Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet ...

Consolidated 

Environmental 

Management Plan 

for Burrard Inlet 

Updated 2011 

bieapfremp.org

Consolidated 

Environmental 


for Burrard Inlet 

Updated 2011 

bieapfremp.org

Foreword 

The Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program 

(BIEAP) was established in 1991 to provide a 

management framework to protect and improve the 

environmental quality of Burrard Inlet’s ecosystem. 

BIEAP is a forum that brings together the partners 

and other parties to work collectively in the best 

interests of the ecosystem and to fi nd solutions 

to environmental problems specifi c to Burrard 

Inlet. The Program strives to cultivate a common 

understanding of issues and to stimulate consensus 

amongst government agencies. BIEAP’s operational 

work includes managing a coordinated project review 

process, coordinating specifi c action programs to 

meet prescribed goals and objectives, and providing 

technical support and input to policy issues. BIEAP’s 

partners are: Environment Canada, Fisheries and 

Oceans Canada, Transport Canada, British Columbia 

Ministry of Environment, Metro Vancouver, and Port 

Metro Vancouver. 

To ensure the continued sustainability of Burrard 

Inlet, BIEAP partners undertook an intensive planning 

process to update the Consolidated Environmental 

Management Plan 2002. Prepared by the BIEAP Plan 

Implementation Committee, the Plan is a consolidated 

policy document focused upon sound environmental 

management of the Inlet’s ecosystem. It brings 

together, in one policy document, all the environmental 

management policies and initiatives now in place and 

identifi es new priorities to manage activities that affect 

the environment of Burrard Inlet. 

The Goals and Objectives identifi ed to improve and 

enhance Burrard Inlet’s ecosystem will serve as a 

framework for coordinating the partners’ respective 

programs and activities pertaining to Burrard Inlet 

and its drainage basin. Accordingly, the Burrard Inlet 

Consolidated Environmental Management Plan will act 

as a mechanism to achieve positive environmental 

outcomes now and in the future. 

The Consolidated Environmental Management Plan 

for Burrard Inlet was approved by the BIEAP Partners 

as follows: 

Environment Canada 

November 2011 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada 

November 2011 

Transport Canada 

November 2011 

British Columbia Ministry of Environment 

November 2011 

Metro Vancouver 

November 2011 

Port Metro Vancouver 

November 2011 

1 

Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet

Acknowledgements 

2 

Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet 

The following individuals assisted in the development 

and preparation of the Consolidated Environmental 

Management Plan for Burrard Inlet: 

BIEAP Management Committee 

Darrell Desjardin 

Port Metro Vancouver (Chair) 

Corino Salomi 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Vice-Chair) 

Jonn Braman 

BC Ministry of Environment 

Ruta Fluxgold 


Neil Turner 


Albert Van Roodselaar 


Plan Implementation 

Committee Members 

Juergen Baumann 

Port Metro Vancouver (Chair) 

Liz Freyman 


Lynn Landry 


Brian Naito 


Anoma Patirana 


Ken Bennett 

District of North Vancouver 

David Desrochers 

City of Vancouver 

Angela Negenman 

City of North Vancouver 

Tim O’Hara 

Squamish First Nation 

Julie Pavey 

City of Port Moody 

Lise Townsend 

City of Burnaby 

BIEAP Staff 

Annemarie De Andrade 

Program Manager 

Michelle Gaudry 

Policy Coordinator 

Caroline Dorr 

Project Review Coordinator

Executive Summary 

Burrard Inlet is a tidal salt-water body located in 

the heart of the Metro Vancouver region. Fed by 

mountain streams and strong tidal currents, the 

inlet provides valuable habitat for birds, fi sh and wildlife. 

The inlet’s sheer productivity and abundance have also 

made it a destination for successive waves of human 

settlement. Constituting part of the traditional territory 

of many Coast Salish peoples - Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish 

and Musqueam Nations have inhabited the lands and 

waters of Burrard Inlet since time immemorial. 

In 1886, following the extension of the transcontinental 

railway to the Pacifi c Rim, the inlet’s natural deepsea 

harbour was transformed into Canada’s busiest 

Port. Increasing industrial activity has attracted 

even more settlement and today, over two million 

lower mainland residents, along with visitors 

across the world enjoy the infi nite recreational 

opportunities the inlets’ watershed has to offer. 

Above all, Burrard Inlet is a complex ecosystem 

requiring environmental stewardship to remain 

sustainable for future generations. The updated 

Consolidated Environmental Management Plan 

for Burrard Inlet (the Plan) builds on the previous 

work of the Burrard Inlet Environmental Action 

Program (BIEAP) and provides a framework for 

improving the ecological health of Burrard Inlet. 

In addition to consolidating all of the current 

environmental policies, regulations and programs 

of the federal, provincial, regional and municipal 

government agencies that pertain to Burrard Inlet, 

the Plan identifi es shared goals and objectives 

to promote coordinated decision making and 

effective environmental management. 

The main purpose of the Plan is to provide an 

environmental policy framework to achieve: 

• Improved water quality; 

• Improved sediment quality; 

• Protection and enhancement of 

fi sh and wildlife habitat; 

• An emphasis on human and economic 

development activities that enhance the 

ecological health of Burrard Inlet; and 

• Awareness and environmental stewardship 

As a tool for managing the Burrard Inlet ecosystem, 

the Consolidated Environmental Management Plan 

will work in concert with other strategic, economic, 

social and land use plans such as Port Metro 

Vancouver’s Land Use Plan, Metro Vancouver’s 

Regional Growth Strategy and Sustainability 

Framework and the Offi cial Community Plans of 

Burrard Inlet’s eight municipalities. The Consolidated 

Plan will help ensure that environmental values are 

integrated with economic and social considerations 

in decision-making activities affecting the Inlet. 

Implementation of the Plan is overseen by the 

BIEAP Plan Implementation Committee (PIC) which 

is comprised of representatives of the Partners 

and of municipalities and First Nations that border 

the Inlet. The PIC will prepare and implement 

detailed annual work programs and budgets and 

monitor and report on Plan goals and objectives. 

3 

Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet

Table of Contents 

4 

Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet 

Foreword 1 

Acknowledgements 2 

Executive Summary 3 

Burrard Inlet Environmental 

Action Program 

Map 1: Burrard Inlet 6 

Physical Settings 7 

About BIEAP 8 

BIEAP Partners 9-10 

Municipalities 11 

Existing Policy and Planning 

Initiatives in Burrard Inlet 

Water Quality 13 

Liquid Waste Management 13 

Types of Liquid Waste Discharges 13 

Regulating Liquid Waste Discharges 14 

Sediment Quality 15 

Air Quality 16-17 

Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity in Burrard Inlet 18 

Protecting Fish and Fish Habitat 18 

Protecting Migratory Birds 18-19 

Protecting Endangered Species 19 

Maintaining and Enhancing Biodiversity 19-20 

Marine Protected Areas 20 

Local Government Initiatives 20-21 

First Nations Initiatives 21 

Community Groups and Stewardship 

Activities in Burrard Inlet 21 

Consolidated Environmental 


Goals and Objectives 23 

Implementing the Plan 24-25 

Burrard Environmental Review 

Committee (BERC) and Coordinated Project Review 24 

Funding Commitments for Implementation 25 

Appendices 

1.) Glossary 27-29 

2.) Burrard Inlet Physical Setting, Uses and Ecosystem 30-33 

3.) BIEAP Accomplishments 34-36 

4.) Community Groups and Stewardship 

Activities in Burrard Inlet 37 

5.) Memorandum of Understanding 38-42 

6.) BIEAP Partners 43

Burrard Inlet Environmental 

Action Program

Indian Arm — (2,670 ha) 

This deep water fjord is fed 

by the Indian River watershed. 

Indian Arm is surrounded by 

parkland and is essentially in 

its natural state. 

Burrard Inlet 

False Creek — 77 ha 

This is the smallest water body 

in the City of Vancouver. 

The False Creek shoreline is 

highly developed and the 

water body is heavily used by 

recreational boaters. 

Drainage Basin — 97,800 ha 

The drainage basin for Burrard 

Inlet spans a significant upland 

area. While most of the upland 

is in a natural state, the land 

base available for urban 

expansion is laced with many 

streams that provide fish and 

wildlife habitat. 

Central Harbour — 890 ha 

This water body spans the area 

east of the Second Narrows 

and links Indian Arm and Port 

Moody Arm with the Inner 

Harbour. While the shoreline 

has pockets of industrial 

development, the Maplewood 

Flats have been reclaimed as a 

highly valued habitat for 

wildlife. 

Inner Harbour — 1540 ha 

Between the First and Second 

Narrows is the heart of the 

working port complex of Port 

Metro Vancouver. This is the 

hub of marine and urban 

transportation for the Metro 

Vancouver region. 

Outer Harbour —5,600 ha 

This water body is the entry to 

Burrard Inlet from the Strait of 

Georgia and includes English 

Bay. 

NORTH VANCOUVER 

DISTRICT 

WEST VANCOUVER 

ANMORE 

nd an Arm 

I i 

NORTH 

VANCOUVER 

CITY 

BELCARRA 

BURRARD 

INLET 

Port Moody Arm — 560 ha 

This water body contains 

isolated port facilities and 

industrial operations. The 

eastern portion of the Port 

Moody Arm is an extensive 

inter-tidal mudflat. 

PORT 

MOODY 

Central Harbour 

Inner Harbour 

P rt M o y A m 

o o d r 

Outer Harbour 

English 

Bay 

Fal e C r e e k 

s 

UEL 

COQUITLAM 

BURNABY 

VANCOUVER

Physical Settings 

Burrard Inlet is a tidal salt-water body 

occupying 11,300-hectares in the heart of 

the Metro Vancouver region. It comprises 190 

kilometres of marine foreshore and many diverse 

sub-areas. Burrard Inlet is one of Canada’s most 

productive marine and terrestrial ecosystems. 

Its surrounding natural drainage basin consists of 

98,000 hectares extending to the north from Burrard 

Inlet to the North Shore mountains and to the south 

and east from Burrard Inlet to higher elevations of 

Vancouver, Burnaby, Port Moody and Anmore and 

adjacent areas. As shown on Map 1, Burrard Inlet’s 

drainage basin and study area encompass the 

upland areas and watercourses fl owing into the Inlet 

including: Outer Harbour, False Creek, Inner Harbour, 

Central Harbour, Port Moody Arm and Indian Arm. The 

northeast extent of the Inlet (Indian Arm) is a deepwater 

fjord. Numerous streams and rivers drain into the 

Inlet. Indian Arm has seen limited human settlement 

(mostly residential and recreational properties). The 

remainder of the inlet has been developed for industrial, 

residential, commercial and recreational uses. 

Important Bird Area 

Burrard Inlet is internationally recognized 

as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Canada’s 

IBA Program is a science-based initiative to 

identify, conserve, and monitor a network of 

sites that provide essential habitat for Canada’s 

bird populations. 

Burrard Inlet is within the boundaries of Port Metro 

Vancouver, Canada’s gateway to the Pacifi c Rim, 

and its Inner and Central Harbours and portions 

of Port Moody Arm are signifi cantly industrialized. 

It is also home to a large urbanized population 

in eight municipalities. Nevertheless, Burrard 

Inlet and its drainage basin is an important and 

productive marine and terrestrial ecosystem. 

The marine riparian and intertidal zones of Burrard 

Inlet are integral to fi sh and wildlife at various life 

stages, and to the bustling activities of Canada’s 

largest Port. High biodiversity persists amongst 

shipping and a build-up urban environment due to 

the presence and maintenance of shoreline habitat. 

A more detailed description of the Inlet’s 

physical setting is provided as Appendix 2. 

7 

Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program / Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet

About BIEAP 

8 

Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet / Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program 


(BIEAP) partnership was established in 1991 

to provide a management framework to protect 

and improve Burrard Inlet environmental quality. 

BIEAP’s program partners are Environment Canada 

(EC), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Transport 

Canada (TC), BC Ministry of Environment (MOE), Metro 

Vancouver (MV) and Port Metro Vancouver (PMV). 

