Environment

Environmental Assessments

Watercourse Classification Confirmation Assessments

PLG's QEPs are experienced in conducting Watercourse Classification Confirmation Assessments (WCCA) throughout the lower mainland in BC in accordance with different levels of government protection standards, regulatory requirements, and guidelines (e.g. RAPR or Forest Practice Code). The WCCA consists of a field assessment to evaluate biophysical conditions, determination of appropriate setbacks (if any), and preparation of a report that summarizes on-site observations and provides recommendations for potential/proposed development purposes.

Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR) Assessments

RAPR assessments may be required when considering developments near or within watercourses and wetlands. PLG's QEPs are trained and certified to perform on-site assessments of all applicable aquatic features, determine applicable RAPR setbacks for development, and prepare an assessment report for submission to the provincial online reporting system [i.e., Riparian Areas Regulation Notification System (RARNS)].

RAPR setbacks are often used to determine minimum streamside protection setbacks for development, as municipal setbacks cannot fall below the provincial RAPR setbacks for any project.

Bird Nest Surveys

The BC Wildlife Act (WA) and the Federal Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA) provide protection for native birds, their nests and young from disturbance or harm during the recognized bird breeding season. The nests of some birds (e.g., heron, bald eagle, osprey) are protected year-round, whether active or not.

Our professional biologists and QEPs are able to conduct bird nests surveys and determine whether nests are active/inactive and will provide a detailed report outlining buffers (if required), exclusion zones, etc.

Ecological Baseline Assessments/Environmental Impact Assessments

PLG is committed to supporting existing natural systems, by providing opportunities for habitat retention and/or enhancement. Habitat and ecological baseline assessments of fish and wildlife are fundamental in sustainable planning. Our assessment work focuses on the prevention of negative impacts to aquatic and terrestrial species and their habitats.

Species at Risk Assessments, Surveys and Salvages

PLG’s environmental biologists and technicians are certified and experienced to perform Species at Risk assessments for fish, amphibian and wildlife, including salvages and relocation using various techniques (e.g., electrofishing, minnow traps, fencing), in accordance with applicable federal/provincial legislation (e.g., Species at Risk Act, Federal Fisheries Act).

PLG Staff are also able to assist in the preparation and submission of necessary permits to the Province ahead of salvage works, and provide application management to the Client.

Terrestrial and Wildlife Surveys

A terrestrial or wildlife habitat survey may be a requirement of your project. For projects in the initial planning stages, our team can conduct baseline desktop surveys, on-site surveys, and provide guidance and recommendations in advance of any project planning.

Permits and Approvals

Ecosystem Development Plan

In the City of Surrey, the Ecosystem Development Plan (EDP) is part of an adopted regulatory process that affects how certain development projects proceed. The City's bylaw states that Sensitive Ecosystem Development Permit (DP3) approval from the City of Surrey is required for any proposed development activity within 50 meters of a watercourse and/or City designated Green Infrastructure Networks/Hubs. Our QEPs are able to take you through the environmental development process, and prepare applications and reports for submission to governing bodies.

Natural Environment Development Plan

Natural Environment Development Plans (NEDP) are part of bylaws adopted by the City of Abbotsford, similar to the City of Surrey’s Ecosystem Development Plan (EDP), which affect the way development projects are allowed to proceed within 50 meters of streams or classified sensitive ecosystem lands (as per Metro Vancouver’s Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory).

Water Sustainability Act Change Approval and Notification

Under Section 11 of the Provincial Water Sustainability Act (WSA), a Change Approval is required if an applicant wishes to request permission to eliminate (e.g., closure/infill), modify, or significantly re-locate an existing waterbody. All Change Approval works are subject to pre-determined fisheries/stream compensation and/or enhancement works to off-set proposed changes/modifications to the existing waterbody.

Under Part 3 of the Water Sustainability Regulation (WSR), a Notification of Authorized Changes (i.e., Notification) is required if an applicant wishes to complete instream activities that typically have minimal impact on the environment and third parties (e.g., culvert/headwall installations, bridge crossings, maintenance/repair works, etc.). Approved works must comply with the requirements outlined in the WSR, and any additional conditions set forth by the reviewing habitat officer.

Construction and Development Environmental Services/Regulatory Compliance

Erosion and Sediment Control and Monitoring

PLG works with numerous municipalities throughout Metro Vancouver to create practical and attainable solutions to sediment control regulations. We provide detailed, staged, and comprehensive stormwater management plans for development of all sizes, for the purposes of biofiltration and stormwater control. PLG's QEPs are specialized to conduct Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) monitoring, as required by construction works for each proposed development.

Construction Environmental Management Plans

Our team of skilled environmental scientists have prepared more than 300 Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP), for a variety of clients (i.e., infrastructure, mining, development, linear construction). A CEMP is typically a requirement for subcontractors reporting to a prime contractor or consultant to outline how they plan to maintain compliance with environmental regulations during construction activities.

Environmental Construction Monitoring

Environmental construction monitoring ensures site specific designs are implemented on the ground and allows for modifications to address changing on-site conditions. As an environmental construction monitor, we mitigate the impacts of construction activity and provide innovative and cost-effective solutions.

Post-Construction Assessment/Monitoring

Following the completion of the project, PLG’s QEPs perform post-construction monitoring to check the survivorship/functionality of the newly installed features (e.g. riparian vegetation, ponds) and to ensure effectiveness and compliance with the regulatory guidelines. 

P-15 Monitoring

As part of the City of Surrey’s policy number P-15, all riparian planting completed as part of habitat compensation works for proposed development are required to adhere to a P-15 Agreement. The P-15 Agreement requires yearly monitoring of plantings and planting area by a QEP for a project-specific duration defined by the City (typically a 5 year term).