(��

)%*

�

��

�

��

��

��

�++ + �++ ,++ �++ -++ �+++ ��"�

�� !��"#��#��

$��"�� $��

�� ! ��"�#��$$%$��&��'

�

To receive provincial approval under the B.C. Environmental Assessment Act (BCEAA) and approval from federal agencies following a review under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA), the Roberts Bank Container Expansion Program must go through a comprehensive multidisciplinary environmental impact assessment that will identify all of the potential environmental, economic, social, heritage and health impacts, and define how they will be mitigated through project design. The Marine Environment Study Team will assess the environmental effects of the proposed program on the marine environment and specifically the following areas of study:

• Fish and fish habitats;

• Intertidal habitat and epibentic macro-invertebrates;

• Eelgrass;

• Intertidal ecology;

• Marine mammals.

The assessment process will be divided into two phases. The initial phase will be a preliminary assessment of all of the Terminal 2 and Deltaport Study areas to select environmentally sustainable project locations. Components from other key studies (engineering, geomorphology, etc.) will assist in this determination. The second phase will be a subsequent detailed assessment of defined sustainable terminal project(s).

Finally, the work included in this work plan does not include consideration of water quality, infaunal invertebrates, birds (including marine birds), tides, currents and coastal sediment processes, terrestrial environment, air quality, noise and light, traffic and socio-economic impacts. These subjects are being addressed by other members of the Roberts Bank Container Expansion team.

2.0 MARINE ENVIRONMENT STUDY TEAM The impact assessment for the marine environmental component of this program will be completed by a Marine Environment Study Team, composed of Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd, Precision Identification Biological Consultants, GL Williams and Associates Ltd, Archipelago Marine Research Ltd, Subtidal Surveying and Environmental Assessors, and Marine Resources and Education Services. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd is the lead consultant. The team members are: Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd:

Clyde Mitchell Project Manager •


Dr. Tom Watson Project Director, Technical Advisor and Reviewer •

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Dr. Guy Martel Marine Studies Coordinator Fish and Fish Habitat, Intertidal Habitat and Macro-invertebrates

Support staff Field work, data entry/processing, library Precision Identification Biological Consultants:

Cynthia Durance Eelgrass GL Williams and Associates Ltd:

Gary Williams Intertidal Ecology Archipelago Marine Research Ltd:

Brian Emmett Subtidal Habitats and Fisheries Resources

Pam Thuringer Underwater Video and Dive Surveys

Angela Forester Underwater Video and Dive Surveys Subtidal Surveying and Environmental Assessors:

Shane Servant Dive Surveys Marine Resources and Education Services

• Dr. Dominic Tollit Marine Mammals The organization of the project team, and the areas to which they will contribute their expertise, are outlined in Figure 3.


Figure 3. Marine Environment Study Team organization

VPA Container DevelopmentGroup

Darrell Desjardin Vancouver Port Authority

Paul HemsleyHemmera Envirochem Inc.

Project DirectorDr. Tom Watson

Triton EnvironmentalConsultants Ltd

Project ManagerClyde Mitchell


Fish and Fish HabitatEelgrass Intertidal Ecology Marine Mammal

Cynthia DurancePrecision

Identification

Gary WilliamsG. L. Williams &Associates Ltd.

Dr. Dominic Tollit

Marine Resources andEducation Services

Dr. Guy MartelTriton Environmental

Consultants Ltd

Brian EmmettArchipelago

Shane ServantSSEA

Macro Invertebratesin the Intertidal Zone

Habitat CompensationProgram



Identification


Dr. Dominic TollitMarine Resources

and EducationServices/UBC

Dr. Guy MartelTriton Environmental

Consultants Ltd

BCEAA/CEAA BiophysicalWorking Group



Identification


3.0 SCOPE OF STUDY AREA/ASSESSMENT

Definition of the study area for an environmental assessment is based on the aerial extent of the program activities and their likely effects. For the Roberts Bank Container Expansion Program, the study area must include:

• areas proposed for the placement of fill,

• the immediate dredge area including ship channels and turning basins,

• those specific areas in which the effects of the project may be felt, and

• a wider area for comparison purposes when assessing the significance of those effects.