Since 1996, BIEAP has been jointly administrated 

with the Fraser River Estuary Management Program 

(FREMP), to provide for the effective coordination 

of the Programs. However, BIEAP and FREMP are 

managed separately to better serve the distinct 

needs of the two different geographical areas. 

BIEAP functions through a Memorandum of 

Understanding (Appendix 5), which establishes the 

program and the framework for coordination of the 

partner agencies’ contributions. BIEAP is a forum that 

brings together the partners and other parties to work 

collectively in the best interests of the ecosystem and 

to fi nd solutions to environmental problems specifi c to 

Burrard Inlet. The Program strives to cultivate a common 

understanding of issues and to stimulate consensus 

amongst government agencies. BIEAP’s overall 

vision for Burrard Inlet is “a thriving port and urban 

community co-existing with a healthy environment.” 

The Consolidated Environmental Management Plan 

(CEMP) for Burrard Inlet provides a framework for 

improving the ecological health of Burrard Inlet. In 

addition to referencing the environmental policies, 

regulations and programs of the federal, provincial, 

regional, and municipal government agencies that 

pertain to Burrard Inlet, the Plan identifi es shared goals, 

objectives and actions to promote coordinated decisionmaking 

and effective environmental management. 

Implementation of the CEMP is overseen by the 

Plan Implementation Committee (PIC), which is 

comprised of representatives of the Partners and of 

municipalities and First Nations that border the Inlet. 

The BIEAP partnership exists to coordinate measures 

to protect and improve the environmental quality of 

Burrard Inlet in ways that do not compromise the 

important economic and social roles the Inlet plays in 

our national, regional and local economies. To this end, 

the business of BIEAP falls into two broad categories: 

policy development and operational activities. 

BIEAP’s policy development work includes: 

Strategic management and priority setting; 

Infl uencing the development and application 

of policies and regulations as they pertain to 

Burrard Inlet and the Program’s objectives; 

Setting goals and objectives and monitoring 

progress toward their achievement; and 

Maintaining a high level of commitment and 

suffi cient funding. 

BIEAP’s operational work includes: 

Managing a coordinated project review 

process (Burrard Environmental Review 

Committee, BERC); 

Coordinating specifi c action programs to 

meet prescribed goals and objectives; and 

Providing technical support and input to 

policy issues.

BIEAP Partners 


Environment Canada is responsible for administering 

federal statutes, policies and programs to help 

protect the environment, conserve certain renewable 

resources and promote sustainable development. 

The Department of the Environment Act (1970) 

provides Environment Canada with responsibility for 

environmental management and protection in Canada. 

In Burrard Inlet, Environment Canada is responsible for: 

1. Protecting migratory birds through the Migratory 

Birds Convention Act and the Canada Wildlife Act; 

2. Administering pollution prevention 

and contaminant regulations through the 

Canadian Environmental Protection Act; 

3. Protecting fi sh from deposits of deleterious 

substances, through Section 36 of the Fisheries Act; 

4. Managing water bodies through the Canada 

Water Act and Federal Water Policy; 

5. Reviewing and conducting federal 

environmental assessments through the 

Canadian Environmental Assessment Act; and 

6. Administering parts of the Species at Risk Act. 


Fisheries and Oceans Canada plays a leading role 

in managing and safeguarding oceans and inland 

waters and their resources. This Federal Department 

is committed to ensuring safe, healthy, productive 

waters and aquatic ecosystems for the benefi t of 

present and future generations. Fisheries and Oceans 

Canada provides services pertaining to conservation 

and sustainable resource use, environmental 

protection and stewardship, and marine safety. 

The Department is involved in oceanographic and 

environmental scientifi c research pertaining to 

climate change, hydrography, aquaculture, fi sheries, 

maritime trade, commerce and ocean development. 

In all Canadian waters including Burrard Inlet, 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is responsible for: 

1. Protecting fi sh and fi sh habitat 

through the Fisheries Act; 

2. Ensuring healthy, safe and prosperous 

oceans through the Oceans Act; 

3. Reviewing and conducting federal 

environmental assessments through the 

Canadian Environmental Assessment Act; and 

4. Administering parts of the Species at Risk Act. 


The Navigable Waters Protection Program 

(NWPP) administered by Transport Canada 

under the authority of the Navigable Waters 

Protection Act (NWPA), ensures the public’s right 

to navigate Canada’s waters without obstruction 

through regulation of construction of works that 

could adversely affect navigation. Approvals 

under the NWPA are often required for in-water 

works within Burrard Inlet. The presence of the 

NWPP representative on BERC harmonizes the 

application process for in-water works allowing 

for faster turnaround of project approvals. 

9 


10 

Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet / Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program 

B.C. Ministry of Environment 

The British Columbia Ministry of Environment is 

responsible for the management, protection and 

enhancement of BC’s water, land and air resources. 

The Ministry also manages provincial parks, 

recreation areas, ecological reserves and provincial 

biodiversity projects. In Burrard Inlet, the BC Ministry of 

Environment is responsible for: 

1. Managing fi sh and wildlife resources through the 

Wildlife Act and Fish Protection Act; 

2. Managing pollution discharges to air, water and 

land, and regulating contaminated sites through the 

Environmental Management Act; 

3. Managing water quality and quantity through the Fish 

Protection Act, Water Act and the Water Management Act; 

4. Conducting provincial environmental assessment 

through the BC Provincial Environmental Assessment Act; 

and 

5. Overseeing provincial parks, ecological reserves and 

recreation areas through the Park Act and Ecological 

Reserve Act. 


Metro Vancouver (formerly known as the Greater 

Vancouver Regional District) carries out strategic 

planning, liquid waste management (e.g., source 

control, combined sewer overfl ows, sewage 

treatment plant operation and upgrades), solid waste 

management, air quality management, water supply 

management and regional parks management. 

Metro Vancouver (MV) also sets out its growth 

management vision and goals for the region in the 

Regional Growth Strategy (RGS). In Burrard Inlet, 

Metro Vancouver is responsible for: 

1. Regional growth management through the Local 

Government Act (formerly the Municipal Act), and 

2. Sewage treatment, liquid waste management, air 

quality management, and solid waste management 

through the BC Environmental Management Act. 


The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, doing business as 

Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) is a Canada Port Authority, 

designated under the Canada Marine Act. PMV operates 

the Port and manages activities related to shipping, 

navigation and the handling and transportation of 

passengers and goods. It is mandated by the Canada 

Marine Act to operate in a competitive, effi cient and 

commercially-viable manner. The Port is also responsible 

for managing the federal crown lands of Burrard Inlet 

east of the mouth of the Capilano River. Land use (water 

and upland) within the Port is managed through land 

use planning, the provision of Port leases and licenses, 

and the application of comprehensive project review 

and environmental assessment processes to activity 

and development proposals. In Burrard Inlet, Port Metro 

Vancouver is responsible for: 

1. Managing upland and water uses within Burrard Inlet 

(east of the mouth of the Capilano River) under the 

authority of the Canada Marine Act; 

2. Managing marine activities in Burrard Inlet (and 

elsewhere in the Port’s jurisdiction) through the Port 

Authorities Operations Regulations; and 

3. Conducting environmental assessments as required 

under the Canada Port Authority Environmental 

Assessment Regulations and otherwise as stipulated 

by PMV policy (all activities and proposals receive 

assessment at levels of effort commensurate with their 

perceived environmental risk).

Municipalities 

The municipalities forming the catchment of 

Burrard Inlet are responsible for administering 

various bylaws and policy tools regulating land 

use, development, environmental and water quality 

protection, as authorized by the Local Government Act. 

Within Burrard Inlet there are 8 municipalities 

bordering the basin and one Electoral Area 

administered by Metro Vancouver: 

City of Burnaby 

City of North Vancouver 

City of Port Moody 

City of Vancouver 

District of North Vancouver 

District of West Vancouver 

Village of Anmore 

Village of Belcarra 

Municipalities may use various tools, to protect the 

environment as it relates to Burrard Inlet. Some typical 

examples of bylaws and policies are as follows: 

• Zoning bylaws, which set out the type and form 

of development, including areas of lower or 

higher density development, and types of and 

limitations to land uses with potential direct or 

indirect infl uence on the Inlet, including site 

imperviousness and parking requirements 

(affecting runoff characteristics and water quality), 

foreshore land use (e.g. marinas) and provisions 

to prevent off-site nuisance (e.g. pollution). 

• Offi cial Community Plans, which outline general 

development visions, goals, and strategies/ 

directions, and provide for development and growth, 

including provisions for environmental protection. 

• Development Permit Areas, which 

can be used to preserve and protect 

sensitive environmental features. 

• Implementation of the provincial Riparian 

Areas Regulation, either through the province’s 

methodology or via a local government bylaw, which 

regulates development setbacks from streams, 

thereby infl uencing fi sh habitat and water quality. 

• Watercourse bylaws, which regulate discharge 

of pollutants into streams, and in some cases 

physical disturbances to watercourses. 

• Pesticide bylaws, which may restrict the use of 

pesticides to prevent environmental contamination. 

• Plumbing and sewer bylaws, which mandate 

the types of systems that may be installed, 

and prevention of cross-connections. 

• Tree bylaws, which regulate tree protection 

and conditions for permits for removal. 

Trees are important for habitat, ecological 

connectivity between the Inlet and upland 

areas, and for mitigating stormwater runoff. 

• Anti-Idling bylaws, which regulate unnecessary idling 

• Park Master Plans, which can incorporate 

environmental considerations in park 

areas adjacent to the inlet 

• Integrated Stormwater Management Plans, which 

include protection of water quality criteria. 

11 


Existing Policy and Planning 

Initiatives in Burrard Inlet

Water Quality 

Water quality information guides people in 

their decisions on how to use water and 

promotes action from decision makers 

to correct problems. Fish and other aquatic life are 

dependent upon good water quality. Human uses of 

Burrard Inlet such as commercial, recreational and 

cultural water uses also depend upon good water quality 

conditions. Water quality conditions are measured 

through monitoring programs conducted by federal, 

provincial and regional governments. Additional 

monitoring is also conducted by the Tsleil Waututh First 

Nation, academic institutions and at certain effl uent 

discharge locations where receiving environment 

monitoring is a requirement of the waste authorization. 

Water quality measurements are compared to known 

standards such as the Burrard Inlet Water Quality 

Objectives or the Provincial Water Quality Guidelines, 

both of which describe safe limits set by the Ministry 

of Environment for various water uses such as the 

protection of aquatic life and secondary contact 

recreation. Where Provincial Objectives or Guidelines are 

unavailable, federal water quality guidelines are used. 

Water quality conditions in Burrard Inlet are generally 

good with a few exceptions in localized areas infl uenced 

by specifi c land uses (Burrard Inlet Environmental 

Indicators Report, 2008). While water quality conditions 

have generally improved since the mid 20th century, the 

Inlet is still infl uenced by and vulnerable to cumulative 

impacts from numerous sources of contaminants. 

Under its 2002 Liquid Waste Management Plan, Metro 

Vancouver has adopted a leadership role in coordinating 

a collaborative monitoring partnership for Burrard Inlet. 

The more recent Integrated Liquid Waste and Resource 

Management Plan (ILWRMP) includes commitments 

to continue to do ambient monitoring and liquid waste 

discharge monitoring in Burrard Inlet. 

Liquid Waste Management 

Types of Liquid Waste Discharges 

Ministry of Environment records indicate that Burrard 

Inlet has 22 industrial effl uent authorizations, 1 

municipal waste water authorization, 18 combined 

sewer overfl ow (CSO) outfalls, one sanitary sewer 

overfl ow outfall, in excess of 300 municipal storm 

water outfalls and 112 tributary streams. 

