8.0 Environment and Sustainability Flashcards
What is sustainability?
Refers to the need to meet the social, economic and environmental needs of the present generation without compromising the ability future generations to meet their own needs. It is a concept that is also often described as a “triple bottom line” approach, in that the impacts of our decisions on social and environmental well-being are considered as equally important as implications for the economy
Water Sustainability “changes in or about a stream” includes…
- “Any modification to the nature of a stream, including any modification to the land, vegetation and natural environment of a stream or the flow of water in a stream”, or
- “any activity or construction within a stream channel that has or may have an impact on a stream or a stream channel.”
If proposed development includes changes in or about a stream, such as stream crossings or culvert/headwall installations and removals, an application may be required under the WSA and submitted for a provincial review, what are the 2 types of applications?
- Notifications (used for straight-forward activities with low riparian habitat risks, such as culvert installations/removals or stream crossings)
- Approvals (used for complex projects with higher riparian habitat risks, such as relocation)
Whats riparian area?
Riparian areas provide shade and shelter from predators, as well as a home and food for the insects that are food for fish. These areas provide wood to the stream that in turn provides shelter and nutrients.
A healthy riparian area acts as a buffer to changes in weather, temperature, flooding and pollution. This resilience is critical to the survival of fish in a developing landscape.
What is the BC Riparian Assessment Area?
Any area within 30m of a stream, lakes, and wetlands is considered riparian in B.C
If A+B < 60 then 30m
If A+B > 60 then 10m
What is a Qualified Environmental Professional?
A professional Biologist, Geoscientist, Engineer, Forester and/or Agrologist registered by their professional association to practice in BC, with demonstrated education, expertise, accreditation and knowledge relevant to sensitive environments, ecosystems and/or riparian/streamside management
What is Riparian Area Assessment?
A simple assessment method or detailed assessment method by a Qualified Environmental Professional will establish on a site specific basis areas within the 30m RAA that can be developed and recommend mitigation or enhancement measures. Remaining area that may not be developed are identified as a Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area
Stream Bank Stabilization with Bioengineering
See diagram
Why is Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) important in Engineering?
ESC are required at construction sites.
ESC are necessary to ensure fish-bearing streams are protected from discharge of sediment-laden water and erosion caused from construction activities.
ESC will minimize the overall cost of projects. It costs more to repair damage to watercourses, the environment and other properties that implementing proper ESC.
How do ESC on Residential Sites work?
See diagram
What are ESC Best Management Practices?
- ESC are required at Construction Sites
- Clean water management
- Access/Egress Control (wheel wash, rock pads, parking pads)
- Perimeter control measures (silt fencing, mulch and log berms)
- Onsite water management (interceptor ditches/swale, slope drains)
- Storm Inlet Protection (filter socks, check dams)
- Disturbed Surface Protection (erosion control - poly cover, slope protection)
- Paved road surface sweeping/maintenance
- Project planning/phasing (vegetation retention, phasing, wet weather management)
- Temporary sediment control detention facilities
- Sediment barries (silt fences, rock and mulch berm, straw bales)
- Polymer/flocculant additives/PH alkalinity reduction
