Community impacts
Criteria by type of participant
Ports
Seaway
Terminals
Shipyards
PORTS AND SEAWAY CORPORATION
Performance indicator's objective:
Reduce potential community exposure and negative impacts due to dust & other polluting air emissions, noise & vibrations, light, visual pollution, traffic, potable water usage, and odours & nuisance wildlife caused by the participant's activities and operations.
Note :
In the context of this indicator, the community includes all people in close proximity to the participant (e.g., employees, nearby tenants, residents, Indigenous Peoples, local businesses, people using nearby recreational areas).
2025 criteria
Level 1
Monitoring of regulations
Level 2
Implementation of the majority of applicable criteria:
Noise & Vibrations:
2.1 Issue a notice to ships that their sirens are to be used only to ensure safe movement.
2.2 Adopt operational procedures or take measures limiting the use, or reducing the impact of warning signals, without compromising safety (e.g., use strobe light during nighttime operations, use lynx alarm, adapt the height or direction of the device, adjust the frequency of the signal).
2.3 Take measures to reduce the noise emanating from rail operations at the port (such as rail lubrication, etc.).
2.4 Limit idling of vehicles, equipment, and locomotives.
2.5 Have a documented process (e.g., purchase policy) for selecting less noisy equipment when buying new equipment.
2.6 Carry out activities and operations that generate noise and vibrations as much as possible within hours that would have the least impact on the local community.
Dust & Other Pollutant Air Emissions
2.7 Adopt dust control measures on the participants’ operated property (e.g., watering, wet brushing, sweeping, maintenance of pavement, landscaping).
2.8 Apply measures to improve the management of bulk cargo storage (e.g., covering cargo that is stored in piles, reducing the height of such piles, moving piles to areas that are less exposed to wind, building/installing containment walls).
2.9 Implement mitigation measures (e.g., canvas, tarpaulins, curtains, or other equivalent control barriers) during spray painting and blasting operations to prevent the dispersal of dust and aerosol particles by the wind.
2.10 Collect and confine spent abrasives and debris (after blasting to dock-bottom or yard grounds) to avoid dispersion by wind and runoff (e.g., cover piles of spent abrasives and debris or store them in covered containers).
Odours & Nuisance Wildlife
2.11 Take measures to avoid garbage and recycling dispersion by wind and wildlife (ex. covers, fencing) and to reduce odours.
2.12 Keep wildlife that is or can become a nuisance to the local community away from operation and construction sites, outbuildings, and workboats (e.g., limit access to wildlife, use sustainable visual or audio deterrence measures).
Traffic
2.13 Implement measures to manage traffic (e.g., bus, truck, railway) in and out of the property to avoid local congestion (e.g., signboard, traffic coordinator or checker).
Light Pollution
2.14 Direct lights so they only illuminate the necessary zone.
2.15 Switch off bothersome lighting at a specific time if there are no operations underway.
Visual Pollution
2.16 Maintain all spaces on the property clean and free of litter, especially in areas bordering and visible from public spaces and roads (e.g., next to a residential area or a park).
Potable Water Usage
2.17 Adopt common potable water conservation measures (e.g., repair water leaks, run dishwasher when full, turn off the water when not in use, do not water vegetation or use water for housekeeping purposes during full sun or dry periods).
Level 3
3.1 (Optional for 2025) Assess activities and operations to determine the level of impact they have on the local community (e.g., dust and other polluting air emissions, noise, vibrations, light, visual pollution, traffic, potable water usage, and odours & nuisance wildlife).
3.2 Adopt a Community Impacts Mitigation and Management Plan (CIMMP) to mitigate and manage impacts related to the participant’s activities, operations, and new projects, including when contracting work to a third party, and that incorporates all applicable best practices in level 2.
Note: See Annex 3-A.
3.3 Have a procedure for evaluating environmental and social aspects of new projects, activities, or types of operations including handling of new products, if there is uncertainty around the potential for environmental and social impacts and where mitigation measures are not known to be effective and established.
Note: Not applicable to projects that are subject to an environmental assessment under existing regulation.
Note: See Annex 3-B.
Noise
3.4 Adopt and communicate a policy that deals with noise from vessels at anchor, and/or collaborate with the competent authorities to establish and communicate procedures for dealing with noise from vessels at anchor (e.g., operation of auxiliary or back-up engines, maintenance work).
Visual Pollution
3.5 (Optional for 2025) Maintain buildings and facilities on the property (e.g., exterior cleaning and repainting) to limit visual pollution, especially in areas bordering and visible from public spaces and roads.