Metro Vancouver’s ILWRMP plans to prevent 

combined sewer overfl ows by 2050 for the Vancouver 

Sewerage Area and 2075 for the Fraser Sewerage 

Area and separate combined sewers at an average 

rate of 1% and 1.5% of the system per year in the 

Vancouver Sewerage Area and Fraser Sewerage Area 

respectively. Separating CSOs has implications for 

water quality as the composition and quantities 

of pollutants entering receiving water bodies will 

change. Ongoing abatement actions will be determined 

through consultation with regulatory agencies, 

municipalities, stakeholders and the public. 

Industrial activities that are authorized to discharge 

liquid wastes into the Inlet include chemical plants, 

bulk petroleum storage and handling facilities, a 

petroleum refi nery, a fi sh processing plant, bulk ore 

handling facilities, concrete plants, a sugar refi nery 

and a thermal power generating station. The Lions 

Gate Wastewater treatment plant is authorized 

to discharge municipal effl uent into Burrard 

Inlet. In addition, there are also some authorized 

small sanitary discharges into Indian Arm. 

There are many unregulated discharges into Burrard 

Inlet and its tributaries, such as the surface runoff 

from impervious surfaces (roads, parking lots, storage 

yards, etc.) and from various industrial and commercial 

land use activities such as marinas, shipping terminals 

and ship repair facilities that occupy the shores of the 

Inlet. Non-point sources of contaminants originate 

over dispersed areas and are largely infl uenced by the 

land uses of those areas. The cumulative effects of 

runoff from roads and urban, commercial and industrial 

land uses can add up and signifi cantly infl uence 

water quality in localized areas of Burrard Inlet. 

13 

Existing Policy and Planning Initiatives in Burrard Inlet / Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet

14 

Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet / Existing Policy and Planning Initiatives in Burrard Inlet 

Regulating Liquid Waste Discharges 

Environment Canada’s responsibilities under the 

Fisheries Act relate to the enforcement of the prohibition 

of the deposition of deleterious substances into 

fi sh-bearing waters. The Act enables Environment 

Canada to request information from a proponent, 

to conduct enforcement actions and to order 

remedial actions. Environment Canada’s discharge 

of these responsibilities (and as well perhaps the 

deterrent effect of the penalties allowed by the 

Act) has resulted in the effective management of 

discharges that would otherwise contribute to the 

degradation of water quality in Burrard Inlet. 

The BC Ministry of Environment, through the 

Environmental Management Act, is responsible for 

authorizing waste discharges into the air, land, marine 

and fresh waters. The Ministry ensures that wastes 

and discharges comply with Provincial requirements 

through monitoring programs and associated 

inspections. The Environmental Management Act 

also allows municipalities and regional districts 

to develop Liquid Waste Management Plans for 

approval by the Minister of Environment. The Metro 

Vancouver ILWRMP consists of proactive strategies 

to ensure liquid waste discharge conforms with 

Ministry objectives, an implementation schedule, and 

measures to accommodate future development. 

Metro Vancouver and its member municipalities 

are responsible for the management of municipal 

liquid wastes as required by the Environmental 

Management Act, through the Metro Vancouver 

ILWRMP. The Metro Vancouver ILWRMP is a long-term 

plan to manage wastewater treatment, combined and 

sanitary sewer infrastructure, source control, biosolids 

and stormwater in the Greater Vancouver area. 

Through the ILWRMP, Metro Vancouver with member 

municipalities develop Integrated Stormwater 

Management Plans that take into account retention of 

the natural drainage system, pollution prevention tools 

such as source control and best management practices 

and monitoring. The ILWRMP gives priority to initiatives 

and projects that provide the maximum environmental 

benefi t for every dollar spent. Consequently, facility 

upgrading decisions are based on conserving resources, 

maintaining infrastructure, stretching system 

capacity and maximizing environmental benefi ts. 

Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) is governed by the 

Port Authorities Operations Regulations, which 

prohibit actions within the Port that will or are likely 

to adversely affect soil, air or water quality unless 

authorized by the Port. PMV reviews proposals for 

potentially prohibited actions and authorizes only 

those that are environmentally benign or that include 

effective mitigations for the potential effects. Reviews 

of existing, potentially problematic discharges are 

also undertaken opportunistically (such as at lease 

renewals) and mitigations applied where appropriate. 

PMV also maintains proactive programs to protect the 

environment, such as boarding all deep-sea vessels 

entering the Port and sealing their bilge valves to 

prevent the discharge of oily bilge water. 

The Canadian Coast Guard (Fisheries and Oceans 

Canada) responds to spills in Burrard Inlet. Under 

the Coast Guard’s leadership, Canada’s national oil 

spill preparedness and response system brings 

together industry, Environment Canada, the BC 

Ministry of Environment, Port Metro Vancouver and 

other agencies to protect the marine environment. 

Transport Canada is responsible for the discharge of 

wastes from vessels under the Regulations for the 

Prevention of Pollution from Ships and for Dangerous 

Chemicals where all vessels will be required to 

have holding tanks and must eliminate waste 

effl uent at designated shore pump out facilities.

Sediment Quality 

Contamination present in the soils (upland) and 

sediments (below the high watermark) of Burrard 

Inlet is largely the result of historical practices 

during less environmentally-aware times. A multitude 

of industrial activities have been established on the 

shores and uplands of Burrard Inlet since the latter part 

of the 19th century and in particular since the 1940s, 

which saw a surge of industrial activity in support of 

Canada’s Second World War effort. Historically, industrial 

activities were not regulated effectively and regulatory 

controls on environmental discharges were limited. 

Sources of contamination in upland soils can 

usually be traced and identifi ed. It is more diffi cult 

to trace the sources of contaminated sediments 

below the high water mark because sediments 

are moved around by currents, tides and wave 

action. The distribution of contaminants in Burrard 

Inlet with historical sources is further complicated 

by on-going contributions of contaminants from 

industrial, commercial and municipal activities. 

Remediation of contaminated sediments is most 

important when their presence poses a signifi cant 

risk to the health of humans or the ecosystem. This 

risk is reduced when there is minimal transport 

of contaminants to other parts of the ecosystem. 

However, there are numerous pathways through which 

contaminants in soils and sediments can be transported 

and potentially affect the health of human and biological 

communities. Contaminants may leach into surface 

water or groundwater or be suspended in water and 

potentially affect plants, animals and humans, and 

may be assimilated by plants and animals through 

transport across skin, digestive, gill or lung membranes. 

In cases where contaminant risk is indeterminable, 

federal or provincial guidelines and criteria for the 

remediation sediments may be used to determine 

the need for clean up. These guidelines and criteria 

are continuously being revised and updated in 

consultation with agencies and stakeholders. 


has played a signifi cant role in facilitating these 

discussions and refi ning the guidelines. 

The management of contaminated sediments in 

some parts of Burrard Inlet (principally those lands 

managed by Port Metro Vancouver and First Nations 

reserves) fall within the federal domain, while the 

other parts are a provincial responsibility. PMV lands 

include almost all of the wetted lands east of the 

mouth of the Capilano River and many of the adjacent 

uplands. Lands outside the Port’s jurisdiction (i.e., 

primarily the uplands and wetted lands of the Outer 

Harbour and False Creek, but including certain 

Fee Simple wetted lands and uplands east of the 

Capilano River) fall under the provincial domain. 

Environment Canada regulates contaminants through 

the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the 

Fisheries Act and the Migratory Birds Convention Act. 

The Ministry of Environment manages and regulates 

contaminated soils and sediments (and groundwater) 

on the provincial uplands and wetted sites through 

the BC Environmental Management Act and the 

Contaminated Sites Regulation. In addition, the Ministry 

of Environment’s Pollution Prevention Program works 

with industry to prevent, minimize and manage the 

release of wastes and toxic substances. This Program 

provides direction on the assessment, remediation 

and clean-up of contaminated sites and monitors 

compliance with permits, approvals and orders. 

Metro Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet Ambient Monitoring 

Program currently monitors sediment in Burrard 

Inlet every 2 years for a variety of potential 

contaminants which are compared to established 

provincial sediment Objectives and/or Guidelines. 

15 


Air Quality 

16 


A 

ir and water quality are linked. Rain washes 

the atmosphere and carries airborne 

contaminants into Burrard Inlet’s watershed 

and marine basin. Air quality issues are thus 

included in the list of issues to be addressed by an 

environmental management plan for Burrard Inlet. 

Under provincial legislation, Metro Vancouver is 

responsible for monitoring air quality in the region, 

for controlling industrial, commercial and some 

residential emissions, for creating long-term plans and 

for conducting emission inventories. Metro Vancouver 

uses a system of permits and regulations to help 

manage the major sources of business and industrial 

emissions and restrict these contaminants. Metro 

Vancouver also monitors permitted and regulated 

emission sources and enforces air emission limits. 

Metro Vancouver co-ordinates and cochairs 

the BC Locomotive and Rail Air Quality 

Working Group; a collaborative effort of the rail 

industry, Port Metro Vancouver and regional, 

provincial and federal governments to reduce 

emissions from rail transportation. 

Metro Vancouver provides support to various federal 

initiatives and industry emission reductions programs 

and strategies through participation in the BC Marine 

Vessel and Air Quality Working Group – a collaborative 

effort of the marine industry, port authorities and 

regional, provincial and federal governments to 

reduce emissions from marine transportation. 

In October 2011, the Metro Vancouver Board adopted 

its third air quality management plan – the Integrated 

Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan 

(IAQGGMP). The IAQGGMP provides a vision, goals, 

strategies, actions and performance measures that 

will guide air quality and greenhouse gas management 

in the region over the next decade. Included in 

the plan are strategies to reduce emissions of 

greenhouse gases and air contaminants, including 

diesel particulate matter. The actions address sources 

such as non-road engines, rail locomotives, marine 

vessels, ports and on-road vehicles, industrial 

facilities and residential wood heating. The plan 

also introduces new strategies to improve visual 

air quality in the Lower Fraser Valley airshed. 

Together with the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency - Region 10, Environment Canada co-leads 

the Georgia Basin-Puget Sound International Airshed 

Strategy. This initiative is a multi-agency, international 

co-operative effort to address shared air quality 

management concerns in an area that stretches 

from the Cascade/Coast Mountains to the east and 

the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island to 

the west. Members include federal, provincial, and 

regional (e.g. Metro Vancouver) air and health agencies 

from British Columbia and Washington State. 

On March 26, 2010, the International Maritime 

Organization (IMO) offi cially designated the waters 

off North American coasts as an Emission Control 

Area (ECA) in which stringent international emission 

standards will apply to ships. These standards will 

dramatically reduce air pollution from ships and 

deliver substantial air quality and public health 

benefi ts that extend hundreds of miles inland. In 

practice, implementation of the ECA means that ships 

entering the designated area must use compliant 

fuel for the duration of their voyage within that area, 

including time in port as well as voyages whose 

routes pass through the area. Air quality modelling

conducted by Environment Canada and Transport 

Canada in support of the ECA application indicates 

that ground-level ozone levels will improve by 2% 

to 5% in southern BC and PM2.5 levels by 5% to 

10%, compared to a business as usual scenario. 

In addition to the long-term ambient air quality 

monitoring network sites which already exist along the 

Burrard Inlet, Metro Vancouver conducted supplemental 

monitoring at several locations within the Burrard Inlet 

area from July 2008 to June 2010. These data will 

provide a better understanding of how air quality varies 

within the Burrard Inlet area, and help to determine 

whether the levels of air pollutants are higher in this 

area than other areas in Metro Vancouver. A report 

summarizing the results of this study will be completed 

in 2012. 

Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) is a port leader in 

addressing air quality and climate change issues. PMV 

focuses on the use of technologies and the promotion 

of operational effi ciencies to reduce air emissions. Its 

Air Action Program works to reduce emissions, helping 

to maintain good air quality within its boundaries. Some 

key components of the Air Action Program include: 

1. Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy - PMV 

has partnered with the Ports of Seattle and 

Tacoma to address port-related contributions 

to air quality and climate change in the Georgia 

Basin Puget Sound (Salish Sea) air shed. 