In summary, in addition to the assessment of impacts within the footprint of the proposed expansion options, it is recommended that the geographic scope of the assessments be limited to the northwest by the influence of the Fraser River through Canoe Passage. It is expected that outflows from the Fraser would prevent any sediments or operational effects from influencing habitats to the north of this point. Potential marine effects to the south-east would be limited by the existing ferry terminal causeway, while they are bounded to the north-east by the existing shoreline. Due to increasing depth and the turbid waters from the Fraser River influence, we have estimated that a study area within 1 to 5 km of the existing port facilities will be sufficient to document potential project effects on most marine resources. An outline of the proposed geographic scope of the marine studies is provided in Figure 4. The process for the assessment of the environmental effects will include:

review of existing literature; •

•

•

•

•

field studies;

assessment of effects;

development of mitigation/compensation options; and,

residual and cumulative impact assessment.

The focus of data collection and impact analysis will primarily be in those areas where program activities will take place and direct effects are expected to occur. More general data collection may need to be undertaken to place some identified effects in context for the assessment of their significance. Assessment of the issues related to the footprint for Terminal expansion options E1 and W3 and the proposed Deltaport Third Berth will require documentation of existing intertidal habitats and their use (Figure 2). Options W1 and W2 will require documentation of existing intertidal and subtidal habitat conditions and fish use of deeper areas adjacent to the existing terminal facilities. All options will require documentation Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 3450/WP9757 Page 7 Working Draft September 8, 2003

of existing habitat conditions and fish and invertebrate use of the area adjacent to the proposed northwest causeway expansion for rail support The scope of any assessment will also require that areas outside of the footprint be examined due to potential effects from construction such as increased turbidity levels from dredging or placement of fill, and the effect of turbid water on marine habitats and animals. In addition, some of the fishes and marine mammals that use habitats in the study areas may potentially travel great distances throughout their life cycle and may only return to those habitats in the vicinity of the port during critical periods of their life cycle (e.g., breeding, migratory path, seasonal feeding, etc.). Therefore it will be important to identify not only the fish and mammals species in the study areas and their distribution, but also to identify the timing of their presence in the area and determine if this timing is critical. Finally, the work included in this work plan does not include consideration of water quality, benthic infaunal invertebrates, birds (inc. marine birds), tides, currents and coastal sediment processes, terrestrial environment, air quality, noise and light, traffic and socio-economic impacts. These subjects are being addressed by other members of the Roberts Bank Container Expansion team.


Roberts Bank Container Expansion Program

FIGURE 4.

Map # 71440002Created by: P. Frederiksen 6/11/03

Source: NTS, 92G2, Edition 2

Revised by: P. Frederiksen 6/14/03

PROPOSED GEOGRAPHIC SCOPEOF MARINE ASSESSMENT

Existing Deltaport andWestshore TerminalsFacilities

TsawwassenFerry Terminal

Proposed Geographic Scope

Nor

thwes

t lim

it- i

nflu

ence

ofFr

aser

River

Northeast limit - existing shorelineSou

thea

stlim

it- F

erry

Term

inal

caus

eway

Southwest limit - 1 kmfrom

existing facilities

1Km

N

4.0 WORK PLAN The Marine Environment Study Team will work closely with the VPA Container Expansion Team and the BCEAA/CEAA Biophysical Working Group (BWG), regulatory agencies, First Nations, interested groups and stakeholders to identify and address the marine environmental issues, potential impacts, mitigation strategies and compensation opportunities during the planning and design phases of the program. The Marine Environment Study Team will consider potential environmental effects resulting from both construction and operation of the options on:

• Fish and fish habitats;

• Intertidal habitat and epibentic macro-invertebrates;

• Eelgrass;

• Intertidal ecology; and,

• Marine mammals.

Both positive and negative impacts will be assessed and, where possible, quantified. The environmental marine impact assessment will build upon the results of previous marine research, environmental studies and impact assessments completed in Roberts Bank and similar port development projects in other Canadian and American jurisdictions. The studies will also identify program-specific regulatory agency requirements associated with the protection and enhancement of the different marine resources component. Related requirements will be conveyed to the VPA Container Development Team and other technical teams (e.g., engineering and other disciplines). The Marine Environment Study Team’s work will proceed in a phased fashion based on the schedule included in this Work Plan. The main phases will be:

1) Assessment of existing conditions and potential effects, including a preliminary assessment to select environmentally sustainable project locations;

2) Development of mitigation and compensation plans;

3) Assessment of residual effects and cumulative impact assessment, and;

4) Participation in consultations as required. The work plan includes background information review, field programs, impact assessments, mitigation and compensation, identification of cumulative effects, and report and map preparation.


