Streamside Protection

Some municipalities, like the North Vancouver District, have brought in by-laws to ensure that new developments have setbacks from streambanks to protect vegetation. Some have by-laws to protect trees and to ensure water quality. Others have set up environmental review committees to look at larger developments and come up with flexible ways to protect streams, vegetation and waterflows. Rules can be established for construction procedures that minimize sedimentation problems. Unfortunately, many municipalities have not brought in such measures. A new provincial regulation was passed in January 2001, the Streamside Protection Regulation, which directed all B.C. municipalities to adopt minimum stream protection measures over the next four years. Some development interests wanted this regulation scrapped, but conservation and stewardship groups said it was essential to ensure consistent streamside protection for all B.C. streams. Unfortunately, the regulation has now been axed by the provincial government and replaced by a new Riparain Area Regulation that allows developers to hire their own consultant to determine the needs of a local stream and recommend stream protection measures. Conservation and streamkeeper groups believe this will lead to less protection for riparian areas under development.

Planning

Community plans and zoning can protect streams by setting up parks or designating Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Roads and stormdrain systems can be planned to minimize impacts on streams. Culverts and bridges can be designed to provide continuous access for migrating fish, ensuring passage during periods of high and low flows, and for both juvenile and adult fish.

Stormwater

Stormwater systems can be designed with detention ponds or constructed wetlands to promote more natural stream flows. Education is essential to stop industries and householders from dumping hazardous substances down stormdrains. Oil and water separators in parking lots and industrial areas can cut down toxin-laden oils. Developments can be constructed to minimize paved areas and redirect rainwater away from stormdrains to filter naturally into the groundwater that augments stream flows.