2. The PMV EcoAction Program promotes attainable 

emissions reduction goals for ocean-going vessels 

that enter the Port, and rewards those that excel in 

environmental stewardship, particularly in relation 

to air quality and climate change issues. The 

program recognizes a wide variety of technology 

and fuel options available to vessels in order to 

promote and build awareness around a number 

of alternative emission reduction practices. PMV 

has established a “Blue Circle Award” under this 

program, which recognizes participants that 

achieve the highest emission reductions. 

3. With support from Environment Canada and Metro 

Vancouver, PMV conducts periodic port landside 

emissions inventories of common air contaminants and 

greenhouse gases. The inventories include emissions 

from cargo-handling equipment, trucks, and rail. 

4. PMV’s Container Truck Licensing Program includes 

increasingly stringent environmental requirements 

on a pre-determined schedule. These requirements 

focus on the phasing out of older trucks, mandatory 

opacity and idling limits and an awareness program. 

5. Other initiatives, such as Shore Power availability 

at two berths of the Canada Place Cruise Terminal. 

17 


Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity 

in Burrard Inlet 

18 


Burrard Inlet and its drainage basins support a 

wide diversity of fi sh, waterfowl, wildlife, and 

other aquatic and non-aquatic fl ora and fauna. 

The Inlet is home to more than 200 species of marine 

organisms, including 70 different species of fi sh, and 

its drainage basin is home to a large variety of wildlife. 

Protecting Fish and Fish Habitat 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is the primary 

Agency responsible for protecting fi sh and fi sh habitat 

in all of Canada. Section 35 of the Fisheries Act protects 

fi sh by prohibiting the harmful alteration, disruption 

or destruction of fi sh habitat, unless specifi cally 

authorized by DFO. Fisheries and Oceans Canada works 

with developers to ensure that development projects 

are designed to maintain the quantity and quality of 

fi sh habitat. The national Policy for the Management 

of Fish Habitat specifi es that adverse impacts to fi sh 

habitat be avoided or minimized and that unavoidable 

losses in habitat be compensated for by the creation of 

replacement habitat. 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s long-term objective 

is to achieve a net gain in fi sh habitat. The Fisheries 

Act is one of the strongest pieces of national 

legislation to protect the environment, and fi nes 

for altering or alienating fi sh habitat can be up to 

three hundred thousand dollars for a fi rst offence. 

Fines and penalties collected under the Fisheries 

Act are often used by the federal government 

for fi sh habitat enhancement activities. 

The Ministry of Environment protects fi sh and 

fi sh habitat in Burrard Inlet through a variety 

of initiatives including resource management, 

environmental monitoring and compliance activities 

supported by the Environmental Management 

Act, Integrated Pest Management Act, Water 

Act, Wildlife Act and Fish Protection Act. 

The Fish Protection Act has four major objectives: 

• To ensure suffi cient water for fi sh; 

• To protect and restore fi sh habitat; 

• To improve riparian enhancement and 

protection, and 

• To grant local governments stronger 

powers in environmental planning. 

The Fish Protection Act affords a range of tools to 

achieve these objectives. For example, no new dams are 

permitted on certain rivers and endangered or damaged 

fi sh-bearing streams can be designated as “sensitive 

streams” for special water fl ow protection and recovery 

planning. Seven streams in the Lower Mainland have 

been designated as “sensitive”, although to date no 

sensitive streams have been identifi ed in Burrard Inlet. 

Metro Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet Ambient Monitoring 

program currently monitors every three years, 

fi sh health parameters and fi sh tissue for a variety 

of potential contaminants which are compared 

to established provincial tissue guidelines. 

Protecting Migratory Birds 

Burrard Inlet provides important bird habitat and is 

home to several regionally signifi cant bird species such 

as the osprey and purple martin. As a key stop on the 

Pacifi c Flyway, the Burrard Inlet ecosystem attracts 

tens of thousands of wintering birds each year (for 

instance, Barrows goldeneye over-winter in globally 

signifi cant numbers in Burrard Inlet each year). 

Environment Canada provides for the conservation 

and protection of migratory birds through the Migratory 

Birds Convention Act. This Act allows for the designation 

and management of migratory bird sanctuaries and 

for restrictions on hunting, killing or injuring migratory 

birds and eggs. In carrying out responsibilities under the 

Act, Environment Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service 

(CWS) conducts monitoring and works with other federal 

departments, provincial agencies and stakeholders

to conserve a wide range of migratory birds and 

their habitats. The Act also prohibits the deposition 

of harmful oils, oil wastes or other substances in 

waters frequented by migratory birds. In Burrard 

Inlet, the Canadian Wildlife Service and the Canadian 

Coast Guard oversee wildlife recovery operations 

in the event of oil spills. Environment Canada’s 

Wetland Conservation and Wildlife Policy for Canada 

outlines the department’s commitment to conserve 

and protect natural habitats within Burrard Inlet. 

Protecting Endangered Species 

Burrard Inlet is home to several endangered or 

threatened species. The Province is currently defi ning 

habitats to sustain Marbled Murrelet populations 

on Crown lands within the Burrard Inlet and Indian 

Arm watersheds and the provincial Spotted Owl 

Management Plan also creates two special resource 

management zones to increase the protection of 

critical spotted owl habitats within the upper watershed 

of the Seymour river. In addition, the Conservation 

Area at Maplewood Flats is an important part of the 

Pacifi c International Flyway and supports over 200 

species of birds and numerous species of wildlife 

within 141 ha of land that includes salt and fresh 

water marshes, deciduous forest, meadow habitats, 

shoreline and mudfl ats. This area is home to species 

at risk such as the Western Grebe, red listed, the 

Great Blue Heron and Double Crested Cormorant, 

both blue listed, and the Osprey, yellow listed. 

The federal Species at Risk Act has also created 

a role for Environment Canada and Fisheries 

and Oceans Canada in managing endangered 

species, recovery planning and implementation. 

Maintaining and Enhancing 

Biodiversity 

While most of the natural shoreline of Burrard Inlet 

has been lost to development over the last 100 years, 

there still remains a vast forested drainage basin that 

extends well into the northern upper mountain slopes 

and valleys. Extending upwards of 70 km inland, 

these forested and undeveloped watersheds provide 

the region with valuable wildlife habitat, recreational 

opportunities and two large drinking water reservoirs. 

A key component for maintaining biodiversity within 

the region are the lands designated Conservation 

and Recreation in Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth 

Strategy. These lands were established in addition to 

an Urban Containment Boundary collaboration with 

member municipalities who have also identifi ed and 

designated the ecologically signifi cant areas within their 

boundaries through their respective Offi cial Community 

Plans to limit urban growth and protect these areas. 

Conservation and Recreation lands are designed 

to protect fi sh and wildlife habitat, improve the 

region’s ecological viability and provide recreational 

opportunities. The area also supports ecological 

linkages or wildlife corridors through developed portions 

of the Inlet. Conservation and Recreation lands in 

Burrard Inlet include: 

• Community health lands, such as Metro Vancouver 

drinking-water watersheds and agricultural lands; 

• Ecologically important lands, such as forests, 

wilderness areas, wildlife habitat and wetlands; 

• Outdoor recreation and scenic lands, such as major 

parks and recreation areas, and 

• Renewable resource lands such as forests and 

agricultural areas. 

Approximately 70 percent of the Burrard Inlet 

ecosystem is located within the Conservation and 

Recreation designation. These lands include: 

• The North Shore mountains and watersheds (i.e., 

Seymour and Capilano watersheds); 

• The Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve; 

• Major provincial parks (i.e., Cypress, Mount Seymour, 

Twin Isles, Indian Arm and Indian Arm Marine 

Provincial Parks), and 

• Regional parks (i.e., Pacifi c Spirit, Belcarra, and Lynn 

Headwaters Regional Parks). 

19 


20 


In 1988, the Province designated the uplands 

surrounding Indian Arm as a protected area under the 

Environment and Land Use Act. Known as Say-Nuth- 

Khawyum Heritage Park and as Indian Arm Provincial 

Park, the lands are co-managed with the Tsleil-Waututh 

Nation through a memorandum of understanding. 

The Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS) for the 

Metro Vancouver Region was a partnership initiative 

under the Georgia Basin Action Plan involving Metro 

Vancouver, Environment Canada, BC Ministry of 

Environment and BIEAP-FREMP working in conjunction 

with municipalities, non-governmental organizations 

(NGOs), stewardship groups and post-secondary 

institutions. The purpose of the project was to assess 

the network of areas contributing to the region’s 

biodiversity and develop and implement coordinated 

strategies and actions to conserve biodiversity. 

In 2009, The Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 

Partnership released Strategic Directions for 

Biodiversity Conservation for the Metro Vancouver 

Region, which outlines specifi c strategies and 

implementation measures. Following release of the 

document, BIEAP-FREMP hosted a Forum to promote 

collaborative implementation of the Strategic Directions 

and identify next steps. Forum proceedings outlining 

ideas for future program development are available on 

the BIEAP website. 

Marine Protected Areas 

Federal and provincial governments create marine 

protected areas intended to protect marine biodiversity 

and/or cultural heritage areas. These areas are set aside 

to encourage scientifi c research, public appreciation and 

awareness, and recreation. Designated marine protected 

areas are representative of important ecosystems and 

are protected from certain development activities. There 

is a marine protected area off Lighthouse Park in West 

Vancouver, and there are Rockfi sh Conservation Areas in 

east Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm. 

Local Government Initiatives 

In addition to the work of the BIEAP partners, the local 

governments within Burrard Inlet play an important 

and active role in the maintenance and enhancement 

of Burrard Inlet’s entire ecosystem. Within Burrard Inlet 

there are eight municipalities bordering the basin, and 

one Electoral Area administered by Metro Vancouver. 

The municipalities in Burrard Inlet include the cities of 

Burnaby, North Vancouver, Port Moody, and Vancouver, 

the districts of North Vancouver and West Vancouver 

and the villages of Anmore and Belcarra. 

These municipalities provide services and regulate 

land use within their boundaries in accordance with the 

Local Government Act through Offi cial Community Plans 

(OCPs) and other zoning and planning mechanisms. All 

municipalities in Burrard Inlet have adopted the Regional 

Growth Strategy (RGS) which provides the framework 

for municipal growth and development decisions in 

the Burrard basin. Most municipal OCPs contain broad 

policy statements respecting the environmental 

management of lands within their boundaries. These 

policy statements emphasize sustainability within 

urban and rural contexts and provide the basis for many 

innovative municipal environmental management 

systems. Municipal environmental management 

strategies address such issues as the acquisition of 

parkland, environmentally sensitive areas and green 

space, the identifi cation of wildlife ecological corridors 

and greenway trail systems, and the classifi cation 

and prioritization of urban streams for protection and 

renewal. Many municipalities are examining alternate 

forms of housing and urban infrastructure that make 

more effi cient use of land and energy resources and 

contribute to a healthier environment. 

The RGS is based on fi ve goals: Create a compact urban 

area, support a sustainable economy, protect the 

environment and respond to climate change impacts, 

develop complete communities and support sustainable 

transportation choices. 

Many of the municipalities within the Burrard Inlet 

watershed are currently mapping its characteristics 

and prioritizing watershed features for protection and 

enhancement. For example, the Cities of Burnaby, 

Port Moody and North Vancouver are implementing

strategies to preserve environmentally sensitive 

and ecologically signifi cant areas. The Districts of 

West and North Vancouver are involved in larger 

watershed planning projects and are working 

closely with community streamkeeper groups. 

In conjunction with the Integrated Liquid Waste and 

Resource Management Plan (ILWRMP) and other 

planning initiatives, local governments are developing 

programs to improve stormwater practices. Street 

sweeping, storm drain cleaning, encouraging 

natural drainage in new developments, and creek 

and watercourse maintenance and monitoring have 

helped to improve water quality and have often 

provided more hospitable environs for fi sh and 

wildlife. Many municipalities are developing and 

implementing integrated storm water management 

plans that take into account the natural watersheds 

or catchment areas draining into Burrard Inlet. 