All work will be conducted with sufficient detail to satisfy the requirements of the federal and provincial environmental review processes. Details of the proposed work plan are provided below. 4.1 Background Information Review Coincidental with the start of the field studies, the team will complete a comprehensive review of the information relevant to each component of the marine ecosystems study (e.g., eelgrass, salt marsh, mudflats, fish habitat, etc.) for the project area. The background information review will consist of two phases:

1) Compilation and review of published information, and

2) Communication with VPA staff, the regulatory agencies, First Nations and commercial fishers to identify other sources of existing information.

Background information sources may include, but may not necessarily be limited to:

• Canadian Institute of Scientific and Technical Information (CISTI),

• UBC Library Catalogue,

• FOC’s WAVES catalogue,

• Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts,

• Science Citation Index,

• Library catalogue at Triton,

• BC Provincial publications,

• National Technical Information Service (NTIS),

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),

• Corps of Engineers Library Information online (CELIO – US Army Corps),

• Relevant reports prepared for the Vancouver Port Authority,

• Fraser River Estuary Management Program (FREMP) publications, and,

• BC Environmental Resource Council (BCRC) documents.

Results of the literature review will be used to identify data gaps, refine proposed field plans, and provide a basis for the assessment of environmental effects. The review will be documented in an annotated bibliography. The review of background information will also allow the team to identify and develop innovative mitigation and compensation concepts that have been developed and/or


implemented in other jurisdictions that could be applied to the proposed VPA Roberts Bank expansion. 4.2 Field Program The field program will confirm the extent and quality of existing conditions of the fish and fish habitats, macroinvertebrates, eelgrass, intertidal ecology, and marine mammal resources in the study areas. The level of detail for field investigations will be based on the quantity and quality of existing information for the study areas. The field program will allow the Marine Environment Study Team to:

• determine the composition and distribution of marine resources in the study areas;

• identify the relative value of marine habitats in the study areas;

• identify seasonal patterns of biological resources use of in the study areas;

• identify blue (sensitive and vulnerable) and red (endangered) listed species in the study areas;

• identify the occurrence and spatial extent of each distinct habitat type in the study areas (e.g., intertidal, subtidal, eelgrass and marsh, silt/sand substrate, rip rap shoreline);

• identify sensitive or rare habitats, including habitats which are highly sensitive to mechanical disturbance and/or sedimentation, or small habitats with critical functions, and;

• confirm and compare the results of previously completed marine studies in the study areas with those of the present studies (where appropriate);

The information collected during the field program will allow the Marine Environment Study Team to identify and assess the impacts of the proposed expansion in the study areas and to identify and develop mitigation and compensation strategies. Finally, the Marine Environment Study Team will interact frequently with other project team members such as the water and sediment quality team. Appropriate sampling permits and approvals will be sought prior to the initiation of the field programs. The methods to be used for the various components of the marine environment impact assessment are briefly summarized bellow. Fish Sampling and Habitat Documentation The information collected during the fish and fish habitat surveys will allow the team to identify and assess the impacts of the proposed expansion on Valuable Ecosystem Components (VECs) in the project area and to develop mitigation and compensation


strategies for VECs that may be negatively affected. We anticipate that the results of the fish and fish habitat surveys will also be relevant to wildlife and First Nations traditional use studies that may be commissioned in support of the CEAA and BCEAA application. Specifically, the objectives of the fish and fish habitat surveys are to:

• determine the fish species composition and distribution in the project area; • identify seasonal patterns of fish use in the project area; • identify blue (sensitive and vulnerable) and red (endangered) listed species in the

project area; • identify the occurrence and spatial extent of each distinct habitat type in the

project area (e.g., intertidal, subtidal, eelgrass and marsh, silt/sand substrate, rip rap, shoreline);

• identify sensitive or rare habitat, including habitats which are highly sensitive to

mechanical disturbance and/or sedimentation, or small habitats with critical function, and;

