Resources
Articles, FAQ, and Useful Links
Useful Links
Links to Regulatory Guidance and Mapping
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
PHASE I ESA 101: INTRODUCTION TO PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a preliminary investigation conducted to identify potential or existing environmental liabilities on a property.
Winter is Coming: Essential Construction Environmental Management Considerations
As winter approaches, construction and development project managers face critical decisions. While the specific impacts of winter weather on your project may be uncertain, one thing is clear: it will have an effect. Now is the time to prepare your site and crew to...
Soil Relocation and Protocol 19 – Project Considerations for Site Investigation and Reporting
Good news for projects and communities. Protocol 19 For Contaminated Sites was recently updated to address challenges experienced with soil relocation under the previous version. This update followed outreach from the Province of BC to Indigenous communities, industry...
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?
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.
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.
PHASE I ESA 101: UNDERSTANDING THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Installment 2 of our Phase 1 ESA Educational Series 2.1 Federal and Provincial Regulations When it comes to conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) in Canada, it’s essential to understand the regulatory ecosystem that shapes best practices and legal...
Biodiversity at Risk: Key Species in Okanagan Wetlands
Wetlands in the Okanagan region may not always receive the same attention as forests or open grasslands, but they are teeming with life. From amphibians and birds to fish and mammals, many species depend on these unique ecosystems for survival. Unfortunately, habitat...
Why Tackling Common Bugloss Is a Move to Ecological Resilience in the Okanagan
Photo Credit: NWCB
Instream Work in BC: Change Approvals & Notifications
If you’re planning any activity that involves working in or around streams in British Columbia—such as building or upgrading a culvert, restoring fish habitat, or repairing a stream-crossing structure—then understanding the applicable sections of the province’s Water...
Why Wetlands
By Nicole Plysiuk BIT We keep hearing about the importance of wetlands and how we are losing wetland habitat but what’s the big deal? Don’t we want to get rid of the standing water? Isn’t it just mosquito breeding grounds? Wetlands provide a multitude of ecological...
Contamination Impacts from Wildfire
The increased frequency and intensity of wildfire is causing significant effects on communities, livelihood and the landscape of British Columbia and abroad. An often unseen and lingering effect of wildfire is the risk of contamination due to the wildfire....
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).
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.
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...
Main Office
3101 29th St #8
Vernon, BC V1T 5A8
(250) 307-7365
Satellite Office
Kelowna, BC
(778) 760-4727
Email Us
Project Questions and General Inquiries
info@sageenvironmental.ca
Payables, Receivables and Administration
admin@sageenvironmental.ca