Level 4
4.1 (Optional in 2025) Based on the assessment in criterion 3.1, further develop and implement the CIMMP to define objectives and an action plan.
Note: See Annex 3-A.
Implementation of the majority of the following applicable criteria:
4.2 Install and maintain green corridors (e.g., dune system), vegetated or recreational areas (e.g., tree alley, parks) between the operating site and residential area.
4.3 Have a procedure or system in place that optimizes truck movements to manage congestion and mitigate other associated issues.
Noise
4.4 Monitor noise in real-time in areas of concern, as identified in the assessment of criterion 3.1 (e.g., areas located close to residences or subject to frequent complaints) and have a data monitoring process in place.
4.5 Create and maintain noise barriers using a sustainable approach (e.g., vegetated buffer zone or noise barrier walls with limited community and environmental impacts).
4.6 Install silencer, muffler, timer, or another device to reduce noise from noisy equipment or cover with sound-insulating material.
Dust & Other Polluting Air Emissions
4.7 Monitor dust and other polluting air emissions (e.g., PM2.5 PM10, CO, NO2, O3, SO2, H2S, heavy metal vapours or particles, VOCs, PAHs, or odours) in the areas of concern, as identified in the assessment of criterion 3.1 (e.g., areas located close to residences, areas subject to frequent complaints, areas particularly exposed to wind) and have a data monitoring process in place. Choose monitoring frequencies in line with best practices specific to the emissions (e.g., near real-time to monthly measurements).
Light Pollution
4.8 Install fixtures that optimize lighting and reduce light pollution when replacing fixtures or during new projects.
4.9 Evaluate existing lighting plans and take effective measures to optimize lighting and reduce impacts.
Visual Pollution
4.10 Implement and, where applicable, maintain beautification measures such as landscaping (e.g., planting trees and shrubs, adding ornamental features), murals, improved design or engineered solutions for existing and/or new buildings and facilities, aboveground infrastructure, external furniture, fences, etc., especially in areas bordering or visible from public spaces and roads.
4.11 Implement procedures and requirements to ensure leased land and water lots within the port are maintained and in good repair.
Potable Water Usage
4.12 (Optional for 2025) Use equipment or technologies to minimize or recycle/reuse water for the most water-intensive operations.
Level 5
5.1 Implement all applicable criteria listed in Level 4.
5.2 (Optional for 2025) Demonstrate that the objectives set as part of the CIMMP for each community impact relevant to the participant are met according to the timeline of the action plan and that the measures implemented are as effective as possible.
5.3 For impacts of concern to the local community (e.g., noise pollution, dust and other pollutant air emissions like PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, O3, SO2, H2S, heavy metal vapours or particles, VOCs, PAHs), publicly disclose monitoring data collected at Level 4 (e.g., real-time noise data, near real-time PM2.5 data, biannual reporting for metal analysis) through an online portal or website, making sure the data is digestible for the general public.
Terminals
Performance indicator's objective:
Reduce potential community exposure and negative impacts due to dust & other polluting air emissions, noise & vibrations, light, visual pollution, traffic, potable water usage, and odours & nuisance wildlife caused by the participant's activities and operations.
Note :
- In the context of this indicator, the community includes all people in close proximity to the participant (e.g., employees, nearby tenants, residents, Indigenous Peoples, local businesses, people using nearby recreational areas).
- Indigenous Peoples and the Nations that constitute them may be affected in specific ways (culturally, environmentally, spiritually, socially, economically, etc.), and consultations distinct from other local communities are welcomed. In acknowledgment of the unique role of local stewardship that indigenous peoples can play in environmental management, these consultations are recommended as they demonstrate the good faith and good intentions of the participants. Under Green Marine’s voluntary program, depending on the context of each participant and where this may apply in implementing the Community Impacts indicator criteria, special attention should be given to impacts on Indigenous Peoples, and the measures implemented should be reasonably adapted. Where applicable, attention should also be given to developing a long-lasting collaborative relationship with Indigenous Peoples.
2025 criteria
Level 1
Monitoring of regulations
Level 2
Implementation of the majority of applicable criteria:
Noise & Vibrations
2.1 Impose speed limits on vehicles in sensitive zones.
2.2 Adopt operational procedures or take measures limiting the use, or reducing the impact of warning signals, without compromising safety (e.g., use strobe light during nighttime operations, use lynx alarm, adapt the height or direction of the device, adjust the frequency of the signal).
