Port Metro Vancouver delays next phase of environmental requirements pending judiciary review

by Truck West

VANCOUVER, B.C. – The Jan. 1, 2017 date when Port Metro Vancouver was planning to implement the next phase of its environmental requirements for container trucks has been postponed pending the outcome of a judicial review launched by Unifor.

Unifor, the union representing truck drivers at Port Metro Vancouver, has sought a review of the port’s Rolling 10-Year Truck Age Policy, including its environmental requirements.

“Port Metro Vancouver remains committed to implementing increasing environmental requirements as part of our mandate to protect the environment,” said Peter Xotta, vice-president, operation and planning at Port Metro Vancouver. “However, asking drivers to invest in replacement trucks or suitable retrofits before the conclusion of the judicial review, and before they know whether they will continue to be licensed by the provincial commissioner, are sensible reasons to postpone the deadline.”

The 2017 environmental phase would require all trucks with engine and exhaust systems older than 2007 to either be retrofitted or upgraded to meet 2010 emission limits.

Port Metro Vancouver said the delay would also allow for a new implementation date that would be better aligned with the June 1 annual renewal date of provincial licences for operating in the local container truck sector.

Depending on the outcome of the judicial review, Port Metro Vancouver said it plans to establish a new 10-Year Rolling Truck Age requirement by Jan. 1, 2022, as by that time the majority of trucks serving the port would be 10 or fewer years old.

“We know that heavy duty diesel trucks with newer engine and exhaust systems are far cleaner than their older counterparts,” said Xotta, “so it’s critical we get old trucks off the port for the sake of local communities.”

The port’s environmental requirements have been in place since 2008 and require all container trucks operating at the port to meet certain standards through to Jan. 1, 2017.


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