The federal review panel hearing submissions on the proposed Terminal 2 mega project at Roberts Bank has agreed to have one of the public hearing sessions focused on an alternative proposal by the operator of the Deltaport container terminal.

Global Container Terminals has been pitching a fourth berth connected to its current facility, saying it would meet future container capacity needs.

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The Port of Vancouver instead is proposing T2, a three-berth terminal that would be built on a man-made island adjacent to Deltaport.

“In comparison to other potential development options at Roberts Bank, the location of the proposed project, according to preliminary reviews and engagement with local stakeholders, contributes to a smaller adverse environmental effect,” Global Container Terminals stated about its DP4 proposal.

Noting the federal government has already stated it would not allow further land reclamation inland from Deltaport, the port authority had issued a request for bids from interested terminal operators to operate T2, but wouldn’t allow Global Container Terminals to submit a bid.

GCT was among several parties that had asked the review panel to adjourn the public hearing now taking place in Delta, but the panel has ruled against those motions.

However, the panel did agree to grant Global Container Terminals’ request for a topic-specific hearing session on alternative means of carrying out the T2 project. That session is tentatively scheduled for May 31.

Participants who wish to file new information relevant to that session may do so prior to May 28, according to the panel, adding it emphasizes that any information filed must be new and not simply comments or submissions on information already on the record.

Meanwhile, the panel said it has determined that it has sufficient information on other topics, including marine shipping.

“However, the panel will extend the period within which closing remarks may be made, from three weeks (July 15) to nine weeks (Aug. 26), to allow more time for participants to digest all the new information received at the hearing, including information on marine shipping. Participants are reminded that all new information, including undertakings, has to be submitted by no later than the last Friday of the hearing (June 21).”

For more information, including public hearing times and venues, contact the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency at 1-866-582-1884.