First Nations Initiatives 

Many aboriginal First Nations, including the Musqueam, 

the Squamish, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and others, 

take active interest in the environmental health 

of Burrard Inlet. The Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN, 

meaning “the People of the Inlet”) in particular has 

developed a Marine Stewardship Plan that focuses 

on the long-term ecological health of Burrard Inlet. 

Under this plan, the TWN in 2007 implemented a water 

quality monitoring program, targeting marine water 

quality for shellfi sh consumption. The TWN takes 

an active interest in development proposals within 

their area of interest and applies the stewardship 

plan to ascertain their environmental effects. 

Community Groups and 

Stewardship Activities in 

Burrard Inlet 

The Burrard Inlet has a wealth of diverse projects 

and dedicated volunteers who work cooperatively to 

enhance and restore habitat, and educate and engage 

in watershed planning and stewardship activities. 

Rapid urban development is of great concern to groups 

trying to protect the watersheds that support creeks in 

their communities. Some groups focus on restoration 

projects in the many small coastal streams, while 

others focus on maintaining and enhancing their 

existing watersheds and enriching local streams with 

fry or providing smolts for release into Burrard Inlet. 

School groups are very active and classroom incubators 

are in much demand. School groups release fry into 

local streams in the spring, often in combination with 

Streamkeeper and streamside learning activities. 

Considered an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife 

International, Burrard Inlet also hosts several community 

groups involved in programs to assist bird conservation. 

Activities by birding groups include monitoring of 

the Pacifi c subspecies of the great blue heron and 

bald eagle. Other groups focus on the monitoring of 

migratory species stopping in the area while travelling 

the Pacifi c Flyway. Some groups assist in management 

of specifi c areas such the Maplewood Conservation 

Area and Stanley Park, and provide ecotours to 

enhance public awareness of birds in Burrard Inlet. 

21 


Consolidated Environmental 

Management Plan

Goals and Objectives 

1 Improve 

2 Improve 

3 Protect 

4 Enhance 

5 Promote 

Water Quality 


1.1 Support the liquid waste management processes 

1.2 Support the development of coordinated ambient water quality monitoring programs in Burrard Inlet 

1.3 Share information and contribute to the effort to prevent and mitigate water pollution in Burrard Inlet 

1.4 Share information and explore ways to reduce air-sourced water contaminants 

Sediment Quality 


2.1 Support the development of coordinated sediment quality monitoring programs in Burrard Inlet 

2.2 Share information contributing to the effort to prevent and mitigate sediment contamination in Burrard Inlet 

2.3 Support the development of area-specifi c sediment management plans for Burrard Inlet 

and enhance fi sh and wildlife habitat and the natural 

biodiversity of Burrard Inlet 

3.1 Develop and implement programs that support natural biodiversity and ecological processes 

3.2 Identify and protect ecologically sensitive areas 

3.3 Identify credible threats to Burrard Inlet and evaluate if adequate protection is in place 

3.4 Support land use planning that protects and improves fi sh and wildlife habitat 

the ecological health of Burrard Inlet in the 

presence of economic growth and development 

4.1 Coordinate and strengthen the review of development proposals to advance habitat protection and restoration 

4.2 Strengthen BIEAP’s role as a resource to all municipal, regional and port planning and development initiatives 

4.3 Support the development and implementation of innovative habitat enhancement tools and technologies 

awareness and environmental 

stewardship of Burrard Inlet 

5.1 Continue to develop environmental indicators and produce periodic status reports for Burrard Inlet 

5.2 Engage with, support and implement education, research and outreach programs 

5.3 Maintain an engaging and informative website and other communication tools

Implementing the Plan 

24 

Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet / Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet 

T 

he Consolidated Environmental Management 

Plan for Burrard Inlet (CEMP) builds upon 

existing BIEAP partner programs by 

consolidating environmental management objectives 

and policy initiatives. In approving this Plan, the 

BIEAP partners are formally recognizing links in their 

environmental management activities and committing 

to the coordination of future policy development. 

The Partners are committing to: 

• Maintaining strong working partnerships 

amongst all Plan participants; 

• Monitoring the effectiveness of the Plan’s 

policy framework and actions; 

• Providing funding for research and 

monitoring programs, and 

• Working together to better align 

environmental planning processes. 

The CEMP outlines Goals and Objectives for the 

program. Specifi c actions are developed by the 

BIEAP Plan Implementation Committee (PIC) and 

approved by the Management Committee on an 

annual basis through Annual Work Plans. The PIC 

is responsible for identifying annual priorities and 

actions required to achieve CEMP goals and objectives 

as well as monitoring implementation progress. 

The PIC is comprised of working level managers and 

technical staff from the various BIEAP partners, local 

governments and First Nations. Interdisciplinary 

teams will be established to work on specifi c 

issues as required. Periodically, a CEMP Tracking 

Report is produced to report on work achieved 

through the partnership and document progress 

towards achieving CEMP objectives and goals. 

BIEAP’s partners, collectively and individually, 

are responsible for leading and/or participating in 

many of the actions contained in the Annual Work 

Plans. Municipalities, First Nations, businesses 

and industries, community groups, residents 

and other stakeholders also play a vital role in 

contributing to the continued health of Burrard Inlet 

and may be involved with specifi c actions as well. 

Burrard Environmental 

Review Committee (BERC) and 

Coordinated Project Review 

A key component of the BIEAP partnership’s efforts 

to coordinate the environmental management 

of the BIEAP area of interest is the review of 

proposals for shoreline development and other 

activities in the marine ecosystem. The Burrard 

Environmental Review Committee (BERC) will 

play an important role in implementing the Plan 

through the Coordinated Project Review Process. 

To this end, BIEAP will undertake the following: 

• Provide resources for the coordinated 

environmental review of projects in Burrard Inlet 

BERC is a one-window approach for lead agencies 

and developers in obtaining environmental 

advice on projects of a more complex nature 

with potential impacts. BERC will continue to 

provide coordinated environmental assessments 

for all projects, works and undertakings 

within Burrard Inlet’s program boundaries 

(seaward from top of the bank in the Inlet). 

• Implement reforms and improve BIEAP’s public 

registry of project applications (Referral Log) 

through the current Project Review Task Force 

BIEAP’s project registry or referral log is a userfriendly 

public service that provides information 

to the public about development proposals in 

Burrard Inlet. The BIEAP partners will continue to 

implement and monitor the effi ciency reforms 

made to the BIEAP Project Review Process.

Funding Commitments for 

Implementation 

One of the largest challenges pertaining to the ongoing 

implementation of the Consolidated Plan will be the 

degree to which the partners are willing to provide 

ongoing funding to carry out the recommended actions 

and activities. BIEAP is funded by annual contributions 

from each of the partners. Plan coordination, 

consultation, planning, monitoring and evaluation will 

be the responsibility of the BIEAP program. The PIC will 

oversee these activities and draw on the resources of 

other agencies and organizations where possible. In 

endorsing this Plan, the partners are committing to 

providing the funding and staff resources for the actions 

and activities and monitoring and evaluation programs 

contained in this Plan. 

25 

Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet / Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet

Appendices

Appendix 1: 

Glossary 

BIEAP Partners - the signatories to the 2007 BIEAP 

Memorandum of Understanding: Environment 

Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport 

Canada, BC Ministry of Environment, Vancouver Port 

Authority (Port Metro Vancouver), and the Greater 

Vancouver Regional District (Metro Vancouver). 

Biodiversity - a term used to describe all aspects 

of biological diversity, including species richness, 

ecosystem complexity and genetic variation. 

Burrard Environmental Review Committee (BERC)- 

BERC, comprising representatives from Port Metro 

Vancouver, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and 

Transport Canada, is responsible for coordinating 

environmental reviews for new developments and 

maintenance activities within BIEAP’s boundaries 

prior to the issuance of works approvals. 

Burrard Inlet - the tidal waters and their inundated area 

east of a line between the southernmost point of Point 

Atkinson and the westernmost point of Point Grey, 

including False Creek, Indian Arm and Port Moody Arm. 

Burrard Inlet Basin - all the land surface where 

water naturally drains into streams emptying into 

Burrard Inlet, and the land surface where waters 

are artifi cially diverted into Burrard Inlet by storm 

sewers, sanitary sewers or combined storm and 

sanitary sewers. The basin is also referred to in this 

Plan as the Burrard Inlet watershed or watersheds. 

Burrard Inlet Ecosystem - the dynamic set of living 

organisms (plants, animals and microorganisms) 

interacting among themselves and with the environment 

in which they live (soil, climate, water and light), 

within the waters and drainage basin of Burrard Inlet. 

Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program 

(BIEAP) - a program founded by the BIEAP partners 

to establish a management framework to facilitate, 

through a joint action program, the coordination 

of activities intended to protect and improve 

the environmental quality of Burrard Inlet. 

Canada Wildlife Act - federal legislation that allows 

for the creation, management and protection of 

wildlife areas for wildlife research activities, or 

for conservation or interpretation of wildlife. The 

purpose of wildlife areas is to preserve habitats 

that are critical to migratory birds and other wildlife 

species, particularly those that are at risk. 

Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) 

- the legislation requiring federal authorities to 

conduct environmental assessments. The Canada Port 

Authority Environmental Assessment Regulations 

under CEAA is the legislation that requires Canada Port 

Authorities to conduct environmental assessments. 

Environment - the components of 

the earth and includes: 

a) air, land and water; 

b) all layers of the atmosphere; 

c) all organic and inorganic matter 

and living organisms, and 

d) the interacting natural systems that include 

components referred to in (a) to (c). 

Environmental Management Act (EMA) - the act 

used by the Province of BC to authorize wastes 

discharged to the environment. EMA provides 

a fl exible authorization framework, increases 

enforcement options and uses modern environmental 

management tools to protect human health and the 

quality of water, land and air in British Columbia. 

Environmental stewardship - the management 

of environmental assets for the collective 

benefi t of the regional ecosystem. 

Fish Protection Act (BC) - provincial legislation with 

four main objectives: ensuring suffi cient water for 

fi sh; protecting and restoring fi sh habitat; improved 

riparian protection and enhancement; and stronger 

local government powers in environmental planning. 

Fisheries Act (Canada) - federal legislation 

that governs the management of fi sheries and 

the protection of fi sh habitat in Canada. 

27 

Appendices / Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet

28 

Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet / Appendices 

Foreshore - the “intertidal” area between High High 

Water (HHW) and Low Low Water (LLW) elevations. 

Gateways - the point of entry into major trading regions. 

Greenways - linear corridors reserved to protect 

ecological functions and provide recreational 

opportunities. Greenways include natural pathways, 

developed pathways or trails and access points. 

Green Zone - Green Zone lands are designated by 

municipalities and Metro Vancouver and include 

important open space lands such as watersheds 

and fl ood plains, forests, wilderness areas, wildlife 

habitats and wetlands, outdoor recreation and 

scenic land and agricultural and forestry areas. 

Green Zones are typically subject to increased 

environmental review and planning to ensure 

protection of key ecological functions. 

Habitat - the environment in which fi sh, 

wildlife or plants normally live or grow. 

Habitat Compensation Bank - an area where fi sh 

habitat has been rehabilitated or enhanced intended 

to compensate for unavoidable fi sh habitat impacts 

resulting from future development where on-site 

compensation is impractical or inadequate. 

Integrated Liquid Waste and Resource Management 

Plan (for the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and 

Drainage District and Member Municipalities) - 

authorizes discharges to the environment (water, 

air and land) associated with the management of 

liquid waste (sanitary, storm and combined sewers) 

in Metro Vancouver according to the criteria set 

out in the plan and facility specifi c Operational 

Certifi cates. The Plan is authorized and regulated 

through the BC Environmental Management Act. 

Intertidal vegetation - vegetation occurring on 

the tidal area between the highest and lowest 

tidal levels in Burrard Inlet. Mean high water in 

Burrard Inlet averages between 4.4 metres and 

1.1 metres for a mean tidal range of 3.3 metres. 

Management Committee (MC) - the MC, 

comprising senior managers from partner 

agencies, is responsible for overall management 

of the partnership and policy issues. 