• confirm and compare the results of previously completed fish and fish habitat

studies in the project area with those of the present study (where appropriate). Fish species composition and distribution in the project area will be determined through seasonal beach seining, trapping and trawling in subtidal and intertidal habitats in and adjacent to the proposed development options conducted seasonally between July, 2003, and May, 2004 (see schedule section 4.7). Visual observations of fish will also be recorded during dive surveys of subtidal habitats in the project area. All sample sites will be georeferenced, and standardized data forms developed by the team will ensure consistent and complete data collection throughout the proposed field study. Beach Seining Fish species composition and distribution in nearshore habitats representative of the intertidal zone will be determined through beach seining. Beach seining will be conducted once per season at eight sites encompassing previously sampled locations and areas representative of existing intertidal habitats (e.g., eelgrass beds, mudflats). Sampling in previously studied areas will allow for comparison with past studies and will provide insight into historical patterns of abundance and distribution. The beach seining sets will be conducted by a three-person crew using a 30 m long x 2.0 m deep net (6.35 mm stretch mesh). The net will be deployed by field crews wading in the water at each sample site. There will be two sets per time per sample site.


Seining will be conducted at night and during the day at the rising tide to ensure that the widest variety of fish species is sampled. All fish captured during beach seining will be enumerated and every effort will be made to identify fish to species. Some voucher specimens may have to be collected for subsequent identification (e.g., larval fishes). A minimum subsample of 30 fish per species will be measured (fork length or total length) where large numbers of fish are captured, and 10 fish per species will be weighed. All sampled fish will be released near the point of capture. Beam trawling Fish species presence and distribution in the subtidal zone and the intertidal zone at high tide will be documented through trawling with a 3 m beam trawl. Trawling has a lower cost per area sampled compared to diving and ROV surveys, is insensitive to turbidity and allows species quantification. The beam trawl will be towed from a jet boat along 500 m long transects. All tows starting points and ends will be geo-referenced to allow for seasonal replication. Up to 10 tows will be done in the study area along representative areas. All species collected in each tow will be enumerated. A minimum sub-sample of 10 fish per species will be measured (fork length or total length). All sampled fish will be released near their point of capture. Trapping Fish species presence and distribution in habitats that cannot be effectively sampled by trawling and seining will be documented through trapping. Such habitats include riprap shorelines, areas with woody debris and other cover features, and water >10 m deep. We will use Gee-traps and prawn and crab traps to sample a variety of fish species and age classes. Baited Gee-traps will be used to sample intertidal habitats along riprap shorelines. They will be set in the intertidal zone at low tide and retrieved on the following outgoing tide. All fish and invertebrates captured will be enumerated, and a minimum subsample of 10 fish per species will be measured (fork length or total length) and weighed. Four Gee-traps will be set at each of ten trapping locations. Prawn and Crab Traps Prawn and crab trapping will supplement the results of Gee-trapping, trawling and visual observations in subtidal habitats. Prawn traps are similar in design to Gee traps, but are of heavier construction and are better suited to deployment in deeper water (5-20 m). Crab traps are heavier and larger. These traps also collect larger fish that are not effectively sampled with small Gee-traps. Subtidal prawn and crab traps will be baited and set overnight for up to 24 hours in waters up to 20 m deep. All fish and invertebrates captured will be enumerated and a minimum subsample of 10 fish per species will be measured (fork length or total length)


