Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Centerm Container Terminal

Non-Road Diesel Emissions Program 2021-2030

In line with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s mandate to enable growth in trade while protecting the environment and minimizing impacts on communities, the port authority introduced the Non-Road Diesel Emissions (NRDE) Fee on January 1, 2015, to reduce diesel particulate matter emissions associated with non-road equipment on port lands.

The NRDE Fee and related requirements (“NRDE program”) apply to all parties granted the right to occupy lands owned, managed or administered by the port authority. A similar program is administrated by Metro Vancouver, which applies to equipment operating on lands within their jurisdiction. The aim of both programs is to encourage the phase-out of diesel equipment that has limited or no emission controls in favour of equipment that meets Tier 4 engine standards or higher. Tier 4 engine standards were phased-in starting in 2008, and by 2015 all new non-road diesel equipment meets this standard which reduces PM and NOx emissions by up to 90%.

Engagement updates

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Non-Road Diesel Emissions Program 2021-2030 engagement activities. You can find our engagement report, summarizing your feedback, in the ‘supporting documents’ on this page.

The draft 2023 fee document is now posted on our website at www.vancouver.com/fees, along with directions on how to submit further comments.

Previous engagement

Date Engagement steps Activities
Fall 2019 Step 1 - inform Notification to tenants, creation of engagement website, and meetings with interested groups
Summer 2020 Step 2 – invite input Online survey, one-on-one and group (webinar) meetings, and information updated on engagement website
Fall 2020 - Spring 2021 Step 3 - present information for comment One-on-one and group (webinar) meetings and information updated on engagement website
Fall 2021 – Spring 2022 Step 4 – present revised information for comment One-on-one and group (webinar) meetings and information updated on engagement website
Summer 2022 – Fall 2022 Step 5 – present final information for comment One-on-one and group (webinar) meetings, information updated on engagement website, and formal notification period and notification to tenants

About diesel particulate matter

Diesel particulate matter (PM) emissions can have serious health impacts. Emissions from diesel engines are linked to premature deaths, increased hospitalizations and lost work days. Diesel particulate matter is classified as a known human carcinogen by the World Health Organization. A study commissioned by Metro Vancouver shows that PM emissions from diesel engines are responsible for approximately 67% of the lifetime cancer risks from air pollutants in the region. Non-road diesel engines are responsible for approximately 41% of diesel PM emissions in the region.

To learn more please visit the Health Canada website here.

Project Phases

Initial engagement
Fall 2019
Engagement round one
June 2020 - July 2020
Engagement round two
November 2020 - Spring 2021
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