Argentia’s port expansion gets federal green light
Decision comes after project’s release from provincial environmental assessment in January
The Port of Argentia’s expansion project has taken another step after being released from the federal environmental assessment process.
Following a review of the proposed Cooper Cove marine terminal expansion project and public consultations, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada decided the project does not require an environmental impact assessment.
“In light of the factors considered, the agency is of the opinion that given the project’s small footprint and its brownfield setting, the possibility of potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction from the project would likely be limited or addressed through existing federal and provincial legislative and regulatory frameworks, as well as mitigation measures and commitments described by the proponent in the detailed project description,” the federal agency said in its decision.
SENDING MESSAGE TO INDUSTRY
The release comes after the provincial government released the project from its environmental assessment process in January.
Scott Penney, the port’s chief executive officer, was thrilled with the project getting over another hurdle.
“These decisions are endorsements by both levels of government that the port is acting responsibly in carrying out its expansion plans,” Penney said in a prepared statement.
“Doing so sends a clear message to industry that the port is a strategic location for future investment, meeting its development milestones and advancing its role in facilitating the global energy transition.”
ABOUT PROJECT
The project will will double quayside capacity at the port, in response to increasing demands for berthing space and growing import/export opportunities at Argentia.
It will add three berths at water depths of 12 1/2 metres and the creation of 10 hectares of dock/quayside laydown.
The port’s press release said the Cooper Cove facility will feature the latest in port electrification innovations, with a focus on decarbonization, and will serve as a key link in the green energy corridor.
EMPLOYMENT, FINANCIAL BENEFITS
According to the port, the expansion project is anticipated to generate 670 person years of employment in Newfoundland and Labrador, including 315 person years of direct employment.
The project is expected to generate significant investment of more than $4 billion in capital expenditures through the Argentia Renewables wind-hydrogen project, a monopile marshalling yard and a marine base that would include a potential offshore spool base.
The port authority said Argentia “is committed to facilitating the global energy transition” with active projects supporting U.S. offshore wind and holding an equity position in Argentia Renewables Project, a partnership with Pattern Energy for the establishment of a 300-megawatt wind-energy-to-green-hydrogen project on port lands.
The Port of Argentia is currently seeking qualified bidders through its RFQ process, which closes on April 19.