where large numbers of fish are captured. All sampled fish will be released near the point of their capture. Two prawn traps will be set at each of ten sample sites distributed in and adjacent to the proposed development options. Crab traps will be set singly in ten additional locations. As for the other fish habitat components, prawn and crab trapping will be carried seasonally to reflect seasonal variations in fish distribution and abundance. Subtidal Habitat Surveys The subtidal habitat surveys will confirm the boundaries of important features such as eelgrass beds and subtidal habitats, as well as collect more detailed data and video imagery on macro-invertebrates and fish associated with specific mapped features. The subtidal habitat surveys have two components: a subtidal habitat inventory completed using geo-positioned towed video Seabed Imaging and Mapping System (SIMS), and subsequent ground truthing via SCUBA. The SIMS is a towed video system developed to carry out systematic mapping of seafloor substrates, morphology and macro-invertebrates from the intertidal zone to depths to about 40 m. The field of view is about 1 m by 2-3 m. The acquired imagery is geo-referenced using DGPS with positions and time “burned onto” the video imagery with one-second updates. Depth of the towfish is also shown on the image and the towfish is maintained at a height of about 1-1.5 m above the seafloor. Tow speeds for SIMS range between 1 to 1.5 knots yielding a line coverage of about 15 to 18 km in a typical survey day. A seven meter vessel is used to conduct the survey. A laptop computer is used for pre-plotting the navigation lines and for showing the vessel track lines during the survey. The position, depth and video time data are stored in custom MS Access© database format developed for the SIMS classification system. The video imagery is classified by a geologist and a biologist for substrate, epiflora (macrophytes) and epifauna (including fish) using a substrate and biotic classification system initially developed for the British Columbia Land Use Coordination Office. The SIMS database system allows for data entry each second of video imagery collected. The interpreted data are interfaced with ArcView for map production. The survey products will be a portfolio of maps developed in GIS format showing sediment type, major vegetative features, macro-invertebrates and fish observations. In addition the accompanying report will summarize the survey parameters and provide an interpretation of valued and sensitive biophysical features The underwater surveys of subtidal habitats will be conducted between September and October 2003 (see schedule section 4.7) using a towed underwater video system (SIMS) along transects laid out in a 100 by 100 m grid pattern and distributed throughout an estimated 280 ha of subtidal habitat in the study areas. This will generate a total of 75 km Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 3450/WP9757 Page 15 Working Draft September 8, 2003

of survey track lines. The grid pattern may be finer in selected areas (e.g., rocky reefs, edges of eelgrass beds or other prominent vegetative features). Upon completion of the SIMS inventory, dive surveys focusing on detailed assessments of substrate and fishes and macro-invertebrates will be completed in the project area. Dives will be conducted along transects running through specific habitat features such as eelgrass beds, or at specific habitat features identified during the SIMS inventory. The dive surveys will confirm the boundaries of habitat units identified during the SIMS surveys, provide a qualitative description of community composition for specific habitats and also include quantitative counts of fishes and macro-invertebrates (e.g., Dungeness crab) along specific dive transects 100 m in length. This information, combined with the subtidal trawling and trapping data, will characterize the fish and macro-invertebrate species composition and distribution in the subtidal zone. Intertidal Habitat and Epibenthic Macro-invertebrates The benthic and macro-invertebrate studies will be conducted in the summer to ensure coverage of the period of greatest invertebrate abundance and species diversity in the project area. Subtidal zone invertebrates will also be recorded through dive surveys described in a latter section. The objectives of the benthic and macro-invertebrate surveys are to: • determine macro-invertebrate composition and distribution in the intertidal zone in

and adjacent to the project area;

• identify blue and red listed species in the project area;

• identify the occurrence and distribution of intertidal habitats in the project area;

• identify sensitive or rare habitats in the project area, and;

• confirm and compare the results with previous studies completed by Triton and FOC (where appropriate).

The information collected during the benthic and macro-invertebrate surveys will allow the team to describe the existing community structure and develop mitigation and compensation strategies for species and habitats that may be impacted by the terminal expansion. These data may also be relevant to wildlife and First Nations traditional use studies conducted in support of the CEAA and BCEAA application. Sampling


All options will first be surveyed at low tide and the main habitats will be characterized. Habitats will be described in terms of dominant and subdominant substrate types, plant

species and invertebrate species percent cover, density or signs thereof (e.g., polychaetes fecal castings and bivalve siphon holes). Geo-referenced metered transects will thereafter be established in representative areas within the proposed options. Transects lend themselves well to sampling along a stratified random design (each stratum being an homogeneous area). This sampling design can provide estimates of invertebrate abundance and measures of density and of habitat distribution. The transects will sample a minimum of 2,000 linear m of habitat (either ten transects of 200 m each or a lesser number of transects of greater distances). Up to 15 quadrats will be sampled along each transects. All transects will be laid in a direction perpendicular to the shore, the 0 m mark being closest to the high-water mark. The limits of each habitat within the area covered by the transect will then be recorded along the transect line. Invertebrates will be collected within strata through randomly located 0.25 m2 quadrats. The animals will be collected down to 10 cm into the substrate and sieved through a 860 microns sieve. Bivalve siphon holes, polychaetes holes or fecal castings will be counted. Macro-invertebrates that are easily identified and measured will be immediately returned to the site after they have been sampled, while other specimens requiring detailed morphological assessments for positive species identification will be collected, fixed in a 10% formalin solution and subsequently preserved in 70% ethanol mixed with glycerin. These animals will be sorted and identified at a later date. Other aspects of benthos such as infauna will be part of other studies (e.g., water and sediment quality). Eelgrass The information collected during the eelgrass program will allow the team to assess the impacts of the proposed development on eelgrass in and adjacent to the project area, and will be used to develop mitigation and compensation strategies on eelgrass resources that may be negatively impacted. The results of the eelgrass surveys will also be relevant to additional wildlife and First Nations studies that may be commissioned in support of the CEAA and BCEAA application. Specifically, the objectives of the eelgrass program are to:

