Port Moody has detailed a long list of concerns about Pacific Coast Terminals' proposed potash-handling facility, ranging from environmental restoration to traffic management.
In a December letter to Port Metro Vancouver, the city notes "significant concerns regarding the offset plans proposed in compensation for the habitat loss incurred as part of the project," particularly along the foreshore area along the PCT site that falls within PoMo's Environmentally Sensitive Areas strategy.
It also notes issues around nearby osprey nests, the overall habitat loss and calls for more detailed information on plans for the creation of Kyle Creek Spit, enhancements to Reed Island and the creation of Reed Point Beach. Additional concerns include stronger protections for Schoolhouse Creek and tree retention.
Port Moody also wants to see more information regarding public safety, with requests that Port Moody Fire Rescue review any building plans for the potash facility and that PCT provides further details on the risk of combustibility of potash dust.
And while the proposed facility falls within the property's existing industrial zoning, PoMo's letter noted the bylaw states industrial uses can't discharge odours, heat and radiation, or "recurrently generated ground vibration."
The letter asks PCT to clarify potential construction-related traffic impacts and noise, both during construction and once the facility is operational, and requests that the city's engineering department inspects any off-site works to assess potential impacts for the city's drinking water, storm and sanitary sewer systems.
PCT signed an agreement with K+S Potash Canada last spring and expects to be handling about 1.8 million tonnes of the material, from the company's Legacy mine project in Saskatchewan, in late 2016.
The agreement will mean about 300 full-time construction jobs over a two-year period as PCT builds its potash-handling facilities as well as about 60 new full-time jobs once the facility is operational.
Port Metro Vancouver is reviewing the potash facility application as well as a separate application for dredging the navigation channel near PCT.
PCT general manager Wade Leslie told PoMo council last fall that dredging is needed to accommodate vessels during different tide levels and to prepare for competing customers.
PCT is nearing completion on its canola oil-handling facility and is expected to start that operation near the end of March.
@spayneTC
