Port Moody wants to be kept apprised of any plans by Trans Mountain to decommission an old pier at its newly-expanded Westridge Marine Terminal in Burnaby.
In a draft letter to the pipeline company, city manager Anna Mathewson said Port Moody wants to be looped in on the environmental protection plan it is preparing to support the decommissioning project, which is about 2.3 kms west of the city.
“Any spills or discharge in the vicinity of the Westridge Terminal could have significant effects on the environment including the salmon populations, as well as the populations of shorebirds and waterfowl, species and risk and marine mammals traversing and foraging in the area,” Mathewson said, adding the company should also make sure the project doesn’t impact recreational activities in Port Moody waters either.
Mathewson also urged Trans Mountain to engage with local stewardship groups and other Port Moody stakeholders.
“There has been significant investment by the city and community in environmental protection and enhancement, including two hatcheries with Port Moody at Noons Creek and Mossom Creek.”
Trans Mountain recently completed construction of its new pipeline connecting the Westridge terminal to Alberta. The multi-billion project, that includes a massive new dock complex that can accommodate three tankers, doubles the amount of heavy bunker oil that can be transported for further processing.
According to Trans Mountain’s proposal, all the old pier’s above-ground and on-deck mechanical equipment, piping systems and electrical components will be removed from the shoreline while piping systems will be isolated, drained, cleaned and disconnected.
The pier itself will also be removed and disposed-of offsite, along with the piles. However, the company cautions, the age of the piles might some could break off as they’re being extricated. If that happens, it said, the piles will be cut to the mudline and covered with rock.
Following the removal of the pier and other infrastructure, the foreshore will be reclaimed and restored.
The company said the work would likely begin in 2025 or 2026, once all approvals and permits have been secured.