Migratory Birds Convention Act - federal legislation 

that facilitates the protection of migratory birds as 

defi ned in the Act. The Act contains regulations to 

protect migratory birds, their eggs, and their nests 

from hunting, traffi cking and commercialization. 

Navigable Waters Protection Act - the federal 

legislation governing and protecting the public’s right 

to navigate Canada’s waters without obstruction. 

Net Gain Policy Objective - the objective of Canada’s 

Policy for the Management of Fish Habitat which is to 

increase the natural capability of habitats to produce 

fi sh for the nation’s fi sheries resources, to benefi t 

present and future generations of Canadians. 

No net loss - the guiding principle of Canada’s 

Policy for the Management of Fish Habitat whereby 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada will strive to balance 

unavoidable fi sh habitat losses with fi sh habitat 

replacement on a project-by-project basis so that 

further reductions to Canada’s fi sheries resources 

due to habitat loss or damage may be prevented. 

Oceans Act - federal legislation promoting the integrated 

management of oceans and marine resources. 

Partners Committee (PC) - The PC, comprising 

the principals of each of the funding partners, 

provides strategic direction for the partnership. 

Plan Implementation Committee (PIC) - The PIC, 

comprising representatives of the Partners and of 

municipalities and First Nations that border the Inlet, 

is responsible for implementing the Consolidated 

Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet. 

Protected areas - federal, provincial, regional 

and municipal parks and other open space 

protected by legislation or bylaw.

Provincial Municipal Sewage Regulation - a regulation 

under the Provincial EMA, that applies to all discharges 

of domestic sewage except those regulated under the 

Sewerage System Regulation (under the Public Health 

Act) and those discharges from individual singlefamily 

or duplex dwellings. The MSR provides clear 

and effective requirements for local governments and 

private sewage dischargers in order to protect public 

health and the environment through authorizations 

(with minimum standards and requirements) for 

the treatment, reuse and discharge of domestic 

sewage, wastewater or municipal liquid waste. 

Regional Growth Strategy (adopted by Metro 

Vancouver’s Board of Directors in July 2011) - aims 

to guide development in the region over the next 

three decades in a way that enhances the livability 

of the region while contributing to the overall 

sustainability of the region’s development. 

Sediments - soil underwater on the bottom of 

oceans, lakes or rivers consisting of geologic, 

biologic and anthropologic material. 

Substrate - an underlying layer, substance, object or 

material upon which an organism grows or is attached. 

Sustainability - as defi ned in the BIEAP 

Memorandum of Understanding, means the point 

at which economic, environmental and social/ 

cultural activities meet the needs of the present 

generation without compromising the ability of 

future generations to meet their own needs. 

Wildlife Act (BC) - provincial legislation that 

applies to conservation and management of 

wildlife populations and habitat within their 

borders, issuing licenses and permits for fi shing, 

game hunting, and trapping, guidelines for safe 

angling and trapping and outfi tting policies. 

*Many of the ecological terms listed in this glossary 

have been borrowed in whole or in part from Michael 

Allaby’s Oxford Dictionary of Ecology 1998 published 

by the Oxford University Press. Defi nitions of 

traditional and historical sites have been borrowed 

with the permission of the Fraser Basin Council. 

Photo: Sarah Lamagna 

29 


Appendix 2: Burrard Inlet Physical 

Setting, Uses and Ecosystem 

30 


Geography 

The geographical framework for the Consolidated Environmental Management Plan comprises the entire Burrard 

Inlet – the waters east of Point Atkinson and Point Grey, including the Outer Harbour, False Creek, the Inner Harbour, 

the Central Harbour, Port Moody Arm and Indian Arm – together with the upland drainage basin as shown on 

Map 2 below. The Burrard Inlet drainage basin includes the many rivers and streams fl owing into Burrard Inlet. Using 

this drainage basin as the basis for this Consolidated Plan is consistent with the ecosystem approach embraced 

by the BIEAP partnership – an approach that recognizes and addresses the connectivity of all parts of the natural 

ecosystem. 

Map 2

Burrard Inlet encompasses 109,300 hectares over 

an approximate length of 30 kilometres. The Inlet is 

comprised of fi ve main water bodies: the Outer Harbour, 

the Inner Harbour, the Central Harbour, Port Moody 

Arm and Indian Arm. A sixth body, False Creek, adjoins 

the Outer Harbour at English Bay, south of the First 

Narrows passage into the remainder of Burrard Inlet. 

Currents and tides have a large infl uence on water 

quality conditions in Burrard Inlet. The average daily 

tidal range is 3.1 meters and currents can reach a 

maximum of 11 km/hour at the First and Second 

Narrows. Salinity in outer Burrard Inlet is infl uenced 

by the Fraser River, especially during summer 

freshet. Other sources of freshwater include Capilano 

River, Lynn Creek, Seymour River, the Buntzen Lake 

Diversion, numerous small creeks and the Indian 

River at the northern end of Indian Arm. Circulation 

in Burrard Inlet is estuarine, where relatively fresh 

surface waters normally fl ow down the inlet, overlying 

the more saline waters which enter from the Strait 

of Georgia. In general, Burrard Inlet has relatively 

good circulation with very few poorly fl ushed areas. 

In 2009, BIEAP classifi ed the entire shoreline of the 

inlet into fi ve habitat types: beach, natural rocky 

intertidal, tidal fl ats/estuaries, riparian, purpose 

built high value and purpose built low value. Results 

showed roughly one third of the shoreline is still in 

its natural state and two-thirds is purpose-built 1 . 

High value purpose built habitat 2 is the largest 

category (52% of the total shoreline), followed by 

purpose built low value 3 and riparian habitat (16% 

and 17% respectively). Natural rocky intertidal, 

tidal fl ats/estuaries and beaches comprise 13%, 

11% and 7% of the shoreline, respectively. 

The Outer Harbour 

The Outer Harbour is the largest sub-area or basin 

within Burrard Inlet, comprising the waters between 

the Strait of Georgia and the First Narrows (but not 

including False Creek). It is the transition area between 

the Strait of Georgia and the rest of Burrard Inlet. The 

shoreline has not seen much industrial development or 

development below the mid-tide levels, but has been 

signifi cantly altered by the construction of sea walls 

and the placement of fi ll associated with residential 

development. These developments have also resulted 

in the radical alteration of backshore areas with 

consequent changes in the shoreline character. 

At lower tide levels, the south shores of the Outer 

Harbour are characterized by sand beaches. The eastern 

shores of the Harbour (including English Bay) have 

historically been but are no longer augmented by the 

placement of sand to facilitate recreational use. In their 

original natural state, the eastern shores may have been 

characterized by cobble or rock beaches. At Point Grey at 

the southwest parts of the Harbour are found extensive 

intertidal zones of sand and mudfl at with benches of 

soft sediment. In contrast, the northern shore of the 

Harbour (the southern shoreline of West Vancouver) 

is primarily rocky, with rock and cobble or gravel 

beaches most common, (although beach augmentation 

with sand has occurred historically there as well). 

False Creek 

False Creek adjoins the Outer Harbour in the 

southeast at English Bay and extends eastwards 

some 3.4 kilometres. Its basin is the smallest of the 

Inlet areas and the shallowest, with depths ranging 

between 4 and 8 m. Circulation is restricted in False 

Creek as there is little freshwater input. Most of 

the shoreline has been hard surfaced for seawalls 

and public paths, and there is a signifi cant amount 

of residential and commercial development. 

1 Purpose built is considered to be any shoreline that has been deliberately altered by humans, including areas of restored shoreline. 

2 Purpose built high value refers to riprap. 

3 Purpose built low value refers to retaining walls. 

31 


32 


The Inner Harbour 

Burrard Inlet’s Inner Harbour extends from the First 

to the Second Narrows, some 8.8 linear kilometres, 

with a mean depth of 21 meters and a maximum 

depth of 66 meters. The Inner Harbour is separated 

from the Outer Harbour by an 18-metre sill at First 

Narrows and from the Central Harbour by a 14.5-metre 

sill at Second Narrows. Its waters are well circulated, 

driven largely by tidal currents in the two narrows. 

Most of the Inlet’s industrial activity is concentrated 

here, and little if any of the original shoreline 

remains unaltered. The shores are characterized 

by marine and intermodal transport facilities and 

infrastructure including bulk and container terminals 

and the rail and road services that connect them 

to the rest of the continent. In some areas, such 

as Coal Harbour near Stanley Park and parts of 

the City of North Vancouver, redevelopment of the 

older industrial waterfront has created new high 

amenity residential and recreational areas. 

The Squamish Nation has three reserves on the 

Inner Harbour; one at the mouth of the Capilano 

River, one surrounding the mouth of Mosquito Creek 

and one at the mouth of the Seymour River. 

The Central Harbour 

Burrard Inlet’s Central Harbour consists of the area 

bounded by Second Narrows on the west, Admiralty 

Point some 7.8 kilometres to the east, and Turtle 

Head to the north. Thalweg depths range between 

17 and 65 metres. As for the Inner Harbour, the 

waters of the Central Harbour are well circulated, 

with fresh water input from the Seymour River 

and tidal exchange in the Second Narrows. 

Bordering North Vancouver District, the City of 

Burnaby and the Village of Belcarra, the harbour 

contains both modifi ed and natural shoreline. 

The Maplewood Wildlife Conservation Area is 

located on the north shore. The Tsleil-Waututh 

Nation has a reserve on the Central Harbour’s 

northern shore. Fisheries and Oceans Canada 

has established a Rockfi sh Conservation Area 

on the south shore of the Central Harbour. 

Port Moody Arm 

Port Moody Arm, the eastern most portion of Burrard 

Inlet, is relatively shallow (average depth about 10 

m) and has relatively slow circulation with little direct 

freshwater infl ow. Most of its shores fall within the 

City of Port Moody. The Arm development is mostly 

suburban in nature, with some signifi cant industrial 

uses. Trails, parks and recreational marinas border 

much of the basin. The area includes the important 

recreational areas of Admiralty Park and Belcarra 

Regional Park. The eastern end of Port Moody Arm 

contains extensive tidal fl ats that have important 

habitat values for fi sh and wildlife. The 2009 Burrard 

Inlet Habitat Inventory found Central Harbour and Port 

Moody Arm to host the majority of unaltered habitat. 

Indian Arm 

Indian Arm is the most pristine area of Burrard Inlet. 

It is a steep-sided, 30-kilometre long fjord that 

branches north from the Central Harbour east of 

the Second Narrows. It has a mean depth of about 

120 m, a maximum depth of 218 m, a 27 m deep 

sill at the entrance and steep mountain walls. 

Tsay Nuth Khaw Yum Provincial Park encompasses 

the shores of the northern part of Indian Arm fjord. 

This 6,821-hectare park encompasses old-growth 

forests, several alpine lakes, a 50 m high waterfall 

(Granite Falls), a large alluvial fan, numerous creeks 

and the Indian River estuary. The Indian River 

estuary is a vital protected habitat for species of 

prawn, crab, salmon and waterfowl. Harbour seals 

also commonly frequent the area. Indian Arm Marine 

Provincial Park consists of Raccoon and Twin Islands. 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has established 

Rockfi sh Conservation Areas in Indian Arm 

at Twin Islands and at Croker Island. 

The Indian River enters the extreme north end of 

Indian Arm and creates a marshy delta that attracts 

wildlife. The Tsleil-Waututh Nation has a reserve in 

the Indian River estuary at the head of Indian Arm.

Traditional Uses of Burrard Inlet 

Burrard Inlet’s natural deep-sea harbour and lowlands 

have been a setting for successive waves of human 

settlement. Centuries ago, Burrard Inlet constituted 

part of the traditional territories of many Coast Salish 

peoples, including the Tsleil-Waututh, the Squamish 

and the Musqueam Nations. These people utilized the 

region’s rich resources such as salmon, clams, mussels, 

and eulachon for food. They used Douglas fi r, western 

red cedar and bark to make homes, canoes, clothes 

and other items. A range of berries and aquatic plants 

also formed important parts of their traditional diet. 

