Drainage Pump Station and Floodbox Replacement

The Vancouver Airport Authority is proposing to replace an existing drainage pump station and floodbox at the Vancouver International Airport. The drainage outfall is one of seven outfalls from the Vancouver Airport into the Fraser River. The pump station and floodbox serve to allow drainage to leave Sea Island to the Fraser River while preventing backflow of river and tidal water onto the island. The pump station is part of the island's flood protection system that protects the airport from coastal flooding, storm surges, and future sea level rise.  The existing structure is over 40 years old and full replacement is required. 

 

The project consists of constructing a new floodbox and pump station adjacent to the existing structure and, once completed, the existing pump station will be removed.  Project activities will include installation of a new concrete pump house, new pipes and headwall structures, associated excavation, civil and electrical works to replace and operate the pump station and floodbox. The project will involve work on the shoreline of the Fraser River and within the drainage ditches on Sea Island. All work will be conducted in isolation of river flows by installing temporary isolation coffer dams. Contaminated soil and sediments have been reported in the vicinity of the project and will require management during construction of the new facility. The work will require temporary closure of Inglis Drive which crosses the floodbox structure. A temporary road bypass will be provided to maintain vehicle and pedestrian access at all times. The project area is approximately 4,000 sq meters. The project is located on Inglis Drive 400m west of the Number 2 Road Bridge in Richmond BC and is on the Middle Arm of the Fraser River.

 

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Richmond, B.C. - June 24, 2022 – The Vancouver Airport Authority and Transport Canada have determined that the proposed Drainage Pump Station and Floodbox Replacement project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

  • impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
  • Indigenous knowledge;
  • community knowledge;
  • comments received from the public; and
  • technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:

  • All works will be carried out in accordance with the construction environmental management plan.
  • In-water works in the Fraser River will be scheduled during the least risk timing window for the protection of fish and fish habitat (July 16 to January 31).
  • Instream works shall be conducted in the dry and in isolation of flow.
  • The project shall develop and implement a spill prevention and emergency response plan.
  • All excavation work will be conducted under an archaeology chance find management plan.
  • A qualified environmental professional will be retained to monitor project activities that may result in potential adverse effects to aquatic habitat.

The Vancouver Airport Authority and Transport Canada are satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, the Vancouver Airport Authority and Transport Canada may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.

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Contacts

Community Relations
PO Box 44638 YVR
Domestic Terminal RPO
Richmond, British Columbia V7B 1W2
Email: engage@yvr.ca

Transport Canada
TC Pacific Environmental Programs
Email: PACEnvironment-environnement@tc.gc.ca


  • Location

    • Vancouver International Airport (British Columbia)
  • Nature of Activity

    • Airport and Airfields
    • Water Management
  • Assessment Status

    Completed
  • Start Date

    2021-07-05
  • Proponent

    Vancouver Airport Authority
  • Authorities

    • Vancouver Airport Authority
  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands
  • Reference Number

    81776
Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

 

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