Resources
Articles, FAQ, and Useful Links
Useful Links
Links to Regulatory Guidance and Mapping
Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR)
Contaminated Site Remediation in BC
Spills and Environmental Emergencies BC
City of Vernon – Environmental Management Areas Strategy
Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) – Development Permit
Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) – Development Permit Areas
Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) – Development Application Forms and Guides
City of Kelowna – Environmental Planning
City of Salmon Arm – Applications and Guides
Okanagan Large Lakes Foreshore Protocol
Links to Professional Associations
British Columbia Institute of Agrologist
Links to Industry Associations
Latest Articles
Fire Impacts of Invasive Species
By: Skye Wolfe, PAg In November 2023, I attended the Integrated Vegetation Management Association's (IVMA) 2023 Biennial Forum, which highlighted many important topics surrounding invasive plant management in our changing climate. The one topic that really...
Considerations when Assessing for Contamination.
By Kristen Cockburn – PAg. Making a shortlist of Potential Contaminants When completing an Phase I Environmental Site Assessment or Stage 1 Preliminary Site Investigation, we review the current and historical land uses of the Site, to identify the potential for...
Detailed Site Investigations (DSI)
Phase II Environmental Site Assessment and Stage 2 Preliminary Site Investigation that identify contamination often recommend a Detailed Site Investigations (DSI). A DSI finds the extents of contamination to quantify impacts to soil, groundwater and soil vapour. The details on contaminant type, severity and amount will inform further remediation or risk assessment options. A DSI may include off-Site investigations if contamination has moved past the Site boundaries. A DSI is required prior to remediation for any type of permit release or Certification Document from the Ministry of Environment (BC ENV).
Property Redevelopment and Schedule 2 Uses
Schedule 2 uses are land uses or operations that are associated with a higher likelihood of potential impacts to soil, water and soil vapour. Common examples of Schedule 2 uses are gas stations, dry cleaners, and automotive repair. An identified Schedule 2 use does not mean that a property is contaminated. It does mean assessment is likely to be requested by the Ministry of Environment (BC ENV) prior to potential development, subdivision or change in zoning.
Effective Construction Environmental Monitoring
Construction Environmental Monitoring is required as a condition of permitting when construction is proposed near habitats or sensitive ecosystems. Lets talk about what is environmental monitoring is. What the benefit of effective environmental monitoring for constructions projects are. And, who can conduct Construction Environmental Monitoring in BC.
How to Protect Riparian Areas in BC
At Sage Environmental Consulting, we have QEPs who can assist you with your RAPR assessment needs. We will work with you to ensure that your project complies with RAPR standards while meeting your goals.
Phase I ESA – Who, What, When?
At Sage Environmental Consulting Ltd., we have over 15 years of experience in conducting Phase I ESAs for various types of properties and projects in BC. Our team of qualified professionals can help you meet your environmental obligations and objectives with high-quality service and expertise. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you with your Phase I ESA needs.
Do I need a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment or a Stage 1 Preliminary Site Investigation? What is the Difference?
Whether you’re a buyer, seller, developer, a corporate investor, or a financial institution, knowing if contamination exists on a property can prevent unexpected cleanup costs and legal headaches down the line. What exactly are Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) and Stage 1 Preliminary Site Investigations (PSI), and how do they differ?
Site Disclosure Statements
Under the EMA, a Site Disclosure Statement SDS is required to be submitted to municipalities as part of an application for permits, including:
· Development permits
· Building permits that will disturb soil on the property
· Rezoning
· Subdivision, or
· Changes to the prescribed land use activity for non-residential properties.
What can we learn from subsurface investigations?
Written By: Kristen Cockburn, AAg Sonic drilling rig for a deep groundwater sampling well When an Area of Potential Environmental Concern (APEC) is identified as part of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase 1 ESA), we provide recommendations for a Phase II...
What we learn from City Directories
Written By: Kristen Cockburn, AAg City Directories are one source we use to understand the historical uses of a property and what was present within the surrounding area. City directories listed businesses in the city and served as a means of advertising for...
What can we learn from Fire Insurance Plans?
Written By: Kristen Cockburn, AAg In completing a Phase I ESA (Environmental Site Assessment), we use lots of different information sources to form a picture of land uses on a property and surrounding area through history. Some land uses have the potential to...
Things we learn from aerial photos
Written By: Kristen Cockburn, AAg When completing a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) on a property, there are key elements that are required to be included; one of which is a review of historical aerial photos of the property and the surrounding area. This...
I am in need of emergency flood work, is there an exemption to the Notification and Approval process?
Written By: Rhia Whittaker, Grad.Tech. When necessary work is needed in a pinch, the 45-day notification process may delay urgent works in order to mitigate floodwater risks. In certain circumstances there are exemptions from the Approval or Notification process. The...
I have work planned near or in a body of water; what permit do I need?
Written By: Rhia Whittaker, Grad.Tech. We are coming into spring and summer and this means a lot of project planning over the winter will be sprouting to life. In the Okanagan we are fortunate enough to have large bodies of water to admire and to enjoy recreational...
I received a Notification of Likely or Actual Migration, what now?
Written By: Kristen Cockburn, AAg A Notification of Likely or Actual Migration [1] is a standardized form from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategies (MOECCS) that is a written notification that contamination from one property has, or has the...
How can Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Benefit Development and Community Planning?
Written By: Rhia Whittaker, Grad.Tech. Let’s open this topic with outlining what Habitat Enhancement and Habitat Restoration are. Habitat Enhancement is a management objective that describes manipulation of the natural landscape to improve it for ecological function....
My Phase I ESA found an APEC, why do I need a Phase II?
Written By: Kristen Cockburn GIT, Environmental Scientist An APEC stands for an Area of Potential Environmental Concern, and while that may sound scary, it identifies an area that needs to be looked at a little closer. It’s important to remember that the “P” in APEC...
What Is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?
Written By: Kristen Cockburn GIT, Environmental Scientist A Stage 1 Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) or Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is typically used to: reduce uncertainty about potential environmental liabilities or provide a baseline before site...
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