• identify the current distribution of native (common) eelgrass (Zostera marina) and the introduced Japanese eelgrass (Z. japonica) within areas that could be potentially impacted, directly or indirectly, by the proposed development;

• characterize the area, type, and relative value of eelgrass habitat in each of the areas that could be directly impacted by each of the development options, and;


• collect seasonal baseline data for native eelgrass in areas that could be impacted directly or indirectly, and from a reference site for comparison.

The eelgrass program will consist of three components:

1. Native and introduced Japanese eelgrass distribution and mapping;

2. Eelgrass habitat descriptions, and;

3. Seasonal collection of baseline data. 1. Eelgrass Distribution and Mapping The distribution of eelgrass in and adjacent to the project area will be mapped to illustrate current eelgrass resources in the project area. The eelgrass distribution mapping will be completed in August and September 2003 (see schedule section 4.7). The area colonized by native eelgrass at Roberts Bank has been recently delineated and geo-referenced from digital air photos1. The visible extent and different types of eelgrass habitat at Roberts Bank were reviewed using these air photos prior to beginning the eelgrass mapping exercise. Selected polygons were then sampled in the field by a two-person crew through boat and ground surveys to confirm habitat types and boundaries. The SIMS method described earlier will be required to confirm the deeper water boundaries of eelgrass habitat in or near the proposed development site(s). 2. Eelgrass habitat description The eelgrass habitat descriptions will be completed in August and September 2003 (see schedule section 4.7). Eelgrass habitat varies temporally and spatially and the productivity and related fisheries value of eelgrass may therefore vary greatly from one development option to the next. The type of eelgrass habitat present will be characterized to assess the value of eelgrass at each of proposed development sites. This information will be used to determine the relative eelgrass productivity and eelgrass value within each study area. The characterization will include identifying the ecotype(s) and mean density of native eelgrass and the relative density of Japanese eelgrass (absent, sparse, moderate, or dense). The mean density of native eelgrass in the study area will be determined through quadrat sampling, consistent with the Methods for Mapping and Monitoring Eelgrass Habitat in British Columbia (Precision, 2002).

Leaf Area Indices (LAI) will be used to estimate productivity, according to the following formula:

1 The airphotos were scanned at a resolution of 1 pixel = 20cm. The orthophoto process and jpg compression decreased the resolution

to 1 pixel = 25cm.


LAI = mean shoot length x mean shoot width x mean density of shoot /m2

LAI for Z. marina will be determined for each of the areas directly impacted by the development.

3. Seasonal collection of baseline data The Port expansion may occur over several seasons, and since the density of eelgrass may vary seasonally, it will be important to have baseline data for spring, late summer, and winter. The seasonal baseline data will be collected in late August/early September 2003, December 2003/January 2004, and April/May 2004 (see schedule section 4.7). Changes in turbidity and sedimentation may affect the shoot length and density of eelgrass so these parameters will be monitored. Seasonal baseline data will be collected for:

• each area that may be directly impacted;

• adjacent areas that may be indirectly impacted, and;

• a reference population in Boundary Bay (to determine if changes subsequent to the Roberts Bank’s development are due to direct impacts or natural causes).