2.3 Take measures to reduce the noise emanating from rail operations (such as rail lubrication, etc.).
2.4 Limit idling of vehicles, equipment, and locomotives.
2.5 Have a documented process (e.g., purchase policy) for selecting less noisy equipment when buying new equipment.
2.6 Carry out activities and operations that generate noise and vibrations as much as possible within hours that would have the least impact on the local community.
Dust & Other Pollutant Air Emissions
2.7 Adopt dust control measures on the participants’ operated property (e.g., watering, wet brushing, sweeping, maintenance of pavement, landscaping).
2.8 Apply measures to improve the management of bulk cargo storage (e.g., covering cargo that is stored in piles, reducing the height of such piles, moving piles to areas that are less exposed to wind, building/installing containment walls).
2.9 Implement mitigation measures (e.g., canvas, tarpaulins, curtains, or other equivalent control barriers) during spray painting and blasting operations to prevent the dispersal of dust and aerosol particles by the wind.
2.10 Collect and confine spent abrasives and debris (after blasting to dock-bottom or yard grounds) to avoid dispersion by wind and runoff (e.g., cover piles of spent abrasives and debris or store them in covered containers).
Odours & Nuisance Wildlife
2.11 Take measures to avoid garbage and recycling dispersion by wind and wildlife (ex. covers, fencing) and to reduce odours.
2.12 Keep wildlife that is or can become a nuisance to the local community away from operation and construction sites, outbuildings, and workboats (e.g., limit access to wildlife, use sustainable visual or audio deterrence measures).
Traffic
2.13 Implement measures to manage traffic (e.g., bus, truck, railway) in and out of the property to avoid local congestion (e.g., signboard, traffic coordinator or checker).
Light Pollution
2.14 Direct lights so they only illuminate the necessary zone.
2.15 Switch off bothersome lighting at a specific time if there are no operations underway.
Visual Pollution
2.16 Maintain all spaces on the property clean and free of litter, especially in areas bordering and visible from public spaces and roads (e.g., next to a residential area or a park).
Potable Water Usage
2.17 Adopt common potable water conservation measures (e.g., repair water leaks, run dishwasher when full, turn off the water when not in use, do not water vegetation or use water for housekeeping purposes during full sun or dry periods).
Level 3
3.1 (Optional for 2025) Assess activities and operations to determine the level of impact they have on the local community (e.g., dust and other polluting air emissions, noise, vibrations, light, visual pollution, traffic, potable water usage, and odours & nuisance wildlife).
3.2 Adopt a Community Impacts Mitigation and Management Plan (CIMMP) to mitigate and manage impacts related to the participant’s activities, operations, and new projects, including when contracting work to a third party, and that incorporates all applicable best practices in level 2.
Note: See Annex 3-A.
3.3 Have a procedure for evaluating environmental and social aspects of new projects, activities or types of operations including handling of new products, if there is uncertainty around the potential for environmental and social impacts and where mitigation measures are not known to be effective and established.
Note: Not applicable to projects that are subject to an environmental assessment under existing regulation.
Note: See Annex 3-B.
Noise
3.4 Adopt and communicate a policy that deals with noise from vessels at anchor, and/or collaborate with the competent authorities to establish and communicate procedures for dealing with noise from vessels at anchor (e.g., operation of auxiliary or back-up engines, maintenance work).
Visual Pollution
3.5 (Optional for 2025) Maintain buildings and facilities on the property (e.g., exterior cleaning and repainting) to limit visual pollution, especially in areas bordering and visible from public spaces and roads.
Level 4
4.1 (Optional in 2025) Based on the assessment in criterion 3.1, further develop and implement the CIMMP to define objectives and an action plan.
Note: See Annex 3-A.
Implementation of the majority of the following applicable criteria:
4.2 Install and maintain green corridors (e.g., dune system), vegetated or recreational areas (e.g., tree alley, parks) between the operating site and residential area.
4.3 Have a procedure or system in place that optimizes truck movements to manage congestion and mitigate other associated issues.
Noise
4.4 Monitor noise in real-time in areas of concern, as identified in the assessment of criterion 3.1 (e.g., areas located close to residences or subject to frequent complaints) and have a data monitoring process in place.
4.5 Create and maintain noise barriers using a sustainable approach (e.g., vegetated buffer zone or noise barrier walls with limited community and environmental impacts).
4.6 Install silencer, muffler, timer, or another device to reduce noise from noisy equipment or cover with sound-insulating material.
