VANCOUVER – Opponents to the proposed expansion of Deltaport are rallying to draw attention to what they say is another downside to the plan.
Port Metro Vancouver wants to build a three-berth container terminal at Roberts Bank, on a new man-made island near the existing container terminal.
About 50 people protested the proposal on Monday.
Critics say that would put the local populations of sandpipers and other birds at risk. They say tens of thousands of birds spend weeks, or months, in the area every year and they are concerned a larger port will destroy key habitats and migration corridors.
“This expansion is not really justified from a business standpoint,” said Jeremy McCall with the Vancouver Natural History Society. “And we know that it’s just an empire-building exercise from Port Metro Vancouver and we’re very disturbed about that.”
“The Fraser River estuary is the most important bird area in Canada. So a whole lot of people who know stuff, think this is really important.”
Officials at Port Metro Vancouver say locals have nothing to worry about.
“Roberts Bank Terminal 2 is going to undergo an independent panel review, which is the most rigorous environmental assessment process in Canada,” said Cliff Stewart, director, infrastructure development at Port Metro Vancouver. “Port Metro Vancouver will ensure that any potential impacts of the project to the environment, including the shore birds, are avoided or mitigated.”
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