WHEREAS most flood mitigation construction projects e.g. dykes, bank protection, sediment management require environmental approvals such as the BC Water Act, federal Fisheries Act, and Canadian Environmental Assessment Act; AND WHEREAS environmental approval requirements for flood mitigations works are unclear, may change over time, and are applied inconsistently by regulatory agencies throughout the Province, resulting in project delays and additional costs to local governments; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM lobby the Province to coordinate a Joint Technical Working Group with representatives from senior governments, local government and First Nations to develop clear and consistent policies for the implementation of environmental legislation and associated approvals.
Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations The construction of flood mitigation projects i.e., dikes and sediment management is a critical part of an integrated approach to reducing flood risks in BC. Each proposal for diking or sediment removal is referred to a number of agencies and First Nations for comment and input, including the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. Project proponents are responsible for obtaining all permits and approvals. Local government projects have to follow the same legal and approval requirements as any other projects in or adjacent to water courses. The Province recognizes that obtaining environmental approvals for these projects can result in delays and unexpected costs. The Federal Government has recently made significant changes to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act CEAA and the Fisheries Act as a result of Bill C-38. For example, a screening level environmental assessment under CEAA will no longer be required for many projects; however, other environmental permits and approvals will still be required to minimize any adverse project impacts. While details of the new regulatory regime are still emerging, it is anticipated that the changes will reduce approval delays while ensuring environmental protection. The Province is always interested in ensuring that processes are streamlined and consistently applied provincially. It is recognized that each circumstance is specific to a location. The type of coordination sought by UBCM is already in practice for specific complex projects where it is most needed, including the Fraser River Sediment Management Technical Committee, Fitzsimmons Creek Committee and the Vedder River Management Committee. As the new process under the federal legislation becomes evident, the Province will continue to encourage flood management practices and policies that protect and enhance the natural environment. This work is supported through the Flood Protection Program and provincial staff participation on joint technical working groups for some of the larger, more complex flood mitigation projects.