Intertidal Ecology The information collected during this aspect of the program will allow the team to assess the impacts of the proposed development on marine ecosystems in and adjacent to the project area, and will be used to develop mitigation and compensation strategies on marine ecosystems that may be negatively impacted. The results of the intertidal ecology studies, in association with the other marine field data collection programs, will also be relevant to additional wildlife and First Nations studies that may be commissioned in support of the CEAA and BCEAA application. The main objectives of the intertidal ecosystem program are to:

• identify the type and spatial distribution of marine ecosystems (backshore vegetation, tidal flats, brackish and intertidal marshes)2 between Brunswick Point and the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal,

2 Eelgrass and subtidal ecosystems are covered in separate sections of the proposal


• collect biophysical information on these habitats in the project area to provide baseline data for determining project related habitat impacts, mitigation and compensation;

• identify the preliminary relative value of these habitats in the project area;

• prepare a habitat map and summary database of these habitats, and ;

• identify opportunities for habitat mitigation and compensation. The field surveys will be completed in the late summer (late August-mid September) of 2003 (see schedule section 4.7). The intertidal ecosystems within the study area will be categorized according to biophysical characteristics and dominant fluvial or oceanographic processes. For example, tidal flats are differentiated into sandy or mud (silt and clay) substrate, based on sediment transport from the Fraser River and interactions with marine waters of the Strait of Georgia. Similarly, intertidal marshes include both salt and brackish marshes located south and north of the Roberts Bank causeways, respectively. Backshore vegetation includes trees, shrubs, grass and herbaceous plants growing above the high water level but influenced by the marine conditions. Polygons in each habitat type, pretyped from the 2002 FREMP digital orthophotos will be sampled and located using GPS on a transect grid (perpendicular or parallel to shoreline), and the following information collected:

• dominant plant species,

• substrate characteristics,

• notes on productivity (e.g., growth condition, limiting factors such as wood debris and drainage),

• presence of animals (invertebrates or vertebrates),

• non-native species,

• rare or listed species, and

• habitat enhancement/restoration opportunities. Geodetic elevations of saltmarsh communities will be measured to assess growth ranges for dominant salt marsh species and to characterize habitat features (e.g., tidal channels). Intertidal marsh polygons identified in the field will be overlaid on the bathymetric survey map to determine substrate elevations. Elevation data will be important for understanding existing marsh ecology and the development of compensation options. To supplement field observations, soil samples will be collected at selected marsh sites for laboratory analysis. Soil analyses will include particle size to determine soil texture, percent organic matter and soil salinity. A selected number of tidal flat samples will also be taken to characterize sandflat and mudflat substrates. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 3450/WP9757 Page 20 Working Draft September 8, 2003

Marine Mammals Marine mammal surveys will be conducted on four occasions, in August and October 2003, and January and April 2004 within a five km radius of the proposed facility (see schedule section 4.7). The surveys will capture the July harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) pupping season, and the migration of grey whales (Eschrichtius robustus) and sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus and Zalophus californianus) into nearshore habitats. Marine mammal boat-based sighting surveys will be carried out using an appropriate survey design based on the program DISTANCE 4.0. Surveys will be timed with the tides, so that potential pinniped haul-outs on intertidal sand banks are visible. At a minimum, the following information will be recorded at each marine mammal sighting: GPS locations at the beginning and end of each mammal encounter, photos of individual mammals (where possible), species, number and age class of surveyed mammals, and behaviour type (foraging, traveling and resting). Resident or transient status will also be recorded for killer whales (Orcinus orca). Dockside interviews (e.g., crane operators, tug skippers) will be conducted concurrently with seasonal sampling and will collect anecdotal information on marine mammal sightings within a five km radius of the study areas. Preliminary discussions with DFO Science Branch indicate that sufficient data exist to assess marine mammal distribution, abundance and seasonal patterns through the Straights of Juan de Fuca and Georgia Straights (Dr. John Ford, pers.com.). 4.3 Impact Assessment The assessment of the anticipated impacts of each of the program options will be based on the combined information arising from the background information review and field programs. Site-specific mitigation options will also be reviewed. The impact assessment will consider the proposed footprint of the expansion and impacts from construction, operations, decommissioning (if necessary) and potential impacts from accidents or spills. Both positive and negative impacts will be assessed and, where possible, quantified. Any identified negative impact will form the basis for subsequent stages of the impact assessment process. In summary, the process for the assessment of the environmental effects will include:

review of existing literature; •

•

•

•

•

field studies;

assessment of effects;

development of mitigation/compensation options; and,

residual and cumulative impact assessment. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 3450/WP9757 Page 21 Working Draft September 8, 2003

Impacts will be analyzed and described in terms of one or more standard attributes as appropriate for each marine study:

• Magnitude: the absolute or relative change in the size or value of a Valued Ecosystem Component (VEC), usually in relation to the state of the VEC in the study area and to existing environmental standards.

• Direction: whether the impact represents an increase or decrease in magnitude.