Dust & Other Polluting Air Emissions
4.7 Monitor dust and other polluting air emissions (e.g., PM2.5 PM10, CO, NO2, O3, SO2, H2S, heavy metal vapours or particles, VOCs, PAHs, or odours) in the areas of concern, as identified in the assessment of criterion 3.1 (e.g., areas located close to residences, areas subject to frequent complaints, areas particularly exposed to wind) and have a data monitoring process in place. Choose monitoring frequencies in line with best practices specific to the emissions (e.g., near real-time to monthly measurements).
Light Pollution
4.8 Install fixtures that optimize lighting and reduce light pollution when replacing fixtures or during new projects.
4.9 Evaluate existing lighting plans and take effective measures to optimize lighting and reduce impacts.
Visual Pollution
4.10 Implement and, where applicable, maintain beautification measures such as landscaping (e.g., planting trees and shrubs, adding ornamental features), murals, improved design or engineered solutions for existing and/or new buildings and facilities, aboveground infrastructure, external furniture, fences, etc., especially in areas bordering or visible from public spaces and roads.
Potable Water Usage
4.11 (Optional for 2025) Use equipment or technologies to minimize or recycle/reuse water for the most water-intensive operations.
Level 5
5.1 Implement all applicable criteria listed in Level 4.
5.2 (Optional for 2025) Demonstrate that the objectives set as part of the CIMMP for each community impact relevant to the participant are met according to the timeline of the action plan and that the measures implemented are as effective as possible.
5.3 For impacts of concern to the local community (e.g., noise pollution and pollutant air emissions like PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, O3, SO2, H2S, heavy metal vapours or particles, VOCs, PAHs), publicly disclose monitoring data collected at Level 4 (e.g., real-time noise data, near real-time PM2.5 data, biannual reporting for metal analysis) through an online portal or website, making sure the data is digestible for the general public.
Canadian liquid bulk terminals only:
5.4 Implement a system for collecting vapours arising from tanker loading operations.
Shipyards
Performance indicator's objective:
Reduce potential community exposure and negative impacts due to dust & other polluting air emissions, noise & vibrations, light, visual pollution, traffic, potable water usage, and odours & nuisance wildlife caused by the participant's activities and operations.
Note :
- In the context of this indicator, the community includes all people in close proximity to the participant (e.g., employees, nearby tenants, residents, Indigenous Peoples, local businesses, people using nearby recreational areas).
- Indigenous Peoples and the Nations that constitute them may be affected in specific ways (culturally, environmentally, spiritually, socially, economically, etc.), and consultations distinct from other local communities are welcomed. In acknowledgment of the unique role of local stewardship that indigenous peoples can play in environmental management, these consultations are recommended as they demonstrate the good faith and good intentions of the participants. Under Green Marine’s voluntary program, depending on the context of each participant and where this may apply in implementing the Community Impacts indicator criteria, special attention should be given to impacts on Indigenous Peoples, and the measures implemented should be reasonably adapted. Where applicable, attention should also be given to developing a long-lasting collaborative relationship with Indigenous Peoples.
2025 criteria
Level 1
Monitoring of regulations
Level 2
Implementation of the majority of applicable criteria:
Noise & Vibrations
2.1 Impose speed limits on vehicles in sensitive zones.
2.2 Adopt operational procedures or take measures limiting the use, or reducing the impact of warning signals, without compromising safety (e.g., use strobe light during nighttime operations, use lynx alarm, adapt the height or direction of the device, adjust the frequency of the signal).
2.3 Take measures to reduce the noise emanating from shipyard operations (e.g., sandblasting, heavy machinery operations).
2.4 Limit idling of vehicles and equipment.
2.5 Have a documented process (e.g., purchase policy) for selecting less noisy equipment when buying new equipment.
2.6 Carry out activities and operations that generate noise and vibrations as much as possible within hours that would have the least impact on the local community.
Dust & Other Pollutant Air Emissions
2.7 Adopt dust control measures sitewide (e.g., watering, wet brushing, sweeping, maintenance of pavement, landscaping).
Odours & Nuisance wildlife
2.8 Take measures to avoid garbage and recycling dispersion by wind and wildlife (ex. covers, fencing) and to reduce odours.
2.9 Keep wildlife that is or can become a nuisance to the local community away from operation and construction sites, outbuildings, and workboats (e.g., limit access to wildlife, use sustainable visual or audio deterrence measures).
