Proposed Removal and Relocation of Sediment at Piers 10 and 11 (St. John's Harbour)

The St. John's Port Authority (SJPA) is proposing a project to enhance access at Piers 10 and 11 [Directory of Federal Real Property (DFRP) #00411] St. John's Harbour, involving three specific locations. Activities at Piers 10 and 11 would include debris, daily inspections with divers to identify and mitigate environmental impacts, removal of sediment to achieve required depths, relocating approximately 4,000 cubic meters of material. The SJPA is proposing a non-traditional dredging process which will avoid disturbing the vertical layers of water (the water column); unlike traditional dredging, which breaks the water column can cause turbidity (cloudiness) and release sediments and pollutants into the water. Environmental considerations will focus on minimizing disruptions to aquatic life, water quality, and nearby dwellings and structures.

Latest update

Notice of Determination

St. John’s Harbour Peirs 10 & 11– October 11, 2024 – The St. John’s Port Authority has determined that the proposed relocation of sediment within Piers 10 and 11 is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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

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

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:

  • Contaminant and Spill Management (Spill response):  All equipment being used will be inspected for leaks prior to deploying, spill response equipment will be readily available along with all personnel working on the project will be well versed on the environmental emergency response plan. Notification of work dates and duration will also be provided to the Canadian Coast Guard.
  • Operation of machinery: Equipment will be cleaned prior to use and after use to ensure no contamination from the equipment's  previous use and in the event invasive species are present we don't encourage the spread to other sites.
  • Erosion and sediment control: If required silt booms/curtains will be deployed around the work area and sediment relocation areas and monitored during the sediment relocation process to determine effectiveness of the booms/curtains. Sediment relocation will be stopped if it is noticed the sediment control measures are failing.
  • Deleterious substances will be prevented from entering the water by washing, refuelling, and servicing machinery before arriving on site if required.

  • The St. John’s Port Authority is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

    Therefore, the St. John’s Port Authority may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.

Participate

Contacts

Brandon Russell
Development - St. John's Port Authority
Brandon Russell, Manager, Technical Services
1 Water Street
P.O. Box 6178
St. John's NL A1C 5X8
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador A1X 5X8
Telephone: 709-682-3674
Email: brussell@sjpa-apsj.com


Disclaimer

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

  • Location

    • Piers 10 and 11 (St. John's Harbour) (Newfoundland and Labrador)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Ports and Harbours

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2024-09-03

  • Proponent

    St. John's Port Authority (SJPA)

  • Authorities

    • Fisheries and Oceans Canada
    • St. John's Port Authority

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    88865

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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