Information bulletin Re: Current and Upcoming Projects in Esquimalt Harbour
A bulletin from the Department of National Defence regarding harbour remediation and infrastructure projects.
Department of National Defence: Current & Upcoming Projects in Esquimalt Harbour
The Department of National Defence (DND) is undertaking several projects in Esquimalt Harbour associated with Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt. These projects will address historic harbour contamination and will continue to transform the Dockyard infrastructure in support of a 21st century Royal Canadian Navy.
DND has conducted investigations within Esquimalt Harbour to identify areas with high levels of contaminated sediment for remediation. The remediation will considerably reduce the exposure of marine life to contaminated sediments and will provide healthier habitat for marine communities. At the same time, DND is undertaking infrastructure improvement projects to enhance the capacity and efficiency of navy operations at CFB Esquimalt.
DND is committed to sharing information about these projects as they progress. This Public Information Session is an opportunity for you to learn more about these projects, provide your comments, and ask any questions you have.
Input received from the public will be used to identify concerns and to develop appropriate mitigation strategies throughout the planning, design, and construction processes for each Project.
What is the source of the contamination in the harbour?
Esquimalt Harbour has been the location of naval operations and an active industrial harbour for over 150 years. During this time, previous industrial practices have contributed to harbour contamination. Industrial activity and releases from storm sewers, surface runoff, and groundwater discharges have impacted harbour sediments. While environmental practices and procedures have been established to prevent further contamination from occurring, historical contamination is an ongoing problem for the ecosystem that needs to be addressed.
Projects Overview Map
This map identifies locations of DND Esquimalt Harbour Projects that are currently being undertaken or are planned for the future. Learn more about each project by referencing the corresponding number on the next page.
Remediation Phasing
On the map, the coloured polygons show the locations and current phase of remediation activities in Esquimalt Harbour.
Phase
- Completed Project (Teal)
- Current Remediation (Yellow)
- Assessment Phase (Orange/Red)
Project Descriptions
| Project | Image | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project |  |
The A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project will replace the existing operational berthing facilities known as A Jetty and B Jetty which are now over 70 years old. Concurrently with the jetty upgrades, DND is remediating the contaminated seabed beneath each jetty. A Jetty open water remediation is now complete and B Jetty demolition and remediation dredging is planned for 2017. |
| Wave Attenuating Breakwater | DND has constructed a floating Wave Attenuating Breakwater adjacent to D Jetty off Yew Point. The floating breakwater will protect D Jetty from wave action, sheltering the area for small vessel berthing. | |
| F/G Jetty & Colwood South (D Jetty) Projects | The F/G Jetty Optimization Project will dredge and dispose of contaminated sediments and place clean fill materials on the seabed to improve the F/G Jetty area. At the same time, the Colwood South Remediation Project will dredge and dispose of contaminated sediments from the area adjacent to D Jetty. | |
| Small Boat Float Project | The Small Boat Float (SBF) Project will provide dedicated berthing facilities and berthing-support infrastructure at the Dockyard for numerous Royal Canadian Navy support vessels. The new Small Boat Floats will largely replace the function of the adjacent ML Floats (shown), which are nearing the end of their serviceable life. Dredging of contaminated sediments is also associated with this project. | |
| Plumper Bay Remediation | Currently in the design phase, the Plumper Bay Remediation Project will likely entail remediation of two high priority areas of contamination within Plumper Bay. The Project is anticipated to dredge and dispose of contaminated sediment to improve the health of this portion of Esquimalt Harbour. | |
| Esquimalt Harbour Remediation Project | DND has conducted investigations to assess seabed and foreshore fill sediment quality and has prioritized four locations — Y Jetty, Lang Cove, C Jetty, and ML Floats — for remedial dredging to provide a healthier, more diverse habitat for marine communities. |
Schedule Overview
The schedule below indicates the timing currently anticipated for dredging and construction activities related to upcoming Projects. Please note this schedule will continue to be refined and adjusted over time.
Legend:
- Dredging Activities (Dark Maroon)
- Construction Activities (Light Brown)
Anticipated Schedule
- A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project:
- A Jetty Dredging: 2016 Q2 - Q3
- B Jetty Demo & Dredging: 2017 Q2 - Q3
- B Jetty Construction, A Jetty Demolition, A Jetty Construction: 2018 Q1 through 2021 Q4 (anticipated completion 2024)
- Wave Attenuating Breakwater:
- Construction: 2017 Q1 - Q2
- F/G Jetty & Colwood South (D Jetty) Projects:
- Dredging: 2017 Q2
- Small Boat Float Project:
- Dredging: 2017 Q4 - 2018 Q1
- Small Boat Float Project Construction: 2018 Q2 - 2019 Q3
- Plumper Bay Remediation:
- Dredging: 2018 Q3 - Q4
- Esquimalt Harbour Remediation Project:
- C Jetty & ML Floats Dredging: 2019 Q3 - Q4
- Y Jetty & Lang Cove Dredging: 2020 Q1 - Q2
Will remediation activities affect the health of the people living nearby?
No negative health effects related to this work are anticipated for residents living on the Esquimalt Harbour waterfront or in neighbourhoods near CFB Esquimalt. Work planning will consider health, safety, and noise in accordance with DND's Environmental Assessment.
What will the noise level from construction be like?
During remediation and construction work, it is anticipated that the primary noise impacts will come from machines used during dredging, pile driving, and construction. Projects will include noise monitoring to assess noise from machine operations and mitigations will be implemented accordingly.
We Welcome Your Feedback
DND is committed to sharing information about the projects in Esquimalt Harbour and documenting questions, concerns, and input from CFB Esquimalt's neighbours and harbour users.
Input received will form part of the project records that may be used during regulatory reviews and directions for contractors completing the Projects.
Ask questions or share feedback by:
- Email: cfbesquimalt@outlook.com
- Mail: Esquimalt Harbour Remediation Project Office c/o Base Public Affairs Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt PO Box 17000 Stn. Forces Victoria, BC V9A 7N2
Updates will be posted to: www.EsquimaltHarbour.ca