Upcoming Projects
Lang Cove/Eastern Constance Cove Remediation Project (ECCRP)
The focus of the ECCRP is to dredge and dispose of contaminated sediments on the southeast side of Constance Cove, within Lang Cove. In 2019-2020, remedial dredging and cap placement occurred around Y Jetty and in a portion of Lang Cove as part of the Y Jetty Lang Cove Remediation Project (YJLCRP).
The ECCRP will address remaining concentrations of contaminants of concern in Lang Cove (including an existing historical marine railway cradle, if remaining contamination is found to be present during ongoing assessments), through open-water dredging and disposal of contaminated sediments, material processing, as well as placement of residuals management cover.
Current Status: This project is currently in the assessment and design phase.
Anticipated Timeline: Implementation 2026-2027
Plumper Bay Risk Management Project
Following the completion of the Plumper Bay and Ashe Head remedial dredging in 2018, the Plumper Bay Risk Management Project began as a project to implement risk management strategies to address remaining areas of contamination, coupled with habitat restoration to improve the overall condition of Plumper Bay. Through working with Esquimalt Nation and Songhees Nation a remedial design has been complete which, removes the remaining legacy shoreline contamination and reinstates a more natural shoreline including shoreline protection, habitat improvement, removal of wood waste, debris removal, and increased community access.
Current Status: Preparing for implementation.
Anticipated Timeline: Implementation 2025 – 2027
Image captions
- The Plumper Bay Risk Management Project Area Map figure shows the location of the Plumper Bay Risk Management Project in Esquimalt Harbour.
Wood Waste Remediation Project
Esquimalt Harbour has been the location of naval operations and an active industrial harbour for over 150 years. Decades of milling and log booming activity have resulted in high levels of wood waste. Wood waste deposits alter sediment characteristics and produce toxins as they decompose, thus impacting the seafloor flora and fauna and, consequently, create inhospitable conditions for marine life in the harbour.
The Wood Waste Remediation Pilot Project was implemented in February 2020 to test the effectiveness of capping wood waste impacted sediments. The Project has carried out studies and tests designed to characterize and assess this waste, determine its effects on the biota, and provide sustainable remedial options to benefit the ecological health of the harbour.
The Project is now in the process of designing a remedial plan to most effectively address the wood waste contamination.
Current Status: This project is in the design phase.
Anticipated Timeline: The project is expected to commence in 2027-2028.
Image captions
- The Wood Waste Remediation Project Area Map figure shows the location of the Wood Waste Remediation Project in Esquimalt Harbour.
- The Beggiatoa Bacterial Mats photo shows wood waste collected from the seabed of Esquimalt Harbour.
- The Wood Waste Remediation Pilot Project Design & Wood Waste on the Harbour Floor photo shows a schematic drawing of the Wood Waste Remediation Pilot Project and underwater imagery of wood waste debris located on the seabed of Esquimalt Harbour.
