WHEREAS gravel, sand, silt and other debris extractions in waterways are required to control flood, erosion andor seepage risks in many communities in British Columbia; AND WHEREAS it is difficult for individual municipalities and operators to secure the necessary authorizations from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans DFO for gravel, sand, silt and other debris extractions in waterways: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request that the provincial government take the lead role in flood protection by working with communities and the DFO to streamline the authorization process for gravel, sand, silt and other debris extractions in waterways.
MINISTRY OF SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Over the past several years, science-based studies have shown that gravel and sand removals on the Fraser River are necessary to reduce flood risks. Studies included hydraulic modeling of the river and its sediment budget, an inventory of gravel extraction, assessments of fish use and habitat, flood control and erosion control. Land and Water British Columbia Inc. LWBC continues to initiate and support gravel and sand removals from the Fraser River. Sediment removal decisions on the River are based on contemporary river management science and adaptive management principles. Efforts to date have resulted in the removal of 70,000 cubic metres of gravel and sand in 2003 and 185,000 cubic metres of gravel and sand in 2004. A letter of understanding between LWBC and Fisheries and Oceans Canada has been developed and will soon be announced publicly. As part of this agreement, it is expected that the river gravel extraction authorization process will be fully clarified. Highlights of the agreement also include the expected removal of up to 500,000 cubic metres of gravel and sand from the Fraser River gravel reach in 2005. LWBC will continue to develop relationships with First Nations, other agencies and local governments.
FISHERIES OCEANS CANADA Resolution A11, entitled Gravel Extraction Authorization Process, suggests that the provincial government of British Columbia should take the lead role in flood protection by working with communities and Fisheries and Oceans Canada DFO to streamline the authorization process for gravel extraction in waterways. This suggestion cannot be carried out as the legislation that gives DFO the authority to approve gravel extraction is not transferable to the province of British Columbia. Experience has demonstrated that gravel extraction approvals can be completed in a smooth and timely fashion when plans that fully explain the project are submitted early in the process. Plans that contain incomplete information will require DFO managers to go back to the proponent, outline information gaps, and request further submissions. This, of course, results in delays to the approval process. May I request that you encourage your members to provide sufficient lead time and complete information packages when applying to DFO for gravel-extraction approval. Regional habitat managers will be pleased to provide guidance on information they require to complete the review and environmental assesssment. You may also be aware of the recent agreement that I signed with the Honourable George Abbott, Minister Responsible for Land and Water BC Inc. This agreement sets out a co-operative five-year planning process for gravel removal in the gravel reach of the Lower Fraser River, from Chilliwack to Hope. The agreement establishes a process, timelines and annual quantities of gravel to be removed for the specific purposes of flood protection, erosion control, and navigational safety. The underlying strength of this agreement is a renewed spirit of collaboration to implement the principles and goals related to gravel management.