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Approvals for Excavation Dewatering in BC

Posted: August 11, 2023

Introduction On March 1, 2016, the Water Sustainability Act came into force, which brings significant new regulatory requirements for groundwater management during excavation activities. Specifically, a Section 10 Use Approval must be obtained prior to any short-term diversion (i.e. pumping) from aquifer or the temporary construction of works in aquifer (e.g. dewatering well). Under the […]

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Important New Requirements

Posted: February 28, 2023

Introduction On March 1, 2023 the “Stage 14” amendments1 to the BC Contaminated Sites Regulation (CSR) come into force and bring significant new requirements for the movement of non-contaminated soil in BC. This notice summarizes the key changes and identifies the likely impacts to industry in BC. When do these requirements apply? The new requirements […]

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Update: Pending Changes To Soil Relocation In BC

Posted: December 6, 2022

Introduction The “Stage 14” amendments to the BC Contaminated Sites Regulation (CSR) were approved in June 2022, through Ministerial Order 164/2022 (link). These changes will come into force on March 1, 2023, and include new requirements for the movement of non-contaminated soil in BC. Soil Relocation – Key Changes The new requirements will apply only […]

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Proposed Regulatory Changes: Soil Relocation

Posted: February 11, 2022

Introduction The BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (ENV) is proposing significant new requirements for the movement of non-contaminated soil in BC, through amendments to the Contaminated Sites Regulation (CSR). Details are provided in a Final Policy Direction paper (link). We understand that the amendments may come into force as early as November […]

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Notice: Identification Of Contaminated Sites In BC

Posted: January 18, 2021

Land developers, municipalities, realtors, and commercial and industrial property owners / operators should be aware of important “Stage 13” changes to the BC Contaminated Sites Regulation (CSR) that will take effect on February 1, 2021.  The net effect is that a wider range of properties and projects will be triggered into the BC Ministry of […]

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Groundwater Management: Construction In Vancouver

Posted: May 5, 2020

The City of Vancouver’s has recently issued an amended Groundwater Management Bulletin.  The bulletin explains the City’s expectations for managing groundwater during and after construction of larger, multi-dwelling developments.  Though some exceptions may apply, the key new requirements include: All construction dewatering/drainage must be supported by a short-term Use Approval under the Water Sustainability Act.  […]

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