The Port of Argentia has announced a significant milestone in its Cooper Cove Marine Terminal Expansion Project with the decision by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) that an impact assessment is not required for the project. This followed a review and public consultations.

In its release, IAAC stated, “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.”

IAAC’s decision follows the January 19, 2024 announcement by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to release the Cooper Cove Marine Terminal Expansion Project from environmental assessment, with conditions.

“The Port is thrilled with this decision by IAAC and we commend the Agency for its thorough review and coming to the conclusion that an impact assessment is not required for the Cooper Cove expansion project”, states Port CEO Scott Penney. “These decisions are endorsements by both levels of government that the Port is acting responsibly in carrying out its expansion plans. 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.”

With ever increasing demands at Argentia for berthing space and growing import/export opportunities, the Cooper Cove Marine Terminal Expansion Project will double quayside capacity at the Port –  adding three berths at water depths of 12.5 metres and the creation of 10 hectares of dock/quayside laydown. Cooper Cove will feature the latest in port electrification innovations with focus on decarbonization and will serve as a key link in the green energy corridor