Traffic
2.10 Implement measures to manage traffic in and out of the property to avoid local congestion (e.g., signboard, traffic coordinator, or checker).
Light Pollution
2.11 Direct lights so they only illuminate the necessary zone.
2.12 Switch off bothersome lighting at a specific time if there are no operations underway.
Visual Pollution
2.13 Maintain all spaces on the property clean and free of litter, especially in areas bordering and visible from public spaces and roads (e.g., next to a residential area or a park).
Potable Water Usage
2.14 Adopt common potable water conservation measures (e.g., repair water leaks, run dishwasher when full, turn off the water when not in use, do not water vegetation or use water for housekeeping purposes during full sun or dry periods).
Level 3
3.1 (Optional for 2025) Assess activities and operations to determine the level of impact they have on the local community (e.g., dust and other polluting air emissions, noise, vibrations, light, visual pollution, traffic, potable water usage, and odours & nuisance wildlife).
3.2 Adopt a Community Impacts Mitigation and Management Plan (CIMMP) to mitigate and manage impacts related to the participant’s activities, operations, and new projects, including when contracting work to a third party, and that incorporates all applicable best practices in level 2.
Note: See Annex 3-A.
3.3 Have a procedure for evaluating environmental and social aspects of new projects, activities, or types of operations including handling of new products, if there is uncertainty around the potential for environmental and social impacts and where mitigation measures are not known to be effective and established.
Note: Not applicable to projects that are subject to an environmental assessment under existing regulation.
Note: See Annex 3-B.
Visual Pollution
3.4 (Optional for 2025) Maintain buildings and facilities on the property (e.g., exterior cleaning and repainting) to limit visual pollution, especially in areas bordering and visible from public spaces and roads.
Level 4
4.1 (Optional in 2025) Based on the assessment in criterion 3.1, further develop and implement the CIMMP to define objectives and an action plan.
Note: See Annex 3-A.
Implementation of the majority of the following applicable criteria:
4.2 Install and maintain green corridors (e.g., dune system), vegetated or recreational areas (e.g., tree alley, parks) between the operating site and residential area.
4.3 Have a procedure or system in place that optimizes truck movements to manage congestion and mitigate other associated issues.
Noise
4.4 Monitor noise in real-time in areas of concern, as identified in the assessment of criterion 3.1 (e.g., areas located close to residences or subject to frequent complaints) and have a data monitoring process in place.
4.5 Create and maintain noise barriers using a sustainable approach (e.g., vegetated buffer zone or noise barrier walls with limited community and environmental impacts).
4.6 Install silencer, muffler, timer, or another device to reduce noise from noisy equipment or cover with sound-insulating material.
Dust & Other Polluting Air Emissions
4.7 Monitor dust and other polluting air emissions (e.g., PM2.5 PM10, CO, NO2, O3, SO2, H2S, heavy metal vapours or particles, VOCs, PAHs, or odours) in the areas of concern, as identified in the assessment of criterion 3.1 (e.g., areas located close to residences, areas subject to frequent complaints, areas particularly exposed to wind) and have a data monitoring process in place. Choose monitoring frequencies in line with best practices specific to the emissions (e.g., near real-time to monthly measurements).
Light Pollution
4.8 Install fixtures that optimize lighting and reduce light pollution when replacing fixtures or during new projects.
4.9 Evaluate existing lighting plans and take effective measures to optimize lighting and reduce impacts.
Visual Pollution
4.10 Implement and, where applicable, maintain beautification measures such as landscaping (e.g., planting trees and shrubs, adding ornamental features), murals, improved design or engineered solutions for existing and/or new buildings and facilities, aboveground infrastructure, external furniture, fences, etc., especially in areas bordering or visible from public spaces and roads.
Potable Water Usage
4.11 (Optional for 2025) Use equipment or technologies to minimize or recycle/reuse water for the most water-intensive operations.
Level 5
5.1 Implement all applicable criteria listed in Level 4.
5.2 (Optional for 2025) Demonstrate that the objectives set as part of the CIMMP for each community impact relevant to the participant are met according to the timeline of the action plan and that the measures implemented are as effective as possible.
5.3 For impacts of concern to the local community (e.g., noise pollution and pollutant air emissions like PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, O3, SO2, H2S, heavy metal vapours or particles, VOCs, PAHs), publicly disclose monitoring data collected at Level 4 (e.g., real-time noise data, near real-time PM2.5 data, biannual reporting for metal analysis) through an online portal or website, making sure the data is digestible for the general public.