Recent discoveries of cultural artefacts at Locarno 

Beach and shell midden sites testify to the presence 

of First Nations in Burrard Inlet as early as 500 BC 

(Douglas College, Institute of Urban Ecology). 

European settlement of Burrard Inlet began in the mid- 

1800s. The Inlet’s natural deep harbour accommodated 

ocean-going vessels and the fl at topography of the 

surrounding lowlands provided an ideal location for 

urban settlement and industrial expansion. In 1863, 

the fi rst industrial plant in the Lower Mainland, Pioneer 

Sawmills, appeared on the North Shore of Burrard 

Inlet. A year later the harbour’s fi rst export cargo 

was a shipment of lumber from Pioneer Sawmills 

to Australia (FRAP 1998). With the extension of the 

transcontinental railway to British Columbia in 1886, 

the transformation of Burrard Inlet into one of the 

largest port operations in North America began. 

Urban Pressures on the 

Burrard Inlet Ecosystem 

Metro Vancouver is one of the fastest growing areas in 

North America and is expected to reach a population 

of over 3.1 million by 2031. The southern portion of 

Burrard Inlet is designated as part of the regional 

growth concentration area in Metro Vancouver’s 

Regional Growth Strategy and will likely absorb a 

considerable share of the new population growth. In 

addition, Port Metro Vancouver needs to meet the 

future demand for increased trade and transportation 

services. The Consolidated Plan will help ensure the 

continued sustainability and ecological health of 

Burrard Inlet within this rapidly growing urban context. 

33 


Appendix 3: 

BIEAP Accomplishments 

34 


B 

IEAP’s vision for Burrard Inlet is “a thriving 

port and urban community co-existing with 

a healthy environment”. The mandate of the 

program is to promote a sustainable balance between 

the environment and the economy. The overall goals of 

BIEAP are to: 

• Improve Water Quality in Burrard Inlet 

• Improve Sediment Quality in Burrard Inlet 

• Protect and enhance fi sh and wildlife habitat and the 

natural biodiversity of Burrard Inlet 

• Ensure that the ecological health of Burrard Inlet is 

maintained or enhanced in the presence of economic 

growth and development 

• Promote awareness and stewardship of the ecological 

health of Burrard Inlet 

Collectively and individually, BIEAP and its program 

partners have made improvements to Burrard Inlet’s 

water quality over the past ten years by reducing the 

amount of pollution entering the Inlet’s receiving waters. 

In collaboration with various other parties, the BIEAP 

partners have participated in a number of research 

activities, provided ongoing project review and managed 

public consultation initiatives. 

Research and Abatement 

Over the past twenty years, BIEAP’s efforts have 

concentrated on gathering scientifi c evidence to 

understand Burrard Inlet. Since 1992, the BIEAP 

partners have conducted and co-sponsored a number of 

research studies examining contaminated discharges 

(e.g., point source inventories), patterns of recent and 

historical contamination (e.g., sediment core profi ling 

and sampling), and sediment movement within the 

Inlet. The partners have also developed and promoted 

abatement strategies to reduce and control pollution 

discharges in the Inlet, including best management 

practices or voluntary guidelines to reduce the potential 

for contamination. Currently, BIEAP is fostering the 

development of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention 

Initiative in collaboration with Metro Vancouver, Ministry 

of Environment and surrounding municipalities. 

Habitat and Biophysical Inventories 

of the Inlet 

To better assess the components of the Burrard Inlet 

ecosystem, BIEAP compiled a biophysical inventory for 

Burrard Inlet’s subtidal, intertidal and backshore areas 

over the 1995-1996 period. Using an underwater sled 

and a Global Positioning System, divers inventoried 

substrates and fl ora and fauna at varying depths. BIEAP 

also participated in annual bird surveys with the Wild 

Bird Trust of BC. With the help of volunteers, information 

was collected and used to assess bird habitat 

requirements, species diversity, seasonal abundance 

and movement. The data has proven especially useful 

for recovery strategies associated with environmental 

accidents requiring rescue efforts (i.e., oil spills). 

Building on this work, BIEAP recently developed an 

environmental indicator Shoreline Change Over Time that 

provides baseline information on the status of marine 

habitat. During the summer of 2009, BIEAP surveyed 

the entire foreshore of the inlet from Point Atkinson to 

Point Grey (excluding Indian Arm) by foot and/or boat to 

produce the Burrard Inlet Habitat Inventory. Surveys will 

be conducted periodically into the future to determine 

changes in shoreline over time. 

A comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) 

has been created classifying intertidal substrate and 

vegetation and identifying areas where invasive species, 

erosion and overhanging vegetation are present 

(Map 3). The entire shoreline has also been recorded 

by video and is linked to the online GIS. The GIS can be 

viewed at: www.cmnbc.ca 

A fi nal report summarizing fi ndings and their 

implications for fi sh and wildlife habitat in Burrard Inlet 

is available at: 

bieapfremp.org/bieap/publications/current.html

Map 3 

Monitoring 

One of the key commitments of the CEMP is to compile 

a State of Environment Report for Burrard Inlet when 

data (quality and quantity) become available. As an 

important information tool for planners, managers 

and stakeholders, the State of the Environment 

Report will describe: a)the pressures acting on the 

Inlet’s ecosystems and its components, b) the state 

and conditions of ecosystems, c) measuring and 

monitoring tools, and d)the responses to reduce 

pressures, protect and enhance ecosystem health. 

Monitoring indicators over time will help to assess 

whether action plans to reduce impacts are 

effective and will be critical to understanding how 

conditions in the inlet may be changing over time. 

As a fi rst step in this process, The Burrard Inlet 

Environmental Indicators Report was prepared to provide 

current information about environmental indicators and 

guide planning for future development in the Burrard 

Inlet watershed. The report describes current strategies 

and recommendations for protection and stewardship 

by regulatory agencies and other stakeholders. 

35 


36 


Project Review 

Since 1991, the Burrard Environmental Review 

Committee (BERC) has conducted coordinated 

environmental reviews for new developments and 

maintenance activities within BIEAP’s boundaries. 

Since the program’s inception, BERC has reviewed over 

2000 applications for coordinated project review. 

Environmental assessment 

and Coordinated Project 

review in Burrard Inlet 

Since 1991, Port Metro Vancouver and the federal 

and provincial governments, through the Burrard 

Environmental Review Committee (BERC), have 

been coordinating the environmental review of all 

projects within Burrard Inlet’s program boundaries 

(i.e., seaward from the top of the bank in the Inlet). 

This process has offered the proponents of projects 

a harmonized one-window approach and has 

largely eliminated the need for proponents to deal 

separately with the various government agencies. 

The coordinated review of a project is undertaken in 

advance of a federal, provincial or municipal authority 

rendering a decision (i.e., a regulatory or land use 

approval) on the proposal. The coordinated project 

review process does not issue project approvals - 

rather it provides the responsible authorities and 

proponents with recommendations for mitigation, 

compensation and/or monitoring activities. 

Coordinated Review Procedures 

‘Track 1 projects’ are generally of a predictable 

nature, frequently maintenance or repair type 

activities with little public interest and a low risk of 

environmental impact. Track 1 applications are dealt 

with by the Lead Agencies, those agencies with the 

permitting responsibility and are made available 

for comment by the other Environmental Review 

Committee agencies. Port Metro Vancouver conducts 

reviews of Track 1 projects, and is the lead agency 

for most project applications in Burrard Inlet. 

‘Track 2 projects’ constitute proposals of a more complex 

nature and generally have a greater potential for 

environmental impacts. These projects are reviewed by 

the Burrard Environmental Review Committee. 

Once the BERC is satisfi ed that the potential for 

environmental harm can be mitigated, the BERC will 

issue a Letter of Recommendations or Project Review 

letter. The letter describes mitigation measures and 

best management practices designed to prevent 

adverse environmental effects caused by the project 

and ensure the compliance of the project within the 

legislative mandates of the partner agencies. 

If it is the consensus of the committee that mitigation 

measures cannot prevent adverse impacts, the ERCs 

will recommend that a project not be approved. 

Partner membership of the Environmental Review 

committees in 2011 was Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 

Port Metro Vancouver and Transport Canada. 


offi ce maintains records of all projects and the 

recommendations, comments and decisions relating 

to them. The project referral log provides a quick 

reference to project applications and their status. 

In addition to BERC’s established review of proposed 

projects, the BIEAP partners may engage in coordinated 

reviews of projects on the uplands in Burrard Inlet. 

Municipal authorities often forward projects in the 

marine basin to the BERC environmental review process. 

Municipalities also have their own environmental review 

processes which usually involve representatives of 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Appendix 4: Community Groups and 

Stewardship Activities on Burrard Inlet 

Belcarra Beachkeepers 

Byrne Creek Streamkeepers, Burnaby 

byrnecreek.org 

Buntzen Bay Residents, North Vancouver 

Burnaby Fish and Game Club 

Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society (BIMES) 

Centennial High School 

Capilano River Hatchery 

pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sep-pmvs/projects-projets/capilano/ 

capilano-eng 

Hutchinson Creek Project, Port Moody 

Kinder Morgan Westridge Terminal 

Maplewood Creek Project, West Vancouver 

Morten Creek Project, North Vancouver 

morten-creek.pskf.ca 

Mosquito Creek Stewardship Society, North Vancouver 

mosquitocreek.org 

North Shore Fish and Game Club 

North Shore Streamkeepers 

nssk.ca 

North Shore Wetland Partners 

North Vancouver School District, North Vancouver 

Port Moody Ecological Society (PMES) and Noons 

Creek Hatchery, Port Moody 

noonscreek.org 

Reed Point Marina, Port Moody 

reedpoint.com 

Save Our Shores, North Vancouver 

nv-saveourshores.ca 

School House North Project 

Seymour Salmonid Society, North Vancouver 

seymoursalmon.com 

Spanish Banks Streamkeepers, Vancouver 

Urban Streams, Burrard Inlet 

urbanstreams.org 

Trans Mountain Pipeline Company, Burnaby 

kindermorgan.com/community/ 

CanadianCommunityRelations 

Vancouver Angling and Game Association, Vancouver 

fi shingwithrod.com/club/bc 

Vancouver Aquarium and Marine Science Centre, 

Vancouver 

vanaqua.org 

West Vancouver Shoreline Preservation Society 

westvanshoreline.ca 

West Vancouver Stream Keepers, West Vancouver 

westvancouverstreamkeepers.ca 

Wild Bird Trust 

Wildbirdtrust.org 

37 


Appendix 5: Memorandum 

of Understanding 

38 


Respecting The Burrard Inlet 

Environmental Action Program 

Between 

The Government of Canada 

represented by Environment Canada 

(hereinafter called “EC”) 

Of The First Part, And: 


represented by Fisheries and Oceans Canada 

Habitat and Enhancement Branch 

(hereinafter called “DFO”) 

Of The Second Part, And: 


represented by Transport Canada 

(hereinafter called “TC”) 

Of The Third Part, And: 

The Government of the Province of British Columbia 

represented by the Ministry of Environment 

(hereinafter called “MOE”) 

Of The Fourth Part, And: 

Vancouver Port Authority 

established pursuant to the Canada Marine Act having 

an offi ce at 100 The Pointe, Canada Place, Vancouver, 

British Columbia V6C 2P9 (hereinafter called “VPA”) 

Of The Fifth Part, And: 

The Greater Vancouver Regional District 

incorporated by an Act of the Legislature of 

the Province of British Columbia and having 

an offi ce at 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British 

Columbia V5H 4G8 (hereinafter called “GVRD”) 

Of The Sixth Part. 

