Report shows potential ecological impacts of GRO facility on Burnaby's Fraser Foreshore Park

A proposed organic waste facility on Fraser Foreshore parkland would aim to restore and enhance more fish habitat and swampland through mitigation measures than it would lose, says an environmental assessment report released by the City of Burnaby earlier this week.

But it would still result in the loss of habitat function for many wildlife species that live in the park—including “loss of habitat for amphibians and lost foraging and breeding habitat for migratory birds” in an area comprising the 21 acres of the proposed project.

Part of the surrounding waterways would need to be filled in during construction, leading to the loss of about 0.15 acres of fish habitat, and nearly 9.5 acres of shoreline vegetation. 

The 104-page report (written by GHD Limited by request of the City of Burnaby) acknowledges that initial mitigation efforts like avoidance and minimization “cannot fully avoid all impacts to fish and fish habitat, wetland and riparian areas, and wildlife area and function.”

“As such, mitigation in the form of restoration, enhancement and preservation are proposed to offset potential project effects on [valued components] such that there is at least a 2:1 ratio of ‘in-kind’ habitat gain,” the report reads.

“Combined on and offsite restoration and enhancement mitigation efforts achieve an overall habitat gain to loss ratio of 3.2:1. The City has also committed to permanent preservation of 4.3 ha (10.6 acres) of high functioning existing forested swamps, currently designated for development, to add to existing park area in Burnaby.”

The project proposes to offset the loss of fish habitat by creating a new, rock-lined stream channel with pools and boulder clusters—and replanting any torn out riparian vegetation that can be salvaged, along with new plans to develop the overhanging vegetation cover.

That could be accomplished in one of two locations—the approximately five-acre-large Old Field in the west area of the park, or at a new estuary channel directly along the boundary of the project.

The Old Field could also be converted back into wetlands to mitigate the impacts of the project on foraging species.

The park and development area are home to several species considered at risk in Canada, including the little brown myotis, great blue heron, and barn owl.

There are also salamander, frog, turtle, and many bird species that frequent the park.

Among the fish species present in the river and adjoining waterways are chinook and pink salmon, “which may use part of the downstream habitat for juvenile migration and rearing in the spring to mid-summer”, along with lamprey, flounder, and catfish, among others.

However, the report also notes that most of the fish habitat within the project area is considered marginal or poor in quality.

The GRO facility, which would take up nearly 21 acres of “undeveloped” parkland constituting about 12% of the beloved riverside park, would convert organic waste into soil that could be used by residents, community gardeners, and local farms, according to the city.

The city says the facility would help Burnaby reach its climate targets, with the ability to produce natural gas that could heat 5,000 homes a year.

Currently, Burnaby sends its organic waste to private facilities in Delta and Pemberton—and Mayor Mike Hurley told the Beacon in an interview the construction of a facility here would take “many diesel trucks off the road” because they would not be driving to other parts of the province to deliver waste anymore.

The project has met with fierce opposition from some members of the community who are decrying the proposed undedication of parkland, and say the project would be better suited to land that is already zoned for industrial use.

The city has launched an alternative approval process to gain the assent of the electorate to move ahead with the proposal.

Those who wish to oppose the project must send in an Elector Response Form to City Hall, either by mail or in person, by April 28.

If the city receives less than 16,250 submissions voting against the project (10% of the city’s electorate) by April 28, then council may proceed with the project.

While the form itself is available for download from the city’s website, there is no option to send in your vote electronically. You must print the form, fill it out, and then send it by mail or drop it off in person.

You can also pick up printed copies of the form at the legislative services department at Burnaby City Hall and at all four Burnaby Public Library locations.

Those who wish to support the project don’t need to take any action. Not participating in the process is counted as being in favour.

To view the full report, go to the GRO homepage, and on the right side of the site you’ll see a link to the GRO Ecological Assessment.