This glossary defines selected terms that apply to the BIEAP-FREMP process for Coordinated Project Review.

BERC – The Burrard Environmental Review Committee (BERC) is the committee established through the Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program (BIEAP) that is responsible for reviewing applications under Coordinated Project Review. BERC membership consists of representatives from Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Environment Canada; the Canadian Coast Guard; the provincial Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection; and the Vancouver Port Authority. BERC meets regularly every second Wednesday.

BIEAP-FREMP – The Burrard Inlet Environmental Action Program (BIEAP) and the Fraser River Estuary Management Program (FREMP) are inter-governmental partnerships established to coordinate the environmental management of two significant aquatic ecosystems in the Lower Mainland: Burrard Inlet and the Fraser River estuary.

BIEAP and FREMP function through Memoranda of Understanding which establish the framework for the coordination of program partners.

Coordinated Project Review – The 3-phase, 4-track process used by BIEAP and FREMP to review project proposals.  The process assigns projects to one of four streams or “tracks.”  A project is assigned to a track based on its potential environmental impacts and public interest.  The BIEAP-FREMP brochure on Coordinated Project Review describes the process in detail.

Environmental Assessment – The purpose of environmental assessment is to ensure that the environmental effects of a project receive careful consideration before the proponent and responsible authorities take actions in connection with the project.  Environmental assessment is intended to encourage proponents and responsible authorities to take actions and make decisions that promote sustainable development and thereby achieve a healthy environment and a healthy economy.  An effective environmental assessment should offset, in a cost-effective manner, any irrevocable environmental damage that the project might otherwise cause.

Environmental Monitor – When a project is authorized, some works require an approved environmental professional be present to monitor and report on the works. Should a project’s location or activities require a monitor, the proponent will need to ensure that the environmental monitor is deemed satisfactory by the port authority or environmental review committee. To ensure the protection of fish habitat, proponents must grant their environmental monitor the authority to modify or halt construction activities. This authority must be confirmed in writing to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

FREMP ERC – The Fraser River Estuary Management Program (FREMP) Environmental Review Committee (ERC) is the committee established through FREMP that is responsible for reviewing applications under Coordinated Project Review. FREMP ERC membership consists of representatives from Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Environment Canada; the Canadian Coast Guard; the provincial Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection; the Fraser River Port Authority; and the North Fraser Port Authority. The FREMP ERC meets regularly every second Wednesday.

Lead Agency – Specific to the BIEAP-FREMP review process, the lead agency is an applicant’s principal contact and will receive the application package on behalf of the partnership. Proponents should contact the lead agency early in the process and maintain open communications throughout. Most often, the lead agency will be the appropriate port authority, based on the location of the project. If there is any confusion about which port authority to contact, call the BIEAP-FREMP office.

Regulatory Agency – A regulatory agency can be any government department or ministry that has responsibilities or expertise relating to a particular aspect of environmental management.  Government departments having responsibilities in such things as waste management and habitat protection are commonly called environmental agencies.  In contrast with the term “responsible authority,” which has a more specific definition, regulatory (or environmental) agency is a general term.

Responsible Authority – As defined under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, a responsible authority, or RA, is “the federal authority that is required … to ensure that an environmental assessment of the  project is conducted.” 

Project Approval – BIEAP-FREMP is a coordinating body only, it does not issue approvals.  Permits and other authorizations can only be granted by those government agencies responsible for enforcing specific acts and regulations.  Participation in the BIEAP-FREMP process does not affect the legal responsibilities of regulatory agencies.

Project Review – The BIEAP-FREMP review process results in recommendations that will guide the lead agency or other responsible authorities in making formal decisions about project approval.