• Areal extent: the geographic area over which the impact would occur.

• Duration: the length of time over which the impact would occur.

• Frequency: the recurrence interval of impacts.

• Reversibility: the extent to which the impact would be reversible through natural processes or through human intervention.

Further, as required under the CEAA directives, the likelihood of effects occurring will also be considered. When assessing the potential effects of projects, the experience gained over many years does provide the assessment team with guidance on the likelihood that the project effects will, in fact, be realized and under what conditions. This will result in an assessment of the “uncertainty” of the assessment and provide valuable information to the Port of Vancouver and the regulatory agencies. Criteria to ascribe “significance” to the environmental effects will be prepared in the description and documentation of the environmental effects. These effects will be presented for each phase (construction, operation, and for environmental accidents such as spills). Determination of significance of environmental effects under a harmonized BCEAA/CEAA process must take into account the implementation of mitigation and compensation measures. The final impact assessment will, therefore, include an assessment of the significance of the residual environmental effects of the fully mitigated project based on the criteria discussed above. This advice will be submitted to the government agencies for their review and consideration. 4.4 Mitigation and Compensation The marine studies team will identify site-specific mitigation and compensation requirements and options available to offset significant impacts quantified during the impact assessment. This stage of the work will include the preparation of preliminary site-specific impact mitigation/compensation plans (e.g., sediment/erosion control plans, habitat mitigation/restoration plans) to offset potential impacts. The marine studies team will meet with the engineering/technical team and the VPA Container Development Team to discuss suitability and implementation of proposed


mitigation/compensation plans. Once a suite of feasible options are identified, the mitigation/compensation concepts will be discussed with the BCEAA/CEAA Biophysical Working Group and key regulatory agencies personnel (e.g., DFO and Coast Guard Canada, MWLAP, Fraser River Estuary Management Program). The plans may be adjusted to reflect any required subsequent alterations or additions. 4.5 Cumulative Effects The assessment of cumulative effects will encompass several disciplines (for example from marine to cultural or socio-economic) and must be completed as part of the overall project assessment. The Marine Environment Study Team will identify those environmental effects considered cumulative for discussion with the Biophysical Working Group (VPA and consulting team) before determining a definitive scope for the CEA and the final assessment of effects. The cumulative effects assessment will consider3:

• Direct/indirect residual biophysical effects and consequent effects on resource use, socio-economic, cultural, and health conditions (including a distinction for those affecting First Nations);

• Predicted effects that will interact with the same effects of other approved or reasonably foreseeable projects or activities; and,

• Predicted effects that are likely to judged as significant environmental effects. 4.6 Reporting Findings of the marine resources impact assessment will be documented in a stand-alone report. The report will include a description of existing conditions, potential impacts, recommended mitigation and compensation measures, and a description of any residual and cumulative effects. The text will be supplemented with photographs and maps. Information from the report will be used to prepare a multi-disciplinary, summary EIA to support application for environmental review under the harmonized BCEAA/CEAA process.


3 Hegmann, G., C. Cocklin, R. Creasey, S. Dupuis, A. Kennedy, L. Kingsley, W. Ross, H. Spaling and D. Stalker. 1999. Cumulative Effects Assessment Practitioners Guide. Prepared by AXYS Environmental Consulting Ltd. and the CEA Working Group for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, Hull, Quebec.


4.7 Schedule The proposed work plan will be conducted in accordance with the following schedule:

Description Timing

Collect and compile background information July/August 2003

Finalization of study plans August 2003

Preparation of material for the scoping report mid to late August 2003

Implement field program:

Fish and Fish Habitat • Beach Seining • Beam trawling • Trapping

August and November 2003, February and May 2004 August and November 2003, February and May 2004 August and November 2003, February and May 2004

Subtidal Habitat Surveys September to November, 2003

Intertidal Invertebrates August/September 2003

Eelgrass • Eelgrass Distribution and Mapping • Eelgrass habitat description • Seasonal collection of baseline data

August/September 2003 August/September 2003 August/ September 2003; December 2003/January 2004; and April/May 2004

Intertidal Ecology Late August to mid September , 2003

Marine Mammals Seasonal, July 2003 to May 2004

Prepare draft Marine Resources Impact Report May/August 2004

Consultations As required

Documents

PHOTO APPENDIX - Port of Vancouver