BC Permits

Question 1

When does the Water Sustainability Act (WSA) apply to Projects?

Answer 1

Projects that include changes in and about a stream. The WSA defines changes in and about a stream as “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” (WSA 2014)

Question 2

What is the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation?

Answer 2

Calls on local governments to protect riparian areas from development so that the areas can provide natural features, functions and conditions that support fish life processes by ensuring that a QEP conducts a science-based assessment of proposed activities. The purpose of the regulations is to protect the many and varied features, functions and conditions that are vital for maintaining stream health and productivity.

Question 3

What are the 4 fisheries-based classification of drainages in Surrey?

Answer 3

Class A (Red)- Inhabited by fish, potentially year round
Class A(O) (Red Dash)- Inhabited by fish or potentially inhabited by fish during overwintering period with access enhancement.
Class B (Yellow)- A source of food and nutrient value to downstream fish populations with no presence and no potential for fish presence due to persistent natural barriers.
Class C (Green)- A feature that is not defined as a stream under the WSA and the Riparian Areas Protection Regulations.