Whereas 

a) The Signatories to this Memorandum wish to improve 

and protect the Environmental Quality of Burrard Inlet; 

b) Burrard Inlet supports important 

fi sh and wildlife habitats; 

c) Burrard Inlet has the potential to support enhanced 

outdoor recreational opportunities in the public interest; 

d) The expansion of Canada’s and British Columbia’s 

international trade and economies will require 

increasing use and expansion of industrial and 

commercial facilities in and abutting Burrard Inlet; 

e) It is essential to provide the opportunity and 

capability for industry to function and to expand to 

meet the growing needs of the community of Canada; 

f) The Signatories are committed to the principle 

of Sustainability, and wish to achieve it through 

the continuation of a coordinated joint action 

program known as the Burrard Inlet Environmental 

Action Program (the “Program”); and 

g) The Agreement executed by the Signatories on April 

1, 1996 and last revised in 2005 requires certain 

changes to remain consistent with subsequent 

changes in the nomenclature of the Signatories 

and clause 33 of the April 1, 1996 Agreement 

contains provisions to amend the Agreement. 

Now Therefore 

1. The Signatories agree to continue the implementation 

of coordinated measures to protect and improve the 

environmental quality of Burrard Inlet within the context 

of sustainability AND FURTHER agree as follows: 

Defi nitions 

2. a) “Burrard Inlet” or “Inlet” means the tidal waters 

and their inundated area east of a line between 

the southernmost point of Point Atkinson and 

the westernmost point of Point Grey, including 

False Creek, Indian Arm and Port Moody Arm;

) “Consensus” means lack of dissent 

among the Signatory representatives; 

c) “Environmental Quality” means the quality 

of the marine, land and air environments; 

d) “Fiscal Year” means the period beginning April 1 

each year and ending March 31 the following year; 

e) “Sustainability” means the point at which 

economic, environmental and social/cultural 

activities meet the needs of the present 

generation without compromising the ability of 

future generations to meet their own needs. 

Purpose Of The Memorandum 

3. The purpose of this Memorandum is to establish a 

management framework to facilitate, through a joint 

action program, the coordination of activities intended 

to protect and improve the Environmental Quality of 

Burrard Inlet within the context of Sustainability. 

Primary Objectives 

4. The primary objectives of the Program are to: 

a) Maintain, implement and update the 

Consolidated Environmental Management 

Plan for Burrard Inlet, 2002; and, 

b) Maintain the Coordinated Project 

Review process for Burrard Inlet. 

5. The Signatories will coordinate: 

a) Water and land use planning; 

b) Environmental management; 

c) Project review; and 

d) Public consultation. 

Guiding Principles 

6. The Signatories will foster co-operation, dialogue 

and coordinated action among government, 

industry, First Nations, special interests and the 

general public in support of accommodating a 

growing population and economy, while maintaining 

and where practical improving the quality and 

productivity of the Inlet’s natural environment. 

7. The Signatories recognise that the primary 

responsibility for management of the Burrard Inlet 

rests with those agencies that currently have 

management authority. While it is not intended 

to fetter these responsibilities, the Signatories, 

through co-operation and consensus, commit to 

seek “made in the Burrard Inlet” solutions. 

8. The Signatories will work together 

to facilitate sustainability by: 

a) Providing the opportunity for economic activity 

to meet national, regional and local objectives; 

b) Maintaining and where practical improving 

Environmental Quality in Burrard Inlet to ensure 

preservation of fi sheries and wildlife and to provide 

recreational opportunity where it is appropriate; 

39 


40 


c) Maintaining and where practical improving the 

productivity of fi sh and wildlife habitats; and 

d) Identifying and where practical enhancing 

the quality and variety of recreational sites. 

9. The Signatories, in implementing the Program, will: 

a) Recognise the importance of Burrard Inlet as a 

major economic and environmental resource in all 

planning and management activities, and encourage 

compatibility between both foreshore and upland 

uses and developments and the preservation 

of Environmental Quality in Burrard Inlet; 

b) Support the principle of persons directly 

responsible for pollution being responsible 

for its cleanup or cleanup costs; and 

c) Develop consensus by ensuring broad consultation 

between all Signatories and proponents and 

while so doing providing avenues for active public 

participation, and maintaining program fl exibility. 

Management Committee 

10. The Signatories to this Memorandum shall form 

a Management Committee with one representative 

appointed by each of EC, DFO, TC, MOE, VPA and GVRD. 

11. The representatives shall annually elect a Chair 

and Vice-chair of the joint Management Committee and 

the Chair shall be rotated through the Signatories. 

12. The representatives shall appoint alternates 

to represent them at meetings which they 

cannot attend and shall employ their best 

efforts to ensure each Signatory is represented 

at all Management Committee meetings. 

13. The Management Committee shall be responsible 

for managing the Program and directing and overseeing 

the administration of the annual Work Plans, pursuant 

to the fi ve-year Business Plan. This includes allocation 

and determination of the manner in which funding will 

be spent. Management Committee decisions respecting 

this paragraph will be made on the basis of consensus. 

14. The Management Committee’s authorities, 

which may be delegated, will include: 

a) Appointing appropriate administrative staffi ng 

for the Program and providing for establishment 

of appropriate staff accommodation; 

b) Providing general direction for the 

operations and activities of the Program; 

c) Establishing priorities for the Program and approving 

the Five Year Business Plan and the annual Work 

Plan, their budgets and any amendments thereto; 

d) Supporting, where practical and appropriate, 

the public being informed of and involved 

in the activities of the Program; 

e) Preparing and submitting an annual report to the 

Signatories on or before June 30 of each year identifying 

the accomplishments of the past fi scal year; 

f) Issuing the annual report for public consumption; 

g) Facilitating co-operation and coordination 

of improved management, including; 

i) Improving the quality and availability of information 

provided to the public regarding the Program; and 

ii) A clearly defi ned process for involving the 

public in implementing the Program; 

h) Evaluating staff and contractor performance; and 

i) Forming action teams or sub-committees with 

appropriate membership to perform specifi c tasks 

or studies or provide expert advice on specifi c 

subjects and the Management Committee will 

ensure the timely performance of deliverables 

by such teams or sub-committees. 

15. The Management Committee may be 

supported in its activities by staff or contractors 

who will be responsible to that Committee.

Public Involvement 

16. Public involvement activities will include the 

issuance of publications, the holding of public meetings 

and the participation of the public in Program activities. 

Finances 

17. A Budget, based on an annual Work Plan, shall 

be prepared for each Fiscal Year under the direction 

of the Management Committee, for approval by the 

Signatories, not later than October 1, in the year prior. 

18. Cost of the Program will be determined annually 

with the approval of the annual Work Plan. 

19. Records of income and expenses for the 

Program will be kept in a manner acceptable to 

the Program Audit Committee and accountants. 

20. The Program will issue invoices quarterly, in 

advance, based on a yearly contribution of forty 

fi ve thousand dollars ($45,000) per Signatory, 

plus annual increases based on infl ation and 

as agreed to by the Partners and Management 

Committees. Any increases in contributions will 

be refl ected in the annual Work Plan & Budget. 

21. Invoices are due and payable on receipt. The 

invoices shall be paid within thirty (30) days, 

calculated from the date the invoice is received. 

Invoices unpaid after forty-fi ve (45) days shall be 

referred to the Signatories for resolution. Where 

applicable, simple interest will accrue at the Bank 

Rate plus one and one quarter percent on any amount 

which is overdue from the day such amount became 

overdue until the day prior to the date of payment. 

22. Each Signatory’s obligation under this Memorandum 

is subject to suffi cient funds being available by 

each Signatory and allocated by the respective 

Signatories. If suffi cient funds are unavailable, the 

other Signatories must be advised by January 30 in 

the Fiscal Year prior to the funds being required. 

23. When any Signatory advises that some or all 

of its funds for contribution are unavailable, then 

that Signatory will cease to be represented on the 

Management Committee, unless otherwise agreed to by 

the other remaining Signatories. In that event, with the 

unanimous consent of the Signatories the Management 

Committee may decide the Signatories will either: 

a) Increase base contributions to make up the shortfall; 

or 

b) Reduce the budget to refl ect the shortfall. 

24. Where a Signatory has withdrawn from this 

Memorandum they shall request reinstatement 

by notifying all of the remaining Signatories no 

later than September 1, in the year prior. 

25. Where there is a change in the number of 

Signatories to the Memorandum, or external funding is 

acquired, the base contribution referred to in Section 

20 of this Memorandum may be adjusted, with the 

unanimous consent of the Signatories, to refl ect 

higher or lower contributions by the Signatories. 

26. Each Signatory shall bear the entire costs of the 

salary and travel expenses of its members on the 

Management Committee, any sub-committee or task 

force and of employees assigned to tasks or activities 

carried out under this Program and this Memorandum. 

27. The Management Committee will name an Audit 

Committee and appoint an accountant to provide 

a Notice to Reader annually. Every three to fi ve 

years, commencing in 2008-2009, the Management 

Committee will appoint an independent accountant 

to undertake a fi nancial review engagement. 

41 


42 


Duration 

28. This Memorandum shall take effect April 1, 2007. 

It will, except where otherwise provided in this 

Memorandum, continue in force until terminated 

upon the mutual agreement of all of the Signatories 

that remain involved in this Memorandum. 

29. Any Signatory to this Memorandum may 

terminate its involvement, provided that the 

Signatory formally notifi es the other Signatories of 

its intent to withdraw from the Memorandum and 

that such notifi cation is received at least one full 

fi scal year prior to the intended date of withdrawal. 

Amendments 

30. This Memorandum may be amended by 

written agreement between all of the Signatories’ 

administrative senior representatives within 

the Province of British Columbia. 

Notice 

31. Any notice required or permitted to be given 

under the provisions of this Memorandum shall be in 

writing, and sent by mail or by other acceptable form 

of communication to the address of the Signatory’s 

representative on the Management Committee. Notice 

shall be suffi ciently served if personally delivered 

to the Signatory to whom it is given or mailed. 

References 

32. Every reference to the Signatories in this 

Memorandum will include any person designated 

to act for or on their respective behalf with regard 

to any provisions of this Memorandum. 

Miscellaneous 

33. This Memorandum and any activity conducted 

under it shall be without prejudice to any 

proprietary right or interest of the Signatories. 

34. The Signatories hereto agree to 

consistently pursue optimizing the effi ciency 

and effectiveness of the Action Plan. 

35. In this Memorandum, wherever the singular 

or masculine is used it will be construed as 

if the plural or feminine or body corporate, as 

the case may be, had been used where the 

context or the Signatories hereto so require. 

36. This Memorandum shall not interfere in any 

way with the legislative jurisdiction of any of 

the Signatories, nor with the exercise by any 

Signatory or its offi cials of any right, power or 

obligation under any law, order or regulation. 

37. The provisions contained herein are an 

expression of understanding and not to be 

construed as legally binding on the Signatories.

Appendix 6: 

BIEAP Partners 


Suite 201 - 401 Burrard Street 

Vancouver, BC V6C 3S5 

Phone: (604) 664-9100 

Fax: (604) 713-9517 

www.pyr.ec.gc.ca 


Unit 3 - 100 Annacis Parkway 

Delta, BC V3M 6A2 

Phone: 604-666-7575 

Fax: 604-666-6627 

www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca 


Suite 620 - 800 Burrard Street 

Vancouver, BC V6Z 2J8 

Phone: (604) 666-3518 

Fax: (604) 666-7255 

www.tc.gc.ca/eng/pacifi c/menu.htm 


10470 - 152nd Street 

Surrey, BC V3R 0Y3 

Phone: (604) 582-5200 

Fax: (604) 930-7119 

www.gov.bc.ca/env/ 


4330 Kingsway 

Burnaby, BC V5H 4G8 

Phone: (604) 432-6200 

Fax: (604) 436-6901 

www.metrovancouver.org 


100 The Pointe, 999 Canada Place 

Vancouver, BC V6C 3T4 

Phone (604) 665-9000 

Fax: 1-866-284-4271 

www.portmetrovancouver.com 

43 


Photo: Brandon Cole

BIEAP/FREMP 

Suite 501, 5945 Kathleen Avenue 

Burnaby, British Columbia 

V5H 4J7 

Telephone 604.775.5756 

Fax 604.431.6739 

Email mail@bieapfremp.org

Consolidated Environmental Management Plan for Burrard Inlet ...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?